What you think you may want is not what you may need…
Like every new mom-to-be, I spent hours pouring over research on what was healthiest for my baby. I wanted a happy, healthy baby—of course—but I also dreamed of a natural water birth, no medications, and as little interference with the natural labor process as possible. I planned to exclusively breastfeed and swore I’d never give my child a pacifier. I didn’t get all of that. My baby has never used a pacifier or formula, but he was born via c-section because he was so tangled in his cord he couldn’t descend.
In my deep dive into all things natural and baby-related, I also researched safe sleeping habits, cloth diapers, organic cotton clothing, and—babywearing. During this time (which may or may not have been hours of scrolling Instagram and Pinterest), I stumbled across a surprising amount of misinformation and dangerously mismarketed products. Without Cassidy—my sister-in-law and babywearing extraordinaire—I would have been completely lost. Buying a carrier is no small financial decision, and I didn’t want to get it wrong.
Cassidy helped me sort through the chaos. She showed me different options and explained which carriers would actually fit my body best. I thought I knew what I wanted. Spoiler: I was mostly wrong. There’s a big difference between what you see online and what you feel once that baby is actually strapped to your body. As he got heavier, the seasons changed, and I continued to lose baby weight, my favorite carrier changed with me—over and over again.
When will I be able to carry after surgery?
As a c-section mom, I was warned not to babywear too soon. The pressure of a carrier on healing incisions can seriously mess up your recovery—things like improper healing, increased pain, pelvic floor strain, even infections. Think about it: a baby carrier sits exactly where my body had just been cut open.
But I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and touched out. So around 4 weeks postpartum—earlier than the 6-8 weeks my doctor recommended—I gave in and started wearing my baby.
Do not recommend.
I’m still convinced this is why my recovery took longer than it should have. It made me resent babywearing in the beginning. I’ve since grown to love it (especially as a stroller replacement), but I don’t wear him much more than that. It’s still not always convenient or comfortable for my body. That said, as I rebuild strength and my core tightens, I’m finally starting to enjoy it more than ever.
What carrier does a c-section mom need?
I started with stretchy wraps when my baby was tiny (between 7-15 lbs). I STRUGGLED. I’d wrap too loosely or twist his legs, and in the middle of sleep deprivation, it felt impossible. My best advice: use a mirror. Better yet, get someone to help you. My husband had to walk me through it the first few times because I literally couldn’t see what I was doing. Over time, I learned to feel when the wrap was secure and safe. (Reminder: your baby should never be slipping down into a carrier. I cringe when I think about how wrong I had it at first.)
Every carrier has a unique fit. With so many brands and styles, it’s amazing that there’s something for every body—but it also makes finding the right one a challenge. I’m six months in and still discovering new ways to adjust my carrier for comfort. One day a tight fit on my shoulders feels best, and another day my baby hates it. Sometimes I need that back strap high and tight across my shoulder blades; other days, low and loose works better. It’s a constant adjustment.
Before becoming a mom, I nannied for years. I’d never even heard of baby carriers. I spent hours holding babies on my hip, and to this day, that’s my go-to when he wants to be held—at least around the house for short stretches. That said, my wrists, elbows, and shoulders ache from it. Babywearing helps distribute that weight, and I only really get sore after longer walks. Honestly, I’m so thankful for our carrier because my little level-10 clinger won’t tolerate a stroller. People have offered to buy me one more times than I can count—but it would be pointless. He’d hate it. Babywearing also saved us a few hundred bucks in the long run!
What if I don’t want to share my carrier?
Sharing a carrier with my husband didn’t work. His torso is way longer than mine, and he carries weight differently. Once he found his comfort settings, he stuck with them. Me? I change them constantly based on how my body feels that day. If we shared, I’d be adjusting every single strap every time. So, if your husband is hesitant to babywear, try getting him his own. It could make all the difference.
Honestly, babywearing was the only way I got any alone time in those early weeks. Our son had acid reflux and couldn’t be put down without puking or screaming. He lived in the carrier. It’s how he napped, how I did chores, how I kept my sanity. And when I needed a shower or a few minutes of space, my husband would wear him and go for a walk. Win-win-win. I got time to breathe, and they got to bond.
Now that we’ve moved closer to family, my husband and I have managed a few precious date nights. Every time we come home, my son is nestled in his grandma’s arms, asleep in the baby carrier, swaying gently to soft music. Cue the tears. I love that woman so much.
Having your own carrier—or sharing one among family—can make a huge difference in your baby’s bonding experience. Whether it’s with dad, grandma, a babysitter, or a co-parent, what matters most is that your baby feels loved and secure in their little snuggled-up spot.
My experience summarized..
Babywearing made my life easier. Yes, it’s physically demanding. Yes, it’s a bit of a money gamble at first. But for us, it was absolutely worth it. It’s one of the best gifts we’ve given ourselves and our child. You won’t get it right immediately, and your favorite carrier might change ten times—but give it time. Learn the steps. (Catch my dance reference?) You might just find that you love babywearing too.