Celebrating International Babywearing Week: The Benefits of Babywearing

Happy International Babywearing Week

From 1 to 7 October, parents and carers around the world are celebrating International Babywearing Week. It's a week to share the joy of carrying your little one close, and to spread the word about babywearing safely.

At Ergobaby, babywearing is what we've been about for more than 20 years. Whether you're a first-time parent or carrying your third, here's why so many families love it, plus a little gift from us to celebrate.

Our gift to you: free teething pads with every carrier

To celebrate International Babywearing Week, we're giving away a free set of Ergobaby teething pads with every carrier sold.

Teething pads attach to your carrier's shoulder straps, giving your baby something soft to chew on. They also help protect your straps from drool, so your carrier stays fresher for longer.

The offer applies to every carrier in the range, from the Embrace newborn carrier to the Omni, Alta and Upsie. Shop baby carriers and your free teething pads will be added to your order.

Offer valid 1st October 2026 to 7th October 2026 or while stocks last. One set of teething pads per carrier purchased. Pads are added automatically and excludes upsie and aura wrap carriers

6 benefits of babywearing

1. It can help settle a fussy baby

Being held close, hearing your heartbeat and feeling the gentle rhythm of your movement can be deeply soothing for little ones. In a well-known study of 99 mothers and babies, those who carried their babies more saw fussing and crying roughly halved at six weeks, the age when crying usually peaks. Later studies have had mixed results, but many parents find a carrier is one of their most reliable settling tools.

2. It supports bonding

Carrying your baby keeps them close to your face, voice and smell. Research has linked infant carrying with stronger parental bonding, and with parents feeling less frustrated and responding more warmly when their baby cries.

3. You learn your baby's cues sooner

When your baby is right there on your chest, it's easier to notice early signs of hunger, tiredness or discomfort. In the same study, mothers who carried more were more responsive to their baby's sounds at three and a half months.

4. It can make breastfeeding easier

Keeping your baby close helps you spot feeding cues early, and many Ergobaby carriers let you feed discreetly on the go. Some early research suggests that encouraging more physical contact through carriers may help support breastfeeding.

5. Your hands are free

Make a cuppa, chase a toddler, push a trolley or walk the dog, all while keeping your baby happy and close. For many parents, it's the difference between a day stuck on the couch and a day out in the world.

6. Ergonomic carriers support healthy hips

In an ergonomic carrier, your baby sits in a natural M position, with knees higher than bottom and thighs supported. Ergobaby carriers are acknowledged as hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Learn more about hip health.

Babywearing safely: remember T.I.C.K.S.

International Babywearing Week is also about carrying safely. Every time you pop your baby in, check the T.I.C.K.S. rule:

Tight: your baby should be held snugly against you.
In view at all times: you should always be able to see your baby's face by glancing down.
Close enough to kiss: your baby's head should be close enough to your chin that you can kiss the top of it.
Keep chin off chest: make sure there's at least a finger's width of space under your baby's chin.
Supported back: your baby's back should be supported in a natural position, with their tummy and chest against you.

Read our full guide to the T.I.C.K.S. rule for safe babywearing.

Find the right carrier for your stage

Every Ergobaby carrier comes with free teething pads this week. Here's how to choose:

Carrier	Age	Weight	Best for
Embrace	0 – 12 months	3.2 – 11.3 kg	Snug, soft newborn carrying
Omni Lite	0 – 24 months	3.2 – 15.9 kg	Simple, lightweight everyday carries
Omni Classic	0 – 48 months	3.2 – 20.4 kg	Four positions, newborn to toddler
Omni Deluxe	0 – 48 months	3.2 – 20.4 kg	Four positions plus extra storage
Alta Hip Seat	4 – 48 months	5.5 – 20.4 kg	Quick carries for growing babies and toddlers
Upsie	6 – 48 months	7.7 – 20.4 kg	Toddlers' ups and downs

Not sure which one suits you? Compare every model in our carrier comparison chart.

Celebrate with us

However you carry, we'd love to see it. Share your babywearing moments this week and tag us on Instagram @ergobaby_nz

Ready to start your babywearing journey? Shop baby carriers and get free teething pads with every carrier.