Celebrating Black Babywearing Week
- LaToya Brathwaite-Washington
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Black Babywearing Week is a time to celebrate a tradition that has long lived in Black communities. It is built on closeness, resilience, and deep care.
Babywearing is more than just a method; it is a cultural practice. This tradition is rooted in the ways Black families have carried their children during every kind of moment. From joyful beginnings to daily struggles, babywearing continues today. It offers both comfort and strength to families raising the next generation.
A Tradition Passed Down
Across the diaspora and throughout Delaware, Black caregivers have worn their babies for generations. They have used cloth, scarves, or whatever was available. Babywearing allows caregivers to move through life while staying connected to their little ones.
Whether at home, at work, in treatment, or out in the community, babywearing supports what so many families already know: closeness matters.
Emphasizing Connection
The act of wearing your baby strengthens emotional connections. This closeness fosters a nurturing environment that benefits both the caregiver and the child.
As caregivers wear their babies, they can engage in everyday tasks while providing emotional support. The connection they maintain helps set a foundation for the child’s later emotional and social development.
Why Babywearing Helps
Babywearing offers real benefits for both the baby and the caregiver:
Supports Bonding: Keeping the baby close strengthens emotional connections.
Soothes Babies: The warmth, heartbeat, and gentle motion can calm crying and improve sleep.
Reduces Stress: For caregivers, babywearing can lower anxiety and increase confidence.
Frees Hands: It makes everyday tasks more manageable while still nurturing the baby.
Supports Breastfeeding: Babywearing helps with feeding on demand and responding to cues.
Encourages Development: Being upright and close to a caregiver aids a baby’s physical and social development.
For families navigating postpartum recovery, substance use treatment, or mental health challenges, babywearing can also be a grounding and healing practice. It connects individuals with their culture and enhances their sense of identity.
How to Babywear Safely
Anyone can learn to babywear, and it can be a wonderful experience. Here are a few basic tips:
Choose a Carrier or Wrap: There are different styles available, such as soft-structured carriers, slings, or wraps. Choose one that feels comfortable and supportive.
Here are three Amazon options to help you get started:
- Boba Baby Wrap Carrier - versatile and beginner-friendly
- Koala Babycare Baby Carrier Wrap - easy to wear as a t-shirt
- Boppy ComfyFit Adjustable Baby Carrier - user-friendly with adjustable straps
Follow the T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safety:
- Tight: Ensure the carrier is snug.
- In view at all times: Keep your baby visible.
- Close enough to kiss: Maintain closeness for comfort.
- Keep chin off chest: Avoid putting pressure on the baby’s airway.
- Supported back: Ensure proper support for the baby’s back.
Practice at Home First: Try babywearing around the house before going out. This will help you get used to the fit and feel.
Ask for Help: There are babywearing groups, videos, and Doulas who can provide assistance with positioning and safety.
In Delaware, the Tradition Lives On
MB&B is proud to support mothers and families in Delaware who continue to babywear. Whether it is passed down from family, learned in recovery, or discovered as a tool for connection, babywearing carries deep cultural significance.
Black Babywearing Week is a celebration of that legacy. It serves as a powerful reminder that culturally grounded care is present in our communities every day.
This week, MB&B honors the beauty, strength, and care found in the simple act of holding a baby close.
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