I've partnered with BabyBjorn to share the benefits of babywearing with you.
There is a lot to be said about wearing your baby, and thanks to innovative new concepts and advances in technology and materials, it’s easier than ever. I eased into babywearing with a wrap when my son was born 3 years ago and then transitioned to a soft structured carrier when he got a little bigger. I loved having him close while I was able to get things done around the house and he enjoyed being close to me as well. Then, as we started venturing out more, I liked having him in the carrier when we were in crowded places like our local farmer's market or mall. Not only can you rest assured knowing your little one is safe and can't wander off, it's so much easier than navigating a stroller through a crowd. Practical reasons aside though, there are so many benefits of babywearing. Here are just a few you may or may not know.
Benefits of Babywearing
1. Wearing your baby can help reduce fussiness. Before birth, babies are carried snugly inside their mother's womb while hearing the soothing sounds of her heartbeat and voice. Keeping them close to your body in a carrier or wrap gives them that closeness and security that they’re accustomed to, which results in a more content baby. Don't be fooled into thinking that a baby that's held often is likely to be "spoiled." Babies that are held closely are actually happier and better adjusted to the world around them.
2. Babywearing helps with the baby’s development, especially with neck strength. Before the newer "Back to Sleep" recommendations, many babies were placed on their stomachs to sleep. When they were awake, they’d push up with their arms and heads to look around. With the back to sleep movement to reduce SIDS, babies spend a lot of time on their backs and don’t get the strengthening exercises they once did, other than purposeful “tummy time” on the floor. When you’re holding your baby close to you, she’s able to strengthen her head and neck muscles all the time by looking around at her surroundings.
3. Babies in a carrier close to a caregiver can shut off the world when they get overstimulated. It's easy for a small baby to get overstimulated by the seemingly endless stream of people that want to "oh and ah" over them. When you're wearing your little one, they can nestle in closely to you and feel comforted by your heartbeat, your breathing pattern, and your rhythmic movements. After all, they spent 9 months inside of their mother and those are the sounds and movements they're used to. It's also easy for toddlers to get overstimulated by all the hustle and bustle of the world around them. It's reassuring to know they can retreat to the comfort of a baby carrier to relax and enjoy the ride.
4. Babywearing is safer. Have you ever tried to navigate a crowded shopping mall or a packed post office during the holidays while holding an infant (or worse, an infant in their car seat carrier) or while pushing a stroller? Your hands are full, you're trying not to bump into people - it's stressful! Wearing your baby eliminates all of those problems, and also frees your hands to hold onto siblings who may be tempted to run off.
5. You’ll get back to your pre-pregnancy weight faster. The more you weigh, the more calories you burn doing regular activities, and wearing your baby adds some additional weight so you'll burn more calories throughout the day. So, things like cleaning the house and grocery shopping while wearing your baby give you more calorie burn with little extra effort.
When it comes to babywearing, there are a lot of options out there. Wraps, Ring Slings, Pouch Slings, Mei Tais, Soft Structured Carriers, Wrap Conversions... it can be a bit confusing and overwhelming at first. I prefer the ease and comfort of a Soft Structured Carrier, like the Baby Carrier One Air from BabyBjorn. Not only is it very user-friendly, it's an adjustable "one-size fits most" carrier so my husband and I can both use it to wear our baby girl.
I had the opportunity to review the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One a few years ago when it was first released and we had a great experience with it (make sure you check out that review for all the details of this carrier - it's very thorough). After trying several other soft structured carriers, I thought the Baby Carrier One was probably the most comfortable of them all and my husband agreed. It was easy to put on and resize quickly, and it offered multiple ways to carry our little guy. Unfortunately, as the summer rolled in, it became too hot and humid for us to use the carrier here in Florida so I sent it to my sister-in-law in Washington state. Admittedly, when I found out we were having another baby I started to feel a twinge of regret and wished I'd still had the Baby Carrier One, so it was really perfect timing when BabyBjorn offered to send me their new Baby Carrier One Air in Silver Mesh for our baby girl.
