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Baby Wearing Guide: What Age Should I Start?

Baby carriers can offer a breadth of benefits for both parents and babies, from deeper bonding to easier carrying. There are lots of baby wearing styles out there, including traditional wraps that cozy up newborns, snugs that provide a secure, padded environment, and hip carriers designed for toddlers to sit comfortably while parents move freely.

Navigating the world of baby carriers can be tricky. That's why we're here to break down everything you need to know about when you can start baby wearing and its benefits.

Plus, we’ll show you the essentials to consider when choosing between different types of baby carriers and how Tushbaby delivers exceptional support, versatility, and ease. Trust us, the more you learn about Tushbaby, the more you'll see it's a must-have.

When can I put my baby in a carrier?

Table of Contents

What Are the Benefits of Baby Wearing?
Is Baby Wearing Safe?
Types of Baby Carriers
Can You Baby Wear With a Newborn?
When Can I Carry My Toddler in a Carrier?
Using Tushbaby as Your Baby Carrier

What Are the Benefits of Baby Wearing?

Baby wearing isn’t just a trend; it’s a smart choice for both parents and babies. Carrying a baby this way offers a range of benefits that can make your daily life easier. From keeping your baby soothed and close to making breastfeeding more convenient, the advantages are plentiful. Let’s break down the key benefits of baby wearing and see how this simple practice can enhance your parenting experience.

Reduces crying

Baby wearing naturally soothes infants, which can significantly reduce their crying by providing constant, comforting closeness.

Encourages breastfeeding

Another benefit of baby wearing is that it promotes breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact and easy access make it more convenient for moms to nurse more frequently on the go.

Better sleep

Baby wearing can also help your baby sleep better by providing a warm, secure environment, mimicking the sensations of being carried in the womb as your baby is closely cuddled to you.

Is Baby Wearing Safe?

If your baby has no medical conditions that make a carrier unsafe, you can start baby wearing as soon as you're ready. That's right, even on day one!

Much like most parenting decisions, when to start using a baby carrier is up to you and your baby. Some moms wait a bit after birth to rest, while others have their carrier ready before they even leave the hospital.

Knowing how to baby wear a newborn is important, and there are a few things you can do to ensure you're using your baby carrier in the safest and most comfortable way possible:

Choose the right carrier: Make sure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s age, weight, and development level.
Check for damage: Inspect the carrier for any signs of wear, tear, or damage before each use.
Read the instructions: Familiarize yourself with the carrier's specific instructions and safety guidelines.
Proper positioning: Ensure the baby’s airway stays clear and their face is visible. For newborns and young infants, position them so you can easily kiss the top of their head.
Support the back and hips: The carrier should support the baby's back in their natural posture, with their knees slightly higher than their bottom in an ‘M’ shaped position to promote healthy hip development.
Secure attachments: Make sure all buckles, snaps, and straps are securely fastened and adjusted for a snug but comfortable fit.
Monitor regularly: Keep a close eye on your baby while they’re in the carrier, checking frequently to ensure that they’re comfortable, their airway is clear, and they aren’t showing signs of distress.

Types of Baby Carriers

When choosing the best baby carrier for you, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Start with your budget, and consider how much you're willing to invest in comfort and convenience. Consider the age and size of your baby, as different carriers cater to different stages. Your body type matters, too, so find a carrier that fits you well and provides proper support. Finally, don't forget your style preferences; after all, you'll be wearing your carrier a lot. Finding the perfect balance among these factors will help you choose the best baby carrier for your needs. Below are a few different types of carriers to consider.

Hip Carriers

A hip carrier is a hands-free solution for parents that helps you carry your little one comfortably on your hip while keeping your essentials close—all in a style that fits your life.

The Tushbaby Hip Carrier is designed for comfort and ease, supporting your baby in a natural position that’s optimal for healthy hip growth. It also doubles as a nursing pillow and stylish diaper bag, with multiple pockets and a foldable design for convenience. Suitable from infancy through toddlerhood (and up to 45lbs), it lets you carry your little one longer and more comfortably. Plus, it gives your arms a well-deserved break—carrying a baby all day is no small feat!

Baby Snugs

Baby Snugs are the ultimate cozy companion, designed to keep your little one warm and comfortable while adding a touch of style to your daily adventures.

The Snug Attachment from Tushbaby is the perfect versatile sidekick when you want to wear your Tushbaby carrier hands-free, supporting face-to-face and forward-facing positions for infants and toddlers up to 45 lbs. It attaches directly to your Tushbaby, combining hands-free flexibility with the storage and support of a hipseat to create the ultimate 2-in-1 convertible carrier combo. Plus, it can be easily stored in Tushbaby’s under-seat pocket when you’re not using it. Perfect for hands-free carrying, it keeps you and your baby close and comfy.

