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Baby wearing is a new term, but it is not a new concept. Well known pediatrician, Dr. Sears, tells of the term's conception by his wife Martha, "I remember one day when Martha fabricated a sling out of material from an old bed sheet and said, I really enjoy wearing Mathew. The sling is like a piece of clothing. I put it on in the morning and take it off in the evening.'"

The concept of baby wearing has been a common practice throughout human history. It was birthed from necessity. Long ago, baby wearing was a matter of basic safety. The child could be protected more easily when carried. Things still needed to get done; the baby couldn't be left alone, so people (for thousands of years in every different culture) have been designing and redesigning the baby carrier.

Now, we have the option to leave our infants inside of a crib within the safe confines of our homes. Due to our advancement, many of the issues that made baby wearing a necessity are less of a factor; yet, many parents still feel a strong emotional pull towards baby wearing. What we're starting to realize is that this emotional pull may be instinctual, because the benefits of baby wearing far exceed nurturance, convenience and safety. Infants have a physiological need to be held a lot.

There is a natural rhythm of movement that is inherently human that no baby swing, bouncer or stroller can replicate. This motion provides constant and perfect vestibular stimulation which is crucial to infants. The vestibular system is an area of the brain that has several functions. It's most known for the job it does maintaining balance in relation to the workings of the inner ear. It helps babies locate where they are in relation to other people and objects. However, the vestibular system also has neurological connections that play important roles in posture, coordination, and vision.

Problems in the vestibular system can result in panic attacks and anxiety, problems with balance, abnormalities in muscle tone, constipation, and teeth grinding.

Baby wearing helps babies develop balance. It helps them gain trunk and head control. Consequently, babies who are "worn" sit independently sooner.

That's just the tip of the iceberg.

Babies who are continuously touched and carried develop larger brains than infants who are denied this constant nurturance. This kind of stimulation fosters a healthier development of the cerebellum of the brain. The cerebellum (as opposed to other parts of the brain) increases in cells as the baby

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