Any new parent or caregiver can attest to the challenge of staying on top of a never-ending to-do list while managing feedings, naps, and age-appropriate play. Babywearing offers a simple, research-backed solution.
Babywearing is more than just a trend, it’s a practice with ancient roots and for good reason. Wearing your baby in a carrier is a practical option that supports connection, comfort, and mobility. In this guide, we’ll share helpful babywearing tips, including the benefits of babywearing, key safety considerations, and the types of carriers available, so you can make the best choice for you and your lifestyle.
New to babywearing? Explore the different types of baby carriers to find what feels right for you and your baby.
What is Babywearing?
Babywearing is the practice of carrying a baby using a wrap or carrier, keeping them snug and supported against your body. It allows parents and caregivers to hold their baby close while remaining hands-free. Babywearing has been used across cultures for generations due to its practicality, and is still popular with modern families today because of its many benefits.
Benefits of Babywearing?
It’s no surprise that babywearing carriers consistently top the lists of must have baby registry items. When done correctly, babywearing offers meaningful benefits for babies and their caregivers alike. While every family’s experience is unique and will vary based on the baby’s age and preferences, the following benefits are widely supported by research and the real-life experience of parents everywhere.
For babies, the physical closeness to you can support their physical development and emotional regulation and provide comfort through movement. For parents and caregivers, babywearing offers hands-free convenience, boosts mental health and physical activity, and can even support breastfeeding. Together, these benefits create a one-of-a-kind, almost sacred experience for you and your baby.
Promotes Bonding and Emotional Connection
Often described as one of the greatest benefits of babywearing is the bonding and emotional connection you get with your baby. The physical closeness helps babies feel warm and secure. For caregivers, having the baby at your chest allows you to be more connected and in tune with their cues, encouraging responsive caregiving and strengthening emotional attachment over time.
Supports Baby’s Comfort, Regulation, and Development
For babies, being held close to your chest helps them regulate their temperature, breathing, and heart rate by matching those of your own body. They are naturally comforted because the babywearing experience is in many ways similar to being in the womb. Babywearing also allows babies to safely observe the world around them, supporting some of those early baby milestones like sensory and cognitive development.
Helps Reduce Crying and Fussiness
Because babywearing carriers provide such a comfortable environment on your chest, babies are often less fussy. While crying is normal for all babies, many families find that babywearing throughout the day helps their baby feel more settled and content, reducing crying and episodes of fussiness. One explanation for this is simply keeping the baby in an upright position, which is one of the most effective ways to soothe baby reflux.
Offers Hands-Free Convenience for Parents
For parents and caregivers of a new baby, it can feel daunting to manage all of the additional tasks around the house while keeping up with consistent physical activity. Babywearing helps solve this problem by allowing you to move around hands-free, completing everyday tasks while keeping your baby safe and close. Babies will often fall asleep in the carrier while you do chores, care for older children, go on walks, and more.
Supports Parental Mental Health and Confidence
The postpartum period is an especially sensitive time for birthing parents as they manage physical healing, fluctuating hormones, and adjusting to having a new baby at home. Babywearing can support parental mental health by strengthening the parent-baby bond and helping caregivers feel more confident by improving responsiveness to the baby’s cues. Feeling connected and capable as a new parent is important for your mental health and emotional well-being.
Encourages Inclusive Caregiving
An often overlooked benefit of babywearing is that it encourages more inclusive caregiving across families of all shapes, sizes, and roles. Babywearing is accessible to caregivers of all genders and body types, and thoughtfully designed carriers, like Boppy’s ComfyFit and ComfyGrow, offer size-inclusive fits that comfortably support bigger bodies, making it easier for partners, grandparents, and caregivers to bond with baby and share in daily care.
Promotes Healthy Hip Positioning When Used Correctly
There are many different styles of babywearing carriers, all designed to support healthy hip development and natural spine positioning when used properly. The key is that the baby’s legs are in an “M” position, with their knees above their hips and thighs spread apart against your body. For more information on proper fit, positioning, and healthy development, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific baby carrier.
Can Support Breastfeeding and On-the-Go Feeding
For breastfeeding parents, close physical contact through babywearing can help support milk supply by encouraging skin-to-skin time and responsiveness to the baby’s feeding cues. Keeping the baby close may help stimulate milk-producing hormones and strengthen the breastfeeding relationship, but feeding should always be done outside of the carrier to ensure the baby’s airway remains clear and unobstructed.
Helps Parents Stay Active and Mobile with Baby
Babywearing enables parents and caregivers to stay active by allowing for hands-free movement. Whether getting outside for a quick walk or traveling with an infant, babywearing carriers provide a safe and comfortable space for the baby without the bulky gear. Their compact nature and user friendliness make them perfect for use at home or while out on the go.
Keep your baby engaged with age-appropriate playtime items that support their physical and cognitive development.
TICKS Babywearing: Safety & Tips
Babywearing safety is one of the most important considerations when researching how to babywear. You’ll want to make sure your baby is not only comfortable, but also in a safe position to support their airway and growing bodies. The T.I.C.K.S guidelines are a simple, widely recognized framework you can follow to achieve safe posture and positioning.
T: Tight
Babywearing carriers are designed to keep the baby tight to your chest, with the weight of the baby supported by the carrier and not the wearer’s arms or back. A snug carrier allows for good baby posture while you move, preventing any slumping forward. This tight positioning is critical for optimal breathing and encouraging healthy physical development.
I: In View at All Times
All babywearing positions and carriers should allow you to see the baby’s face at all times without fabric covering their nose or mouth. If the baby’s face is pressed directly into your chest or against the fabric of the carrier, there is a risk of difficulty breathing. With a quick glance down, you should be able to easily monitor the baby's breathing and comfort.
