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Why Your Baby Doesn’t Like Carriers & Tips on How To Fix It

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Why Your Baby Doesn’t Like Carriers & Tips on How To Fix It

Written by Connor Bringas on November 14, 2022.

If your baby doesn’t like carriers, you’re not alone. Some babies love being snuggled up against you, while others make their discomfort loud and clear the moment they’re placed inside. If your newborn doesn’t like to be held in a carrier or immediately starts protesting, don’t write off babywearing just yet. It might not be the carrier—it might just be the way it’s being used.

From tweaking the fit to changing carrying positions (or just waiting until they’re in a better mood), there are plenty of ways to make a carrier work for you and your little one. Let’s break it down.

Reasons Why Your Baby Doesn’t Like Carriers

Some babies settle right in to the carrier, and others act like you’ve just ruined their day. If your little one is in the latter camp, don’t stress—there’s usually a simple reason, and an easy fix.

Baby’s Not Comfortable in the Carrier

If your baby hates the carrier, comfort is probably the culprit. Too tight, too loose, too hot, too awkward—babies have zero chill when something feels off. Check that their legs are supported, their back isn’t slouching, and nothing’s digging into their body. A minor tweak—like adjusting the straps or trying a different position—can turn a carrier meltdown into a cozy snuggle session.

Wrong Baby Carrier Type

Not all carriers are created equal, and your baby will let you know if you picked the wrong one. Some babies love the wrap-style cuddle, while others prefer more structure and space. If your carrier feels like a wrestling match every time you use it, it might not be the best fit for your baby (or you).

Change of Baby’s Preferences

Babies are tiny but opinionated—what worked yesterday might be a no-go today. Maybe they used to love the carrier, but now they’re all about stretching, wiggling, or just want to be held differently. As they grow, their preferences (and patience) change, so it might be time to switch up the carrying position or try a new style.

Sensory Sensitivity: Why Your Newborn Doesn’t Like To Be Held

If your newborn doesn’t like to be held, it might be due to sensory sensitivity. Some babies get overwhelmed by too much touch, movement, or restriction, making a carrier feel more confining than comforting.

The good news? They might just need time to adjust! Try short, calm carrier sessions when they’re relaxed, or experiment with looser holds to see what feels best for them (and keeps the protests to a minimum).

How to Help Your Newborn Adjust to a Baby Carrier

If your newborn isn’t loving the carrier, don’t panic—some babies just need a little time to warm up to the idea. With a few tweaks and some patience, you can turn that carrier from a no-go into their favorite hangout spot.

Try Different Types of Baby Carriers

Not all carriers are one-size-fits-all—what works for one baby might be a total flop for another. If your little one isn’t loving their current setup, switching to a different style might make all the difference.

A structured hip seat like the Tushbaby Hip Carrier is great for babies who like to move and see the world, while supporting your back and keeping essentials within reach. With four carrying positions—including a feeding position—it’s easy to switch things up if your baby gets fussy. If they prefer a more wrap-like feel, adding The Snug Attachment transforms your Tushbaby into a hands-free carrier without the complicated wrapping process. Trying different options can help you find the perfect balance between comfort and convenience for both of you.

Take It Slow

If your baby doesn’t like the carrier right away, don’t force it. Start with short, low-pressure sessions around the house so they can get used to the feeling. Try holding them in the carrier for just a few minutes at a time, preferably when they’re calm and content—not overtired or hangry. Walking around, gently bouncing, or even stepping outside for fresh air can also help them settle in.

Pay Attention to Baby’s Cues

Babies might not come with instruction manuals, but they’re pretty good at letting you know what’s working and what’s definitely not. If your baby hates the carrier, pay attention to their cues—squirming, fussing, or straight-up meltdown mode usually means something needs adjusting. Are they too hot? Too tight? In a weird position? Small tweaks—like loosening the straps, shifting their position, or making sure their legs are properly supported—can turn a carrier protest into a cozy snuggle. Listen to their signals, and you’ll have a happier baby in no time.

