Baby Wearing 101: When Can You Start Using a Baby Carrier?

There's a reason why baby wearing is a championed practice throughout the globe. A baby carrier can be one of the most useful and convenient items you own as a parent. Baby wearing offers a means to keep baby close while you go about your day.

Baby carriers are designed to accommodate different age and weight ranges. Baby carriers for newborns will have a lighter weight capacity than those for older babies and those made to accommodate more long term wearing into toddlerhood. Certain carriers are made to accommodate all stages of baby's development as they are adjustable. It is important to research the carrier so that you are aware of these features in order to know when it is best to consider using it with your baby.

In this guide, we'll help you do just that, with key tips on when to start baby wearing, which carrier to choose, and more.

Table Of Contents

1. Essential Considerations Before Wearing Your Baby
2. When Exactly Should You Start Baby Wearing?
3. Tips for Successful Babywearing
4. Baby Carrying for Every Life Stage

Safety and Compliance

There are a lot of safety considerations associated with baby wearing. It's imperative to look for carriers that are compliant with federal and local regulations, such as CPSIA and ASTM, and are developed to prevent the risk of injury or suffocation.

Choose a carrier that will facilitate baby being in the hip-safe "M" position, when seated in the carrier, with their knees positioned higher than their bottom, as recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

Ergonomic and Comfortable for Caregivers

Be aware of your own safety and comfort, either. An ill-fitting or poorly designed baby carrier can put a lot of stress on your lower back or shoulders. Look for carriers that will distribute the weight evenly across your back and shoulders. A waist band that has good lumbar support and wraps around your waist to support your core as well as secure well-fitted shoulder straps is also important.

Size and adjustability matter, as well. Most baby carriers are adjustable and designed to be one-size-fits-all, but always confirm whether the product you're considering is designed to fit your size and height. A baby wearing consultant can assist with helping you achieve a better, more comfortable fit if you are having difficulty in this area with a particular carrier.

Versatility

Some carriers have limited weight and age capacities, while others are designed to be adjustable and versatile to support babies through multiple stages of life. Whether you're shopping for a carrier or you already have one, check the size and age parameters to ensure it's suitable for your little one.

You can start using a baby carrier soon after your baby is born as long as you select an appropriate carrier for this newborn phase as well as consider whether you are feeling comfortable and ready to babywear. Baby wearing in this newborn phase can help with bonding and responding to baby's needs, as well as being able to attend to other children while caring for a newborn. Take into account the type of carrier you'll be using, the brand's recommendations, and what reviewers say. Here's what to know and look for based on your child's age.

Newborn (Under 7 Lbs)

Look for baby carriers without a minimum weight limit if your newborn is smaller than average. Most structured carriers aren't designed for such a low weight,however baby wraps could be an option as well as ring slings like the WildBird Ring Slings can offer your baby the safe support they need. When considering to wear a newborn under 7lbs, it is recommended to reach out to a baby wearing consult to ensure safe and correct baby wearing, so that baby's health is not compromised in anyway. Sometimes it might be recommended to wait a little to babywear if birth weight is really low. Kangaroo care is always an option and holding baby close skin to skin.

Newborn (7 Lbs+) to 3 Months

At this stage, most baby wraps and soft carriers will support your baby's weight, but always check brand guidance to confirm. The WildBird Aerial Buckle Wrap is a great option for newborn wearing from 7-15lbs (tested up to 25lbs).

The only safe way to babywear at this age is with your infant in front, facing their caregiver. Ensure that the carrier is positioned up to the nape of baby's neck and if needed some head support can be created from extra padding or using a front panel on the side of baby's head. Never cover baby's face. Ensure baby's airway is always open and visible.

When positioning your baby in the carrier, make sure you help to achieve a deep seat, with your baby's knees in a hip-healthy M-shape and the carrier running from knee to knee. You can also push up on baby's feet to help achieve a deeper seat in that spread squat position.

Note: Some carriers that do not adjust at the seat to accommodate baby's width, knee to knee, may come with a separate infant insert.

