I didn’t start babywearing because I had read about its benefits – I started because I was exhausted. My daughter needed to be held constantly, and I needed to make it through the day with at least one hand free. That’s how I first discovered the magic of wearing my newborn close enough to kiss while finally being able to make breakfast, fold laundry, or simply breathe for a minute.
At first, it felt intimidating. I remember fumbling with a long wrap, wondering if I was doing it right or if her tiny head was supported enough. But once we figured it out together, something changed. The quiet rhythm of my steps, the warmth of her breathing against my chest – it grounded me in a way nothing else could.
I didn’t realize it then, but babywearing became more than a convenience. It was a lifeline, a way to feel connected, confident, and capable again as a new mom learning to trust herself.
What Babywearing Taught Me
Before I became a mom, I thought babywearing was mostly about convenience – keeping your hands free while your baby napped on you. And yes, that part is wonderful. But what surprised me most was how it reshaped my days, my confidence, and even my bond with my baby.
Wearing my daughter close felt like carrying a little heartbeat against mine. It gave both of us comfort. On the days she couldn’t settle in her crib, I learned that I didn’t have to fight it – I could just carry my baby, feel her weight, and let her sleep on my chest while I walked or swayed. Those quiet hours taught me to slow down and listen, to her and to myself.
I started noticing how she’d calm the second I held her close enough to kiss. Her breathing matched mine, her tiny fingers relaxed, and I realized that keeping my baby close wasn’t spoiling her – it was exactly what she needed. And, honestly, it was what I needed too.
More than anything, babywearing a newborn taught me that motherhood doesn’t have to look like balance all the time. Some days, it looks like learning how to do everything one-handed and still finding small moments of peace in the middle of the mess.
What I Wish I Knew Sooner
There’s so much about motherhood that you can’t learn until you’re living it – and babywearing was one of those things for me. Looking back, there are a few lessons I wish someone had whispered in my ear before I tied that first wrap.
It’s Okay If It Takes a Few Tries
The first time I tried a wrap babywearing setup, I was convinced I’d done it wrong. The fabric felt endless, my baby squirmed, and I second-guessed every knot. What I didn’t realize then is that everyone struggles at first. The trick is patience – and practice.
Once you learn how to support your baby’s head and find that snug, “close enough to kiss” fit, it becomes second nature.
Comfort Matters More Than Looks
I used to think the softer, prettier baby wraps were the best choice, until my shoulders started aching. That’s when I learned the value of padded shoulder straps and carriers with even weight distribution. If it’s not comfortable for you, it won’t be for your baby either. Look for options that are machine washable, baby safe, and fit your body as much as your lifestyle.
Every Baby – and Every Parent – Is Different
There isn’t a perfect baby carrier for newborns, just the one that fits you. Some parents swear by ring slings, babywearing wraps, or other wraps and slings, while others prefer structured carriers. Your baby’s weight limit, their need for head control, and your own comfort will guide you. Don’t be afraid to switch styles as your baby grows; it’s all part of learning what works for both of you.
You Don’t Have to Do It Perfectly
If I could go back, I’d tell myself this: your baby doesn’t need perfect wrapping technique. They just need to feel secure, supported, and close to you. Whether it’s a soft wrap, a structured carrier, or something in between, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s connection.
Different Styles I Tried (and What Actually Worked)
When I first started exploring baby wearing, I had no idea there were so many options. Wraps, slings, structured carriers – it felt like a new language. So, like every overwhelmed mom, I tried them all until I found what really worked for us.
Wraps and Slings: Cozy but Tricky at First
I started with the classic baby wraps because they looked soft and simple. What I didn’t realize was that wrap babywearing comes with a learning curve. My daughter loved being snug and close enough to kiss, but it took a few messy attempts (and YouTube tutorials) to figure out how to tie it right. I learned quickly that patience mattered more than perfect folds.
Then I tried ring slings, and I’ll admit – I loved the style. They were lightweight, breathable, and easy to slip on for quick errands. But once she got heavier, my shoulder started to protest. The one-sided weight reminded me that every option has its weight limit, and what works for a newborn might not feel as comfortable for a growing baby.