Correct Baby Carrier Positions For Newborns

Using the correct baby carrier positions for newborns isn’t just about comfort—it’s the key to keeping your little one safe, snug, and happy. Newborns need extra support, so nailing the proper positioning helps them feel secure while you get a break from the arm workout.

M Position

The M position baby carrier setup is the gold standard for keeping your baby comfy and supported—think knees up, bum down, like a tiny, cozy squat. To get it right, make sure their knees sit higher than their tush to form that signature "M" shape. Their legs should wrap around your torso rather than dangle straight down, and their back should have a gentle curve for natural support.

Safe Baby Carrying Positions With Tushbaby Hip Carrier

Here’s how to safely carry your baby using the Tushbaby Hip Carrier and The Snug Attachment—because comfort and security should never be a trade-off.

Tushbaby Hip Carrier Positions

Face-to-Face: Ideal for younger babies who need head and neck support—keeps them close while keeping you comfortable.
Side Carry: Great for older babies who want to look around while still feeling secure against your body.
Front-Facing: Once your baby has full head and neck control, let them take in the world while staying safely supported.
Feeding Support: Turns into a built-in feeding pillow, so you can nurse or bottle-feed with proper positioning and less strain.

Tushbaby + The Snug Attachment Positions

Face-to-Face: Provides hands-free support while keeping your baby snug and secure against your chest.
Front-Facing: Once your baby is ready, this position lets them explore while still being safely buckled in.

No matter how you carry, safety and comfort come first with Tushbaby. For more information on ways to wear your Tushbaby, check out our guide here.

How to Put Newborn in a Carrier Safely

When it comes to baby wearing a newborn, safety is everything. Start by making sure your carrier is secure and properly adjusted before placing your baby inside.

Wondering how to put a newborn in a carrier the right way? Keep their head supported, their airway clear, and their legs in the natural “M” position (knees higher than their bum). Their face should always be visible, close enough to kiss, and their chin shouldn’t slump to their chest.

If you’re using a structured carrier like the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, make sure their weight is evenly distributed—and if you want to go hands-free, The Snug Attachment helps keep them snug and supported. Double-check all straps and buckles, do a quick comfort check, and you’re good to go.

FAQs

Do Baby Carriers Hurt Babies’ Legs?

Baby carriers don’t hurt babies’ legs—as long as they’re positioned correctly. The key is positioning their legs in the “M” shape, as dangling straight down or being too tightly confined can lead to discomfort. A well-designed carrier like the Tushbaby Hip Carrier helps keep your baby’s legs properly supported, so they stay comfy while you carry them with ease.

Is It Bad to Forward Face a Baby in a Carrier?

Forward-facing can be fun for older babies, but it’s not the correct baby carrier position for newborns. Newborns need extra head, neck, and hip support, which they get best when facing inward against your chest. Once they have full head and neck control—usually around 4-6 months—you can start forward-facing for short periods.

What Is the Best Age to Start Using a Baby Carrier?

You can start using a baby carrier from day one—as long as it provides proper support. Newborns need a carrier that keeps them snug, with their head, neck, and hips fully supported. A structured hip seat like the Tushbaby Hip Carrier is great for early on, while The Snug Attachment adds hands-free support once they hit 12 lbs. Not only does babywearing keep your little one close, but it also has plenty of perks for both of you—discover more about its benefits here.

Is It Okay to Sleep With a Baby on the Chest?

Holding your baby on your chest for some cozy contact naps is totally fine, as long as you're awake and alert. But sleeping with your baby on your chest is a no-go. Safe sleep guidelines recommend always placing babies on their backs in a crib or bassinet to reduce the risk of suffocation. If you’re feeling drowsy while snuggling, it’s best to move them to a safe sleep space before you doze off. Check out our guide on the best baby sleeping positions to learn more—because cuddles are great, but safety comes first.

If your baby isn’t loving their carrier, don’t give up just yet. Sometimes a small adjustment or a different style makes all the difference. Find the perfect fit for both of you with Tushbaby, the carrier that keeps your baby comfy and your back happy—from birth to toddlerhood.