Being able to wear your baby as you’re out and about (or even just around the house) is wonderful. There are so many benefits! To name a few: increasing your bond with your baby through closeness; the fact that your movement, warmth and heartbeat can help them sleep; and the opportunity to have both hands free while snuggling your infant. So many women stand in that classic S-shaped, baby-on-the-hip posture while struggling to shop for groceries or tidy their houses. With the variety of options for slings and carriers, this uncomfortable posture is unnecessary!

There may be a few things you’ve experienced or heard about baby carriers that might deter you from using them. Most of these issues are easy to work around, and just require a bit of knowledge as to how your baby should be positioned –-- and likes to be positioned --– in her carrier. Take a look at our solutions for the most common babywearing challenges.

My baby seems fussy and uncomfortable in her carrier.

If your baby always seems to fuss or even just looks awkward in the carrier, it could be that she’s positioned improperly.

For comfort and health reasons, your baby’s hips should be naturally spread slightly apart, with the knees and hips bent, like a little frog. Sometimes a baby will sit in her carrier with her hips and legs straight down. This, being the least like the natural fetal position your infant is used to, is not only uncomfortable; it may cause issues like hip dysplasia down the road. To fix this position, assess the size of your carrier. It should be big enough that it adequately covers enough of her thighs to support her legs. This will prevent her legs from hanging straight down.

Your baby’s back and head should be supported so that she doesn’t slouch away from you. This will help keep her upright, which will properly distribute her weight and make it more comfortable for napping.

If your baby’s position seems fine and she still seems uncomfortable, she may be too warm. If it’s a hot day outside, consider using a sling with breathable cotton, rather than a more structured, padded carrier. It’s also possible that she’s just not in her favourite position. If you are using a sling, you have some wiggle room in terms of position. As you try new methods, you’ll get to know how she likes to be carried. Just ensure that she has adequate back support and that her hips and legs are apart and bent.

If you're unclear about how to use your carrier, please feel free to stop into the store any time. We can give you a one-on-one demonstration with whatever carrier you have, and we can almost always solve problems on the spot.

My baby won’t go to sleep in her carrier.

Many babies love to go to sleep in their carriers. They’re snuggled close to you, warm and tight. They can hear your heartbeat and are rocked gently by your movements. A lot of mothers use slings or carriers to get their babies into a good nap routine.

If your baby doesn’t seem to be able to sleep in her carrier, it could be because she doesn’t have enough back and head support for her to get comfortable. Try adjusting her position in the carrier (or the carrier itself) so that she is upright and tight against your body.

She may just have to get used to being in the carrier. It is a skill for both you and her, and getting comfortable might require a small adjustment period. Once she’s used to it, though, she will find your closeness very soothing and will be likely to take naps in her carrier.

Can my baby be over-stimulated if facing outwards?

It may seem that your baby would like to face outwards, so that she can see the world around her. While this might be true for short periods of time, keep in mind that it’s easy for her to be over-stimulated. While facing outwards, your baby cannot see you, and has no way to shut out the world around her. Many experts recommend facing your baby towards you. If she’s properly supported and sitting at the right height, she will be able to see side-to-side and still be reassured by your presence.

Wearing my baby hurts!

In terms of back pain, wearing your baby is actually a healthy alternative to carrying around a car seat or simply holding your baby in your arms or on your hip. If your baby carrier causes a sore back, hips, or shoulders, you might just need to adjust it to fit you properly.

You should carry your baby close to your body and quite high: your baby should be at or above your waistline. If she is upright and right against you, her weight will be more evenly distributed and less burdensome on your back. If she’s too low, she’ll slouch down and away from you, creating a strain.

If you’re prone to back problems, you might find that a carrier with a two-shoulder support and wide shoulder straps will alleviate some of the stress.

Finally, be aware of your own posture while babywearing. The tendency to over-arch your lower back and slouch your shoulders are carryovers from pregnancy, but continuing to do so in once postpartum is a recipe for a weak core and constant back pain. Tuck your tailbone under, straighten your shoulders, and stand tall and strong. This can make an immediate difference in your comfort.

Wearing your baby gives you the chance to get things done around the house, go for a walk, or go shopping, all with relative ease and while holding your little one close to your heart. Once you learn how your baby likes to be carried, and how you like to carry her, you’ll love it.