babywearing
noun
ba·by·wear·ing
ˈbā-bē-ˌwer-iŋ 
variants
or less commonly baby wearing
: the act or practice of holding an infant against an adult's torso by using a supporting device (such as a baby carrier) that buckles or ties onto the adult's body
We've always wanted to present a primer on babywearing for parents who wished to try it but felt intimidated by the practice. After all, to the uninitiated, baby can look a bit precarious when wrapped to mom. But done correctly, babywearing is perfectly safe—and it makes life easier.—
Mothering
MotheringOnce you're home, there are many other effective routes to bonding. Babywearing is one. A Columbia University study found that after a year, 83 percent of infants whose moms wore them in front carriers were strongly attached to their moms compared with 38 percent of infants who were placed in baby seats.—Paula Spencer
Paula Spencer… different cultures around the world have been practicing baby wearing techniques for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years.—Ashley Marcin
Ashley MarcinExamples of babywearing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The ease of use means that babywearing will be a more enticing option, even with that $1,000 stroller sitting by the front door.
—Cameron Leblanc, Parents, 12 Feb. 2025
The educational portion of the retreat walks parents through courses with topics including infant CPR and safety, babywearing, tummy time, and bathtime.
—Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2024
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends safe babywearing for soothing, bonding, and nurturing a baby’s development.
—Ashley Ziegler, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024
Additionally, there are no removable front panels to facilitate babywearing.
—Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024
These are just a few reasons for why the best baby carriers—and babywearing, period—can be a real lifesaver for caretakers.
—Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 10 Feb. 2023
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Cameron Leblanc, Parents, 12 Feb. 2025
The educational portion of the retreat walks parents through courses with topics including infant CPR and safety, babywearing, tummy time, and bathtime.
—Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2024
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends safe babywearing for soothing, bonding, and nurturing a baby’s development.
—Ashley Ziegler, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024
Additionally, there are no removable front panels to facilitate babywearing.
—Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024
These are just a few reasons for why the best baby carriers—and babywearing, period—can be a real lifesaver for caretakers.
—Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 10 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Babywearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/babywearing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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