Can You Baby Wear With a Newborn?

Baby wearing your newborn is totally safe when you have the right carrier, provided your baby doesn’t have certain medical conditions that make a carrier unsafe. Knowing when you can start baby wearing can be confusing, so let's dive into the best carriers for each stage of your baby's growth, ensuring they get the support they need at every age.

Baby wearing at 0-4 months old

You can start enjoying the benefits of baby wearing right after your baby is born. However, for newborns aged 0-4 months whose neck muscles aren't fully developed, it’s best to choose a carrier that lets your baby rest their head against your body or properly supports the neck in other ways.

Can I use a Tushbaby with my newborn?

Wraps and slings are great for the early months, but don’t forget about Tushbaby! Our hip seat carrier features an open-style design, five roomy pockets, and built-in lumbar support. Use it right from birth as a breastfeeding pillow: strap it high and tight above your waist, lay your baby on the memory foam-lined seat, and let Tushbaby take the weight while supporting your posture and back.

Baby wearing at 4-7 months old

Between 4-7 months, your little one may start holding their head up on their own, making it a great time to baby wear with a comfy carrier. But wouldn’t it be nice to stick with the one you already have?

With Tushbaby, you can! Our carrier adapts as your child grows, offering four carry positions for babies up to 36 months (or 45lbs). Tushbaby’s hip seat design lets your baby sit on either hip, facing in or out, or in a feeding position. Once your baby hits 12 pounds, adding the Snug attachment then lets you go hands-free.

Headed back to work? Leaving your caregiver with your carrier can help ease postpartum separation anxiety, as it can be reassuring to know that your baby will be comforted in a similar way while you’re gone. One of the best parts is that the adjustable waistband and optional Waistband Extender ensure our Tushbaby carriers fit everyone.

Baby wearing at 8-12 months old

At 8-12 months, your baby will likely have strong head and neck control—perfect for trying the forward-facing position with a hip seat carrier. At this age, your little one’s curiosity is in full swing, and forward-facing carrying lets them explore the world with you.

You can use your Tushbaby in all four positions at this stage: feeding, face-to-face, side-carrying, and front-facing. Your baby will love the variety, and you’ll enjoy the fuss-free days.

When Can I Carry My Toddler in a Carrier?

Baby wearing past 12 months old

As your baby becomes more mobile and enters the toddler phase, your carrying experience will evolve. Toddlers love to explore independently, but they’ll still want (and need) to be carried often and haven’t yet reached the baby carrier age limit. That’s where a hip seat carrier can be a real game-changer. Getting one that’s designed to support you and your toddler and offers an open-style design, built-in lumbar support, and multiple carry positions can make this transition period so much easier. This allows you to easily switch between letting your toddler roam free and carrying them comfortably when they need a break.

What is the best way to carry a toddler?

The best way to carry a toddler is with a carrier that offers comfort, support, and versatility. Plus, with the constant up-and-down of carrying toddlers, having a carrier that’s simple and quick is key. Tushbaby lets you pick up and put down your toddler without any complicated wrapping or strapping. Let’s be real—that’s not the case with slings and wraps. Your toddler will love exploring, knowing they can be picked back up in a snap.

How much weight do carriers hold?

The amount of weight baby carriers hold can vary with different types of baby carriers, so make sure to read the instruction manual or manufacturer’s website for any age and weight limitations.

The Tushbaby weight limit is 45 lbs, and can be used for kids up to 3 years old in tons of carrying positions!

When should I NOT carry my baby in a carrier?

Baby carriers have loads of perks, but it’s important to know when you should and shouldn’t use one to ensure safe baby wearing.

Age or developmental stage: Carriers are designed for specific ages and weights, so make sure you’re not using one that isn’t suitable, as this can compromise your baby’s safety.
Hip positioning: Some carriers, like certain slings and wraps, can interfere with healthy hip development. On the other hand, Tushbaby’s hip seat carriers are safe for baby hips, with a seat that supports optimal hip growth.
Body strain: Using a carrier improperly or using one that doesn't suit your needs can sometimes cause pain. Without proper support, the added weight can strain your upper body, stressing your arms, shoulders, and neck.

Using Tushbaby as Your Baby Carrier

The Tushbaby hip seat carrier sits high and tight above your hips, allowing you to carry your baby four different ways, depending on your baby’s age. It evenly distributes your baby’s weight, preventing the pulling and strain that’s common with other types of baby carriers. For hands-free babywearing, pair the Tushbaby with The Snug—our new soft wrap that connects to your Tushbaby, letting you choose how you cuddle and carry your little one comfortably every day.

Because life doesn’t stop just because you have a baby. . . enlist Tushbaby to start babywearing today!