Slow down! Babywearing isn’t a race

Ask any new parent about a time when babywearing stressed them out, and you’re likely to hear some version of this story: baby was frustrated, the parent was rushing to get them in the dang carrier, hoping it would help, and SURPRISE! It ended up making everybody feel worse.

Rushing is stressful, for you AND for your baby. They can sense that you’re in a hurry, and to their newborn instincts, it means one thing - danger. Physiologically, that’s often what it means to your brain, too, whether you realize it or not. This means everyone’s stress levels start to amp up, making both of you less patient and making the road to calming down even rockier.

If babywearing has started to feel like a race against time (or against baby tears), here’s a secret: slowing down actually makes things go more smoothly. It communicates to your baby and to your nervous system that all is well…and in reality, it usually only adds a minute or two to the process (or less).

There are a few key moments where a quick pause can change the whole experience:

• Before you pick up your baby, make sure your carrier is ready to go. Doing this part calmly helps you feel more in control. When you pick them up, do it with calm confidence, letting them know that this isn’t an emergency.
• Once your baby is on your chest, don’t rush to tighten. Pause. Let them settle. Rest your hand on their back, sway a little, or just breathe together. Give them time to feel the safety of your presence. Then bring the carrier around the two of you, preserving that special bubble you’ve created.
• As you adjust the carrier, talk to your baby. Narrate what you’re doing. It helps them feel connected and helps you stay grounded.
• When you’re done, don’t run off to tackle your to-do list right away. Pause again. Soak in the closeness for a second. Let them adjust to the new positions and sensations of the carrier, all the while soaking in reassurance from their favorite person.

Babywearing is about connection, not just convenience. It works better when you take your time.