Chapter 9 - Slings, baby carriers and the art of babywearing

The very first stimulus we can offer a newborn, to promote their physical, cognitive, and emotional development, is to hold them in our arms, interact with them, and let them feel our touch. This type of parenting is known as high-contact parenting or attachment parenting and parents who practice it make a real difference in their child’s future. Children raised by high-contact parents tend to be more confident, stronger, and show better intellectual and physical performance, reaching independence earlier.

A good way to ensure close contact with the baby while also giving the parent freedom of movement is babywearing. Studies in the field of neuroscience support the idea that close contact lays the foundations for secure attachment. But that’s not all. It also stimulates the production of positive hormones—serotonin and dopamine—which calm the baby and foster healthy development. And it benefits the mother too: with the baby close, it’s easier to tune in and understand their needs through non-verbal cues guided by “love hormones.” It’s no coincidence that skin-to-skin contact is now widely recommended in hospitals for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in the case of premature birth.

During hospitalization, Kangaroo Mother Care involves placing the premature baby on the mother’s chest: the thermal synchrony helps the baby conserve energy, stabilizes vital signs, and facilitates the start of breastfeeding.

Once at home, using a baby wrap allows the adult-child pair to stay as close as possible. Fathers are not excluded—by wearing their child, they can get to know them more intimately and connect more easily. Being carried by both mom and dad constantly reassures the baby through their loving presence and movement, helping them feel cradled and included in family life while also developing a sense of balance. The baby learns to adapt to the parent’s movements, pushing with their legs, moving their neck, then curling back into a comfortable position. Wraps also help with discreet breastfeeding in public and are useful for babies who experience frequent spit-up or reflux, as they promote an upright position.

When the baby is not lying down but seated with legs spread, wraps support correct hip positioning and help the development of the acetabulum—the pelvic socket that holds the femur head. When using a baby carrier, attention must be paid to the baby’s leg position. In the first months of life, the cartilage in the hip joints is still soft, and the femur head can easily shift out of its natural place, potentially causing hip dysplasia. The ideal position to prevent this is the so-called “frog-leg” position, with knees spread and legs bent. It’s also important that the baby is positioned so that their bent legs wrap around the adult’s waist, well supported under the thighs, and with the head always properly supported. While wraps and carriers are excellent tools for everything discussed above, they should not be used for long periods and must not replace the stroller. Gradual separation from the parent is essential to allow the child to explore and expand their cognitive and emotional development.