Common Babywearing Mistakes (and How to Correct Them)
- Emma – Little One Snug
- Oct 26, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
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If you're expecting a baby or already navigating life with one, you're in the right place. I'm Emma, a qualified babywearing consultant based in Hastings (UK), helping families across East Sussex choose, fit, and use baby carriers safely and confidently.
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This guide is for you if...
✔ Something feels off with your sling
✔ Your new to babywearing or even slightly more experienced
✔ You would like some reassurance
✔ You're after some tricks and tips
Babywearing can be amazing.
It can help you soothe your baby, keep your hands free, get out of the house more easily and build that lovely closeness that so many families enjoy.
But if your sling or carrier doesn't feel quite right, you may find yourself wondering:
"Am I doing something wrong?" Or "Should I just give up?"
But remember it needs to be safe 👉 Sling Safety: Remember ABC
The good news is that most babywearing problems are very common, and often they can be fixed with a few small adjustments. As a babywearing consultant, these are some of the things I see most often when supporting families.
1. Choosing a carrier based only on recommendations
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is assuming there is one "best" baby carrier.
You might hear:
"Everyone loves this carrier."
"This was amazing for my baby."
"You need this one."
But the carrier that works beautifully for one family may not suit another.
Things that affect what works include:
Your body shape and comfort preferences
Your baby's age, size and development
How often you want to carry
Whether you prefer buckles, wraps or something in between
Your lifestyle
The best carrier is the one that works for your family. Trying before buying can be really helpful!
2. Wearing baby too low
A very common issue is a carrier that sits lower than it needs to.
A baby who is too low may feel heavier, and the carrier may become less comfortable for the person carrying.
A useful check:
Can you comfortably (no stooping) kiss the top of your baby's head?
If not, your carrier may need adjusting.
A higher, closer carry often feels much more supportive.
3. Not getting enough support around baby's body
A baby carrier should support your baby in a way that is appropriate for their stage of development.
Depending on their age, this usually means:
Their body is well supported
Their position is appropriate for their developmental stage
They are held securely without being compressed
Sometimes a small adjustment to the width, straps or fabric placement can completely change how a carry feels.
4. Covering baby's face - we need to see the airways clearly!
It's very understandable that parents want to protect their baby from the sun, wind or distractions. However, your baby's face should always remain visible and easy to monitor.
Avoid:
Covering their face with blankets
Pulling hoods fully over their face
Adding extra fabric over the carrier
Instead consider:
Shade
Appropriate clothing
Sun hats
Purpose-designed covers where suitable
5. Overdressing baby in the carrier
A carrier counts as a layer of clothing.
Many parents accidentally dress their baby as if they are going into a pram rather than being held close against their body.
Depending on the weather, your baby may need fewer layers than you expect.
Think about:
The temperature
The carrier fabric
Your own body heat
How long you will be carrying
6. Assuming discomfort is normal
One of the biggest myths about babywearing is:
"It just takes getting used to."
Some adjustment is normal when learning something new, but carrying should not feel painful.
If you are experiencing:
Shoulder pain
Back pain
Baby pulling away or seeming uncomfortable
Pressure points
A carrier you constantly avoid using
it may simply need adjusting (and seeking professional support is recommended here) or it may not be the right carrier for you.
7. Not adjusting as your baby grows
Your baby changes quickly.
A carrier that worked beautifully with a tiny newborn may need adapting as your baby becomes bigger, stronger and more curious.
You may need to change:
The carrier settings
The carrying position
The type of carrier you use
Babywearing is a journey, not a one-time setup.
8. Trying to figure everything out alone
There is so much information online about babywearing, but sometimes a small amount of personalised support can make a huge difference.
A few minutes spent adjusting your carrier can transform:
"I don't think this works for me"
into:
"Why didn't I do this sooner?"
Final thoughts
Most babywearing mistakes are not fails, they are simply opportunities to learn.
Every parent and baby pair is different, and finding a comfortable carry often takes a little experimenting. With the right support, babywearing can become one of the easiest and most enjoyable parts of everyday life with your little one.
Happy Carrying,
Emma
X
Every baby, every parent, and carrier is different!
Articles like this can answer general questions, but they can't check your fit / comfort, adjust your sling or tell you whether your baby is positioned comfortably and safely.
That's exactly what I do during support sessions.
I'm Emma, the babywearing consultant behind Little One Snug. I offer relaxed, personalised sling consultations, carrier hire and troubleshooting sessions for families across Hastings and East Sussex, helping you carry your baby safely and confidently from newborn through to preschool. Whether you're choosing your first sling, struggling with your current carrier or simply want reassurance that everything feels right, I'm here to help.
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About the Author:
Emma is a qualified babywearing consultant and the founder of Little One Snug, a babywearing consultancy and sling library based in Hastings, East Sussex. Supporting many local families with anything carrying related, whatever stage they are at – pregnancy through to preschool.