Structured Carriers: The Hands-Free Game-Changer
After a few weeks of trial and error, I switched to a soft-structured carrier with padded shoulder straps. That’s when babywearing finally clicked. I could carry my baby for hours, stay hands free, and still feel supported. The even weight distribution made a huge difference, especially during long walks.
I also appreciated that most structured carriers are machine washable, which meant I didn’t panic every time she drooled or had a spit-up moment – because, let’s be honest, that happens daily.
Finding What Fits You
The biggest lesson? There’s no single “best” option. Some parents swear by wraps and slings; others love the simplicity of a structured carrier. Your comfort, your baby’s size, and your everyday rhythm all play a part.
Whether it’s a soft wrap, a ring sling, or something sturdier, the best babywearing style is the one that lets you move, connect, and support your baby safely.
Babywearing Isn’t Just for Moms
One of the sweetest surprises of our babywearing journey was realizing how much my husband loved it too. At first, he wasn’t sure about all the straps and fabric, but once he tried a baby carrier for men, he was hooked. The first time he wore our daughter, she melted into him within minutes — calm, safe, and totally content.
He liked the practicality of it. Being able to hold her close and still move around made him feel confident, especially during those early months when newborns can feel so fragile. Eventually, he even tried a babywearing shirt for dad – a simple, supportive shirt designed to hold the baby securely against the chest. It wasn’t for skin-to-skin contact, but it gave him a similar closeness and comfort during those early weeks.
What I loved most was seeing how different our experiences were. He preferred a more structured carrier, while I leaned toward wraps. But the result was the same – our baby was close enough to kiss, fully supported, and surrounded by love from both of us.
It showed me that bonding doesn’t have one “look.” Whether it’s mom, dad, or any caregiver, anyone can find a way to carry your baby that feels natural, safe, and comforting.
Safety & What Experts Recommend
I’ll be honest – when I first started babywearing, I worried about doing it wrong. Every time I wrapped or buckled my baby in, I’d ask myself the same questions: Is her head supported? Is she breathing comfortably? Am I holding her too tight or not tight enough?
Over time, I learned that feeling uncertain just means you care. The good news is, there are simple ways to keep babywearing newborns safe and comfortable. The first is making sure your baby is always close enough to kiss and visible at all times. Their head control develops slowly, so your carrier should always support your baby’s head and neck until they can do it on their own.
What the Experts Say
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends carriers that support the baby’s hips in an “M” shape – knees higher than their bottom – which helps promote healthy hip development. Most modern wraps and slings and structured carriers follow these guidelines, but it’s always worth double-checking before buying.
Finding the Right Carrying Position
As your baby grows, so will your comfort with different carrying positions. Newborns usually feel safest in an upright front carry where their tiny bodies stay snug against your chest. Later, you can experiment with hip or back carries, but always choose what feels most natural and baby safe.
And one last thing: don’t stress over perfection. You’ll adjust, tighten, and retie a hundred times – that’s part of the process. What matters most is that your baby feels supported, secure, and loved. Every adjustment is a sign that you’re paying attention, and that’s exactly what makes babywearing so special.
Looking back, I realize babywearing gave me so much more than convenience. It gave me connection. It gave me calm. It gave me a way to feel like myself again — even in those blurry, early weeks when nothing felt predictable.
Every wrap, every adjustment, every tiny moment of closeness reminded me that I was enough. I didn’t have to do everything perfectly – I just had to carry my baby, listen to her cues, and keep her safe and loved. The rest found its rhythm in time.
If you’re in those early days of figuring out what works for you, know this: babywearing doesn’t have to look any certain way. Whether you’re using wraps and slings, a structured carrier, or something totally different, the goal is the same – to keep your baby close, supported, and comforted by your heartbeat.
And if you’re curious which Baby Tula Carrier became my go-to and why it made such a difference, I shared my full experience in a detailed review – including what I loved most and how it supported me through two very different seasons of motherhood.
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