After using the Baby Carrier One Air, I'm thrilled to report that it's just as wonderful as the cotton mix Baby Carrier One. It's so comfortable thanks to the padded shoulder straps and waist belt, and the soft and airy fabric is perfect for our warm climate. Even in November, it's 80-90 degrees on most days, so having the breathability of the mesh fabric helps. It features an ergonomic wide-leg carrying position for baby and it's been acknowledged as a hip-healthy baby carrier by International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Another thing I love about this carrier is that you don't need a separate newborn insert so you can start using this carrier right away (as long as your baby is 8 pounds). There's a newborn seat position and an infant/toddler seating position and it's easy to adjust with just a quick zip. I also like that there are 4 carrying positions (newborn facing-in, infant/toddler facing-in, forward facing for 5 months and up, and baby carrying). My little lady really prefers to be held facing forward so I know she's going to love the Baby Carrier One Air for it's forward facing option.
Since the Baby Carrier One Air can be used with a newborn and until your child is age 3 and/or 33 pounds, you definitely get a lot of value for your investment. It's a higher price point than some of the other soft structured carriers on the market, but I think it offers superior comfort and quality. After reviewing several BabyBjorn products over the past few years (like their Travel Crib Light and Bouncer Balance Soft) I'm a huge fan of their baby gear.
The Baby Carrier One Air is available in black or silver mesh, and you can purchase it on Amazon.com and other major retailers.
Disclosure: I received this item to review at no cost. Amazon links are affiliate links.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
LOVE this. I wore my son all the time - anytime we left the house from age 0 - 8 or 9 months, he was probably on me since I could comfort him/nurse him/let him nap while we shopped, walked the dog, whatever. So much more convenient than the car seat/stroller combo. Also, it was the BEST when it was very cold - I had to worry less about him staying warm since he was on me, and he also help me warm!
Amber Ludwig says
Yes!! I love babywearing and people forget how beneficial it is!! Its amazing the criticism some of us wearing moms receive!! I am sharing this and hope many other people too!! You should do one on the babywearing benefits or wearing your older kiddo too 😉 Thanks so much for spreading the babywearing love!!
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I love to baby (now toddler) wear! I was really hoping to lose weight faster (#5), but it still hasn't happened! Eek! Carrying my little helps her to settle down and it helps me keep up with her on outings! lol
Michelle Cartagena says
Love the review!! I baby wore my sisters children my nephews and i felt more bonded to them its such a wonderful experience!!
Elizabeth Doble says
I love this review. What I love about the carrier is the ergonomic wide leg carrying position and it is acknowledged for hip healthy.
Thank you for the review.
karenb says
I have to agree with you on the wearing your baby helps reduce fussiness. We have our grandson who is 20 months old but still a little peanut only weighing 15lbs, because he was a premie, when ever he is fussy and I pick him up hold him close and tell him how much I love him and how much his daddy misses him, he calms right down, thanks I enjoyed reading them all.
Pamela Hanson says
This looks like an awesome baby carrier
Samantha Ruby says
Great information !! I love he baby wearing love!
Claire Rheinheimer says
I discovered babywearing late in the game, man I wish I had done it sooner! I tell everyone I know about what a life saver it is! I like that this has the breathable fabric, that's not an issue for this time of year where I live, but I'm carrying my 2 year old daughter and indoors she can get very warm! I also like that you don't need an infant insert, those can get pricy from what I've seen!
Maranda Carlson says
I like the silver mesh, hour near that a zipper can change the seat position to grow with my baby and though I love the carrier I have now. I want ice that will do a front face and this one did out all.
Heather in VA says
My oldest daughter loved to be worn and both my husband and I used something similar to this carrier. But my youngest wanted none of it.
Elizabeth Johnson says
The baby carrier all in 1by Baby bjorn sounds great. I love the shoulder straps padded and the waist strap, but the thing that interest me the most would be that you do not need an infant insert it... just zip to adjust to a toddler
Mia says
Such good reasons for baby wearing and it really is so convenient. I would much rather have baby in a carrier than trying to carry him up or downstairs or in crowded environments.
Tracy D. says
I love babywearing. I didn't do it as much with our first son, because I wasn't familiar with how to properly use the wrap I had, or know that there were carriers that didn't put so much stress on your back. This time, I babywear all of the time. He loves it and usually calms down right away.
Holly Thomas says
My Nephew wants one, he and his girlfriend are having their first baby in January.
