5 Misconceptions About Babywearing for New Moms

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Life is full of misconceptions, and babywearing is no different. From telling you that you’re going to drop your baby to saying that it’s strange that you’re babywearing because it’s something just for women, there are a lot of odd notions about carrying your baby. So this post is all about myth busting these misconceptions.

This post was originally published 10/4/2022.

This post contains affiliate links which, at no cost to you, allow me to earn a small commission on any purchases you make from the recommendations I share. This helps keep my website running so that I can offer you free content and resources! All items have been sent in for review by the brands or purchased by me to ensure a fit; I won’t recommend something if it doesn’t pass my rigorous testing as a scrunchy mom & someone who works with families. Please also keep in mind that any information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not in any way medical advice or a replacement for seeing a medical professional.

Benefits of Babywearing

People have a lot of opinions about babywearing, but if there’s one thing I need to speak up about it’s the truth about babywearing. The truth is, babywearing is a wonderful way to create closeness and security through connection with your baby.

Benefits include:

Prevention of flat head syndrome
Can stabilize the baby’s heart rate and body temperature
Offers freedom and convenience for caregivers
Can make breastfeeding in public easier

Among many other things. Click here to read more about the benefits of babywearing.

Misconceptions About Babywearing

1. Babywearing is Only for Babies

False! This babywearing misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. It could be called “baby and kiddo wearing,” really. Whether your baby was just born or is 5 years old, wearing your child is handy (just in different ways).

For the first year of life, babywearing gives parents a skin-to-skin bond with their little one and allows hands-free capabilities to get things done with a baby around who just wants to be held by you. As the kiddo gets older, you may or may not use the stroller more, but when your child wants to be carried, or you’re going on a trip where there’s no room for a stroller, a ring sling or carrier can really save your back.

Have a sensory-sensitive child? Holding him tight in a wrap works as well as a pressurized blanket or shirt!

2. You’re Going to Drop Your Baby

Like all baby products, there are risks when you babywear. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has set safety guidelines to ensure that baby wearing is safe for your little one. There are also rules to babywearing (T.I.C.K.S.):

Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss (physical closeness is key, so there are age rules for forward facing and back carries)
Keep chin off the chest (we want an open airway)
Supported back

As long as you’re using the product properly, as it is meant to be used, and remain cautious and alert (as you should at all times with your little one anyway), it’s safe. The chance of a child falling out of a carrier or wrap is about as likely as falling out of a stroller. It happens if the baby or child isn’t properly secured within, or if the parent isn’t paying attention and things get loose or not put on correctly (just as if you put too many bags on the stroller or hit a pothole).

3. Babywearing is Only For Rich White Women

Historically, babywearing was used by people around the world to get things done. (Check out how it helps this mom of twins!) Women weren’t always allowed maternity or parental leave after giving birth before going back to work … in fact, we aren’t offered much leave now in the U.S.! Babywearing helps families to hold their littles close while still being able to get some things done. Though it seems like wraps and soft structured carriers are predominantly made by/for Caucasians, there are also some fabulous non-Caucasian businesses, too, and not everyone who owns a wrap or carrier is rich. There are also some simple DIY wraps you can make using table c loth.

4. Men Don’t Babywear

Yes, men do babywear! Babywearing offers the opportunity for dads to connect with their newborn if mom is the only one who can feed the baby, and also allows mom to get a break for a bit. Thanks to babywearing, dads can be more actively involved in the lives of their older babies and toddlers, too! Looking for examples? Check out these 6 men from all over the world who love wearing their kids and the dads babywearing their littles in this roundup of babywearing Halloween costumes.

5. You’re Spoiling Your Child

Babies and kids love to be close to their parents, so when parents respond in kind with loving words and support it benefits the child, it does not baby them. Some people say that you’re spoiling your baby and giving in by going to him when he cries, too, but we know that babies only cry to communicate basic needs. Holding the baby close, like when babywearing, is important to his development, and having the carrier handy for when your baby becomes a rambunctious toddler who runs up and down all the aisles of the store to destroy the shelves is also handy. This misconception about babywearing could be saving many parents bits of sanity. Being worn in a baby or toddler carrier calms kiddos and gives a sense of security, it doesn’t make them dependent.

What are some major misconceptions about babywearing that you’ve heard? Please share in the comments below!

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