Baby Carrier Hacks That Actually Work Every Day

Using a baby carrier (aka babywearing) can be a game-changer—especially in those early weeks when your baby wants to be held 24/7 and you’re just trying to get through the day with at least one hand free.

For me, it was the thing that saved my sanity when my second baby was born. I was solo with two under two, and wearing her meant I could fold laundry, make snacks and occasionally drink my coffee while it was still warm.

But while babywearing looks simple, getting the right carrier, figuring out how to use it and actually getting your baby to settle in? That can be tricky for some first-time parents.

Like most things in parenthood, it gets easier with practice. And with a few expert-backed tips (plus some real-life hacks), you’ll be strapping baby in with confidence in no time.

Find The One (aka the Right Carrier)

A baby carrier is only helpful if you actually use it. And you likely won’t if you’re not comfortable or find it too tricky to use.

Not all carriers are created equal—and what works for your best friend might not work for you. Some people love the soft, snuggly feel of a wrap. Others want something with buckles they can clip and go. And if you’re on baby number two (or just tired), a carrier that’s quick and intuitive can feel like a lifesaver.

Here’s the TL;DR of carrier types:

• Stretchy wraps (like Solly or Boba) = cozy newborn cuddles, great for the early months.

• Structured carriers (like Ergobaby Omni, Hope & Plum Lark, Artipoppe or Wildbird Aerial) = more support, more adjustability, and a longer use-span.

• Ring slings and hybrids (like Wildbird Ring Sling or Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid) = somewhere in between, often faster to throw on once you get the hang of it.

Babywearing educator and occupational therapist Jordan Morillo says choosing a carrier based on someone else’s recommendation is one of the most common reasons parents end up frustrated. “What works for one person’s body and lifestyle might not work for yours,” she explains.

👉Want help narrowing it down? Take our quiz to find your match! 

Tackle Chores With Baby In Tow

Babywearing makes it easier to keep your hands free while keeping your baby close—especially when they’re wanting to stay extra close. As long as you’ve got a proper fit in the carrier, no mountain of laundry or dishwasher is out of reach. Just skip the stove and any harsh chemicals. (Be sure to check out our other article on how to safely do chores while babywearing for even more tips!)

Nap-Trapped? Babywear Through It

If your baby sleeps better on you, babywearing is much better than being nap trapped. Carrier naps help you get things done—or just binge a show—while they snooze on your chest. 

Your Secret Soothing Combo: Carrier + Steps

When the swaying, bouncing and rocking just aren’t cutting it, popping baby into the carrier can work wonders. It promotes something called Kangaroo Care, which is basically skin-to-skin and lots of proximity in the fourth trimester—beneficial for both baby and you! Bonus points for getting fresh air, too! Something about motion + closeness = magic.

Breastfeeding in a Carrier? Yep, It's a Thing

Some parents swear by breastfeeding in a carrier, especially when they’re out and about. Others find it tricky, and that’s totally normal. If you want to try, start at home and go slow.

It’s important to keep an eye on your baby and make sure their airway stays clear. And once a feed is finished, your baby should always be repositioned back into a safe, upright carry. (We like this step-by-step tutorial from IBCLC and mom of five Karrie Locher, which walks through how to do it safely and comfortably.)

Age + Stage Matters (a Little)

What works for a newborn might not work for a 20-pound toddler who refuses to bend their legs. Your baby’s size helps determine how you wear them. Newborns need more support since they’re still working on head, neck and trunk support. They also should only face inward toward you. While most carriers say they’re safe to use from birth, typically seven pounds, getting the right fit that’s safe and secure is often tricky to figure out for new parents. So if you’re planning on babywearing early in the fourth trimester, a stretchy wrap or structured newborn carrier would be your best bet. The Ergobaby Embrace is our favorite structured carrier designed with newborn fit in mind, and we also love the Solly Wrap Carrier.

Once they’ve got head control—and meet the age requirements set by your specific carrier—you can try other positions like forward-facing (aka world-facing) and back carrying. Many babywearing educators recommend thinking of forward-facing carries as a short-term option rather than an all-day position, since babies' growing bodies are better supported facing in. A few carriers that allow for versatile positioning include the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Harmony, lillebaby Complete All Seasons and the Tula Linen Explore.

