Joys of Motherhood

Before becoming pregnant and throughout my pregnancy, baby carrying was not something that I wanted to pursue. Due to being a very clumsy person, I was worried that I would fall or trip whilst carrying and that I’d be putting my little one in danger because of this.

However, like so many things in motherhood, my perspective completely changed once my baby arrived. I quickly realised that the reality of daily life with a newborn was very different from what I’d imagined — those endless cuddles, the constant need for closeness, and, of course, the practical side of needing two free hands!

One day, when my one-month-old had been suffering with a winter cold for a few days and there wasn’t much I could do to help him other than hold him, I decided to give baby carrying a try. I knew keeping him upright was what was best to help him breathe and I needed my hands-free so that I could get jobs done. Also, I was really enjoying the newborn cuddles and didn’t want to put him down! I started with a soft, stretchy wrap that I quickly bought through Amazon Prime (lifesaver in the early days when I would realise there were things I needed that we didn’t have at home!!) Honestly, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to use and the sense of calm and connection I felt with my little one snuggled close to my chest, knowing he was benefitting from my warmth and the close contact along with finding out it classed as tummy time – which was a brilliant bonus!

It wasn’t long before baby carrying became one of my favourite parts of our day. It gave me the freedom to get things done, comfort my baby when they needed it most, and even head out for walks without wrestling a pram through doorways and narrow paths, whilst also ensuring he was warm during the cold, winter weather!

☕ Why Baby Carrying Can Be a Game-Changer

Once I started researching, I realised there’s so much more to baby carrying than just convenience. It has real developmental and emotional benefits for both parent and baby:

🌿 Bonding and comfort: The physical closeness helps to strengthen the parent–baby bond, promoting a sense of security for your little one. The rhythm of your breathing and heartbeat can be especially soothing for newborns.

💤 Better sleep: Many babies nap longer and more peacefully when carried. The gentle movement and warmth often help them drift off naturally.

🧠 Supports development: Babywearing can aid healthy hip development when used correctly and supports their growing muscles and coordination.

🤱 Encourages responsive parenting: Being so close means you’re more in tune with your baby’s cues — you’ll often spot hunger or tiredness before the tears even start.

🙌 Practical benefits for parents: Free hands! Whether it’s making lunch, playing with an older child, or enjoying a walk, carrying helps you stay mobile and connected.

🌸 Tips for Getting Started

If you’re thinking about giving baby carrying a try, here are a few things that helped me:

Start with short sessions. Try it indoors first until you feel confident with the wrap or carrier. Check positioning. Your baby should be close enough to kiss, with their face visible and airways clear. Choose the right carrier for you. Soft wraps are lovely for newborns, while structured carriers offer great support as your baby grows. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to adjust or take a break. There are also lots of baby carrying hubs and some experts even go to mum groups to give advice there too – so go and ask for help or advice if you need it!

💕 My Favourite Carriers

If you’re just starting out, it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin — there are so many wraps, slings, and carriers out there! Here are a few that made a real difference for me:

Soft stretchy wrap: Perfect for those newborn snuggles in the early months.

Structured carrier: Ideal as your baby grows and wants to look out at the world.

This is the Stretchy Wrap I used in the beginning of our baby carrying journey. There are many different brands and varieties of this, but they all do the same job. It can take a little bit of getting used to arranging the wrap, but I watched a few Instagram videos of people doing it until I got the hang of it – which wasn’t too long! Also, as I said above, trying it a few times around the house until you’re confident with it before venturing outside is always a good idea. Ensuring baby is in the correct position and high enough is key for comfort and not worrying about needing to hold them!

This is another carrier that I bought later on, but wish I had much earlier in our journey – Close Caboo Carrier – I’m very excited to use it with my 2nd baby. This carrier I feel has the benefits of the stretchy wrap and is comfy to wear; however, it takes away the tricky part of having to wrap it yourself. It comes in two parts that work together like a stretchy to keep your baby comfy and safe.

The next carrier I bought and used is the Infantino Swift. This one was very easy for both myself and my husband to use and our little one could face both in and out; however, I did find it more awkward forward-facing with this carrier.

The final carrier I have, I have just bought ready for my 2nd child and it’s the Momcozy purehug carrier. This I bought through their website as they had a 30% off deal at the time and it seems to be a much cheaper version of the MABE or Artipoppe carriers which have many fantastic reviews. It’s very easy to put on by yourself, with a waist strap and two that go behind your back in a criss-cross like the Close Caboo, meaning the weight is evenly spaced. I loved that it’s just two clicks, pop baby in and one more and you’re all set to go. Again very handy for when I also have an older toddler running round the house to also look after!

(Some of the links I share may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission for each click — at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend products I’ve personally used and genuinely loved.)

Baby carrying has truly become one of those unexpected joys in motherhood for me. It gave me confidence, closeness, and a whole new way to connect with my baby — something I’ll always treasure. 💛

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my thoughts and that they’ve been helpful for you. Until the next time!

With love,

Emma x