My baby hates the carrier!

Babywearing is not just an incredibly helpful parenting tool it also gives us the opportunity to snuggle our little ones close and share that big surge of love hormones. But what do you do when your baby constantly wants to be held but hates the idea of a carrier? First of all, most babies take a bit of time to get used to the idea of being in a wrap or carrier. Your baby isn’t unusual, they’re just experiencing something new for the first time. Most little ones will eventually end up enjoying those cuddles but there are a select few that could have the most perfectly fitted, comfortable carrier in the world and still not enjoy it. That’s ok too! So what can you do to help them?

• Get your carrier fitted.
  An incorrectly fitted carrier can be uncomfortable for everyone. Maybe it’s too big or too small, maybe it’s just not the right carrier for your family. Booking a babywearing consult can help get you on the right track.

• Choose the right moment.
  Putting your baby in the carrier when they are already stressed can just exacerbate the situation. Aim for a time when baby is happy, usually after a nap, feed and nappy change. A hungry or overtired baby is not usually the best at working with us.

• Change the environment.
  A little distraction can reset their little baby brains and before long they’ve forgotten about what they’re being carried in and have started to relax. This might be as simple as walking into another room, turning on some music or going for a wander in the garden.

• Go slow.
  You don’t need to rush the process. Clip your waistband on and then pick up bub for a cuddle, once they’re calm then bring up the back panel. Bounce, rock, sing; whatever you need to do to keep them calm. If this is the furthest step you get then that’s fine. Don’t push them. Take them out and try again when they are happy. It can take quite a few goes for them to feel comfortable.

• Your baby can pick up on your stress levels.
  If you’re feeling nervous about babywearing or getting stressed as baby gets fussy, your little one may sense this and start to feel the same. If you’re not in the right headspace, it’s absolutely fine to leave the carrier and try again later. In the meantime, you can practice using your carrier with a stuffed toy. This can ease some pressure so you aren’t trying to juggle this new skill with a ‘time bomb’ baby that could explode at any moment.

• Pain.
  Tummy pain and teething can definitely impact your little ones level of cooperation. If they’re struggling, help soothe their discomfort first before trying the carrier. Some babies, especially those who experience a difficult birth may find that being in a carrier or car seat can be incredibly uncomfortable due to tight muscles. If this is the case, a visit to your health professional may be beneficial.

• Temperature.
  Being snuggled together and wrapped in fabric can mean that your little one is more at risk of getting too hot. If you can, remove a layer of your baby’s clothing until they feel more comfortable. If the weather is rather warm outside, babywearing may not be the best option for you at the time. If your little one is over 6 months of age you could try a cooling towel between you both to cool you both down.

• Clothing choices.
  Footed onesies can sometimes be unhelpful when it comes to babywearing. If pulled tightly against baby’s feet they may put pressure on their delicate developing feet joints and often trigger their stepping reflex making it harder for them to settle and relax. It may be worth trying your baby in leggings and socks or even a looser style/size footed onesie to see if that makes a difference. It’s worth being mindful of the positioning of zips and buttons too.

• Strikes.
  If you’re a babywearing parent of a toddler you’ve probably experienced this once or twice. Often once they can start to get around on their own and have this wonderful newfound sense of independence, babywearing snuggles can be the last thing on their mind. You may be met with “I WALK MYSELF!” everytime you pull it out but there’s absolutely no harm in continuing to offer. Many children rediscover their love of being carried after awhile and those snuggles feel so much sweeter knowing that you both now know how special it can be.