My husband showed my mil how to carry our 3mo in a zeitgeist when they were watching baby for the first time i went out one evening for a few hours. when she comes over now, she is really eager to wear baby. I feel I should be happy about it, and that the more the baby is carried the better (and its a really heavy baby already, so im not wearing all day), but the truth is that im not comfortable with it, and i actually feel it is too intimate. I dont mind her holding baby in her arms, and im also ok with her taking baby for walks in a stroller when baby sleeps.

I know we are all different, and that i have to listen to my own feelings about it, but i would still just like some perspective. I haven’t told my husband about my feelings yet.

Edit:
Thank you everyone! I am realising a couple of things when Im reading the comments.

First of all: the safely wearing issue is definitely there. She doesn’t know, and husband is not skilled enough to teach her. She is also not very open to be taught stuff by me.
Second, it’s also more the general, typical mother in law energy. Baby is her first grandchild and i feel like she wants the baby too much, which is definitely putting me off, and this is present in the mix of not wanting her to wear baby…
Also: she uses perfumated creams and
Lastly: wearing a baby smooched into your bosom is actually very intimate. Even though its perfectly natural and people in other cultures do it all the time.

hi! my husband and I were looking for a baby carrier to step up to something less of a hassle from our Moby stretch wrap.

I have been hounding after a Hope and Plum. i like it is 100% cotton (as cotton is a breathable fabric). i like the company is ethical (at least on the surface). and the patterns/colors are fun!

but twas not in the budget atm. so we picked this one up at target. I was OK with it because it is LABELED ON THE BOX as 100% cotton. only to get home to wash it (i always check labels for wash instructions) and found out this POS is nothing BUT NON-BREATHABLE PLASTIC TRASH. the tag is already off of it so I don't think I can return this 🫠.

does anyone have recommendations? i am a size 18/20 atm. baby is probably about 15lbs (14.6 at last weigh in) and is 4 months old. he is sitting assisted (almost unassisted already) and is an avid roller lol

I made this suggestion in a different sub and was surprised by the comment I got in response and then surprised I was downvoted for my response. I used to babywear while cooking all the time with my first and do it even more now with my second. I’ve never seen it as dangerous and I’ve never hurt myself or my baby while doing so. There’s certain things I avoid if I can, like chopping onions (don’t want to make my baby cry), or anything that would splatter hot grease, but other than that I just go about my business.

Do you avoid cooking while babywearing?

Seriously, just got my first ring sling about a month ago and I’m obsessed. Wayyyy easier to use (and more comfortable) than my wrap and baby carrier. My only regret is that I didn’t really know about them sooner. Why aren’t they more popular?!

Hi all!

I have an extremely tiny (7lbs 14oz) 5 month old baby due to Russell-Silver Syndrome. She is very petite/lean and resembles a newborn baby. She is approx 55cm in length head to toe, and LOVES to be worn! She is at the age now where she can control her head pretty well (a bit delayed due to large head/body ratio) and is SO nosey! She hates her inward facing carrier now because of raging FOMO (😂) and wants to be looking out at all times!

Are there any recommendations for carriers that will allow her to be worn facing outwards whilst still being able to see over the fabric? Most I’ve seen are too high up, meaning her face would be covered completely by the body of the carrier 😂 she’s so tiny but so eager to be watching everything!

Thanks a lot in advance 🥰

The amount of mom's I see wearing their baby unsafely is insane. I saw a baby flopped over to the side extremely low, arms dangling, one baby pratically at their mom's pelvis, another with their neck pressing against the carrier. its so hard not to say anything. Its kinda crazy to me people just put their babies into things without looking up how to use said thing. I will say I saw a few babies in very good position gave me some hope at least.

Hi all, glad I found this sub. I just got back from the grocery store and realized I was the only mom carrying their baby. I often run into other moms with strollers or bulky car seats in their carts. It’s so convenient, reminds me when I was pregnant except now she’s outside my body and I can take her off when I want. My mom never wore me. Within my family culturally it’s perceived as spoiling the child. She helped me the first month I was postpartum and would tell me not to hold the baby too much or they’d get used to it and they’d get spoiled. I’d end up with a Velcro baby that you can’t even put down to go to the restroom. I never listened to her and would hold her as much as baby wanted. Now I have a very happy 12 week old baby girl that enjoys independent play on her play mat, in her bassinet, swing, or bouncer. Were you hesitant to baby wear? Did you experience any family/friend’s judgement? I’m just curious if you also wonder why more people don’t do it or is it just me? 😆 maybe where you’re from everyone does it. Would love to hear others thoughts.

