The Benefits of Babywearing for Sleep

Babywearing is the practice of carrying a baby close using a sling or carrier. It’s been a parenting technique for centuries and has been shown to have a positive impact on infant sleep. Babies love closeness, warmth and movement – everything that babywearing naturally provides. So if your little one’s struggling with short naps or difficulty settling, you may find that wearing your baby in a sling or carrier helps improve their sleep quality and duration.

The first time I wore a sling (2019)

1. Mimicking the womb environment

Newborns have to transition from the cosy, warm, rhythmic world of the womb to a bright and stimulating environment, which can be overwhelming. Babywearing recreates the familiar sensations of being held close, hearing a parent or caregiver’s heartbeat, and feeling gentle movements – all of which provide comfort and security. This allows babies to relax and drift off to sleep more easily.

Dr. Nils Bergman, a neonatologist and skin-to-skin contact expert, highlights that close contact regulates an infant’s stress levels, heart rate and temperature – promoting deeper and more restful sleep (Bergman, 2014; 2024)

2. Reducing stress and cortisol levels

Stress and overstimulation can make it difficult for babies to settle. Studies show that carrying a baby lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the love hormone). Oxytocin promotes feelings of calm and relaxation, making it easier for babies to fall asleep and stay asleep for longer periods.

Babywearing has also been shown to reduce crying, which can be exhausting for both baby and parents. A 1986 study in Pediatrics found that babies who were carried for at least three hours a day cried 43% less overall. It also found that these babies cried 51% less in the evening, which tends to be a time when babies are fussier and struggle with sleep.

3. Supporting daytime naps

Many parents struggle with getting their baby to nap during the day, often resorting to rocking, feeding or walking them around in a stroller. Babywearing simplifies naptime by allowing your baby to sleep while you move freely. The gentle motion of walking, swaying or even doing household tasks lulls babies into sleep naturally.

Wearing a baby for naps can also help lengthen sleep cycles. Babies often wake after a short nap because of the transition between light and deep sleep. In a sling or carrier, they’re more likely to resettle and continue sleeping – resulting in longer, more restorative naps.

The first time I wore a sling with Frazer (2023)

4. Easing reflux and colic

Babies with reflux or colic often struggle with sleep due to discomfort. Babywearing in an upright position helps keep stomach acid down, reducing reflux symptoms and allowing babies to sleep more comfortably. The closeness also offers reassurance to colicky babies, who tend to need more comfort to settle.

5. Improving parental sleep

A well-rested baby usually means a well-rested parent or caregiver. When babies sleep better during the day, they’re usually less overtired at night, which can improve night-time sleep. Some parents also use babywearing in the evenings to help their baby settle before bedtime, creating a smoother transition to night-time sleep.

6. Encouraging independence while meeting sleep needs

Some parents worry that babywearing will create sleep dependencies, but in reality, it helps build security and confidence in babies. Meeting a baby’s need for closeness early on fosters self-regulation skills, making independent sleep easier as they grow. Babies who feel safe and comforted are more likely to develop healthy sleep habits over time.

A trip to Brighton using a sling with Denver (2024)

7. Babywearing as a tool for sleep transitions

As babies grow, their sleep patterns change, and they go through various sleep regressions. Babywearing can be an invaluable tool during these transitions, helping babies settle when they resist sleep or struggle with developmental leaps, teething or illnesses. 

What if you’re struggling to use a sling or carrier?

Zoe Woodman from The Sling Consultancy comments, “Carrying is such a useful tool to have as a parent/carer, and the more we have at our disposal to pick and choose from the better. For some, it comes easier to than others. Often, small tweaks can change comfort and fit hugely. So if you’re finding it isn’t working for you, it’s worth seeking further support to get it right for you and your child.”

Final thoughts

Babywearing is a powerful tool that supports healthy infant sleep. By mimicking the womb environment, reducing stress, easing colic and reflux and promoting restful naps, babywearing can significantly enhance your baby’s sleep. What’s more, it allows you to meet your baby’s sleep needs while maintaining your own wellbeing. Whether used for naps, bedtime routines or sleep regressions, babywearing provides a gentle, responsive and effective way to help babies sleep better.

For more information about babywearing or to get expert advice, check out The Sling Consultancy. You can also follow Zoe on Instagram and Facebook.

Do you use a sling or carrier to help your little one sleep? Let me know in the comments.

References:

Bergman, N. (2014) The neuroscience of birth – and the case for Zero Separation. Curationis, Vol 37, No 2, a1440

Bergman, N. J. (2024). New policies on skin-to-skin contact warrant an oxytocin-based perspective on perinatal health care. Frontiers in Psychology, 15.

Hunziker, U. A. and Barr, R. G. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 77 (5): 641–648.