If you’re wondering how to put on a baby carrier properly, you’re not alone. With many baby carriers on the market designed with complicated straps and wraps, figuring out how to get them on can be overwhelming. And if you think that babywearing should be easier…we agree.

That’s why the Tushbaby hip seat carrier was designed for easy on-and-off moments, providing your baby and yourself with a safe and comfortable carrying experience. In this blog, we’ll review how you can ensure you properly wear your baby carrier and what things to consider for safe babywearing.

How to Put on a Baby Carrier Properly

Table of Contents

• What is the correct way to wear a baby carrier?
• How do you put a baby carrier on by yourself?
• Is a baby carrier uncomfortable if put on incorrectly?
• How do I know if I have put on a baby carrier correctly?
• Are backpack baby carriers harder to put on than hipseat carriers?
• Avoid suffocation risks in baby slings
• Other considerations

What is the correct way to wear a baby carrier?

Babywearing safety starts with getting your carrier on as it was designed to be worn. When purchasing a carrier, be sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions and feel confident in your ability to wear it correctly. Once in the carrier, a baby should always be positioned to allow for proper posture, good support, and safe breathing.

The fundamentals of babywearing safety can be remembered with the easy acronym T.I.C.K.S: 

• T- Tight: Keeping your carrier strapped snug and tight will make babywearing more comfortable for you both while avoiding any slouching or unsafe posture for you, your baby, and their airways. 
• I- In View: Ensure no carrier or clothing covers your baby’s face, and keep their face in view at all times. 
• C- Close Enough to Kiss: You want your baby close to your chin or close enough that you can lean down and kiss them. 
• K- Keep Chin Off Chest: Your baby’s chin should not be touching their chest as this can hinder proper breathing. One way to make sure there is enough space is by ensuring there is at least one finger's width of space between your baby’s chin and chest. 
• S- Supported Back: Make sure your baby’s back is supported in any carry position. Ensuring the waistband is strapped tightly and keeping your baby close to your body will prevent any unsafe posture that could impact your baby’s breathing.

When it comes to putting on your Tushbaby hip seat carrier, the correct way to wear it is by strapping it on high and tight above your natural waist for the most comfortable position. We’ll go into detail later, so you’re sure you’ve strapped that thing on right. 

How do you put a baby carrier on by yourself?

One of the many benefits of babywearing is the ability to get things done when it’s just you and your baby. Parents should feel confident in their ability to put their baby carrier on themselves, which isn’t always possible when your carrier has wraps and straps that take two sets of hands to get the baby situated.

The best way to get a carrier on by yourself is by getting yourself and your carrier situated before picking up and putting your baby in. Here’s how easy it is to get your Tushbaby on yourself: 

#1. Get your Tushbaby out and adjust the waist strap to fit high and tight, snugly above your natural waist. If you need a bit of extra length, Tushbaby’s Waistband Extender can add up to 23 inches so your Tushbaby fits you juuuust right. 

#2. Wrap the waistband firmly around your waist and secure the velcro.  

#3. Loop the buckle through the safety elastic loop, clip the buckle, and engage the additional safety lock.

#4. Make sure your carrier is secure and comfortable by pushing gently down on it. 

Once you have confirmed your Tushbaby is secure, you’re ready to pick up your baby and settle them on the seat. Check out just how easy our hip seat carrier is to get on yourself by watching our Tushbaby instructional video.

Is a baby carrier uncomfortable if put on incorrectly?

Not only can a baby carrier be uncomfortable when put on incorrectly, but it can also be very dangerous. When you put your baby carrier on incorrectly, you are putting both your and your baby’s safety at risk in a few ways:

• Improper carrying can lead to posture that can risk your baby’s airways being blocked 
• Insufficient support can lead to unhealthy hip and leg positioning for your baby.  
• Improper wearing can lead to back and neck strain for the carrier.
  

How do I know if I have put on a baby carrier correctly?

Knowing how to put a baby carrier on correctly can keep both you and your baby safe. So how do you know if the thing is on right?

With the Tushbaby, it’s simple. Follow the steps highlighted above or watch our Tushbaby instructional video if you’re just getting started—although we bet you’ll never need to watch it again, it’s just that simple. If you’re opting for a different carrier, be sure you follow the manufacturer's directions. Following the rules of T.I.C.K.S and ensuring your baby is sitting with proper hip and leg placement can help you make sure your carrier is on correctly.

Tushbaby’s hip seat carrier also allows your baby’s legs to be in the M position, which supports healthy hip development. Plus, as a mom-owned business, we truly care about keeping babies safe and taking care of our customers. If you have questions, reach out to us! We know you’re tired, so lean on us for extra support.

Are backpack baby carriers harder to put on than hipseat carriers?

As you can imagine, backpack carriers can be a bit more complex to put on and get the baby situated than a hipseat carrier, especially if you’re trying to do so alone. Putting on a backpack carrier can include adjusting multiple straps and a bit of flexibility to get that fit just right. If you don’t get your backpack carrier on correctly, you can put your baby at risk for serious injury.

Avoid suffocation risks in baby slings

While there are many carrier options on the market, there are risks associated with each that should be considered. Baby slings can leave your baby more prone to ending up in what’s called a ‘C shape’ or chin to chest, leaving them at risk for suffocation. As with any baby carrier, the rules of babywearing safety remain the same. Following all the rules of T.I.C.K.S, a baby sling must be worn snugly, and your baby’s chin should never be on their chest.

Other considerations

As important as it is to keep baby safe when using a carrier, it’s just as important that parents are safe too.  When a carrier is worn incorrectly, parents or caregivers can end up with back and upper body strain. That’s why it’s important to find a carrier that’s comfortable for both you and your baby, and if possible, find a baby carrier with built-in back and lumbar support like Tushbaby.

If you’ve got a baby that loves to get up, then down, then back up again, you know that getting your baby in and out of a complex carrier just isn’t realistic. The Tushbaby carrier can provide back support and the ability to get your baby up and down without getting in and out of a complex carrier.

The best baby carriers are the ones that keep your baby safe while saving your back. A streamlined baby carrier should evenly distribute the baby's weight and not put unnecessary pressure on the wearer’s back and shoulders. The Tushbaby carrier does just that, and so much more. From avoiding back pain or injury with Tushbaby to utilizing storage pockets built into the carrier, Tushbaby defines safety, practicality, and mobility in the world of baby carriers. It even folds up for easy storage—the reasons you need it will continue to grow the more you use it. 

Babywearing made easy. . . strap on Tushbaby and go. Order yours today!