Has anyone else seen these or know about them? Saw a few posts on instagram and they look a little strange. Basically you carry baby like they're a bag, like when transferring them from a carseat, or just in general. Idk if they are technically still babywearing with baby that far from your body. The photos on their website with babies hanging off doorhandles and clotheslines kind of terrify me lol. Thoughts?

https://vonschollenberger.de/

Petite FTM with a 15lbs 4 month old here wondering… what do you do while baby wearing? I feel like I’ve got the LennyLight down pat. We are both very comfortable and she falls asleep within minutes of being in the carrier and then I just kind of… stand here? I have a bit of choice paralysis tbh but I also feel pretty limited to what I *can* do.

I definitely can’t reach the dishes in the sink with her on my chest, cleaning up around the home and laundry is a lot of effort with bending down and moving a lot bc despite being comfy, she’s still heavy as heck to me. Sitting and leaning back feels uncomfortable with the carrier and like she’s gonna crush into me lol

I’ll probably play some video games while she naps or maybe reading to start ☺️ but what do you do?

My 4T wearing, 40 lb, 3 year old is very interested in the woven wrap that just arrived for me to use with his baby sister (I’m a complete beginner).

I wasn’t able to make the ruck work in my first few attempts, I found it very difficult to maintain tension holding the tail between my knees with so much weight, but did manage to get him in a fwcc when he asked to be carried like a baby. Surprisingly okay comfort wise.

Any tips for big kid wearing? Or suggestions on carries we can try? Ideally base size wrap compatible.

Mostly just for fun but I’d love an option for short carries more comfortable than carrying him in my arms when his legs need a little break. I understand we aren’t going to be defying gravity here.

I’m a FTM to a 2 month old (US-based). Before I had my son, I was under the impression that babywearing (while maybe looked at as “crunchy granola” by older generations) was a longstanding practice throughout the world across multiple cultures and species. Call me naive, sure, but again, FTM.

But when I go out wearing my son (if context is helpful, in a Boba wrap), I receive a lot of gawking and comments. Nothing negative, mainly curiosity, questions on this “new” method, and smiles/ stares that tell me people aren’t used to seeing a baby being worn on a body.

I don’t live in a small town, we are in a large metropolitan area with a huge military presence on the East Coast, so the population is very transient with people from all walks of life. I guess I’m just surprised by the public reaction to it.

I was curious if anyone else has had a similar experience?

An almost every post about world facing here that I see, it’s mentioned that world facing is never necessary and almost discouraged - back wearing being the better alternative.

However, whenever I see a baby worn “in the wild”, all I see is world facing babies (mostly on dads :) since they’re usually stronger I guess). If I haven’t discovered this sub and did research, I’d think world facing is the default baby wearing position.

Why do you think there’s such a big difference?

I have a 10 week old and I would like to use the carrier more out of the house instead of taking the stroller. But then I’m left carrying the diaper bag (just a small LL Bean tote) which seems annoying 🤷🏻‍♀️. Should I just get a fanny pack? How do others deal with this? I’m not sure if it’s because I have a small frame-I’m 5’2, so baby plus bag feels overstimulating. Is there a carrier with a built in place for your phone, wallet, and a diaper 😂 somebody get on designing that if not.

And part of the reason I’m not just using pockets is because I’m post partum and none of my clothes with pockets fit! All the stretchy stuff with an elastic waistbands is dragged down when you put a phone on the pocket.

Hi all, I have a pretty heavy 6 mo (19 lbs). I used to love stretchy wraps bcs it’s the only thing he’ll nap in when we’re out. I realized he outgrew them and since bought a HappyBaby OG, but it’s killing my shoulders! I did a consultation too and it hasn’t helped (I do have scoliosis and my shoulders might be a slightly uneven). I then bought a used Gojiberry thinking an X back might be better for me but I still don’t love it… maybe I’m doing something wrong but the waistband is sooo thick and whether I try it higher or lower it’s just not helping with the weight distribution. I just don’t understand how do these carriers suppose to feel.. I’m so confused. None seem to be truly comfortable.

