What is Baby Wearing?

Baby wearing is just what it sounds like – wearing your baby. The baby is placed in a wrap or sling that is being worn by a parent (or other adult), leaving that person’s hands free all while reaping the benefits of being close to your baby. This is multitasking at its finest.  

Is it Safe?

Baby wearing is safe as long as you’re using your carrier correctly. Not all carriers are recommended for all age groups. Be sure that the carrier that you’re using is approved for the age and size of your baby.

Different carriers allow for different positioning of your baby. It’s important to keep in mind that as your baby grows appropriate carrying positions will change. Different areas of concern should include your baby’s face, head and neck positioning, baby’s hip positioning and making sure that the carrier is secure without being constricting.

Be mindful of overheating; if it’s a hot day, you might want to skip baby wearing.  Younger babies are at higher risk for carrier-related suffocation, so always read the instructions and/or check the manufacturer’s website for directions and safety points. Have a discussion with your pediatrician if you’re still unsure.

Different Methods of Baby Wearing

Different carriers provide different ways to wear your baby. Do some experimenting and find what works best for you and your baby. Please remember to be sure that the carrier you’re choosing is recommended for your baby’s age.

The Wrap

Brands like Boba and Moby provide a wrap that’s versatile and can adapt as your baby grows. They’re not as straightforward as some of the other baby carriers, but once you get the knack of wrapping, this might be the last baby carrier you ever buy. Wrap carriers come in different varieties from stretchy to woven. Depending on your baby’s age and size, some of these wrap carriers can be worn on your front, side or back. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.

What we like: 

• You can use the same one from newborn to toddlerhood (woven wraps)
• Versitile – you can change up positions to suite your baby and your comfort level
• Comfortably wide at the shoulders – because it’s basically just a large swath of fabric wrapped around your body, you can really spread the fabric at your shoulders creating far less pressure in an isolated area like straps might. 
• Super adjustable – you can make it just right for your body and your baby’s
• Easy to travel with – you can just fold it up and shove it into your purse or diaper bag
• Easy to wash – chuck it in the washing machine

What we’re not crazy about: 

• You have to get the hang of wrapping it around yourself
• Might be more time consuming to put on or take off
• Very long and ends may drag on the ground when you put in on and take it off
• Can be hot for the adult wearing it
• Stretchy wraps are usually only recommended for newborns

The Ring Sling

Similar to the wrap, however there’s no tying involved. Ring slings can also be adaptable to your baby’s age and can also be used on your front, side or back.

What we like:

• Quick to put on and take off once you get the hang of it
• Easy to adjust
• Lightweight
• Easy to travel with, same concept as the wrap
• Easy to wash – chuck it in the washing machine
• Can be used to carry on the hip, back or front of your body
• Use the same one from newborn to toddlerhood

What we’re not crazy about:

• Uneven weight distribution which could cause shoulder and/or back pain
• Very long, could get dirty from the ground
• Not comfortable for prolonged physical activities – like a day at the zoo

The Backpack Carrier

If you’re planning on an outing where you’ll be on your feet for the majority of the time, the backpack carrier might be your best bet. Front loading isn’t recommended for comfort and back health if you’re hiking, going to the zoo or wandering your local flea market. Please note that backpack carriers are not recommended for newborns and should generally be used only when your baby can sit up on their own.  

What we like: 

• Much cooler with optimal airflow
• Holds baby higher so they can enjoy the view with you
• Designed for longer treks so weight is more evenly distributed
• Additional storage
• Many come with weather shields for baby to keep her out of the sun or rain

What we’re not crazy about:

• The carrier itself tends to be heavy
• Not recommended for young babies
• Bulky and difficult to travel with
• Top heavy which might mess with your balance
• Usually on the pricer side
• More tasking to wash

Soft Structured Carriers (SSC’s)

These are a widely popular mode of baby carrying and according to many parents, the most comfortable option. Think lots of buckles and pads for safety and wearability and they come in so many styles and colors that you can have it all – fashion and comfort…like the luxury car of baby carriers.

