Common Babywearing Problems – Mistakes and Quick Solutions

1. Back pain while carrying – how to improve your wrap tightening?

Back pain often means the wrap is too loose or tightened unevenly, so your baby’s weight is not distributed correctly.
Tighten the fabric strand by strand – from the top rail to the bottom rail, making sure both passes are snug with no slack.
Check that your baby is “close enough to kiss” and the fabric lies smoothly against your body – this keeps the weight near your centre of gravity and relieves your back.

2. Shoulder or neck pain after longer carrying – what might be wrong?

This usually comes from uneven spreading of the fabric on your shoulders or straps that are too narrow and rolled, pressing into your muscles.
Spread the wrap wide across shoulders and back, creating a broad supportive band instead of a thin strap.
Make sure the fabric is tight enough – a loose wrap makes baby lean away, causing you to hunch and strain your shoulders and neck.

3. The baby sling keeps loosening – how to tighten more effectively?

When tying, tighten section by section: start with the top rail at baby’s neck, then the middle, and finally the bottom rail under the knees.
Pull each part individually and precisely, and always secure the knot with a double knot.
At first it’s normal for the wrap to loosen a little – practice and patience will make your tightening stronger and more secure.

4. Struggling to tighten the baby wrap by yourself – how to practice?

It’s completely normal to find tightening difficult at the beginning. Try these exercises:

• Practice with a doll or teddy – wrapping a toy first lets you learn the movements calmly without worrying about your baby getting fussy.

• Tighten in stages – instead of pulling the whole length at once, work with smaller sections (e.g. from neck to knees) and adjust layer by layer.

• Repeat regularly – short daily practice sessions are better than occasional long attempts. With time, the movements become smoother and easier.

• Check your posture – stand comfortably, bend your knees slightly, and make sure the wrap isn’t twisted. This makes tightening easier.

The more you repeat these steps, the quicker you’ll feel the wrap “responding” to your hands, and wrapping will become natural and light.

5. Difficulty putting baby on your back – how to start safely?

Back carries can feel challenging at first, but with preparation they become easier and safe:

• Practice in a safe environment – try over a bed, sofa, or another soft surface for peace of mind.

• Ask for help – at the beginning, having another person hand you the baby or support during key moments is very helpful.

• Choose simple carries – start with the rucksack carry, which requires fewer steps and is easy to learn.

• Go slow and stay mindful – hold your baby securely with one hand until the wrap is properly tightened.

• Practice regularly – short, calm sessions build confidence and make back carrying feel natural and comfortable.

With time, you’ll notice your baby relaxes on your back, and you’ll gain freedom of movement and comfort.

6. Sweating under the wrap in hot weather – how to dress and what fabric to choose?

Babywearing in summer can be challenging, but the right clothing and wrap make a big difference:

• Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics – cotton, linen, TENCEL™ and modern blends wick moisture and keep you cool.

• Avoid thick synthetic fabrics – polyester traps heat and makes you feel stuffy.

• Opt for airy carries – single-layer carries like the kangaroo or hip carry reduce fabric layers and keep you and baby cooler.

With these tips, hot days don’t have to mean giving up your wrap – you can still carry safely and comfortably in the sun.

7. Pressure on your belly after birth – is babywearing safe?

After a c-section or difficult birth, you may feel discomfort around your belly. That doesn’t mean you can’t babywear, but be cautious:

• Consult a professional – talk to your midwife, doctor, or babywearing consultant if you feel pain or have doubts.

• Choose carries without pressure on the scar – the kangaroo carry or similar wraps avoid fabric across the belly.

• Start with short sessions – a few minutes a day helps your body adjust gradually.

8. Hard to keep good posture – how to avoid hunching while carrying baby?

It’s easy to lean forward when wrapping, especially if the fabric is too loose. Here’s how to keep a healthy posture:

• Tighten the wrap so baby is close – the closer to your centre of gravity, the easier it is to stay upright.

• Engage your core and “lengthen” your spine – gently tighten your stomach and bring shoulder blades back to relieve your lower back.

• Check your reflection – a quick glance in a mirror helps you correct your posture and avoid slouching.

9. Too much fabric while wrapping – feeling “drowned” in the wrap?

Excess fabric can feel overwhelming at first. Try these tips:

• Pick a shorter wrap or simpler carry – the kangaroo or rucksack carry use less fabric and are quicker to master.

• Practice step by step – with time, you’ll learn to spread the fabric smoothly, reducing the bulky feeling.

• Practice calmly at home – use a mirror to gain confidence and develop your rhythm.

10. Carrying baby in rain or snow – how to prepare?

Bad weather doesn’t have to stop you from babywearing. The right gear makes it safe and comfortable:

• Wear one outer layer for both of you – a babywearing coat or rain cover protects against wind and moisture.

• Wear shoes with good grip – avoid slippery footwear, especially on wet or icy surfaces.

• Use an umbrella instead of a deep hood – this gives better visibility and awareness of surroundings.

• Dress baby in layers – remember the wrap is an extra layer, so avoid overdressing.

11. Not sure if baby wrapping is correct – where to find help?

Every beginner wonders if their wrap is tied correctly. Here’s where to get support:

• Book a consultation with a babywearing consultant – one-on-one help or workshops are the fastest way to learn safe techniques.

• Check official tutorials and videos – step-by-step guides show proper tightening and knot securing.

• Join online support groups – share photos of your wrapping and get tips from experienced parents.