Gojiberry also makes me sweat a lot (I live in FL).

So now I’m questioning if I should bite the bullet and buy Hope&plum lark while it’s on sale, hoping it’ll have all the benefits of an apron carrier but with an X back. But I’m terrified I won’t like it again and will spend so much money AGAIN. But one thing I noticed is that they usually have a great resell value… Does the print matter a whole lot? I can’t decide between 2 options on sale, one is cheaper (but still pretty) and one is more expensive but I’m in love with it…. I would love an advice if you guys think I should do it 😂 or not. Pics of the larks I like and trying to decide on. Thank you!

I wore my 8 week old out to the shops in his ring sling, and he was happily having a nap while I got some shopping done. Unfortunately, baby wearing is not that common where I live, and I had so many people staring or frowning at bubs and I. On the positive side, I did have one lovely older lady come up and compliment me on a cute baby, but overall the judgy stares were somewhat unexpected. I’ve been out wearing baby a few times now and there has been a lot of staring!

How have people in your area reacted when seeing you out and about wearing your babies? Is it generally a positive experience?

[UPDATE] I bought a Lenny Light and I love it - used it from 4 weeks. Seems like the best fit for newborns (several weeks old at least) in hot weather that my husband can also figure out lol. I see woven wraps in my near future, though. Thanks so much everyone! This video was helpful: https://youtu.be/0Fj3L0v26dk

TLDR: Woven wraps (esp base-2), Hope & Plum Lark, and ring slings seem to be crowd favs. Artipoppe, Wildbird, and Happy Baby are close runner ups. As expected there is no consensus here but so many great suggestions!

—————-

If you could have just one what would it be and why? Thinking months 2-18.

Feeling overwhelmed by the options! For background: this is baby 2 and I have a 2 year old. Have only used the Ergo Omni and it’s served us well but a bit bulky for my liking. Also live in a very hot place and expecting a June baby!

Different carriers are better suited to different body types and ages but my budget is limited so looking for 1-2 workhorses to carry me through. Down to spend $$ for the right gem!

I don't get it. How do you all do chores while baby wearing? Are you all super fit? It is basically a million baby weighted squats. I didn't realize before I had a baby how much bending was involved in chores: dishwasher, laundry machine and putting stuff away, grabbing anything from the fridge or lower kitchen cabinets, putting away stuff cluttering the floor, EVERYTHING.

I know I eat too much chocolate and have a figure to prove that, but I didn't think I was this weak.

For reference I have a 4 month old who is 17 pounds. I have tried both a stretchy wrap and a ring sling.

Looking to see what the most popular used baby carriers in this page are for those who want to participate.

Rules - name only 1 carrier (tried & true, #1 you grab on the daily)

• must include the companies name and name of the carrier (example: wild bird aerial)

• why you love it

• recommended age to start using the carrier or if based on weight or if head control is needed.

I’ll compile a list of the final top most named on December 20, 2025!

TIA!

If you are willing to spend artipoppe money

The baffoon in charge in the US throws a tantrum that he can't get Greenland (maybe someone should have carried him more as a child/infant). So he uses his secret weapon: tariffs. Additional 10% on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Great Britain.

So basically almost every carrier is getting more expensive.

I'll try to make a list:

1. Denmark: Weaverbirds, moova balance (new carrier, looks promising). Those two might not be available for shipping to the US anyway.

2. Norway: stokke (so stokke limas. Stokke also makes the Tripp trapp highchair, jfyi). Minimeis

3. Sweden: najell, babybjörn. (off topic, axkid enters the US market with their safest car seats in the world (they have 5 level testing in different countries and with independent agencies/organizations, so their claim is safe). If you wanted to buy one, act fast).

4. France: jpmb (je porte Mon bebe)

5. Germany: didymos, buzzidil, fidella, kokadi, Ruckeli, manduca. And I've not listed tons of other woven companies. Girasol, leliba. Storchenwiege, hoppediz.

6. the Netherlands: yaro. Wildride. Artipoppe. Bykay, babylonia. Pure baby love.

