Real Questions from Real Parents: Babywearing Made Simple
Babywearing is a parenting game changer but like anything new, it comes with questions. From strap slippage to newborn comfort, this guide answers the babywearing questions real parents ask every day.
We asked certified babywearing educator Laura Brown to answer some of the most common babywearing challenges parents face. Here's what Laura had to say.
How Can I Back Carry My Baby More Easily?
Short answer: Confidence and technique = success.
If you’re new to back carrying, start by practicing over a bed or sofa, or with a partner spotting you. We recommend starting from a hip seat position, rotating baby around to your back, while always keeping one hand on the carrier and one hand on baby. There are many different methods and techniques to try but this is the most common.
With a few tries, it becomes muscle memory and gets a lot easier with confidence. Carriers like the Ergobaby Omni Deluxe make transitioning to a back carry smooth with padded straps and lumbar support.
Can I Babywear While Pregnant or After a C-Section?
Yes you can if it feels comfortable and your healthcare provider gives the green light.
While Pregnant: Some prefer wearing the waist belt above the bump, others below. Adjust based on comfort and monitor how your body feels.
After a C-Section: Try a soft wrap carrier like the Ergobaby Aura Wrap. It allows for high positioning away from your incision and keeps baby close in a secure, kissable position. Always listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
My Carrier Straps Keep Slipping. Help!
Straps falling off your shoulder? Try these adjustments:
- Adjust the chest/back clip: Position the horizontal chest (or back) strap at or below your shoulder blades, about armpit height, and make it snug. If it is too high or wide, the shoulder straps will roll off.
- Ensure the carrier is snug: The carrier should fit like a firm hug; if you can easily slide several fingers between you and your baby, it is too loose.
- Tighten all straps correctly: Pull the loose ends of the straps to remove any slack, ensuring the tension is even on both sides. You may need to lean forward slightly to pull the slack out effectively. Pull the excess webbing from under your arms not directly from the strap itself.
- Consider crossing straps: If your carrier allows, try crossing the shoulder straps in an "X" shape across your back (for front carries) or chest (for back carries); this often provides a more secure fit for people with narrower shoulders.
Is My Baby Overheating in the Carrier?
If your baby pushes away or seems uncomfortable, it could be due to warmth in summer or winter. Baby carriers add an extra layer, so:
- Dress baby lightly.
- Choose breathable fabrics (like the Ergobaby Omni Deluxe Mesh or Aerloom).
- Keep baby’s head and neck clear for ventilation.
- Around two months, babies also start pushing with their arms, this is developmental, not dislike.
My Baby Doesn’t Like the Carrier, What Can I Do?
It’s common for babies to resist the carrier at first, but often, it’s not the carrier.
Is baby well-fed, rested, and calm when going into the carrier? Are you feeling stressed while trying to babywear? Baby can sense it. Are you using the right style of carrier for their age and needs?
- Try short sessions when baby is relaxed.
- Practice often.
- Try a different carry position if baby is developmental ready.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of time before babywearing becomes your go to. Crying in the carrier doesn’t always mean dislike, it may just mean ‘try again later.’
Why Does My Baby Have Red Lines on Their Legs After Babywearing?
- Red lines aren’t always a problem, they are just like sock marks. But if you want to adjust for a better fit:
- Make sure baby’s bum is deep in the seat using a gentle bounce and a pelvic tuck.
- Add baby leg warmers or soft pants to prevent direct contact with the baby carrier.
- If in doubt speak to your local babywearing educator or book a free 1:1 consultation with Ergobaby if you're using an Ergobaby carrier.
Can I Try an Ergobaby Carrier Before Buying?
Want to try before you buy?
- Visit a local Ergobaby stockist like Target.
- Check babywearing meetups in your area.
- Check your local babywearing educator.
- And if you’re unsure which model is right, try the Ergobaby Carrier Quiz to get the right carrier for you and your family.
All Ergobaby carriers come with the ErgoPromise – a lifetime guarantee.
My Baby Spits Up When I Wear Him, Am I Wearing the Carrier Too Tight?
If you’re comfortable, baby is likely not too tight. A baby carrier should feel swim tight. Spitting up can be caused by:
- Motion while baby digests.
- Overheating.
- Reflux is common, especially in the first few months. If you’re ever unsure, trust your gut and reach out to your pediatrician.
- If it continues or worsens, consult your pediatrician.
I Live in a Hot Climate, Which Carrier Is Best?
If you’re outdoorsy or live somewhere hot (hello, Texas!):
- Go with Omni Deluxe in Mesh or Aerloom for maximum airflow.
- Delay forward facing until baby is older, and try back carry once baby is ready.
Remember, layers are best for wearing in summer and winter.
Why Babywearing Matters (and Why It’s Worth Figuring Out)
Babywearing isn’t just about convenience it’s about connection. It helps regulate baby’s temperature, reduces crying, and promotes bonding. For caregivers, it offers hands free freedom and the ability to meet your baby’s needs with confidence and closeness.
Here’s why it’s worth sticking with:
Reduces crying by up to 43%: A landmark study published in Pediatrics found that babies who were carried more cried significantly less especially in the evening hours.
Promotes bonding and brain development: Babywearing increases oxytocin in both baby and caregiver, supporting emotional connection and laying the foundation for healthy attachment and cognitive growth.
