The Benefits of Babywearing
Breastfeeding in the K'tan ~ FAQ ~ Babywearing Benefits

promotes healthy mental and physically development Wearing your child in a wrap, sling or carrier will result in beneficial, permanent brain changes, enhancing baby’s IQ, in addition to long term benefits of good health, psychological security and independence, according to studies done by Lozoff & Brittenham, 1979, Meyer & Anderson, 1999 & Hunziker and Barr's,1986.(1) carried babies cry less Research shows that babies who are carried (either in parents' arms or in a wrap or carrier) cry LESS. In cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, babies cry much less than those in non-carrying cultures. (5) good for baby's emotional development Babies are quickly able to develop a sense of security and trust when they are carried. They are more likely to be securely attached to their care-giver(s) and often become independent at an earlier age.

bond with your baby Babies who are worn in a baby carrier, sling or wrap are significantly more likely to demonstrate a strong and secure attachment to their mothers, according to a study done at Columbia University. (4) advances baby's learning abilities Babies spend more time in a "quiet, alert state" when carried - the ideal state for learning. Studies indicate that 'worn' babies have improved visual and auditory alertness relative to children that are frequently left on the floor or in a crib or playpen. Other studies indicate that carried babies have improved speech development since they are more directly exposed to normal adult conversation and everyday life.

enables caregiver to have hands free Babywearing enables caregivers to to keep baby close and safe while still having both hands free. Caregivers have the freedom to care for other children and tend to everyday tasks while carrying their baby close to their heart.

enhances baby's social development By being so close to your body's rhythms, your baby "gets in rhythm" much more quickly. Your heartbeat, breathing, voice and warmth are all familiar. Research has shown how this helps infants to adapt to life outside the womb. good for babies whose caregivers are overwhelmed Babies who are not held need more verbal interaction and eye contact, just to be reassured that you're there. Carrying your baby is a great way to connect with him or her (and provide stimulation too). Additionally, your baby is "right there" to enjoy whenever you feel like snuggling or kissing! great for other people who look after your baby Baby carriers are a great bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, adoptive parents, babysitters, and other caregivers. Partners who work away from home, relatives and babysitters all have a ready way of connecting with and soothing your baby when they wear him or her.

babies with Special Needs Babies with special needs often enter the world with fragile, easily over-stimulated nervous systems. Parents attempt to find the proper balance – to provide their baby with the sensory nourishment he or she requires for optimal development, while simultaneously avoiding over-stimulation. Research has even shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not. (2) It is well known that children with developmental delays and special needs benefit from this extra stimulation, especially during the infant stage. Baby carriers create the ideal environment for development and growth. At the same time, they offer infants a tight, swaddled, deep pressure input, providing security and assurance to infants with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and other developmental disorders, such as Down syndrome, Autism and Cerebral Palsy.

Studies have also shown that infants with hypotonia (low muscle tone) are adversely affected by carriers that place their legs in excessive abduction (legs spread too far apart) for the first few months of life. The Baby K’tan Baby Carrier allows for a position where babies can still face forward and see the world while having their legs in a more developmentally appropriate posture.


Many people are discovering how well babywearing benefits their lives. Try it for yourself!

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More Resources

Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, Article by Dr. William Sears.

Babywearing International

Attachment Parenting International

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References
1 - Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A random-ized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648
2 - “Current knowledge about skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care for pre-term infants”. J Perinatol. 1991 Sep;11(3):216-26.
3 - Tessier R, M Cristo, S Velez, M Giron, JG Ruiz-Palaez, Y Charpak and N Charpak. (1998) Kangaroo mother care and the bonding hypothesis. Pediatrics 102:e17.
4 - Anisfeld, E., Casper, V., Nozyce, M., & Cunningham, N. (1990). Does infant carrying promote attachment? An experimental study of the effects of increased physical contact on the development of attachment.
5 - Babywearing., Wikipedia. Retrieved March 15, 2012, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babywearing