How to Do Chores While Wearing Your Baby in a Carrier

Some days, it can feel like your baby only wants to be held, especially when your to-do list isn’t exactly taking the day off. That’s where babywearing can be a game-changer. 

By keeping your baby snug and supported against you in a baby carrier, you free up your hands to tackle everyday tasks (hello, never-ending laundry pile). Bonus: the gentle movement often helps soothe them and maybe even earn you a contact nap.

But just like learning to use a baby carrier safely, figuring out what you can actually do while wearing your baby takes a little practice. So we asked Jordan Morillo, an occupational therapist and certified babywearing consultant, to share her best tips on babywearing while getting things done and keeping baby safe.

“I wore my son constantly during the newborn months—sometimes up to 10 hours a day,” Morillo shares. “It helped regulate him, gave me freedom and became a safe space for both of us.”

Safety First: Babywearing Basics 

Before you dive into dishes or start folding that mountain of tiny baby clothes, it’s important to make sure your baby is safe and well-positioned in your baby carrier. Even everyday tasks can feel different when you’ve got a tiny human strapped to your chest. “The best way to get a proper fit and positioning is to get customized support,” says Morillo. “You can go through local babywearing groups, see if your carrier brand offers 1:1 fit checks or work with a certified babywearing consultant in person or virtually.”

A few things to always check:

• Their airway is clear. Make sure baby’s chin isn’t tucked to their chest and their face is visible at all times.

• They’re snug and supported. Baby should be held close to your body, with their back supported and legs in a hip-healthy “M” position.

• Your movement matters. Bending, twisting or reaching can shift baby’s position—so move mindfully, especially during household tasks.

A quick way to double-check your baby’s position is to remember T.I.C.K.S. It’s a simple safety checklist shared by babywearing experts:

• Tight. Your carrier should hold baby snug against you so they’re well supported.

• In view at all times. You should always be able to see your baby’s face without moving any fabric.

• Close enough to kiss. Baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable—aka you should be able to tilt your head and kiss them.

• Keep chin off chest. Baby’s chin should never be curled down onto their chest; this can block their airway.

• Supported back. Baby’s back should be in a natural position, with their tummy and chest resting against your body.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to get the fit a little off—especially when you’re still getting used to your carrier. Morillo adds that you shouldn’t feel like you’re guessing your way through babywearing. “If something feels off or uncomfortable, for you or baby, it’s okay to ask for help. A small adjustment can make a huge difference,” she says. 

Here are a few of the most common missteps Morillo sees (and how to tweak them):

• Too loose: Your baby should be snug against you and there shouldn’t be big pockets of space between your bodies. Think secure, not squished.

• Too low: Baby’s head should be close enough to kiss or about even with the dip between your collarbones.

• Too tight in the wrong places: It’s tempting to over-cinch the shoulder straps when things feel loose, but that can flatten your baby against you without actually improving the fit. “Instead, move the slack from the shoulders down your back and around to the buckle, then tighten,” Morillo explains.

• Covered head: While it might feel like you’re adding support, covering baby’s head too high can block their airway. Morillo says, “The top of the carrier should stop around the bottom of their earlobe, and their face should always stay visible.”

Babywearing-Friendly Chores

Once baby is snug and secure in their carrier, you’ve got a little more freedom to move and maybe even tackle a few things around the house. “Tasks like sweeping, vacuuming or light food prep (like chopping veggies or using a stand mixer) are great to do while babywearing,” says Morillo. “Just make sure your movements are controlled and that your baby is snug and supported.” 

Morillo says these are some babywearing-friendly chores that let you stay productive and keep the snuggles going:

• Laundry. Transferring clothes between the washer and dryer, folding (with one less person to grab the clean socks) or putting laundry away are all manageable with baby strapped in.

• Tidying up. Think toy pickup, shelf organizing or sorting that pile of mail that’s been sitting on the counter.

• Sweeping + vacuuming. As long as the noise doesn’t bother your baby, vacuuming is a great chore for babywearing. (Pro tip: some babies love the white noise of the vacuum—it might even lull them to sleep.)

• Kitchen stuff + food prep. Think “cold” tasks here! Doing things in the kitchen like chopping fruit and veggies, making a sandwich and loading (or unloading) the dishwasher. Just steer clear of heat, sharp objects and any heavy lifting.

• Walking the dog or running light errands. If you're heading outside, babywearing can be a great way to fit in fresh air and movement.

Chores to Avoid While Babywearing

Not every household task is babywearing-friendly. There are some things that just aren’t safe to do while your baby is snuggled against you. Here’s what to skip:

• Cooking over heat: Open flames, boiling water, hot oil—it's just too risky with a baby that close. Opt for prep tasks or let someone else handle the stovetop.

• Cleaning with strong chemicals: Products like bleach or ammonia can release fumes that aren’t safe for your baby to inhale.

• Handling sharp tools or breakables: Think knives, scissors, broken glass or anything that could fall and hurt you (or baby) if dropped.

• Lifting heavy or unstable items: Your balance can shift while babywearing, so skip anything that requires heavy lifting, step stools or awkward reaching.

• Leaning over too far: Bending at the waist can cause baby to slump or shift. Instead, squat with your knees to keep both of you supported. 

• Anything that feels unsafe while holding your baby in your arms: That’s your gut check. “If you wouldn’t do it while holding your baby in your arms, it’s not safe to do while babywearing,” says Morillo.

When it comes to babywearing and chores, safety always comes first. And remember—not doing certain chores right now doesn’t make you any less productive. Caring for your baby is the main task, and it counts.

Which carriers are best for babywearing and chores?

There’s no one “best” carrier—just what works best for you and what you’re doing. Morillo says it really depends on your support needs and your tasks. “Many parents like wraps and buckle carriers because they offer symmetrical support and are easy to use,” she says. “But for quick tasks or shorter wear, a ring sling or meh dai might be a better fit.”

A few things to consider:

• Need shoulder support? Go for a structured buckle carrier that distributes weight to your hips and back.

• Doing repetitive reaching? Look for carriers with firm straps that stay put—so you’re not adjusting every five minutes.

• Want to see what works best as baby grows? Back and hip carries may feel more supportive as your baby gets heavier—and gives you more freedom to move around.

And remember: the right carrier is the one that makes you feel comfortable, safe and confident. Don’t hesitate to try a few or reach out to a babywearing consultant for personalized support.

Babywearing while doing chores won’t magically make your to-do list disappear, but it can turn everyday tasks into chances for connection. Whether you’re folding laundry or just walking the dog, you’re still caring for your baby and your home (at the same time—go you!). The key is choosing safe, doable tasks, wearing your carrier properly and giving yourself credit for all the ways you’re showing up. Those extra snuggles count just as much as anything else you check off.