Carriers Are a Traveling-With-a-Baby MVP

Take it from us: carriers come in clutch when traveling with a baby whether you’re in airports, on trains or basically anywhere you don’t want to fold and unfold a stroller 47 times. One parenting tip that’ll make you feel like a pro is that you can breeze through TSA security (most of the time) without taking your baby out. (We say most of the time because it can be really dependent on the airline and airport’s policies, and sometimes, it depends on who’s working security that day.)

A wrap carrier is more likely to be a quick pass, and I’ve gone through TSA with my toddler in an Ergo Omni Deluxe with no trouble. One thing to keep in mind: stay flexible. According to the TSA website, you may be subject to additional screening (like the wand). Be sure to double-check your airport and airline’s policies.

Sometimes Two Carriers Actually Is Better Than One

There are plenty of one-and-done carriers out there, but I’ve found sometimes the trick to enjoying babywearing is having one or two to choose from depending on what you’re doing and where you’ll be wearing your little one. I really loved the Solly wrap for wearing my daughter around the house and for contact naps but preferred a structured option for outdoor walks and trips to the zoo.

If you think you’ll share babywearing duty, it’s worth considering parents’ size differences. Some carriers are tricky to share, especially those that offer different sizes or have more involved adjustments. I’ve seen a lot of parents find that getting two carriers that are specific to each of them is super helpful.

Yes, You Can Pee In Peace (Kind of)

Look, sometimes it’s that kind of day. Peeing with a baby strapped to you is not totally peeing in peace—but it’s a useful hack if you’ve gotta go and they’re snuggled in. Most carriers are safe to keep on for a quick bathroom break. Just make sure you're supported, baby is snug and...well, you wash your hands before you continue on about your day.

It’s Not The Carrier—It’s The Timing

Sometimes it just takes a little trial and error to get it right, and according to Rebekah Kimminau, a babywearing educator and founder of The Baby Gear Consultant, that’s totally normal. “Babies lived for nine months in a very snug environment—being close and secure is usually calming,” she says.

Even if you’ve got the right carrier for your specific needs, many parents find that their baby is the ultimate judge.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if your baby doesn’t immediately love being in the carrier.

Calm baby, better vibes

When you’re first getting started babywearing, timing can make all the difference. The key is to try it out when baby is calm and content.

Some good moments to practice getting a few minutes in the carrier include:

• After a feed

• After a burp

• After a diaper change

• When they’re drowsy or starting to relax

If your baby’s already crying before you get them in, you’ll probably want to take a few minutes to soothe or bounce them before attempting to put them in the carrier. You’ll both have a better shot at settling in if you start from a chill moment.

Movement is your friend

Once you’ve got baby securely in the carrier, don’t stand still—start moving! Try some gently swaying or bouncing. Babies are used to near-constant motion in the womb, so standing still in a carrier can feel...off. A little movement can go a long way in helping them settle in.

Once your baby is safely in and you’re feeling good, try:

• Walking the room

• Swaying your hips

• Gently bouncing on your heels

That small, rhythmic motion can help them relax into the carrier and can often stop fussing in its tracks. It may feel a little funny at first, but don’t worry: your baby’s probably already loving the ride. (And honestly? The swaying might stick. I still catch myself doing it in the grocery store line and at school pickup. 😅)

Make sure you’re comfy and supported, too

Babies very much operate off of the vibes of those around them. With that in mind, your comfort matters just as much as theirs. Morillo says one of the most common fixes she makes during babywearing consults is simply adjusting the fit.

Here are a few things she says parents who are feeling uncomfortable in the carrier should try:

• Get the waistband in the right spot. Most of the time, parents have the waistband too low. It should be at your natural waist, not your hips.

• Adjust the straps. One of my biggest struggles with babywearing was getting the straps comfy on my shoulders (and not digging into my neck). Make sure shoulder straps sit on the outer part of your shoulders. If you’re using a wrap or ring sling, make sure the fabric is capped over your shoulder, which distributes the weight. If you’ve got a carrier with straps that cross in the back, make sure to remove any slack and also that they’re not too tight. Carriers with an H-style strap (like the Tula Explore) feature a clip that connects the two shoulder straps and helps keep them from sliding off. You want this about halfway down between your shoulders, not up at the base of your neck. 

• Get a nice, deep seat. Make sure your baby’s weight is evenly distributed in the seat. 

“Even small changes—like adjusting shoulder straps or guiding baby in a gentle pelvic tuck—can make a big difference in how a carrier feels,” Morillo says.