Melinda Berlin says
I'll be a new Grandma in February with the birth of my first grandson. One of my biggest concerns is I have a spinal injury concerning permanent nerve damage in my lower back with 4 discs. I have weight restrictions for lifting & bending & it saddens me after a point, I won't be able to pick up my grandson for fear of toppling over & hurting him or myself. I am learning about all of the different new baby products on the market though. This looks like a carrier I could use to atleast help bound us in the beginning. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Amanda McAdams says
I'm due with our second the beginning of December. I wore our daughter as much as I could when she was first born, and I can not wait to do the same with our son, especially with a soon to be 8 year old in the house with lots going on.
Mandy P says
Thanks so much for this thorough review! The world of baby carrying IS overwhelming, and so many reviewers don't include the info needed for comparison. After reading your review, all of the questions I had (comfort, size, baby safety/comfort/ergonomics, carrying positions) were answered. Because it's a bit more expensive than some other options, I can't afford to purchase it, but the opportunity to win one is definitely a blessing.
Erica P. says
Babywearing makes a very noticeable difference on my kiddo's mood. On days when I just don't have time dedicate to lots of sitting and snuggling she is distinctly more likely to be fussy at bedtime. Tossing baby in her carrier while I get stuff done helps greatly.
RJ says
My son was so fussy whenever he was put down, so I basically had to carry him constantly. Thankfully I had a carrier so I could get other things accomplished while he was being held. I love being to have my hands free for other things.
Keke F says
I'd love to try this, I've been using the nesting days carrier since birth with our 6 week old (thanks to your review :)).
Sherry Conrad says
I love the awesome products available now, when my girls were little, we had one hard, stiff option and thought that was amazing. So many more choices with the grands there is literally something to suit every circumstance.
Natalie says
I never thought about the benefit for neck strengthening! These are great benefits and all the more reason to babywear!
Jennifer M says
After 5 kiddos, I could sure use this carrier for baby #6. Thanks for the great review!
Emily Zarr says
Ty for posting this. Ive always wondered if these carriers are worth their price. They always looked to me to be inconvenient. After reading this I will definitely be getting one.
Jennifer Odom says
You make great great points about the benefits of babywearing. I don't think we could make it through the first few years without! 🙂
Holly B says
I love this carrier! I have an older Baby Bjorn and love it, but we are about to reach the weight limit. This would be awesome because of the ability to back carry as well.
Emily Ferguson says
I just had my son, but I've started babywearing on walks to get the mail and while doing chores around the house. My son loves it, and it allows me to have my hands free!
Joy says
I Iike the versatility of 4 carrying positions.
Faith Clark says
Babywearing my babies is something i am passionate about- it helps me be close to them and get things done at the same time. This baby carrier looks amazing!!!
Cindy B says
You can hardly tell you just had a baby... lovely review... I have thought about trying one of these for a long time.
Lindsay Mortensen says
There is nothing better than having your baby close & safe while being able to rejoin the human race. Too often we feel the need to "hole up" & feel like we can't get things done which can add to the already anxious state we are in when having a newborn. Baby wearing allows women to "get out" & get back to doing the things that we are used to doing. Even if "getting out" is just going for a walk to the mailbox, or writing thank you cards, or enjoying a cup of coffee. Love having hands free & baby on me!
jessica says
I love to wear my daughter, she loves being close to me so i will clean the house while holding her. It is literally like magic, once she gets into it she falls fast asleep. She loves to look around while walking so carrying her in a carrier helps her to observe while still being close to me.
Krista F says
Great review and information. I like that this carrier has an ergonomic, forward facing option.
Kim says
So cute! I absolutely love this! I would love to own one and wear my daughter when we go out. It would be so much easier than a stroller. 🙂
Linda Mannst says
I really like this baby carrier. I love all the padding and it sounds so comfy for baby. You had some great points for why this is so convenient and comforting for baby. Thank you so much for sharing
Becky B. says
Want one so bad but can't afford a really good one!
Lisa Garland says
I think these are amazing! When my children were small we didn't have these but I am going to be a grandmother now and I know my daughter would love this. I didn't realize all the wonderful benefits to baby wearing! Win win!!
