Help! My Baby Cries in the Sling: 7 Common Reasons and What to Do
- Emma – Little One Snug
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
While some babies need a little time to adjust to being carried, and crying doesn't automatically mean that babywearing isn't for them. In fact, some babies who initially protest go on to become very happy little passengers once their parents gain confidence and find what works for them.
One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is:
"My baby cries every time I put them in the sling. Am I doing something wrong?"
The short answer is babies cry for a multitude of reasons, lets look at some of these in the context to your sling below...
1. Your fit is off in someway (maybe it's an easy-fix tweak, or the whole set-up needs a look-over), getting professional support can help here!
A poorly adjusted carrier can make baby not feel so secure... This doesn't mean you've bought the wrong carrier (though some aren't developmentally appropriate - have a read of my 5 favourite sling types for true newborns here) – often it just needs a few tweaks.
Common issues include:
Baby sitting too low
Fabric not supporting from knee to knee
Excess slack in the carrier
Baby slumping
Legs positioned awkwardly
What to do
Check that:
Baby is high enough to kiss.
Their airway is clear.
Their chin is off their chest.
They are well supported throughout their body
If you're unsure, a carrying consultation can help identify small adjustments that make a big difference.
Check out my top safety tips for each and every carry here
2. They were already upset before going in
Sometimes we pop our baby into the carrier because they're already crying and we hope it will instantly calm them down.
While babywearing can be incredibly soothing, it isn't necessarily a magic switch. If your baby is already very hungry, overtired, uncomfortable or overwhelmed, they may continue crying when first placed in the sling.
What to do
Meet any other needs first where possible.
Try settling baby before putting them in the carrier.
Walk, sway or gently bounce once they're in.
Give them a few minutes to adjust.
Many babies settle once movement is added.
3. They don't like the process of being popped in
Some babies do dislike the process of being put into the carrier but are perfectly happy once they're settled (walking can really help here). There are some tips and tips we can do to make the process more enjoyable – think we want to mould the sling around baby, and not move them too much, rather than fit them into it.
Baby's can become much more wriggly/fussy between around 6 weeks and 4 months, when they are starting to become more aware of what's happening around them.
Here are some things you can try
Putting the carrier on before baby becomes upset.
Remain calm - or try again later if it feels too much
Talking or singing while positioning them.
Moving as soon as they're secure.
Going outside for a change of scenery.
Many parents are surprised that the crying stops within a minute or two if they walk around and relax into it. There have been studies into this too: https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/positive-effects-of-carrying-for-baby/
4. They want to move more
As babies grow, they become increasingly curious about the world around them.
A young baby may happily snuggle in for hours, while an older baby might want to look around more.
What to do
Adjust baby's position slightly so they can see more. (An educator can always help you with this!)
Taking regular breaks.
Offer plenty of opportunities for floor play alongside carrying.
Remember that wanting to look around doesn't necessarily mean they dislike being carried.
5. They may be too hot (or too cold)
Temperature is often overlooked.
Carriers count as a layer of clothing, and your body heat provides warmth too.
A baby who is too warm or cold may become unsettled and irritable.
What to do
Dress baby appropriately for the weather (make sure you have layers for adjusting easily) and regularly check:
Back of the neck
Chest
Overall comfort
Avoid bulky coats inside carriers (this can really affect fit) and use babywearing-specific layers where needed. You may find my posts on babywearing in different weather conditions helpful too.
6. They Need Movement
Many babies expect movement when they're being carried.
Standing still in the kitchen while trying to make lunch isn't always what they had in mind!
What to try:
Walking around the house (the magic bop!)
Going outdoors
Gentle swaying
Walking up and down the garden
The combination of closeness and movement is often what babies find most calming.
7. Something else is at play
Sometimes crying has nothing to do with the sling at all.
Babies cry because they're babies.
Teething
Tension - maybe they can't tolerate tummy to tummy - think refluxy babies - a consultant could cover some alternative ideas like seated sideways positioning if appropriate. Maybe an Osteopath or Chiroprator who specialises in babies could help.
Experiencing a developmental leap
Feeling unwell
Overstimulated
Simply having a difficult day
Baby is picking up a cue off you - maybe you're tense, panicking etc.
It's easy to blame the carrier because that's where the crying happens, but often the carrier is not the cause.
What to do
Look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself:
Are they happy in arms?
Are they feeding normally?
Have they been unsettled generally today?
Is there anything else that might explain their behaviour?
When Should I Seek Help?
If your baby consistently cries every time they're carried, it can be helpful to have a second pair of eyes on your setup.
Often a quick fit check identifies a small adjustment that improves comfort for both of you.
A carrying consultation can help you:
Check positioning
Adjust your carrier correctly
Explore alternative carriers
Build confidence in using your sling safely
Sometimes reassurance is all that's needed.
Final Thoughts
If your baby cries in the sling, try not to panic it doesn't automatically mean you've chosen the wrong carrier or that babywearing isn't going to work for your family. Most often, there's a solution. Babywearing is a skill that both you and your baby learn together. Like any new skill, it can take a little time, patience and practice. And if you'd like some support along the way, I'm always happy to help.