C: Close Enough to Kiss
When in a carrier, the baby’s head should be positioned high on the caregiver’s chest to support airway safety. A helpful rule of thumb is the kiss test: you should be able to easily kiss the top of your baby’s head. If you have to strain to do so, your baby is likely positioned too low in the carrier.
K: Keep Chin Off Chest
When babies’ chins are pressed down to their chests, their little airways become restricted and breathing becomes more difficult, especially in young infants. A safe carrier position allows for the baby's head to be upright with visible space between the chin and chest. There should be enough room to fit a finger to keep the airway open and support comfortable breathing.
S: Supported Back
A properly worn baby carrier will keep your baby’s back supported with the spine in a natural, gently curved position. The baby should never be slumped over or forced too straight. Proper back support helps babies relax into the carrier and distributes their weight evenly, allowing for maximum comfort and healthy alignment as they grow.
Safety matters - read more about safe product use for Boppy baby carriers.
Types of Baby Carriers
There are many types of carriers available today to fit your needs, preferences, and stage of parenthood. Each carrier style offers unique benefits based on factors like your baby’s age and size and the level of support and comfort desired. The best baby carrier will vary depending on your lifestyle and how you plan to use it. Let’s break down some of the most common baby carriers to help you select the right one for you.
Babywearing Wraps
A babywearing wrap is essentially just a long piece of fabric that is wrapped and tied around the body in a specific way to create a snug fit against your chest. Wrap babywearing is especially great for the newborn stage when babies are less alert and sleep for most of the day. It can be slightly tricky at first to learn how to use a baby wrap, but most parents get the hang of it after a few tries.
Ring Slings
Similar to wrap carriers, ring slings use long pieces of fabric that are threaded through two rings just below the shoulder to create a cozy space for your baby. The rings allow you to more quickly adjust the carrier, making it easier to take on and off. Many parents prefer this option for quick outings or for colder weather since the fabric is usually thicker.
Baby Hip Carriers
At around six months, when your baby is able to sit up independently, baby hip carriers like the ComfyHold Cross-Body Hip Carrier can be used. These slings usually rest on your shoulder and cross the body to the opposite hip, allowing for comfortable weight distribution while keeping the baby close. While this option does not allow you to be totally hands-free, it eliminates much of the back and arm strain of holding a baby.
Soft-Structured Baby Carriers (SSCs)
Soft-structured baby carriers, or buckle carriers, are a versatile and easy-to-use option that grows with your baby. SSCs can be used from the newborn stage all the way through toddlerhood and worn on your front or back. The padded shoulder straps and waistband provide comfort for longer wear while keeping your baby close for everyday activities.
Hybrid Baby Carriers
Hybrid baby carriers like the Boppy ComfyGrow Hybrid Baby Carrier and the Boppy ComfyFit® Adjust Hybrid Baby Carrier combine elements of wraps and structured carriers for a balance of comfort and convenience. This option is popular with parents due to its modern, versatile design that provides good support while remaining less bulky and complicated than other carrier options.
Meh Dai (Mei Tai) Baby Carriers
Meh Dai or Mei Tai baby carriers are traditional asian carriers that are similar to soft-structured baby carriers but use ties instead of buckles. The soft fabric panel allows for flexible positioning on either your front or back while supporting the baby’s hips and spine. This option offers the adjustability of a wrap carrier with the ease and support of a structured carrier.
Explore Boppy’s collection of Baby Carriers designed to support comfort, connection, and hands-free movement.
How to Choose the Best Baby Carrier for You
The best baby carrier is one that matches the needs and lifestyle of you and your family. When selecting a baby carrier, think about the daily activities you plan to use it for and which features matter most to you. Your baby’s age and size, your body and comfort preferences, and how and where you’ll use the carrier all play a role in determining which option will feel best. Trust your instincts and personal preferences; you may find yourself naturally drawn to a certain style. Keep these factors in mind to find the right balance:
- Baby’s age, size, and developmental milestones
- Versatility and ability to grow with your baby
- Ease of use and adjustability
- Comfort, support level, and fit for the wearer
Explore Boppy Baby Carriers Designed for Comfort & Support
Regardless of which style you choose, baby carriers are an excellent way to keep your baby close and safe while moving through daily life as a parent or caregiver. Aside from the hands-free convenience, baby carriers offer meaningful benefits, including supporting bonding, promoting healthy development, and reducing fussiness.
At Boppy, we’re continually innovating to bring you products that support you and your baby as you grow together. Browse our collection of baby carriers to find one that feels right for you, or explore our new arrivals today!
Babywearing FAQs
When can you start baby wearing?
Many parents can begin babywearing from birth as long as their baby meets the carrier’s minimum weight requirements and is positioned correctly. It’s important to choose a carrier designed for newborns and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to support the baby’s head, neck, and airway.
Can babywearing cause hip dysplasia?
Babywearing does not cause hip dysplasia when a carrier is used properly and supports the baby’s hips in a natural, ergonomic position. Choosing a well-designed carrier and ensuring the baby’s legs are supported with knees higher than their bottom can help promote healthy hip positioning.
Does babywearing count as tummy time?
Babywearing does not replace tummy time, but it can complement it by supporting the baby’s head and core strength through upright positioning. Tummy time on a firm, flat surface is still important for helping babies develop the muscles needed for rolling, crawling, and sitting.
Can I sit down while babywearing?
Yes, you can sit down while babywearing as long as the baby remains well-supported and their airway stays clear. Be mindful of your posture and avoid slouching to help keep the baby in a safe, comfortable position.