Joy Murphy says
You are so right about shopping for the perfect carrier! Should I go wrap or carrier- I'm still trying to figure it all out.I already nailed the quest for the stroller and car seat and am now doing a little investigating on carriers and play pens. Thanks for your insight. I love the silver color of the air one 🙂
Dandi D says
I've never tried a baby carrier, but this one looks so nice!
em k says
I'm pregnant with my first and would love to have one of these. I really want to carry my child around for my and their benefit!
Cindy Kong says
Thank you for this review, I love wearing my baby but never really thought about all these benefits besides having my hands free or not needing a stroller. Gonna wear my second baby more often when he comes!
Lexi says
I loved wearing my little ones! I especially loved being able to wear them when I took their older siblings to the park. It allowed me to keep up with the bigger kids and even push them on the swings. And I had one baby who was very fussy - the only thing that calmed her was when I was wearing her. My husband even wears our kiddos!
Alisha Emmett says
Love the review! Loved babywearing with my first and would love this for my newborn!
Amy Dunn says
I love the idea of babywearing. Our precious little ones are only little for such a short time. Having 2 other small children, i'd love to wear my 9M old to have that bonding time while helping the other two. Thanks for doing the review 🙂
Michelle (Parent) says
Thanks for this review. I will recommend this to my friend who is now 7 months pregnant. A must-have item to grab.
Jacqueline Smith says
I have to say that you guys have some awesome giveaways. Hope to win one of those prizes. Thanks a bunch for this amazing opportunity! 🙂
Jennifer Kreisler says
Getting back to pre-pregnancy weight faster is not people's 1st reason to baby wear but it is a benefit. Body awareness and carrying the extra weight around will be a pleasant addition to all of that baby time. <3
Jennifer Kreisler says
.......will take off the weight and that reduction will be a pleasant addition.......
serena says
I love wearing the little ones - it's safer, it's easier and most importantly, they seem to be happier.
Jessie Mullins says
I can't wait to start carrying my baby like this come January/February. <3 All the benefits, plus I get to keep my sweet little one snuggled close.
Ana Aquino says
This is a great baby carrier! I used to have one now but it doesn't have the additional waist belt/band. I think this one is more secure and safer! The baby looks very comfortable inside too! I love it!
Tami Elizabeth says
I simply adored wearing my first born, now that I am due with my second I can only imagine how much easier it will be to chase down a toddler with my babe snug against me <3
Marie L says
I am looking for a baby carrier! I am currently pregnant with our first baby and I really want to baby carry! Thank you so much for the review! I love how this carrier fits the baby from birth- age 3.
Jacey Edson says
Absolutely LOVE this! <3 I am a minimalist and would like this to replace a bulky stroller and the car seat/stroller combo that you have to use for awhile! Way too much stuff for me and too much effort! Convenience is key! I want! 🙂
jennifer peters says
Its looks so comfortable to wear. The mesh fabric is great for the little one. Also great that there are 4 positions
Clara Kristera says
I really love getting insights on this! I would love to use this Baby Carrier for my future little one. Thank you 🙂
Dee Lafrenz says
This is so true. Love seeing you post this, new moms need this information. We all need to make children, and especially babies feel secure and loved.
Emily Jordan Cook says
There's no greater blessing OR frustration than becoming a new parent. In the beginning, when my little one could hardly be laid down to sleep and absolutely hated to be swaddled, it became apparent that the one place my baby was content was in my arms. Having my baby curled against my chest and listening to my heartbeat was a wonderful feeling! Yet at the same time, I was horrified as the dishes continued to stack, laundry was left undone and my own personal hygiene began dipping to untold levels. Additionally, when I had the courage to venture out into the world again I was shocked by the number of people that charged towards the baby ready to touch and hover over any part they'd like with little to no acknowledgement of me. I was a nervous wreck until I got my first baby carrier, a Boba wrap. I was able to keep my little boy close and safe and still complete my usual daily routine! At 7 months old now, I would love to get a quality structured carrier for my boy. He prefers to see everything around him so a carrier with a forward facing option would be perfect for us!
