Keep Them Close: The Ancient Roots and Modern Resurgence of Babywearing

An Ancient Survival Tactic Babywearing—carrying your infant in a sling, wrap, or structured carrier—is currently one of the most popular trends in modern parenting. Yet, it is arguably the oldest parenting tool in human history.

For early indigenous cultures around the world, babywearing was a matter of survival. Nomadic mothers needed their hands free to forage, work, and travel, all while keeping their babies safe from predators and the elements. From the rebozo in Mexico to the amauti in the Arctic, nearly every traditional culture developed a unique garment for babywearing.

The Stroller Era and the 1970s Revival During the Victorian era, as heavy, ornate prams became status symbols for the wealthy, babywearing was dismissed in Western cultures as "uncivilized" or reserved only for the working class.

The practice made a massive comeback in the United States during the 1970s. An American mother named Ann Moore, who had served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, saw how peaceful and content the local babies were when carried on their mothers' backs. She returned to the US and invented the "Snugli," the first commercially successful soft structured carrier, sparking a babywearing revolution.

Finding Your Fit at littlebean co. In our Gear & Travel section, we celebrate this ancient bond with modern ergonomics. Here is how to choose:

• Stretchy Wraps: Perfect for the "fourth trimester." They mimic the tight, warm environment of the womb and are ideal for newborns.

• Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs): Featuring padded shoulder straps and a supportive waistbelt, these are perfect for older babies and toddlers, distributing weight to save your back.