Why Babywearing is a Game-Changer for Parents and Babies
Babywearing is more than just a convenient way to keep your hands free—it’s a powerful tool for your baby’s development, comfort, and spinal health. As a pediatric chiropractor, I love baby carriers not only for their bonding benefits but also for their ability to support proper posture, alignment, and nervous system function.
The Benefits of Babywearing
Babywearing provides both physical and emotional benefits for babies and parents.
- Supports Baby’s Development – Being close to a caregiver helps regulate temperature, heart rate, and nervous system function.
- Promotes Bonding – Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, strengthening the parent-baby connection.
- Eases Colic and Reflux – Keeping baby upright can reduce spit-up and gas discomfort.
- Encourages Calmness – The gentle motion of walking mimics the womb, helping babies feel secure.
- Gives Parents Freedom – Allows for mobility while keeping baby close, whether running errands or tending to other children.
From a chiropractic perspective, babywearing also plays an important role in spinal and nervous system health:
- Promotes Proper Hip and Spine Alignment – Ergonomic carriers keep baby in the “M-position” (knees higher than their bottom), which supports hip development and reduces strain on the spine.
- Reduces Tension and Asymmetries – Babies with torticollis, reflux, or colic often have misalignments in their upper neck. A properly fitted carrier keeps them in a neutral, supported position, reducing tension that may contribute to discomfort.
- Encourages Healthy Neurological Development – Close contact with a caregiver helps regulate a baby’s nervous system, which can improve sleep, digestion, and immune function.
With so many baby carriers available, how do you choose the best one for your baby’s age, size, and lifestyle? Below are my personal favorites based on firsthand experience.
Best Baby Carriers by Age and Use
Soft Wraps – Best for Newborn Snuggles
Recommended Age: Birth – 4 months (up to 25 lbs)
Best for: Skin-to-skin contact, preemies, and the "fourth trimester"
My Favorite: Solly Baby Wrap
Soft wraps keep newborns in a natural fetal position, which is ideal for their delicate spine and nervous system development. They also provide the ultimate cozy feel, making them perfect for newborns who prefer to be curled up on their caregiver’s chest.
What I love about the Solly Baby Wrap:
- Lightweight and breathable, which is ideal for warmer climates
- Distributes weight evenly across the back and shoulders for added comfort
- Mimics the snug, secure feeling of the womb
I used this wrap constantly during the early months and kept one in my house and another in the car so I was never without it.
Structured Carriers – Best for Active Parents
Recommended Age: 4 months – Toddlerhood (up to 45 lbs)
Best for: Outdoor adventures, long wear, and ergonomic support
My Favorite: LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1
Structured carriers provide additional lumbar support, making them great for parents who plan to babywear for extended periods. These carriers distribute weight evenly, which helps prevent back strain.
What I love about the LÍLLÉbaby Complete:
- Adjustable features to grow with your child
- Provides excellent lumbar support for parents
- Padded straps ensure comfort even with heavier babies
This was my go-to once my children reached about 15 pounds. If you plan to wear your baby on longer walks or hikes, this is one of the most supportive options.
Hybrid Wraps – Best of Both Worlds
Recommended Age: 0 months – 35 lbs
Best for: Parents who love the feel of a wrap but want extra support
My Favorite: Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Wrap
Hybrid wraps combine the snug fit of a soft wrap with the added support of a structured carrier.
What I love about the Boppy ComfyFit:
- Feels secure and supportive while maintaining the flexibility of a wrap
- Provides proper spinal positioning for babies
- The best combination of structure and comfort
This was hands down my favorite of all the carriers I used. It offered the security of a structured carrier but with the comfort of a wrap, making it easy to wear for long periods.
Ring Slings – Best for Quick and Easy Babywearing
Recommended Age: Birth – Toddlerhood (up to 35 lbs)
Best for: Breastfeeding on the go and quick adjustments
A Parent Favorite: WildBird Ring Sling
Ring slings are a favorite among many parents because of their versatility and ease of use. They can be quickly adjusted and allow for multiple carrying positions, including front, hip, and back carries.
What parents love about the WildBird Ring Sling:
- Quick and easy to put on
- Adjustable and lightweight, perfect for all seasons
- Made from high-quality linen for added comfort
I personally did not use a ring sling because I have scoliosis, and the asymmetrical carrying position was not ideal for my back. However, many parents swear by them, and they are particularly useful for breastfeeding on the go.
Why I Don’t Recommend Forward-Facing Carriers
Many structured carriers advertise forward-facing options, but I never recommend wearing a baby in a forward-facing position.
Why forward-facing is not ideal:
- Puts excess pressure on a baby’s lumbar spine and hips
- Leaves baby’s head unsupported, leading to potential neck strain
- Can cause overstimulation, which may be stressful for the nervous system
If your baby is curious and wants to look around, a back carry is a much better option. This allows them to see their surroundings while keeping their spine in a safe, supported position.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Baby Carrier
Babywearing offers incredible benefits for both parents and babies, but choosing the right carrier is essential for comfort and proper spinal development.
For newborns, the Solly Baby Wrap is a fantastic option for early bonding.
For older babies, the Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Wrap provides great support while maintaining comfort.
For long-term babywearing, the LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Carrier is a top choice.
At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we specialize in nervous system-based chiropractic care for infants and families. If your baby experiences tension, discomfort, or colic, pediatric chiropractic care can help address the root cause and support proper development.
If you’d like to learn more about how chiropractic care can benefit your baby, schedule a consultation with us today!
