If you’re a parent or caregiver who uses a wheelchair, you may be looking for better ways to keep your little one close. A baby carrier can be a great option when you find the right one that best suits your needs. Let’s go over all the things to remember when babywearing in a wheelchair to help keep both baby and wearer safe and comfortable. 

Baby Carrier for Wheelchair Users

Table of Contents

• How do you carry a baby in a wheelchair?
• Can you sit down while babywearing?
• 4 things to consider when choosing a carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair
• Can I use a wrap carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?
• Can I use a back carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?
• Can I use a ring sling for babywearing in a wheelchair?
• Can I use a soft-structured carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?
• Can I use a hip seat carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?

How do you carry a baby in a wheelchair?

Using a baby carrier while in a wheelchair can provide many benefits as you look for ways to make holding your little one a more comfortable experience. One of the most significant benefits of babywearing while in a wheelchair is the ability to have added support while you keep your child safe and go about your day. 

With many carrier types on the market, there are pros and cons to each that you will want to consider to make the right choice. Choosing a baby carrier to use while in a wheelchair is about finding the carrier most suited to your unique mobility and comfort. Babywearing in a wheelchair will rule out the use of back carriers, so you’ll need a carrier that can be worn on the front of your body. A carrier that offers multiple carrying positions is ideal, as it will allow both disabled and non-disabled caregivers to babywear in numerous ways. From slings to wraps to back carriers to hip seat carriers, we will go over all the things to consider when choosing the most suitable baby carriers for wheelchair users. 

Can you sit down while babywearing?

You can absolutely sit while babywearing, which means babywearing for wheelchair users can be a great option to keep your baby close. When sitting while using a baby carrier, you’ll just want to be sure that your baby’s feet and body aren’t caught between you and any part of the wheelchair. Keep an eye out to be sure your baby isn’t being pinched between you and your seat or wheelchair arms. 

While babywearing, it’s important to keep your baby sitting upright and supported to ensure proper airflow. Along with making sure your baby is in a good upright position, there are other safety considerations to keep in mind for babywearing. For more information about babywearing safety, visit our babywearing safety page.

4 things to consider when choosing a carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair

1. Be mindful of your personal situation

When searching for the right wheelchair baby carrier for you, be sure to keep in mind what mobility limitations you may have and how a carrier might best support you. As we review each carrier, we will highlight some of the mobility considerations to keep in mind. For example, if you are looking for a lot of low back support, the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier might be a good option since it’s designed to evenly distribute your baby’s weight and reduce strain on your lower back and arms. In addition, depending on your limitations, a traditional carrier may place too much strain on your body. The Tushbaby is simply a supported seat for your baby: this means they are not physically strapped to your body, which can be much more gentle on the wearer’s body. The Tushbaby also offers five storage pockets so your baby and the supplies you need can be kept close. 

2. Comfort

For any caregiver looking to use a baby carrier, comfort is key. The more comfortable you are, the more calm your child will be as they sense your discomfort. Babywearing can be great for bonding time, and you wouldn’t want that to be disrupted by a carrier causing you physical pain. 

3. Ease of Use

Alongside comfort comes ease of use. You’ll want to consider how difficult a carrier might be to take on and off or to adjust, given your mobility. Some carriers have straps that need to be adjusted or wrapped around your back: reaching or pulling from behind may be challenging, so you may want to consider avoiding carriers with lots of straps and complicated carrying methods. Additionally, if you have a little one that likes to go up, then down a few minutes later, having a carrier to take on and off easily will be even more beneficial. The Tushbaby Carrier is easy for those “up!” “down!” and “up again!!” moments,  and can be worn even without a baby. It can also be used for breastfeeding support. 

4. Breastfeeding

Baby carriers can be a great tool for breastfeeding. The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier offers four positions for holding your baby, one being a laying or feeding position. The Tushbaby seat provides a comfortable spot for your baby and supports you and your arms while nursing. After your baby is done feeding, you can take advantage of the other three seating positions to keep your baby upright in the carrier and promote better digestion. 

Can I use a wrap carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?

Wrap carriers are soft carriers made from fabric that you’ll need to wrap and tie around yourself. While wrap carriers can be very comfortable sitting in a wheelchair, they can be tricky to take on and off. Putting on and wrapping the carrier may take some twisting, turning, and pulling around your back. You know your body best, so if you have any pain or health concerns with your spine or upper body, these carriers may not be your best bet. 

Can I use a back carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?

Using a back carrier that is designed to also be worn in the front of your body may be an option if this carrier type is comfortable for you. Putting the front carrier on will require tightening various straps to keep your baby as high and close as possible for ultimate support. Getting your baby in the carrier may take some help from a friend to properly get them seated and straps adjusted. As the straps will rest on your shoulders, keep in mind any shoulder limitations you may have. 

Can I use a ring sling for babywearing in a wheelchair?

Ring slings are woven wraps that essentially act as a hammock for your baby. This soft fabric carrier, like a wrap carrier, can be a comfortable option for a wheelchair baby carrier. A ring sling will rest on one shoulder, so be aware if this will work given your particular needs. 

Can I use a soft-structured carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?

Soft structures are more commonly known as the front carrying backpack carriers. There is typically a wrap to buckle around the waist and straps to buckle and adjust over the shoulders. These carriers can be great options but may take some adjusting once strapped on. 

Can I use a hip seat carrier for babywearing in a wheelchair?

A hip seat carrier can be a great option for babywearing in a wheelchair. One of the benefits of a hip seat carrier is not having to adjust many straps or wraps to get you and your baby comfortable. Adjusting multiple straps front and back in a wheelchair can be challenging. 

Tushbaby’s Hip Seat Carrier is designed with simplicity, support, and practicality in mind. The strap-free design makes it an easier “on and off” option with less hassle as you babywear in a wheelchair. With five storage pockets on the carrier, you can store your baby’s necessities and your personal items in one place. So pack up those pacifiers, diapers, and bottles and ditch the need to bring along any other bags. 

The Tushbaby provides a comfortable seat for your baby’s tush while its design prevents strain and stress on your lower back and arms. The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is intended to be additional support and requires you to steady your baby safely with one arm — if you have limited upper body strength, this may be a safety consideration. 

The Tushbaby is designed with the mission to make everyday life with a baby easier, whether you’re on the go or just hanging around the house. A wheelchair may make caring for your baby a little more challenging, but with the right tools, you can create a positive and special experience. The Tushbaby is a must-have baby carrier for caregivers in wheelchairs, as long as it’s safe to use for your circumstances. From ample storage to added breastfeeding support, Tushbaby can make life with a wheelchair and a baby convenient and comfortable. 

If you have any questions about the safety of hip seat wearing while in a wheelchair, check with your healthcare provider to seek guidance on what is safest for you and your little one. 

Get the support you need for babywearing in a wheelchair. . .try the #1 hip seat carrier on the market!