Danielle Coolbaugh says
Thank you for this review, I have an ergo that I use and a ring sling but I've never really tried one of the Bjorn SSC so it's nice to have this information while I'm considering a second toddler worthy carrier so both of my toddlers can be worn at the same time. 🙂
Dorothy Boucher says
I think this is such a beautiful carrier, something I am looking for for my daughter, and love that it doesn't put so my weight on the back
mehwish says
Its really nice I would love to have one
Regina Wright says
Loved the review! I just simply adore Baby Bjorn. They have the best products! As for their carrier, I love everything about it. It's comfortable and it fits my plus size body! I love baby wearing and love it even more when it doesn't hurt my back.
Lejani Stanley says
I would love to try this baby carrier for my 2 month old bebe
Kathryn Combass Perry says
I am pregnant with number 5 and have always loved to baby wear. Especially the more kids we have had. I love being able to bond with baby and also still be able to interact with the rest of the family!!
Trisha Chamberlain says
I love how beneficial baby wearing is. Not just for baby, but also for parents. When baby is happy and safe, gives the parent peace of mind. Plus, it's so wonderful being so close and bonding with your baby. Gives you extra time together that you wouldn't have if you just put baby down.
Miranda H says
I love that baby wearing keeps my baby close. It helps me be able to go out and do things with my older child.
Sara edes says
I love the idea of being able to put it on my back with the child in it. My twins are 17 months old and it would make my life so much easier!
Crisstina McCaslin says
I love thats it is newborn- 3 years. My chunky 17 month old does not fit in most carriers.
Rhiannon says
I love wearing my son, he likes to run if he's walking and gets annoyed by the stroller, so back carry is what we do.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
This looks like a great baby carrier and since it can be used for son.ong it is worth the money.
Deb says
This looks so much safer than the one I used with my sons! The mesh is a nice improvement, too! I'd love to win this for my grandchild who's due in the next few months!
sheryl von tersch fowler says
I never thought about the neck muscles when lying the grandkids on their backs. I can see how carrying the baby this way would help. thanks for the tip
Sarah says
Great advice
I'm inspired to baby wear more often!
Maddy says
All good reasons to baby wear! A lot of my friends swear by it. For some reason, I didn't really do it with my first. I just carried her all the time, also good for fitness I suppose. Haha. :o) I had a wrap that confused the heck out of me, so it kinda overwhelmed me. Would like to do it with my second due march 3rd tho.
Kim langshaw redford says
I am a babywearing Foster mom! I wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of babywearing. The positives are more than obvious and I see them every time I wear my foster littles!!
Kami Richard says
Its nice to see this company finally put out a carrier with an ergonomic design!
Jonathan says
Even as a father, I enjoy my babywearing time with my son. The same way it fosters closeness with mothers, it does the same for fathers. Only thing is I think my son feels a little more uncomfortable when I "wear" him!
Jessica Ayers says
I would love this for my little one due in June. He or she will be #5 and my youngest will only be about 17 months. I will definitely need to be hands free to chase after him. This seems like it would be cooler and quicker than my mai tai (the only carrier I have).
Stephanie Lockwood says
I've worn all of my children (three), and it was so helpful with #2 & #3 so that I had hands free for the older kids, while still keeping baby close <3
Christina lee says
I love the idea of babywearing for all its reasons. Most importantly to me is safety. Having them close to me, i feel i can protect them better.
Courtney Ishmael says
My little guy (now nearly 2 & way too heavy for my shoulders & back to handle in a carrier) was pretty much attached to me. I couldn't lay him down anywhere to do anything. But I finally tried out a used babybjorn that a friend had given me, and I was finally able to get some things done around the house. He loved it so much, that every time he was strapped in, he'd be asleep after a few moments.
I would love one for our newest lil guy that's due in March.
Aurora P says
I didn't love the previous babyBjorn carriers because felt they were no good for baby hips, I'm so glad they have this models that are safer for them.
Alinia Smith says
I've never thought about baby wearing as a way for the baby to strengthen neck muscles and control.
Christina Strapp Lambert says
This looks like a very comfortable carrier for mom and baby. I have heard so many great things about it. I would love to baby wear with my second child.
Katrina P says
This looks like a fabulous carrier. I like the way the waistband looks - strong but still comfortable. Plus it looks like the straps on the front wouldn't cut in on the side boob like the one I have now does! LOL
Sharon says
I have always preferred having my babies close to me instead of the baby car carriers that so many use. This sounds like the perfect carrier.
Lily Kwan says
This carrier looks very useful. Thanks for sharing!