Newborns are at a higher risk of suffocation, so make sure your baby is positioned high enough against your chest so that you can kiss the top of his head and that your baby’s face is always in view. Ensure that loose tops, scarves, blankets do not cover baby's head and or obstruct your view of baby's airway.

4-6 Months

Usually, babies develop enough strength and neck control at this age that head support is less crucial. You most likely will need to adjust the leg holes and the base of the carrier to make sure your baby is comfortably seated in an ergonomic position ,with the carrier running knee to knee.

As your baby's size increases, you as their caregiver are at a greater risk of injury from a poor fit or lack of support. Make sure to adjust the carrier and position it on your body accordingly as baby grows, also use a carrier with a waist belt and lumbar support for longer periods of baby-wearing can be beneficial. For optimal comfort, consider using the Aerial baby carrier, which provides great support as your baby develops.

6-12 Months

At this point, your baby probably has excellent neck and head control. This is a great season to try new carrying positions such as front-facing for short periods or back carrying, to let your child see more of the world! Make sure to check and adjust the carrier regularly to account for the changes in your child's size.

12 Months to Toddler

At this point, carrying your not-so-little one on your back may be more comfortable than on your front, especially for longer periods of baby-wearing. Even for short jaunts, you will appreciate the additional support of a padded waist belt, although a wrap or ring sling can still be useful at home.

Babywearing success comes down to practice and awareness, so make sure to follow these tips!

• Learn the safety pitfalls: It is so important to be aware of the potential dangers of improper baby wearing such us suffocation and incorrect seat placement. Being confident in your knowledge of how to wear and adjust your carrier is crucial for an overall enjoyable experience.
• Memorize the TICKS rules: TICKS stands for Tight, In view, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off chest, Supported back. These are the basic, essential safety elements to check when babywearing.
• Pay attention to your balance: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 22% of babywearing-related injuries between 2011-2022 occurred due to the caregiver falling. Babywearing changes your center of gravity, so pay special attention to your balance when carrying your little one. Be sensible too with your choice of activities to do while baby wearing and whether these are in alignment with your current season.
• Watch baby-wearing videos: Watching videos, especially from baby wearing experts, can be incredibly helpful as it'll allow you to see exactly what safe, comfortable baby wearing looks like. Reaching out for assistance from a baby wearing educator or consultant in real time can also be beneficial to assist you with specific questions or concerns.
• Practice: Learning to use a baby carrier can take practice. With time, you'll be able to put on the carrier and place your baby inside in a safe position in just a few minutes if not faster.
• Choose a flexible carrier: Easy to adjust, versatile carriers will serve you and your family as your child grows older, especially if you choose an option that will comfortably accommodate the best fit for you as well as the other potential wearers in your family.

You can start baby-wearing at any point in your infant's life, from their first days in the world to well into toddlerhood. You'll need to choose a baby carrier that'll fit their specific size and stage of development as well as be in alignment with your own particular season of life. Learning about the carrier and gaining confidence in safe, comfortable wearing will give you and your child an enjoyable experience.

With no lower weight limit, the Ring Sling is fantastic for newborns and babies who weigh up to 35 pounds. It bridges the gap between baby wraps and traditional carriers thanks to its adjustable set-up. Another option, made specifically with the newborn in mind, is the Aerial Buckle Wrap. It offers the perfect balance of a wrap, with the soft, snug support, and the ease and comfort of a buckle carrier. The Aerial Buckle Wrap is recommended for babies 7lbs to 15lbs, but is tested up to 25lbs. For a convenient buckle carrier that'll support your child into toddlerhood, the Aerial Carrier provides maximum comfort and adjustability for both you and your baby.

WildBird created these three carriers (Aerial Buckle Wrap, Aerial Carrier and Ring Sling) to make babywearing easier for every type of parent and child. All three carriers are compliant with safety regulations and acknowledged as "Hip-Healthy" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. No matter which you choose, you'll be ready to start baby-wearing with confidence!