By Tiffany Joy Yamut in Guides — 04 Sep 2025

Babywearing 101: A Guide for New Parents

Babywearing is the practice of using a wrap, sling, or carrier to hold your baby close and provides benefits like comfort, bonding, and hands-free convenience.

Wearing my son.

I never expected just how much my baby would want to be in my arms after becoming a parent. The moment I set him down, the crying would begin. This would leave me torn between holding him and trying to manage even the simplest tasks at home.

Babywearing completely shifted that experience. It allowed me to keep him close, calm, and content while giving me the freedom to move and breathe. More than that, it gave me a special way to bond with my newborn.

In this article, I’ll share what babywearing is, why it’s helpful, and how you can start. Hopefully, it gives other new moms and dads the same sense of relief and connection I found.

What is Babywearing?

Babywearing or wearing your baby is the practice of carrying your baby close to your body using a special carrier, wrap, sling, or other babywearing gear. These carriers can be made from soft fabrics like cotton or blends that are strong, breathable, and convenient for both you and your baby.

This practice is especially helpful during the fourth trimester — the first three months after birth — when babies are adjusting to life outside the womb. During this time, they crave closeness, warmth, and motion, and being worn can help them feel secure.

Benefits of Babywearing

Besides keeping your baby close, babywearing comes with many benefits for both you and your little one. Here are some of the main ways it can help:

Promotes bonding and attachment

Once I started wearing my baby, I could see how much it helped them settle down. Snuggling close and moving together not only calmed him but also made us feel closer than ever. Babywearing turned out to be our little bonding secret.

Building a strong bond and secure attachment in these early months is more than just feeling close. Babies who feel safe are more likely to develop trust in their caregivers.

Can reduce crying and fussiness

Frequent infant crying is something many new parents can relate to — it can lead to exhaustion, stress, and even feelings of sadness or depression (1). Babywearing isn’t a magic fix, but a lot of parents find that babywearing helps babies cry less.

I agree with this from my own experience. Whenever my baby is wrapped close to my body, he falls asleep more easily. The gentle pressure and warmth seem to soothe him in a way that putting him in a crib alone doesn’t.

Hands-free convenience

Trying to cook, clean, or even carry groceries with one hand while cradling your baby in the other can be risky, and it can leave your back sore from awkward positions. That’s where babywearing makes a huge difference.

As you keep your baby securely wrapped close to your body, you can move freely, do house chores, run errands, or even take a walk outside for some fresh air!

Helps with breastfeeding feeding on-the-go

Breastfeeding on the go can be a challenge for new parents, but it’s an important way to keep your baby well-fed, satisfied, and healthy. Being able to feed your baby whenever they show hunger cues can help you establish a good milk supply.

Babywearing makes on-the-go breastfeeding much more manageable. It does take a few small tweaks — like adjusting the carrier for comfort, making sure your baby’s head is supported, and wearing clothing that makes nursing easier.

Supports physical development

Babywearing can also help your baby’s muscles grow stronger. When a baby is worn facing inward, toward the parent, in an upright position, their little legs naturally cling to the caregiver’s body. This movement helps strengthen their leg muscles. At the same time, holding their head upright while being carried encourages neck muscle development (2).

Babywearing Considerations

Before you start babywearing, it’s important to think about a few key factors to make sure it’s safe and comfortable for both you and your baby.

Age and weight

Not all carriers are suitable for every stage of your baby’s growth, so it’s important to choose one that fits your little one’s age and weight. Newborns (0–3 months) do best in carriers that provide full head and neck support, like wraps, while older infants and toddlers can use soft-structured carriers or backpack-style carriers.

Most carriers come with weight guidelines, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your baby is properly supported. Following these guidelines helps lower the risk of injury.

Medical conditions

Before starting babywearing, it’s important to consider any medical conditions that might affect you or your baby. Some babies may have reflux, hip dysplasia, or other musculoskeletal issues that require special support.

Parents with back, shoulder, or joint problems should also choose carriers that distribute weight evenly to avoid strain. If you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician or a healthcare professional before babywearing.

The Do’s of Babywearing

Following a few simple rules can make babywearing a positive experience. Remember, every baby is different, so take the time to observe how your little one responds and adjust your carrier or position as needed.

Choose the right carrier

Picking the right carrier is one of the most important steps in babywearing. A well-fitting carrier keeps your baby secure, supports their body, and makes wearing them comfortable for you. There are different types of carriers to suit different needs and stages.

For newborns, stretchy wraps are often a favorite because they hug the baby’s body snugly while providing full head and neck support. As your baby grows, you might consider ring slings or backpack-style carriers, which offer more support for older infants and toddlers.

Always do a safety check

Before each use, take a moment to inspect your carrier. Remember the T.I.C.K.S. rule for babywearing:

Tight – The carrier should hold your baby snugly against you so they don’t slump.
In view at all times – You should always be able to see your baby’s face without moving fabric.
Close enough to kiss – Your baby should sit high enough on your chest for you to lean down and kiss their head.
Keep chin off chest – Make sure your baby’s chin is lifted, not pressed onto their chest, to keep their airway clear.
Supported back – Your baby’s back should be supported in a natural position, with their tummy and chest against you.

