Babywearing Tips from a Babywearing Educator

Each month on the second Tuesday, we will be doing an"Ask the Expert" series, where you can ask our resident experts about a variety of baby-related topics.  We kicked it off this month with babywearing, of course!  Here are the questions you asked and answers below.

Do you have any tips for back wearing? I have a hard time getting my little one on my back by myself.

I think so much of the back carry comes down to practice and confidence. You may want to practice over a bed or with a spotter to start, and once you do it a few times, it becomes muscle memory. The reason I like the Ergobaby back carry video (featuring a Performance Carrier and a Dad) is that it shows you how to place baby in the baby carrier on your hip first, so baby is seated completely in the baby carrier, then you reach behind you and place the strap on your shoulder opposite baby, and simply rotate the baby in the carrier around to your back. The more you do it, the easier it gets.  See the full thread and related questions and answers here.

What’s the best way to carry when pregnant? And with a c-section?

As far as pregnancy, as long as your health practitioner has cleared you to pick up your child, you can wear as long as you continue to feel comfortable. Some find wearing a waist belt under their belly is more comfortable, others (like myself) like it above. It's mainly personal preference. Be sure to pay attention and listen to your body, and stay hydrated. As far as after a surgical birth, I love the Ergobaby baby wrap carrier. As soon as you are feeling up for it, you can wear the wrap high and away from your incision, which is the perfect place for baby to be. High and tight on your body, where baby's head is kissable. See the full thread and related questions and answers here. 

I love my Ergobaby, but my left shoulder strap doesn’t seem to stay up on my shoulder no matter how tight I make it, it falls down all the time, any tips?

This can happen for a variety of reasons, check your webbing once baby is in the baby carrier to make sure it is even, meaning your straps are tightened the same amount. Also make sure your chest clip is even and the same distance on teach of your straps. Another thing you can do is check that your shoulder straps may need to be further onto your body, with a tighter chest clip. Sometimes this means actually loosening your straps, bringing them further onto your body or closer to your center, then tightening your chest clip, and again tightening the straps. Also make sure your carrier is above your hips. As a mom to three I have actually noticed that my posture has a tendency to be affected by long drives in the car, as well as picking up my older children on one side of my body, so it doesn't hurt to be more conscious of your posture and if you have a tendency to use one side more, switch it up.  See the full thread and related questions and answers here.

My 2 month old doesn't seem to get comfortable in the Ergo, and pushes away. Too hot?

What I often find happens right at this age, is baby is starting to use both hands push away from any object "underneath" them. This comes from all the new skills they are working on, which includes the motion of pushing their body up off the ground and learning to turn over. That being said, a baby carrier can add an extra few layers, so dress baby accordingly. See the full thread and related questions and answers here.

My baby doesn’t like being worn. How can I get my baby to like her carrier?

It’s true. Some babies may not like being wrapped up in a carrier. But oftentimes if your baby cries as soon as you put her in, it may not be the carrier. It could be that your baby’s tummy isn’t full from her feeding, her tummy hurts, or she’s so tired that she’s frustrated she’s not asleep. It could also be that she senses you’re stressed out, or she’s not comfortable because you’re not comfortable using the carrier. Maybe it’s that she doesn’t like the particular type of baby carrier you’re using. Hopefully figuring out the real problem and making a simple change can turn your baby from fussing to loving her carrier. And lastly, new things take time to get used to until they become the new normal. So if babywearing is new for both of you, keep putting your baby in her carrier for short spurts throughout the day when she’s well fed and relaxed and you’re relaxed.

My little guy sometimes has red lines on the bottom of his legs after being in the ergo. What adjustments do I need to make so he is snug but not so tight to leave marks?

I would just make sure baby's bottom is sitting deep in the pocket of the baby carrier. You can grab the top of the body of the carrier and gently bounce to achieve a deep seat, and also gently push on the bottom of baby's feet will do the trick. Red marks aren't necessarily a sign though that there is too much pressure, even socks can give red lines. Pants or baby legs can be a great way to avoid them. See the full thread and related questions and answers here.

I am really wanting to purchase one but want to try it on first to see how it fits? Is there any way to do this?

There are a couple of great ways to find an Ergobaby nearby to try on. First would be your local retailer. We have a list of locations of where to buy on our website, and another option would be your local babywearing group. Babywearing groups are a great free resource to find an Ergobaby and try one on, all while getting some in person help. See the full thread and related questions and answers here.

I'm not sure if I'm wearing my 4 month old too tight or if he's too small but it seems like every time I put him in, he spits up. Is it cause I'm wearing it too tight?

If it's comfortable for you as the wearer, it's unlikely to be too tight for the baby. Baby being upright in a baby carrier is preferable for digestion, but sometimes a lot of movement can cause a baby to spit up. Make sure baby isn't overheated as the carrier adds an extra layer, and if it persists, bring this up with your health care provider. See the full thread and related questions and answers here.

I'd like to learn more about the mesh carriers you have! Are they just as soft for a newborn and cozy for a sleepy baby?

It's important to use an infant insert to support baby's head and neck, as well as offer necessary side support. We have a Performance or mesh insert that is soft and more breathable than our traditional inserts, then as baby grows you will be able to use the Ventus Carrier without the insert for better airflow and to keep baby cool. See the full thread and related questions and answers here.

We are currently living in Texas and I'm wanting to either get the performance since it's so hot here, or the 360 so he can see out when we're walking/hiking. What would be the better choice?

If you love the outdoors and hiking, I would definitely recommend the Performance Ventus Carrier. It's the most breathable, and by the time baby is old enough to be interested and ready to face out in the 360, you are likely to be close to starting to back wear, giving baby a great view that way instead.  See the full thread and related questions and answers here.