If you don't know, baby-wearing is basically a way of carrying around your baby in a type of carrier, typically made of fabric, that holds the baby in a hands-free manner against your body. It's kind of the modern papoose. I'm not sure if you can call it popular, but I think that the idea is gaining popularity among modern mamas.
I have a sling that I wear my baby in. He has done great in it, but I can probably attribute that to starting him in it when he was quite young. My sling, which is a Hot Sling, a type of pouch sling, provides variety in ways a baby can be carried based on age and level of development. When my baby was young, I held him in the cradle hold, basically, he was laying down in the sling. In this position, it was actually quite convenient to nurse him in the sling allowing me to work around the house, prepare meals, or do whatever. The sling works great to hold him securely against my body, which is ideal for newborns. Now, I carry my baby in the hip position, which he's been in since he was strong enough to hold his head up well and sit supported, and it is great because it provides him the security of being next to his mama, he's contained and usually calm, and he can still look around and "interact" with people. When we are out and about, it is great because I am completely hands free so I can shop or do whatever without having to juggle holding him and doing something else.
One situation which I didn't anticipate the benefit of the sling is actually in a gathering type setting. Let's say for example, you are at a social gathering of some sort where you may or may not know the people there very well. This is likely in situations like weddings or showers. It is nice to be able to carry your baby around but your arms may get tired. The sling, or other baby-wearing carrier, comes in handy in these situations. But the best benefit in these situations is that people can see and talk to or interact with your baby, but they are less likely to try to hold them than if you were simply carrying them. This way, you can stay a little protective of your baby without feeling like you are being mean or rude to those you are interacting or conversing with. To me, it is a great advantage.
I get tons of compliments and questions about my sling. I can't think of a time I've gone to the store or craft fair or social gathering without at least one person making a comment about liking the sling or asking if the baby likes it or asking if it saves my back. It is very apparent to me that it is easy to see the benefits that slings provide.
Baby-wearing provides many benefits to mama (or papa) and the baby. First and foremost, the baby is next to his or her parent. This is where babies are meant to be. Baby-wearing allows the baby to be close but still be able to interact with or observe the world around while feeling safe and secure and protected. Baby-wearing allows for hands-free baby carrying. No more worrying about the carrier. No need to fear leaving your baby on the shopping cart to grab some veggies (which can also run the risk of the carrier sliding off or falling off of the cart if it is not secured or locked into place). A baby-wearing shopper can also opt for the hand basket if only a few small items are being purchased because his or her hands are available to hold the basket in one hand and grab items with the other. Baby-wearing allows a fussy baby to move with his or her parent while chores are completed around the house. Many mamas can nurse their baby while baby-wearing very comfortably. Baby-wearing is less bulky and lighter than carrying a baby in a traditional carrier (no more waddling or constant shifting) allowing for longer trips/walks. And again, as I've mentioned previously, baby-wearing allows strangers to say, "Hi" and interact with the baby but are less likely to ask to hold the baby keeping the parent from having to make the decision about whether or not they want to pass of their baby to someone they don't know well or risk appearing rude.
There are several styles of baby-wearing apparatuses. Here are descriptions of a few:
Slings: Slings are worn distributing the baby's weight across the body with the strap on one shoulder. Several varieties are available.
A bag sling provides some structure for a young baby but does not have the versatility that some others may have. The baby is carried in a single cradle position. Be extremely careful with this style though, some of them were part of a recent recall due to infant deaths from positional asphyxiation (suffocation). These types are not usually associated with "baby-wearing" because the baby hangs in a bag rather than being up against the body of the person carrying them and therefore, some or all of the benefits of baby-wearing may be lost.
Wrap Carriers: Wrap carriers have less structure than slings. They are typically made with a large long cut of durable fabric with or without a small amount of stretch. The fabric is wrapped around the baby in a number of configurations from front carry to cradle to back carry and more. Weight distribution is more balanced in this type of carrier which is a benefit if the baby is older or particularly large. This type of carrier can be worn by multiple individuals, as it is retied each time it is worn. A baby can easily be nursed in this type of carrier. Here is a picture of one type of wrap carrier.
Soft Structure Carriers: These carriers provide some structure but they are typically made of durable fabric with or without clasps or buckles to secure them. They are typically easily folded and washed. They are worn either on the front or back of the body. A carrier of this design that ties is called a mei tai. These carriers support the baby's weight over both shoulders and typically have a waist strap and occasionally will have a chest clip to secure the shoulder straps. Some varieties of these carriers (especially those widely available at retail stores) allow the baby to face outward, but use caution with these types of carriers: studies have shown that babies spinal and hip development is better protected when their weight is supported on their rump while they are carried for extended periods of time. If you prefer this style of carrier for your baby-wearing, choose one where the baby is seated on his rump with legs spread wide and knees above the rump rather than supported in the crotch area. More often than not, you'll find the safest and most comfortable position for your baby is when their body faces yours. 
Pack Carriers: Pack carriers have more structure and can be used long term for activities such as hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities. Carriers of this design provide some protection for the baby from falls if terrain is not level, but it will not protect from everything. Babies worn in these carriers are worn primarily on the back and usually are not considered to be "worn". While these carriers do provide some of the benefits of baby-wearing, others are lost. These types of carriers typically provide very good weight distribution to make longer periods of carrying more comfortable. I hope this enlightens and informs. Make sure to read and follow all safety instructions for proper use and follow your instincts - if the baby doesn't seem safe and secure, he probably isn't. With that in mind, I'd highly suggest baby-wearing to any parents. I enjoy it as does my little one!
Added note: All of these pictures were taken from Google image search results. No copyright infringement was intended. If these pictures are not intended for free use, please contact me and I will gladly replace them. I'd suggest in that situation that the images be better protected and not able to be saved/downloaded to personal computers.
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