Have you ever wondered what all the hype is over babywearing?

When I first became a mom, I never thought I would fall into a “Natural or Green” parenting lifestyle.  It was very foreign to me and as a millennial mom, I figured that my parenting style would be more modern.

And other than breastfeeding and making my own baby food, I had no idea about all of the ways you could be a Natural or Green parent.

In fact, it was not until my daughter was born just over five years ago that I first learned about the different ways to raise my kids without using products that have a huge impact on the world and also our family.

(THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS HOWEVER, I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND ANYTHING THAT I DO NOT BELIEVE IN OR USE MYSELF. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT MY DISCLOSURE POLICY HERE)

Natural Parenting for my family is basically trying to parent in a more natural way with fewer unnatural products and chemicals. Although we are definitely not perfect at this, we do try our best to accomplish what we can.

My first attempt at “Natural Parenting” came when I discovered the wondrous world of cloth diapering. Because cloth diapering offered so many benefits including saving money and no chemicals on my baby’s bottom, we instantly became hooked.

After finally deciding to switch to cloth diapers, I became very curious about what other natural parenting options were out there. That is when I came across a YouTube video(Yes, I LOVE watching YouTube Mommies) that was talking about babywearing.

Babywearing is when you carry your baby in a sling or some form of carrier. Babywearing has been around for centuries and is starting to make a huge comeback.

1. Two Hands are Better than One

My first and most obvious reason for babywearing is having two free hands. With your baby securely attached to you in a carrier, you are free to take care of other priorities. This is an awesome advantage for busy moms of multiple children. They can do whatever needs to be done while also keeping baby close.

When my son was a newborn, wearing him in a wrap allowed me to tend to the needs of my older child while still having him close to me. I can’t tell you how many times I have been able to successfully cook dinner because of wearing my son.

Babywearing also made running errands such as grocery shopping easier.

Although many parents will carry their babies around in a car seat, that was not an option for me.

After giving birth to my children through C-sections, I was told not to lift anything heavier than my baby for a few weeks. That meant no lifting the car seat with my baby in it. Plus carrying a car seat with a 7+lb baby in it can get tiring even if you have not had a C-section.

I was able to wear him while also getting all of my shopping done. Babywearing has made going out of the house so much easier.

2. Helps with Bonding

Babywearing also creates a more intimate bond between mom and baby.

A mother’s oxytocin is increased through physical contact with her baby which also helps to decrease the risk of postpartum depression.

Oxytocin is a “feel good” hormone that is released through physical contact that helps with bonding. It is often called the “cuddle hormone”

Also by learning your baby’s facial expressions and being able to distinguish when he or she is hungry, tired, or happy, you can meet their needs more quickly and efficiently. And in turn, your baby will be able to learn your body language and facial expressions, therefore, establishing a better understanding.

Related: 3 Amazing Benefits of Co-sleeping

When my son was younger he would fall asleep while I was wearing him. On many occasions, he would lose his pacifier and I could easily find it and comfort him before he fully woke up.

3. Happier Baby

Babies need the comfort and closeness of their mother. Think about it.

Your baby has just spent the past 9+ months inside of your body with every one of their needs met. Now they are out of their comfy uterine apartment where everything is foreign except you.

By babywearing your baby is comforted by hearing your heartbeat, listening to your voice, and even taking in your scent.

Babywearing also allows your baby to have you at arms reach whenever they need to be cuddled, fed, or even just want to feel reassured.

4. Dad’s Can Do It Too

Another huge advantage of babywearing is that Dads and other family members can do it too. Just like with mom, babywearing can help dads to develop a more personal relationship.

Since our son only needed me to breastfeed and comfort him when he was first born, my husband was feeling left out. But once my husband started wearing him in a carrier he was able to establish a strong bond with him.

Not only did it give me a break every now and then but our son was also able to learn my husband’s voice, scent, and even listen to his heartbeat.

5. Exercise

After having a baby, finding time(or energy) to exercise can be extremely challenging. But when you wear your baby you are technically weightlifting.

Seriously, you don’t have to do anything but strap your baby to you and continue about your day. Even just taking a short walk while babywearing can help you with getting back into shape.

You may even be able to walk your baby to sleep. Haha

6. Breastfeeding

Babywearing makes breastfeeding hands-free possible. It also makes breastfeeding while out of the house so much easier.

For example, if you are on a walk while wearing your baby you can breastfeed without taking the baby out of the carrier. (#mommywin)

7. Safety & Security

Knowing that my baby is safe and securely attached to me is much nicer than putting them in a pack n play or letting them run loose.

It is also very convenient when you have a toddler that likes to run away in public. Now that my son is fifteen months old having him in a carrier on my back allows me peace of mind while we are out of the house.

Are you a babywearing mom? If so, what is your favorite benefit of babywearing?