The fourth trimester—those first few months postpartum—is a period of transition, both for baby and parents. From adjusting to life outside the womb (them), to recovering from delivery (you), and sleeping in two-hour increments (both parties, probably), there’s a lot to get a handle on. What’s hopeful: Babywearing can help make it all a little more manageable. From psychological benefits for mom to the magic soothing effect it has on babies, here are some of the benefits of babywearing in the fourth trimester and beyond.
Babywearing eases baby’s transition into the world.
Wearing baby from the start can ease their adjustment to our big, bright world. When they’re wrapped up close to you, their experience is reminiscent of the womb. The cozy soft fabric keeps them close to you, allowing them to hear the familiar sound of your heartbeat and voice, and smell your skin. The gentle movement of your body soothes them and they feel safe. Nestled up next to you is all they’ve ever known and it’s exactly where they want to be.
Babywearing helps you heal postpartum.
If you were the one who birthed your baby, you have your own recovery to tend to postpartum. Wrapping baby allows you to hold them without requiring much physical exertion. You’ll be carrying them slightly higher than you did in your belly, but the feeling won’t be altogether different. Baby’s weight will be well-supported and distributed around your upper body, almost as if they’re still a part of you. (Wearing them while sitting is a sweet, low-impact option, too.) The Solly Wrap can also be worn right away following a C-section with your care provider’s green light. You might find it the most comfortable way to take care of both of you as you heal.
Babywearing keeps baby calm.
Studies have shown that carrying baby for three or more hours a day can reduce infant crying by 43 percent.* Many of the parents who use the Solly Wrap tell us that their baby can go from fussy to calm (or fast asleep) once they’re in the Wrap. If gas or reflux give your baby trouble, the upright position following a feeding and the gentle pressure of your tummy against theirs can help provide relief.
Babywearing boosts mom’s mood and milk supply.
Babywearing helps ease the transition for both mom and baby by stimulating the release of oxytocin—a hormone known to reduce stress and promote bonding. The time spent skin-to-skin can help boost your milk supply and ward off postpartum depression and anxiety.
Babywearing supports baby’s development.
Did you know that wearing your baby counts as tummy time? Wearing baby allows them to develop strength in their neck and back muscles without being on the floor, which is especially helpful if you have animals or older siblings running around the house. Simultaneously, as you go about your day talking and doing things, baby’s brain is stimulated as they listen and watch.
Babywearing frees your hands.
Beyond the clear physiological incentives to babywear, there are practical purposes aplenty. You can wrap baby while you make yourself lunch (and proceed to eat it two-handed, too!). You can take a wrap ‘n’ walk around the neighborhood for a little fresh air and movement for you both. (Bonus: When you’re wearing, you don’t have to worry about young, wobbly heads bumping over uneven sidewalks the way you do with a stroller.) And you can meander through Target (or knock out your list at the grocery store) with confidence, knowing baby is likely to be content the whole time (versus waking up in their infant car seat mid-shopping trip and wailing). The freedom the wrap gives you to go out in the world and to continue to do the things you did pre-baby is invaluable and undoubtedly an asset to your mental health.
Babywearing takes less practice than you might think.
Feeling convinced, but also a little intimidated? Although it can seem daunting at first—or like you have to be a certain kind of mom to do it—the truth is that babywearing is doable, accessible, and enjoyable for just about everyone. With a suitable wrap or carrier, it can be a game-changer for that fourth trimester and beyond.
* Source: Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648
