Practice Makes Confident: Getting Comfortable with Babywearing
Oct 23, 2025
Babywearing is a skill for both you and your baby.
Like learning to breastfeed or play an instrument, it gets better with time, patience, and practice. The first few times might feel clumsy or frustrating, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. You’re learning.
The good news is it really does get easier. As you practice, your hands will become accustomed to adjusting, tightening, and soothing. Just like muscle memory develops through practicing any other physical skill (like dance, running, or riding a bike), putting in the reps will make babywearing feel natural, too.
Your baby will learn what to expect and start to settle more quickly in the carrier. The two of you will find your rhythm together.
To build your confidence (and your muscle memory), try breaking it down into simple steps you can practice individually or together. Using a doll, a bag of rice, or even a cooperative pet can be helpful here until you’re ready to give it a go with your baby:
- Put the wrap or carrier on your body.
Practice putting it on and tightening it, without your baby. This helps you focus on the mechanics without pressure. - Try with your practice ‘baby.’
When you're ready, practice tightening the carrier around a demo baby and adjusting the fit so you feel secure and comfortable. - Practice unloading, too.
Practice removing your demo-baby safely and calmly; all of this helps you stay confident in real-life situations. - Then, when ready, practice with your baby, starting with short sessions. It’s not a race, and if they cry a little (normal) pause and soothe them…remember, you have your arms and hands.
And remember, just like you might reach out to a lactation consultant or a personal trainer, you can work with a babywearing educator to get personalized support and to shorten the practice curve. We’re here to help you feel confident, connected, and capable.
You’ve got this, and we promise, it will feel like second nature before you know it.
