Baby carriers have been invented—and reinvented—thousands of ways around the world and through the ages. The term “babywearing” was coined in the 1980s by Dr. William Sears but the act of wearing babies dates back centuries.

Styles of baby carriers cover the map, ranging from the simple Mexican rebozo (a square of woven cloth tied over one shoulder) to the elaborate Alaskan/Canadian amauti (a thick, warm jacket with a baby “pocket” in the back), and they’ve been made from every material from bark to hemp to polyester.

Although babywearing has been a way of life for parents through the ages, it wasn’t always popular in the Western world where parents have been captivated by modern baby gear and gadgets. In some developing nations, pushchairs have also become a status symbol—despite the fact that the terrain makes them difficult to use—because they are more expensive than slings. The Western emphasis on fostering independence in children at an early age has also led many parents to falsely believe that carrying a baby in a sling might make him clingy and dependent, when in fact evidence exists to support the notion that a securely attached baby will become a more confident and independent adult.

But over the last few decades, the pendulum has begun swinging back the other way toward more nurturing parenting techniques. Along with that shift, babywearing is becoming vogue again. In 1981, a book called Babywearing by Maria Blois started a modern babywearing revolution. That same year, activist Rayner Garner created and began promoting use of the modern ring sling. The rights were later sold to Dr. William Sears who continues to make and promote them.

Babywearing has since been on the rise in the Western world, which has led to an explosion in the selection of available baby carrier types in trendy, fashionable styles and materials. Many of the best quality slings are sewn by work-at-home mums, though some have grown so popular they are manufactured. The largest selection is usually available online, though some excellent, mum-made slings can be found in local boutiques and baby stores in major cities.

Today, baby slings have become the focus of numerous celebrity sightings and a growing fashion trend among new parents. As more mums and dads learn to wear their babies and experience how natural and joyful babywearing can be, it will continue to catch on. More parents around the world will connect with the past and benefit from the wisdom of the inventive, caring mums who came before them, while also connecting with the future by staying close and nurturing the next generation.

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