As parents, we want to stay close to our babies, nurturing and guiding them, while also needing to move through our busy days. Back-wearing offers a wonderful solution that blends comfort, tradition, and practical ways to keep your little one close. In fact, Babuebaby’s design is inspired by traditional African practices!
Additionally, our carriers also exhibit modern features inspired by current Occupational Therapy standards, thanks to our founder, Busi. Let’s explore why back-wearing can be such a joy and why it’s so beneficial for both you and your child.
What is Back-wearing?
Back-wearing simply means carrying your baby on your back in a secure, supportive carrier. It’s a practice deeply rooted in African culture and other caregiving traditions worldwide. Once a baby’s umbilical cord detaches, many mothers naturally start back-carrying. This keeps them close and offers babies the security of being near their caregiver while allowing moms the freedom to go about their daily activities.
Why Back-wearing Matters
Back-wearing allows you to experience parenting in a way that is ergonomic, natural, and closely connected. Here are some key reasons why back-wearing is a wonderful choice:
- Close Connection & Free Movement: With your baby securely on your back, you can use both hands for your tasks, making everything from errands to chores easier. As your baby rides along, they’re not only safe but also engaged, watching, learning, and becoming familiar with the world through the secure connection with you.
- Natural Weight Distribution: Carrying your baby on your back distributes their weight across your torso and hips rather than pulling down on your shoulders. This means less strain on your back and neck and helps avoid the muscle imbalances that can happen with front carrying, especially as your child gets heavier.
- Promotes Healthy Hip and Spine Development: Babuebaby Carriers support a natural, ergonomic position with a high knee “M” shape, which supports healthy hip and spine development. This design was inspired by the traditional Mbereko style, which is still practiced today in Zimbabwe. It’s comfortable, intuitive, and provides that added sense of security for babies as they explore the world from your back.
- Less Strain on the Pelvic Floor: Unlike front carrying, back-wearing eases the load on your pelvic floor, reducing strain on this sensitive area. With baby’s weight evenly distributed on your back, it helps prevent pelvic floor strain—something important for moms, especially if you’re still recovering postpartum or after a C-section.
- Enhanced Bonding & Social Interaction: Back-wearing isn’t just about carrying; it’s about bonding. As you move and interact, your baby is right there with you, comforted by your presence and able to feel your movements. Talking to your child, explaining what you’re doing, and sharing your day together fosters a deeper bond and creates wonderful memories.
Inspired by African Tradition - Backed by Occupational Therapy
Busi, our Founder, has memories of seeing her mom and other women in Zimbabwe carrying babies on their backs. As an Occupational Therapist, Busi understands the physical and emotional benefits of back-wearing, from allowing moms and caregivers to care for their babies comfortably, to helping babies feel connected and secure. Babuebaby’s unique torso support strap makes back-wearing even more effort-less, allowing weight to be distributed smoothly to your hips, easing shoulder strain and making carrying enjoyable for longer periods.
The Importance of Staying Close
Humans are mammals, after all, and like other mammals, our young thrive when they’re kept close. That closeness allows babies to feel secure, and from this safe vantage point, they learn, observe, and understand the world. The oxytocin, or “bonding hormone,” released from that physical closeness benefits both you and your baby, strengthening your bond and fostering a sense of calm and trust.
Front Carrying vs. Back-wearing
Carrying your baby on your back aligns with your body’s natural posture, maintaining your balance and making it easier to move without strain. In contrast, front carrying can cause your shoulders to round forward and puts more pressure on the chest and pelvic floor, especially as baby grows. Back-wearing allows a more neutral spine and frees you from compensating with awkward postures.
Finding Comfort and Joy with Babuebaby
With Babuebaby’s Carriers, designed for infants, toddlers and big kids, the journey of back-wearing grows alongside your child. The adjustable panel and headrest, breathable cotton fabric, and supportive waistband are there to make sure that both you and your child are comfortable, connected, and able to enjoy each other’s presence through each stage of growth.
In summary, back-wearing helps you feel close, free, and supported. It’s a beautiful way to nurture, share life’s moments, and honour the practices that have helped mothers and caregivers across generations. Babuebaby was created to bring that joy of parenting and nurturing into every family’s daily life.