10 reasons for wearing your baby:

  1. Babies, like us whether we want to admit it or not, love to be touched: if you have ever massaged your baby, you will know.
  2. Babies cry less when they are carried.
  3. Babies fall asleep a lot easier with motion: that's why some infants fall asleep almost instantly when they're in the car.
  4. Security: you know that your baby is safe when they are so close to you.
  5. Easier to get around busy crowded shops and markets, up and down stairs, on and off buses, all without that bulky stroller.
  6. Get on with your life - do what women are best at - multi-task and chat with friends on a cordless phone while holding baby and looking for food in the fridge; get those dishes done, the washing in, etc, etc.
  7. Great way to soothe and entertain a fussy baby.
  8. Mental and emotional development for baby.
  9. Spend time playing with your toddler while carrying your young baby.
  10. Exercise with your baby.

Research, Articles on effects of carrying your baby

Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying - a study that showed infants who received supplemental carrying cried and fussed 43% less overall, and 51% less during the evening hours.
The importance of the In-Arms phase
"If You Wear That Child All The Time..." - an article with personal stories from the Natural Child Project
What are the benefits of wearing my baby in a sling? - One of the FAQs from La Leche League International