Is carrying the same as carrying in your arms?
Does this situation sound familiar? You're at home, in a familiar and safe space, and your child is restless: he doesn't want to be on the floor, or even in your arms, you don't know how to comfort him... and suddenly, you come up with the idea of carrying him indoors... and he calms down!
It's happened to me many times. At first, I thought, "But, son... it's the same as holding you!"
And from there, a question arose that changed my perspective:
Is babywearing the same as carrying someone in your arms?
When we talk about babywearing, many people directly associate it with "carrying the baby in your arms." And although both practices share something essential—physical contact, closeness, and bonding—there are important differences that can influence the experience of both the baby and the adult carrying them.
Let's look at what characterizes each:
Carrying: the most primal instinct
From the moment we are born, our bodies crave arms. The instinct to protect, comfort, and cradle arises naturally, both in the baby and the caregiver.
Benefits of babywearing:
It allows for immediate response to the baby's needs.
It strengthens the bond and provides emotional security.
It promotes skin-to-skin contact, especially in the first weeks.
It is spontaneous and requires no accessories.
Cons of babywearing:
It can cause tension or pain in the back, shoulders, and wrists if carried for a long time.
It makes it difficult to keep your hands free for other tasks.
It limits mobility, especially when the baby begins to weigh more.
Babywearing: the art of carrying with ergonomics and awareness
Babywearing is a way of carrying a baby using a baby carrier that distributes the baby's weight ergonomically and safely, for both the adult and the baby. But it's not just a practical method: when done well, babywearing becomes a powerful tool for connection, development, and well-being for both parents.
Benefits of Babywearing
It promotes proper physiological posture for the baby (back in a C-shape and legs in an M-position).
It relieves colic and digestive discomfort by keeping the baby upright and moving.
It reduces crying and improves sleep by providing constant support.
It frees up the hands, making it easier to organize and perform daily tasks.
It protects the adult's back by distributing the weight evenly.
It allows for alternating different baby carriers, engaging different muscle groups and avoiding overload.
It facilitates breastfeeding on the go, in many cases.
It offers a constant hug, emotional support, and a sense of security for the baby.
Cons or Challenges of Babywearing
Each type of baby carrier has its own system of use: it is necessary to learn some techniques to use it correctly.
In very hot weather, it can be hot (although there are specific models for summer).
It's essential to choose a good-quality, truly ergonomic baby carrier (be careful! Just because it's sold as ergonomic doesn't guarantee it's ergonomic).
Some families may need personalized advice to find the ideal baby carrier for their body type and lifestyle.
So... which practice do I choose?
It's not about choosing between carrying or babywearing. Both practices have their place and complement each other perfectly.
Arms are always available for immediate comfort, spontaneous cuddles, or that irreplaceable moment of tenderness. Babywearing, on the other hand, is the great ally when we need to move around, do chores, or leave the house, without sacrificing close contact.
The key is balance and recognizing your needs as a mother, father, or caregiver. Many families combine both practices throughout the day: holding for naps on the couch, carrying while shopping, or soothing during a walk.
Regardless of what you choose, the truly important thing is to know that both babywearing and holding are based on contact, bonding, and respect for your baby's rhythms. Listening to yourself, observing your little one, and adapting the tools to your daily life is what really makes the difference.
And remember: if you need help choosing your baby carrier or learning how to carry your baby safely and ergonomically, I'm here to support you.
It's happened to me many times. At first, I thought, "But, son... it's the same as holding you!"
And from there, a question arose that changed my perspective:
Is babywearing the same as carrying someone in your arms?
When we talk about babywearing, many people directly associate it with "carrying the baby in your arms." And although both practices share something essential—physical contact, closeness, and bonding—there are important differences that can influence the experience of both the baby and the adult carrying them.
Let's look at what characterizes each:
Carrying: the most primal instinct
From the moment we are born, our bodies crave arms. The instinct to protect, comfort, and cradle arises naturally, both in the baby and the caregiver.
Benefits of babywearing:
It allows for immediate response to the baby's needs.
It strengthens the bond and provides emotional security.
It promotes skin-to-skin contact, especially in the first weeks.
It is spontaneous and requires no accessories.
Cons of babywearing:
It can cause tension or pain in the back, shoulders, and wrists if carried for a long time.
It makes it difficult to keep your hands free for other tasks.
It limits mobility, especially when the baby begins to weigh more.
Babywearing: the art of carrying with ergonomics and awareness
Babywearing is a way of carrying a baby using a baby carrier that distributes the baby's weight ergonomically and safely, for both the adult and the baby. But it's not just a practical method: when done well, babywearing becomes a powerful tool for connection, development, and well-being for both parents.
Benefits of Babywearing
It promotes proper physiological posture for the baby (back in a C-shape and legs in an M-position).
It relieves colic and digestive discomfort by keeping the baby upright and moving.
It reduces crying and improves sleep by providing constant support.
It frees up the hands, making it easier to organize and perform daily tasks.
It protects the adult's back by distributing the weight evenly.
It allows for alternating different baby carriers, engaging different muscle groups and avoiding overload.
It facilitates breastfeeding on the go, in many cases.
It offers a constant hug, emotional support, and a sense of security for the baby.
Cons or Challenges of Babywearing
Each type of baby carrier has its own system of use: it is necessary to learn some techniques to use it correctly.
In very hot weather, it can be hot (although there are specific models for summer).
It's essential to choose a good-quality, truly ergonomic baby carrier (be careful! Just because it's sold as ergonomic doesn't guarantee it's ergonomic).
Some families may need personalized advice to find the ideal baby carrier for their body type and lifestyle.
So... which practice do I choose?
It's not about choosing between carrying or babywearing. Both practices have their place and complement each other perfectly.
Arms are always available for immediate comfort, spontaneous cuddles, or that irreplaceable moment of tenderness. Babywearing, on the other hand, is the great ally when we need to move around, do chores, or leave the house, without sacrificing close contact.
The key is balance and recognizing your needs as a mother, father, or caregiver. Many families combine both practices throughout the day: holding for naps on the couch, carrying while shopping, or soothing during a walk.
Regardless of what you choose, the truly important thing is to know that both babywearing and holding are based on contact, bonding, and respect for your baby's rhythms. Listening to yourself, observing your little one, and adapting the tools to your daily life is what really makes the difference.
And remember: if you need help choosing your baby carrier or learning how to carry your baby safely and ergonomically, I'm here to support you.