Turns Out, Carrying Your Baby Was Never the Problem

Have you noticed that babywearing is less common in Western societies compared to other parts of the world? Have you encountered views from mothers, grandmothers or even health professionals suggesting that babywearing is unhealthy, outdated or unsafe - or that it spoils your child?

At one point in recent history, babywearing was overshadowed by the rise of strollers and other baby gear. This shift can be attributed to industrialization and evolving family structures.

Several factors have contributed to this trend in Western culture. Urbanization, industrialization, changing family dynamics, technological advancements, the commercialization of baby products, and cultural shifts towards individualism have all influenced how babywearing is perceived and practiced today.

Industrialization and Family Structure

Industrialization reshaped family life as people migrated from rural areas to urban centers for factory jobs. This shift separated extended families and made nuclear families the societal norm. Traditional practices like babywearing, once passed down through generations in close-knit communities, became less common. If today’s parents and babies seem to lack "a village," this shift is a key reason why.

The Industrial Revolution also introduced the pram, a "modern" alternative to babywearing that minimized physical contact and made it easier for any caretaker to step in.

In 19th century England, societal changes and new theories about human evolution created a gap between mothers and children. While babies were adored and displayed in fashionable prams, poorer children faced exploitation, and natural practices like babywearing were dismissed in favor of Western civilization's ideals.

Commercialization

With the rise of consumer culture and mass production, prams and other baby products were marketed as must-haves, promoting cribs, strollers and other special equipment as more modern than babywearing. This trend, driven by consumerism and the desire to keep up with the latest trends, led to a decline in babywearing.

Despite these changes, parents are returning to babywearing, drawn by its unparalleled practicality, efficiency and the sense of closeness it creates: It allows them to stay attuned to their babies' needs while managing other tasks and joys of daily life. More parents are embracing babywearing as a way to maintain a strong, nurturing connection with their children.

After years of listening to parents and seeing the same struggles repeat, I knew we needed something different. Something that actually fits real families.

That’s why I created babyloop: to make babywearing simple, intuitive and truly shared, from day one through toddlerhood. Designed with world-class engineers at Modyn and backed by nearly a decade of consulting experience, babyloop’s patent-pending design finally brings everyday parenting freedom to every family, with just one click.

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Hi, I’m Michaela. Certified babywearing consultant, founder of carry.coach, and mom of 3. After watching parents wrestle with every carrier out there for a decade, I stopped recommending and started designing. Join me at babyloop, where we are redefining babywearing with style, safety and simplicity. Let’s make carrying your little one the easiest - and coolest - part of your day. Ready to loop in? Visit babyloop.com and let’s get started!