7. Finland: wompat

8. Great Britain: Osha, firespiral. Integra

Feel free to add, I'll edit when I have time.

Lenny lamb and tula are polish (dome tula carriers are made in Mexico). Isara is Romanian.

Hello all. My husband and I are weeks away from the delivery of our first child. She’ll be born in another state and we’ll obviously be traveling for her birth. I was wondering what everyone’s recommendations would be for the best type of carrier to bring her on the plane. She’ll be less than a week old at the time. I’ve searched the sub and see a lot of posts about baby wearing on planes, but the ages are usually a few months old to older. I know it isn’t ideal to be on a plane this young but our situation leaves us limited choice. I want to be sure her head is supported and she’s comfortable while also being covered so she’s not too exposed to others. The flight is scheduled to be a little over 3 hours.

Thanks for the help. I’ve been doing my research but there’s so much info out there, it becomes stressful to narrow down what’s best.

I am really loving my woven wrap and am so happy I bought one after lots of wonderful encouragement from this community! The comfort of it is second to none so we use it daily.

However I struggle when we are out… my baby is 5 months old so when I go somewhere where I have to take her out and then put her back in, I am almost losing my mind. It is incredibly difficult to do this simple task because I don’t like the material dragging on the dirty ground. Do you have any tips at all on how to get around this? Or do you simply use a different carrier for trips like that? The issue is that most of our outings consist of out and back in so I would miss out on using it a lot which would be such a shame because I just LOVE the comfort.

They're uncomfortable. I started using them when my LO was 6mo and ~16lbs. It was uncomfortable back then but it's only getting more and more uncomfortable.

It's not a fit issue I made sure I was using them right. My first was a Nalakai Ring Sling, I kinda hate that one. It's too soft and slippery and though I think they're perfect for newborns or very young babies, they lack the structure and fabric strength to hold bigger babies. The other one I have is a tula ring sling, it's woven and I prefer this one better since I don't feel the baby is constantly sliding down.

The thing is, after some time (~30 mins) it starts to get really uncomfortable. Moreso if you need to be moving around a lot or need to use your hands and your LO is 19lbs. The weight of the baby is all supported on one shoulder so you can't use that arm while the other arm is blocked by the baby. At this point I very much prefer a normal carrier. The only advantage is that they're lightweight and portable. I don't understand the hype tho.

I went out and about with my one-year-old daughter today and had her facing me in our carrier as we usually do. We walked around the local town centre a bit and when it started raining I decided to jump on the bus home. (It’s a five-minute bus ride vs. a 20-minute walk.) My daughter doesn’t really like it if I sit down with her in the carrier, so when we get the bus I usually stand, but with my back leaning on the window (in the standing area) and hold on tightly to a rail. Long story short, an older man approached me after a few minutes and told me I shouldn’t be standing up while carrying my daughter and that it’s dangerous and I should be sitting in the priority seating at the front. I was too shell-shocked to reply (and l live somewhere where it’s not my native language so I’m slower to work out what to say) but felt terrible after. I don’t like that he said what he said but I started thinking maybe he was right and I was taking too much of a risk by standing up. What do you all do when you take public transport while baby wearing? I realise it would be safest to sit down so maybe I’m going to just get her out the carrier / loosen the straps and sit down in future.

I recently purchased an Ergobaby Embrace and a WildBird ring sling and don’t like them individually. My baby is 5 weeks old.

When I think of traveling by air and whipping something simple out to navigate the airplanes, airports and layovers, I don’t want a bunch of hanging buckles and long straps. My baby also doesn’t like facing me for more than a few minutes. She really loves when I carry her facing the world and can sit on my lap, supported for long stretches of time.

I got a ring sling hoping it would solve that problem with a simpler design. While using it I found out I didn’t like the long hanging extra fabric. I also really dislike the burlap sack feel and color of the fabric. I tried washing it with fabric softener but it’s still scratchy and stiff. It’s also not as easy to adjust past a certain point when the fabric bunches up.

Is there was a carrier that is a combination of these two carrier types with the ring sling asymmetrical open simplistic “shape” and clean structure of a traditional carrier. The Mabe toddler sling is exactly what I mean by this, however it says it’s not safe for smaller babies.