Benefits to Babywearing
Cry less - Babies being worn cry less on average than those who are not carried. Research has shown that worn babies cry around 43% less. It also helps the colicy baby.
Mental Development - Babies being worn are stimulated more. They can see the world instead of people's knees like when in a stroller. They are able to experience more of the world around them while being worn.
Emotional Development - Babies being worn feel more secure.They are close to their parent or caregiver and can hear and smell all of those things that are familiar to them (heartbeat, etc). They are also worn snuggly so they have that closeness.
Physical Development - Babies being worn are able to get into the rythem of breathing, heartbeat, regulating temperature, etc easier than those who are not worn (or held close). They are next to you so they can hear, see and feel what you're doing.
Premature Babies - Research has shown that wearing your premature baby is very beneficial to them and they strive on being worn and close to their mother. Wearing your premature baby in a soft wrap, especially when you're topless and baby is in just a diaper, is really good for them.
Helps with bonding - Wearing your baby can help with bonding for both the wearer and baby. Being close and talking to baby will really help. This also helps the depressed mother, the mother and baby who were seperated at birth for awhile, and the adoptive mother/parent.
Helps with breastfeeding - Babywearing can help with breastfeeding because your baby is close to your body and breasts. With some practice you should be able to feed baby in the carrier without having to unsnap or untie the carrier. This can be a very wonderful thing when out in public and away from seating and/or comfort.
Hands free - Wearing your baby allows you to be hands free to get the dishes done, read a book, do some chores, carry bags, etc. This also helps with the mobile baby to keep them out of trouble in a crowded place or when you need to get the dishes done and need some place secure for your baby.
Convenience - A baby carrier is a lot smaller than a stroller. It fits in vehicles better and some carriers like wraps, ring slings and pouches can be folded small enough for most purses or diaper bags. This is also great for when you have a lot of errands to do and you'll be in and out of the car a lot.
Resources
Increased carrying reduces infant crying: a randomized controlled trial
Developmental Aspects of Kangaroo Care