Throwback Safety Tips: A Nostalgic Look at Babywearing Advice
Oct 01, 2025
International Babywearing Week is here, and while we usually spend this time talking about all the ways carriers support bonding, development, and caregiver well-being… this year we thought we’d take a little detour down memory lane.
If you were around the babywearing world circa 2006, you might remember that “safety” looked a little different than it does now. Before everything became about hips hips hips and T.I.C.K.S., babywearing educators were passing around a different kind of wisdom.
Here are some of the classics from early babywearing circles — and if we’re honest, they’re still pretty relatable today:
1. Don’t spill your food or hot drinks on baby’s head.
Yes, babies love being close while you grab a bite, but soup steam or coffee spills? Not so cozy. (And if you’ve ever tried eating noodles with a baby snoozing under your chin, you know the struggle.)
2. Watch those doorframes and cabinets.
It only takes one bonk on the door jamb to realize just how far your baby’s head or legs can stick out from your own. Once you do it, you’ll never forget again.
3. Mind the toothpaste.
Brushing your teeth while babywearing feels efficient… until you spit without thinking. Enough said.
4. Beware of drawer pulls.
They’re the silent enemy. Wrap tails snag, little hands grab, and suddenly you’re stuck in place.
5. Don’t over-compensate for baby’s wiggles.
Babies shift, squirm, and lean — it’s part of the deal. If you counterbalance every move, you’ll end up walking like a cartoon character. Learning to move with your baby is a skill in itself.
Why These “Tips” Still Matter
Sure, these reminders might make you laugh, but they also capture something timeless: babywearing isn’t just about technique. It’s about real life. It’s about grabbing coffee on no sleep, navigating crowded kitchens, and trying to brush your teeth without incident — all while keeping your baby close.
And that’s why babywearing is so special. It’s practical, yes. But it’s also timeless and deeply human. These little stories remind us that caregivers everywhere are figuring it out one moment at a time, with humor, grace, and the occasional toothpaste mishap.
