Babywearing for beginners

What is babywearing?

Babywearing simply means carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier.

This could be while you're out and about, instead of using a pram or stroller. Or you could just babywear at home, so you can get on with your day while your baby naps close to you.

What are the benefits of babywearing?

There are many reasons why parents choose to carry their baby in a sling or carrier. With your baby safely secured in a wrap or sling, you may find that your hands are free to carry out some essential tasks around the home, or make that call you’ve been planning to make.

Babywearing can be particularly handy if you have a baby who doesn't like naps or being put down, as your movements help to soothe your baby without putting strain on your back by holding her for a long time.

In many cases, a baby carrier is a practical alternative to a pram. For example, rather than take a bulky pram on a family day trip or on public transport, some parents opt for a space-saving baby carrier. For these mums and dads, babywearing may be something they only do a few times a month or when they go on holidays.

For other parents, babywearing is a financial decision. You can find baby carriers suitable from birth for as little as $30 to $40, whereas a pram or stroller can cost hundreds. This is sometimes the deciding factor for parents who have a toddler and are also expecting their second child.

Rather than splashing out on an expensive double pram, parents may prefer to use a baby carrier for their newborn and a single pram or inexpensive, lightweight stroller for their toddler. By the time their new baby is too big to be carried comfortably, it's likely their toddler won't need the pram or stroller any more.

Using babywearing to increase skin-to-skin contact with your baby has also been found to increase your levels of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Oxytocin helps mums and dads to bond with their babies, and it's also essential for breastfeeding.

Babywearing is often associated with attachment parenting, an approach to raising children. The theory behind attachment parenting is that letting your baby know she's safe and well-cared for will help her grow up emotionally secure. One of the ways this is achieved is through physical closeness and the 'three Bs' approach: breastfeeding, bed-sharing (co-sleeping) and babywearing.

Many parents simply enjoy the sensation of their baby being close to them, which babywearing provides. It can be a lifesaver if you have a baby who likes to be held upright because of reflux, or a colicky baby who needs more soothing. It can be particularly helpful during your baby’s first three months (the fourth trimester), as you and your little one bond with each other.

What are the disadvantages of babywearing?

Babywearing won't be right for everyone. For some parents, carrying a baby makes it difficult to also carry the shopping or a nappy bag. Although a pram can be bulky, you can usually put your bags underneath.

Babywearing can get hot, especially in summer. Not only can a sweaty torso be unpleasant for you, but your baby may be in danger of overheating if she's overdressed. Your body creates heat, so if you do put your baby in a sling or carrier, dress her in layers that can be removed easily.

Some breastfeeding mums find that when they use a carrier or sling, the close contact with their baby may over-stimulate their breastmilk production. If your breasts become engorged, babywearing on your front may become uncomfortable.

But if your milk supply is over-stimulated, you don't need to stop breastfeeding or babywearing. Speak to a breastfeeding counsellor or your child health nurse, who will give you tips on easing your engorged breasts.

Depending on the type of carrier you buy, some brands and models can be expensive. You may find own-brand versions on baby-goods stores or cheaper or homemade alternatives online. If you buy online, make sure the manufacturer has positive reviews from other buyers and that the item is in good condition.

What are the best carriers and slings for babywearing?

To find a sling or carrier that works for you and your baby, it's essential to do your research. Different types of carrier suit different needs and babies of different ages.

For example, if you want to be close to your baby, then a wrap may be your best option. But if you want something suitable for a walking holiday with your older baby, then a backpack carrier will be ideal.

There are six main types of baby carrier:

• A classic baby carrier has a padded structure and buckle fastenings.
• A wrap is made of stretchy fabric or woven fabric that ties around your body in multiple ways.
• A soft-structured carrier has a rectangular piece of fabric that makes a pouch for your baby. It's secured in place with buckles or, in the case of Mei Tais, ties.
• A pouch sling is made up of a looped piece of fabric that sits diagonally across the body.
• A ring sling is a length of fabric secured in place by threading one end through two rings. It also sits diagonally across the body
• A backpack carrier uses a metal frame to hold your baby in a slightly seated position. It usually comes with space for storage.

Many baby carriers and slings are adjustable, so you can move your baby around until you’re comfortable and your carrier can be used by parents of different sizes. But some carriers, such as the pouch sling, aren't adjustable. A pouch sling is one piece of fabric sewn together into a loop. If the loop is too big or too small, you're unlikely to find a comfortable and safe position for your baby. Always check the stockist's measurement guides before making a purchase.

Some carriers, such as the pouch carrier and the ring sling, are worn diagonally across the body. If you tend to carry your baby on your hip, these carriers can give you extra support for your back, spreading the weight of your baby over a wider area.

But if you suffer from back problems, you may prefer a carrier that sits on both your shoulders so your back isn't pulled to the side. The amount of padding on the weight-bearing straps can also make a difference.

As your baby gets heavier, carrying her on your front may put some strain on your back and shoulders. It's therefore a good idea to buy a carrier that allows for multiple carrying positions, including carrying your baby on your back.

Many carriers can be used when your baby becomes a toddler, although some may be more comfortable than others. For example, a woven wrap can be used for your toddler, but she may not enjoy how restrictive it is, and you may both get hot quite quickly. A backpack carrier gives both of you a bit more freedom to move, so may be a better choice for an older child.

How can I keep my baby safe in a sling or carrier?

It's important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen carrier. If you find the instructions unclear, you may be able to find a video tutorial online. Practise putting the carrier on and taking it off before putting your baby in it.

The UK Sling Consortium has also created TICKS, a set of rules to help you check that your baby is positioned safely. TICKS stands for:

• T: tight
• I: in view at all times
• C: close enough to kiss
• K: keep chin off the chest
• S: supported back

Learn more about using TICKS when babywearing.

Some carriers and positions are unsafe for your baby as they don't meet the TICKS rules. Bag carriers and bag slings should be avoided because they force your baby's chin onto her chest. Sadly, this position has been associated with infant deaths. It's also best to avoid a cradle position for your baby for similar reasons.

If your baby is a newborn, or she has clicky hips or other hip problems, use a carrier with a wide pouch that supports her legs from hip to knee. A narrow pouch that only supports her bottom isn't recommended because it will leave her legs unsupported and hanging straight down.

Using a sling or carrier with a narrow pouch shouldn't harm your older baby, as long as she doesn't have any hip problems. But a wide pouch provides the healthiest hip position for all babies.

Where can I get advice and support for babywearing?

For more information try Carry AustraliaOpens a new window, a not-for-profit orgnisation with information about local groups and events. You could also search online for a local babywearing group or ask around in our BabyCenter community.

Check out the different types of slings and carriers, and discover what BabyCenter parents love about babywearing.