The idea of ‘babywearing’ might be new to you, but the practice has been a part of parenting history for centuries. Many different cultures have promoted baby wearing as a popular way to carry their young children around. 

Quite simply, baby wearing is the act of wearing your little love on your body, either in a sling, wrap or other type of structured baby carrier. Over the last few decades, the practice of baby wearing has seen a surge in popularity, thanks in great part to the ergonomic and comfortable options made available! 

The benefits of baby wearing are vast. Some of our favorites include:

• It's good for cognitive and social development
• It can help stabilize baby's heart rate and body temperature
• Babywearing can help fight colic
• It feels like the belly, aka promoting a calming effect
• Less stress and crying promotes good sleep
• Multi-tasking parents can enjoy hands-free convenience
• Babywearing can help reduce postnatal depression
• Skin to skin may help your milk supply increase

Nothing can compare with the closeness as you bond with your baby

Now that we’ve covered all those feel-good benefits, let’s chat about actually wearing your baby! Whether you’ve purchased new, received a hand-me-down, or opted to buy a used baby sling, baby wrap or baby carrier there are three super easy methods to wearing that will make this experience easier and more enjoyable:

1. The Hug Position. Best for children 1-18 months or 8-25 lbs. This position holds the baby upright, tummy to tummy with the wearer. If your baby does not yet have head support, you can still wear the baby in the Hug Position and use one of the loops to support his/her head.

2. Outward ‘Explore’ Position. Ideal for children displaying good neck control, typically around 5-6 months old. Make sure your baby is seated in an ergonomic position by checking that the carrier supports your baby’s bottom and thighs fully across their seated width, from the back of one knee to the back of the other. Then make sure that your baby is seated with their pelvis tilted and their knees tucked up higher than the hips.

3. Back Carry. Once your baby is about a year old, or over 22lbs, a back carry will likely be most comfortable for both of you!

4. On Your Hip. Yup, you heard us, safe, effective hip carrying is possible with a product as innovative as the Tushbaby Hip Carrier. Completely newborn-friendly, with proper support and positioning, the Tushbaby Hip Carrier is designed with both baby and parent in mind. It features a wide, plush waistband that evenly distributes your baby's weight, reducing strain on your back and shoulders, while the cushioned seat is perfectly angled to support your baby's hips, promoting healthy hip development.

One of the most important factors in baby wearing is selecting a product that works just as well for you as it does for your little love. Baby gear can add up fast, which is why we are proud to offer a wide variety of secondhand baby slings, used baby wraps and preloved structured baby carriers from premium brands you know and trust. Shop conditions such as open box, factory sealed and more, while reviewing detailed product information and images, allowing you to shop with confidence.