Hello caregivers! Newborns are so soft and squishy and cute and cuddly and their little heads smell so good. Do you know where you can smell them best? When they’re worn on your chest!

Several years ago we published a blog post on newborn babywearing (check that out for an overview!). If you’re looking for information on newborn inserts, we have a blog post for that too! This particular blog post seeks to build on what those two posts cover and include video tutorials (neither of the previous posts have videos). It is divided into sections by carrier type. There are tips and tricks to make it work best for you. Our lending library carries all these types of carriers. If you’re local (or visiting!), we would love to help you find your best fit at one of our many free public meetings (they’re casual, come and go as you need, and lots of fun!).
First things first! Safety! Regardless of the type of carrier the same safety basics apply. Note that different cultures may wear differently than how babywearing is taught in the Western practice. Cultural wearing is different from Western wearing in that cultural wearing practices are skills that have been passed down through generations which many outside of the culture don’t have that knowledge. Below are safety guidelines and tips related to babywearing from a Western practice.

This blog post is sectioned off by carrier type in alphabetical order. Check them all out or just go to the one you’re interested in and wear on!
Bei Dais/Meh Dais
Bei dais/meh dais are versatile carriers that can be used for newborns and toddlers as they grow without changing carrier size in between. If you’re looking for a “one and done” carrier that fits multiple body types, can be used for front (facing in or facing out) and hip and back carrying, this might be the one for you.
Pouch Slings

Onbuhimos
Wait a minute. Onbuhimos in newborn babywearing?! Onbuhimos are traditionally for toddler back carrying. However, if you have an onbuhimo and a newborn, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it! Some onbuhimos may have adjustable seats to narrow the body panel in for a newborn. You would wear the newborn on the front, not the back.
Ring Slings

Soft-Structured Carriers
Soft-structured carriers can come with an infant insert attached to the inside of the carrier, a separate infant insert to put into the carrier, or have adjustment settings on the carrier to narrow the base and shorten the body panel. These adjustments are necessary for a newborn to be safely worn in the carrier.

Stretchy Carriers
Stretchy carriers like a long piece of stretchy fabric or one that’s in loops like a K’Tan are so soft and snugly for newborns. They tend to not be as comfortable for the caregiver when the baby reaches approximately 15 pounds though the carrier is safety tested for a higher weight limit than that. The baby should have three passes going over the body and the fabric should be snug and snap back.



Woven Wraps
Additional Resources
“Wearing in Pajamas” by Brittany Brown Marsh: https://brittbrownmarsh.com/2017/03/14/wearing-in-pajamas/
Front Wrap Carries: https://babywearingtwincities.org/blog/front-wrap-carries/
Images of “Traditional Babywearing”: https://tinyurl.com/s5kbku4
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If you have any questions about babywearing, we encourage you to contact us and/or come learn in person at one of our meetings! Check out our Instagram @Babywearing.Twin.Cities and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BabywearingTwinCities/).
Images have image descriptions in the alternative text accessible to those who use screen readers.