A study at Columbia University compared the levels of attachment of babies carried in a baby carrier vs. babies carried in a car seat. Results indicated that, at 13 months old, babies who were carried in wearable carriers were significantly more likely to demonstrate a strong and secure attachment to their mother (Anisfeld, Casper, Nozyce, & Cunningham, 1990).

Studies have shown that baby wearing is linked to lowering the incidence of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), behavioural disorders and postpartum depression in mothers (Baby wearing, 2010).

Babies in a content and safe environment are able to be more alert and aware of their surroundings, providing the perfect environment for learning. This also provides the parent with an opportunity for increased interaction and bonding time with their baby. Carried babies are able to learn language more quickly since they are positioned at voice and eye level. They become more involved in conversations and begin to learn how to listen (Sears).

The rhythms of the parent walking, heartbeat, etc. provide a balancing and soothing effect on babies (Baby wearing, 2010). According to Dr. Sears, "regular parental rhythms have a balancing effect on the infant's irregular rhythms". Baby wearing 'reminds' the baby of and continues the motion and balance he enjoyed in the womb" (Sears).

Infants are physically closer to people and intimately involved in their caregiver's environment. According to Dr. Sears, "baby becomes aware of, and learns from, all the subtle facial expressions, body language, voice inflections and tones, breathing patterns and emotions of the caregiver." Babies are exposed to the all the aspects of being human through their caregiver, increasing social development (Sears).

A father who participates in baby wearing can actually soothe a fussy baby. Fathers can hold babies close and talk hum or sing which is calming to babies (Asaff, 2009).

Prolactin and oxytocin levels in the mother are increased through contact with baby. Increased levels of mothering hormones leads to easier breastfeeding, more responsible mothering and a more secure maternal bond (Babywearing, 2010). Additionally these hormones inhibit the negative impact of stress on the mother (O'Mara, 2010).

Carrying baby enables the caregiver to have both hands free. Caregivers have the freedom to care for other children while carrying their baby close (Sears).

Babies are born with the natural grasping reflex to cling to their mothers. Baby wearing fulfils this natural instinct. (Stay At Home Mum, 2009).

This syndrome is caused by the babies spending too much time in car seats or sleeping on their backs. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that babies should spend minimal amount of time in car seats when not used in a motor vehicle. Baby wearing does not require babies to lie flat, thus no pressure is placed on the baby's head. Additionally, babies can be carried while they sleep, further reducing the amount of time they spend flat on their backs (Baby wearing, 2010).

Baby's primal needs are being met by being carried, thus providing a calming effect on the baby (Baby wearing, 2010).

Normal environmental sounds have the potential to be both a learning and a disturbing experience. When alone and not held, babies can be frightened by sounds. When carried, babies use these sounds as a vehicle for learning. The caregiver provides soothing words to help the baby overcome fears, providing the baby with a positive association between the caregiver's voice and the disturbing sounds. Now the baby is more comfortable with the environment and ready to explore with confidence (Sears).