Babywearing 101

Babywearing has a rich history and connects generations of parents across multiple cultures. Not only does it allow for hands-free bonding with your little one, but it has numerous benefits for both baby and caregiver. We’ll explore babywearing basics, including the different types of carriers available, the benefits of babywearing, and how to wear your baby safely. Whether you’re a curious newbie or a seasoned pro needing a refresher, our guide to babywearing 101 has got you covered.

What is Babywearing?

Babywearing is the practice of carrying your baby or toddler close to your body in a wrap, carrier, or sling. An age-old tradition celebrated in cultures around the world for centuries, babywearing offers multiple benefits: It promotes bonding, supports your baby’s healthy development, and makes parenting (a little bit more) convenient. Embracing babywearing can be a game-changer for many new parents and help tiny humans adjust to life outside the womb.

The Benefits of Babywearing: It’s Science

Babywearing is a super convenient way to spend time close to your baby. It promotes bonding, encourages healthy infant development, and can help the whole brand-new parenting thing feel more manageable.

Research shows that carried babies cry less and sleep more, especially in the evening.
Need to get stuff done? Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close and secure while having two free hands. Maybe one day the laundry will do itself, but until then, #wearallthebabies
Babywearing facilitates Kangaroo Care—or skin-to-skin contact—which encourages bonding, reduces infant stress, improves infant heart rate and temperature regulation, and aids in alleviating mild postpartum depression.
Got milk (supply issues)? Babywearing increases oxytocin and prolactin levels, the hormones responsible for establishing and maintaining milk supply.
You can easily share carriers amongst caregivers, so they’re a great way to foster bonding between baby and Dad, Grandparents, adopted parents, or babysitters. Parenting is hard work, so let someone else do it for a little while.
Babywearing is linked to a lower incidence of SIDS and helps prevent “flat-head” syndrome.

For an academic deep dive into how babywearing benefits parent and child psychological and physical health, click here.

Do You Need a Baby Carrier?

Many first-time parents are (understandably) focused on the more expensive long-term purchases, like car seats, strollers, and nursery furniture. But we consistently hear from the Albee Baby community that the baby carrier is the genuine gear MVP.

While you could always use a stroller for trips outside the house, a baby carrier is super portable, making navigating crowded spaces quick and convenient. Carriers are equally helpful around the house—sure, your baby may love her swing or bouncer, but most babies love snuggling. Baby carriers let you hold your little one close while freeing up your hands to tackle daily chores (or chase older siblings).

What Are the Types of Baby Carriers?

From wraps and slings to structured carriers, there are plenty of options for you to explore.

Stretchy wraps: Wraps are simple by definition—they are a length of fabric tied around the wearer and kiddo. While they offer the most versatility, they also require the most significant investment in education and usage. Great for newborn cuddling, breastfeeding, kangaroo care, switching between caretakers, plus-size wearers, and various positioning.
Soft structured carriers (SSCs): Soft structured carriers have a main body panel attached to straps that use buckles to secure the carrier instead of knots. They are super convenient, and learning to use them requires little effort. Most can be used from birth to toddlerhood and beyond (if your back agrees). Great for parents who want an easy-to-use carrier, switching between caretakers, longer wearing, warmer climates.
Ring slings: Ring slings are simply a length of fabric—much like a wrap—pulled between two rings to create a “pouch” for your baby. They are infinitely adjustable and offer a quick in and out for your squish. Great for newborn cuddling, breastfeeding, switching between caretakers, travel, and plus-size wearers.

Hybrid: Hybrid carriers take some of the best features of wraps and buckle carriers and combine them into a product that can be easier to use than the “parent” product. Great for newborn cuddling, breastfeeding, and caregivers who may be intimidated by wrapping but love its benefits.
Frame: Frame baby carriers look like framed backpacks used for outdoor adventures, but in place of backpack storage, there’s a seat for your baby. They’re specifically designed for hiking and provide maximum airflow and breathability. Great for outdoor adventures, trails, and extended wearing.

Shopping Tips for Baby Carriers

To start, imagine how you plan to use your baby carrier. Are you committed to the baby-wearing lifestyle, full stop? Will your carrier be shared amongst several caregivers? How often do you plan to use the carrier? Answering these questions will help prioritize your babywearing needs and find the suitable carrier for your lifestyle.

Let’s highlight some buying considerations that will help narrow your search.

Ease of use: Some carriers have a steeper learning curve, and some are more intuitive right out of the box. Think about how much time you’d like to commit to learning the ins and outs of a carrier.
Versatility and weight limits: If you’re planning on relatively limited use—say, just for those early newborn weeks—you may not need to worry about a super full-featured carrier with multiple carrying positions and a higher weight limit.
Breastfeeding: If you’re nursing, a carrier that can be quickly adjusted and repositioned will make feeding your baby less stressful for both of you.
Climate: Babywearing can be toasty. If you live somewhere that’s warm for a significant part of the year, there are carriers that allow for more airflow and will help keep you cooler.
Age: This one’s a quickie. If you plan to babywear with a newborn, keep in mind that some carriers will require the purchase of an additional accessory to make that possible.

When Can Your Baby Face Forward in a Baby Carrier?

It’s important to ensure that your baby is being worn properly in a “hip-healthy” position. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends wearing your baby inward-facing for the first six months, minimally (and beyond that, ideally).

Your baby will experience rapid hip development in the first six months, and facing your baby towards your body in a carrier allows for the optimal “spread squat” or “M shape” position. That just means that your baby’s thighs are wrapped around your torso and supported, and her knees are slightly higher than her bottom.

After the six-month mark, you can turn your baby forward-facing so they can explore her world and enjoy additional sensory stimulation.

How Do You Check for Proper Positioning in a Baby Carrier?

If you’ve tried out a carrier and thought, “Am I doing this right?” you are not alone! Fortunately, a helpful acronym for safe babywearing guidance is the T.I.C.K.S. rule.

T is for Tight. The carrier should be adjusted tightly enough so that your baby is held in a snug hug. Not only is this position most comfortable for the both of you, but it also ensures there’s no slack in the fabric, which could allow for your baby to slump down in the carrier.
I is for In View at All Times. Your baby’s face should be visible, at all times, when you glance down—you shouldn’t need to pull or adjust fabric or the carrier body to see her face. If you’re wearing your baby in a cradle position, your baby’s face should be pointing up and not rolling towards your body.
C is for Close Enough to Kiss. The top of your baby’s head should be close to your chin, and you should be able to kiss your baby’s forehead by tilting your chin down only slightly.
K is for Keep Chin Off the Chest. Check for a finger width’s space between your baby’s chin and chest. If your baby is curled too forward in the carrier, her chin can drop to her chest and restrict her breathing.
S is for Supported Back. In an upright facing-in position, your baby’s spine should be in a relaxed “C” position (you can check for this by gently pressing on your baby’s back—your baby shouldn’t move closer to you or uncurl).

How Long Can You Use a Baby Carrier?

While you’ll probably get the most use out of your carrier in the first 6-9 months, there are plenty of parents who babywear through toddlerhood.

Finding What’s Right for You

Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you feel empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or [email protected].