Provides pleasure, warmth, security and sound, all essential to healthy development

Lowers the level of stress in the infant and parent

Holds baby, leaving the parent's hands for work and activities

Helps meet baby's security needs: baby can feel, smell, hear and see parent

Develops a strong and secure attachment to parents

Communicates to children that they are loved, safe, secure and cared for

Allows children to be at the center of activity rather than being the center of attention, which is a healthy atmosphere for development of empathy, affection and a healthy sense of self

Enables parents to accomplish their day-to-day activities and still be in close physical contact with their babies

Naturally soothes babies helping fussy or tired infants fall asleep (one study found that babywearing can actually reduce the time spent crying by 50%)

Allows the baby to be an active participant in the walking, talking, laughing, movement and working of the parent