Expert's Opinions

Babywearing is healthy, promotes development, strengthens basic trust and plays an important part in bonding. But is all this well documented?

But what if your neighbour says "the child is spoiled" or your sister-in-law predicts "he will never learn to walk"? We all know these comments, and even if you're sure of what you're saying, there's sometimes still a pang of uncertainty. So that you can face these comments with confidence, we've compiled a selection of expert statements and opinions here for you.

Do you know of someone who is missing here and should definitely be included? Then send us an email at mail@didymos.de – we're always grateful for suggestions and would love to consider your recommendations.

On Carrying and Being Carried by Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis, Behavioural Biologist

Carried children cried less than others, and this time was essentially replaced by an alert, wakeful phase instead. This gives them more opportunities to engage with their environment, explore it with curiosity, and gain social experience." Babywearing from a behavioural biology perspective

Good Reasons for Babywearing by Dr. Ewald Fettweis, Orthopaedic Specialist

In particular, infants' hip joints are often still immature at birth and can be damaged later on if the environmental conditions nature requires are disregarded. They are, however, ideally built for carrying in a wrap or sling." Babywearing from an orthopaedist's perspective

On Carrying "Special" Children by Bettina Attenberger, Occupational Therapist

Carrying babies first of all meets their need for physical contact and security, and can make a significant contribution to a calmer everyday life. Parents have their hands free more often, can get tasks done without constant interruptions, and still stay in close contact with the baby, which in turn strengthens the bond." Babywearing children with special needs

Carrying Children With Special Needs by Daniela Schulze, Mother of a Child With a Disability

I already carry our daughter in my arms a great deal anyway, but the even closer physical contact the wrap provides creates an intimacy that Annika, and I too, thoroughly enjoy. Here, we both experience a feeling of security that makes it easier for us to process the many hospital stays." Carrying a child with Down syndrome

Is Babywearing Harmful? A Commentary on Carrying Infants and Toddlers by Dr. Eckhard Bonnet, Paediatric Specialist

Opponents of baby carriers routinely warn of spinal damage, compression of the body, and lack of air while carrying. These fears, for which no evidence has ever been presented, are unfounded." Is babywearing harmful?

The Wrap in Physiotherapy Practice by Hilke Engel-Majer, Physiotherapist

Children with central coordination disorders or developmental delays receive a wealth of stimulating input in the wrap [...]. The "stiff child" becomes softer and more supple through constant movement. This gives our therapy a considerably better starting point." Babywearing in physiotherapy practice

Nonspecific Crying by Remo H. Largo, Professor of Paediatrics

A more recent study has shown that increased carrying for three hours a day leads to a considerable reduction in daily crying." Babywearing reduces crying

Babywearing Lowers the Risk of SIDS by Dr. William Sears, Paediatrician and Father of Eight

If SIDS is essentially a disorder of respiratory control and neurological immaturity, which is what I believe, then anything that helps a baby's neurological system mature further will help reduce the risk of SIDS. That is exactly what babywearing does." Babywearing lowers the risk of SIDS

A Report From Clinical Practice: Carrying Premature Babies by Dr. Waltraud Stening, Paediatrician (at the time – 1991, at the University Children's Hospital Cologne)

Out of this close physical contact [from kangaroo care], it also came about that we offered parents the option of carrying their children during walks around the hospital grounds. This has since become so well established that the ward's single pram is now outnumbered by around 10 wraps." Carrying premature babies in hospital

The Human Infant as a Carried Being by Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis, Behavioural Biologist

Carrying has a positive effect on the infant in various ways. Being moved shows them that they are not alone, and gives them a sense of security. It also establishes close physical contact."