It can also help to do a quick “fit check” with your husband, partner, or even a trusted friend. A second pair of eyes can spot things you might miss, like loose straps or your baby’s head tilting too far forward.

Over time, you’ll get more confident, but in the beginning, having someone double-check can give you extra peace of mind.

Position your baby correctly

Once your carrier is secure, the next step is making sure your baby is in the right position. A good fit keeps them properly supported while you move around. Your baby’s hips should be in the “M” position — knees higher than their bottom, with legs spread naturally around your body.

Support your baby’s head and neck

Newborns and young infants don’t yet have the strength to hold their heads up on their own, so it’s important that the carrier provides enough support. The fabric should come up high enough on the back of their neck and head to keep them from wobbling or flopping backward. At the same time, avoid covering your baby’s face with fabric, since that can block airflow.

Tip: If you’re using a stretchy wrap, you can tuck a small rolled-up burp cloth or hand towel along the edge of the fabric for added neck support.

Ensure their airway is open

Your baby’s breathing should never be restricted while in the carrier. Always keep their face visible, with their nose and mouth uncovered by fabric or your clothing. Their chin should stay lifted and not pressed down against their chest, since this can make it harder to breathe.

A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can fit at least two fingers under your baby’s chin.

The Don’ts of Babywearing

The key to safe babywearing lies in steering clear of a few common pitfalls. Here are some things you’ll want to avoid:

Using a damaged carrier

Check your wrap, sling, or structured carrier regularly. Frayed fabric, broken buckles, or loose stitching can make it unsafe. If anything looks worn out, it’s better to repair or replace the carrier.

Overdress the baby

Since your baby is tucked close against your body, they’ll already benefit from your body heat. Too many layers can cause overheating, especially in warmer weather. A simple guideline: dress them as you would yourself, plus one light layer if needed.

Wearing your baby while doing extreme activities

Carriers are not designed for exercise, running, biking, or any activity that involves fast movement or bending over repeatedly. Stick to everyday activities like walking, light chores, or shopping so that your baby stays secure.

Tips for a Successful Babywearing

It can feel awkward at first, especially since you’re both learning something new together. Remember to give yourself grace. Soon, babywearing will start to feel more natural. To help you along the way, here are some success tips:

Practice, practice, practice

Home is the best place to start practicing, where you can take your time without distractions. If you haven’t given birth yet, you can even practice with a doll or stuffed animal to get used to tying wraps or adjusting buckles.

Tip: Watch babywearing tutorials online. Many experienced parents and certified educators share step-by-step videos that can make learning feel much easier.

Start with short periods

Begin with brief babywearing sessions, just a few minutes at a time, so both you and your baby can gradually adjust. This allows your baby to get used to the sensation of being in a carrier while giving you time to build confidence in tying wraps or adjusting straps.

If your baby becomes fussy, don’t worry. It doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike being worn. Try again later when they’re calm, sleepy, or fed.

Wear comfortable clothes

Babywearing works best when you’re comfortable, too. Choose lightweight, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely and doesn’t bunch up under the straps or fabric of your carrier.

Avoid anything too bulky, like thick jackets or tops with lots of buttons, since they can make adjusting the carrier harder or less secure. Nursing-friendly tops can also make things easier if you’re breastfeeding on the go.

Takeaways

Babywearing has helped me a lot, and many other parents feel the same. It’s not a fix for everything, but it makes those early days easier.

Every parent and baby is different, so it may take some time to figure out what works best for you. But once you do, it can become a special part of your day together. I’m glad I tried it, and maybe you will be too.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can you start babywearing?

Most parents can begin babywearing from birth, as long as the carrier is designed for newborns and supports their head, neck, and airway properly. Soft structured carriers with newborn inserts, stretchy wraps, and ring slings are all safe options when used correctly. Always check the weight and age guidelines for your specific carrier.

How long can I wear my baby each day?

There’s no strict time limit as long as your baby is comfortable, supported, and their airway is clear. Many parents start with short sessions and gradually increase the time. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and take breaks as needed.

When you pause, it’s a great opportunity to feed your baby, change their diaper, let them stretch, and even take a moment for your own body to stretch and reset before strapping them back in.

What if the baby is resisting the carrier?

Some babies take time to adjust. Try starting with short periods when your baby is calm, such as after a feeding or nap. You might also experiment with different carriers or positions to find what feels best. Movement, like walking or gentle rocking, can also help soothe them into enjoying the carrier.

Sources:

Möller, E. L., de Vente, W., & Rodenburg, R. (2019). Infant crying and the calming response: Parental versus mechanical soothing using swaddling, sound, and movement. PloS one, 14(4), e0214548. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214548
Siddicky SF, Wang J, Rabenhorst B, Buchele L, Mannen EM. Exploring infant hip position and muscle activity in common baby gear and orthopedic devices. J Orthop Res. 2021;39(5):941-949. doi:10.1002/jor.24818.