What We like:

• Easy to master
• Heavily padded shoulder straps for comfort
• Tend to be light weight
• Adjustable
• Lots of varieties and styles so that you can find one that’s just right for you

What we’re not crazy about:

• Not as easy to stow and go
• Can be expensive
• Many are not recommended for newborns

Hip Carrier

for the older baby and toddler who need a little more freedom. A hip carrier simply straps around your middle section and rests on one hip. This is not a hands-free option, but can offer support for prolonged upright snuggle sessions. Just be sure to alternate between sides so that you stay even!

What we Like:

• If you habitually carry your wee one on your hip, this carrier helps more evenly distribute the weight
• Centers the weight around your hips, which are more adept at bearing heavy loads than your shoulders are
• Provides that M position of baby’s hips that pediatricians recommend
• Simple to put on and take off
• Good for toddlers who might have outgrown other carriers
• Great for toddlers who want up and down frequently

What we’re not crazy about: 

• Not hands-free, you still need to hold onto your baby to be sure they don’t topple off the carrier
• Bad if you have hip issues

Hybrid Carrier

These combine the comfort of a wrap carrier with the convenience of a structured carrier. You get the best of both worlds.

What we like:

• Highly adjustable
• Can be used on front, back, hip
• No buckles – they can cause discomfort
• Come in lots of patterns and colors

What we’re not crazy about:

• The learning curve – it takes a little practice
• The straps may drag on the ground and get dirty
• Not ideal with toddlers who want in and out

Pros and Cons of Babywearing

Baby wearing has benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look… 

Pros: 

• Keeps baby close promoting positive attachment through close contact
• Great way for non-birthing parents to bond and form attachment with baby
• Can reduce baby crying, as it is easier to soothe and respond to their needs before they fall apart
• Allows you to do more since your hands are free to fold some laundry, answer some emails for work, or play with your toddler
• Baby closeness releases oxytocin which promotes milk production
• Helps baby develop social skills – since they’ll be up close and personal during your social interactions, babies experience what you experience and are right in the mix with you which can lead them to be less standoffish and more socially confident later in life
• You can even breastfeed while baby wearing, and if you wear a breastfeeding top, you can do so very discreetly
• Can reduce baby colic and reflux due to spending more time upright
• Strengthens baby’s neck muscles since being upright encourages babies to hold their own heads up
• Soothes and comforts baby while offering him a sense of security

Cons

• Using incorrectly can put your baby at risk for hip issues (hip dysplasia), suffocation due to incorrect positioning or fabric over baby’s face (when the baby’s chin is tucked to their chest it can obstruct their airway making it difficult to breathe)
• Can be uncomfortable for baby – some babies just don’t like them
• Can be uncomfortable for parent, especially if you’re not used to wearing one
• Overheating can occur
• Some carriers can be difficult to put on
• If you fall, your baby falls since they’re strapped to you
• Leg bonks – be sure not to bonk their little legs into door frames or furniture
• Carriers that hold the baby on one side of your body can result in muscular and spinal imbalances for parent
• Can complicate issues with your healing, especially if you’ve experienced a pelvic prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, perineal tear or trauma, hemorrhoids or other physical postpartum concerns. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider to determine if your body has healed and you are ready to carry your baby.

What type of carrier is best for me?

That’s going to be a personal decision that depends on your specific preferences. Some parents will only ever use a wrap from the time their baby is tiny until she’s toddler-sized, while others swear by the comfort of a soft structured carrier and no other carrier will do.

Your own body type will play into that decision as well as the age and size of your baby. Safety is your number one concern followed closely by comfort. Take your baby with you when you shop for baby carriers so that both of you can try the carrier out and determine what works best. If your partner or other caregiver is going to be wearing your baby, invite them along as well. 

If you’re ready to try your hand at baby wearing and want to see these carriers in action, here’s a quick video that shows you three popular types of carriers.

Final Thoughts

Having a baby is time consuming and if it’s your first baby, you might be surprised how limited your time is to do anything other than tend to your little one. Baby wearing offers a win-win solution for babies and parents. Baby gets to stay snuggled close while you use your hands to do something besides hold him. Baby wearing can be pretty liberating and guilt free since baby is usually pretty content to chill out in that carrier while you continue to live your life and get stuff done. Guilt free productivity all while bonding? Sign us up.