If you’ve ever worn your baby on your back, you know—people love to comment. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s funny, and sometimes it leaves you shaking your head. Over the years, I’ve heard it all, and recently I put together an Instagram carousel capturing some of the most common things people say when they see me back carrying.
But here’s the thing: these comments actually reveal a lot about how babywearing is perceived—and why back carrying is such an incredible tool for parents. Let’s dive into the most common remarks I hear and what they really mean.
“Wow, you’ve got your hands full!”
This is probably the number one comment I get. And yes, technically my hands are full—with snacks, water bottles, and the random pinecone my toddler insisted on bringing home. But thanks to back carrying, my hands are not full of baby.
That freedom is exactly why so many parents love ergonomic baby carriers—they allow you to meet your child’s need for closeness while also giving you the ability to cook dinner, go for a hike, or just drink your coffee while it’s still hot.
“How do you do that? Can you show me?”
The LennyLight Baby Carrier: Why It’s One of My FavoritesI love when people ask this. It shows genuine curiosity, and honestly, that’s how the tradition of babywearing has been passed down for generations—through modeling and teaching.
In many cultures, seeing babies carried on their caregiver’s back is completely normal. Here in the U.S., it sometimes feels “new” or “unique,” but the truth is: back carrying is an ancient practice with modern tools.
If you’re new to it, carriers like the Beluga Baby Cove or the LennyLight (Code for LennyLamb: LETSTALK_BABYWEARING) can make the transition easier. Check out my blog post on the LennyLight and why it’s one of my favorite carriers.
“Is it like a backpack?”
Yes! With legs. And giggles. And the occasional sticky fingers gripping my hair.
Back carrying often feels just like wearing a backpack, except your “backpack” sighs into your neck or laughs into your ear as you walk along. If you’ve ever wondered how to make hikes, errands, or travel easier with a toddler, an ergonomic toddler carrier really can make the difference.
“That must be killing your back.”
This one always makes me smile. Because the truth is, when a carrier is adjusted properly, back carrying actually saves my back.
Instead of lugging a squirmy toddler in my arms or wrestling a stroller up hills, the weight is evenly distributed across my hips and shoulders. A good baby carrier for toddlers—like the Lillebaby Carry-On or the Tula Preschool—is designed to keep both parent and child comfortable, even on long walks.
“I grew up seeing babies carried like this.”
This is one of my favorite comments. Babywearing isn’t new—it’s been practiced around the world for thousands of years.
What looks trendy to some people is simply the continuation of something deeply human: keeping babies close. From woven wraps to structured carriers, the tools may look different, but the heart of it is the same.
“What carrier is that? I want one!”
This is where I get most excited, because I love helping families find a carrier that truly works for them. There are so many options—some start from the newborn stage, while others shine in the toddler and preschool years.
Here are a few of my go-to favorites:
Beluga Baby Cove – newborn through 3 years (7–30 lbs)
Lenny Lamb Preschool – up to 55 lbs (Code: LETSTALK_BABYWEARING) Check out my full review of LennyLamb carriers!
Boba X – grows with baby from newborn through toddlerhood
Tula Free-to-Grow, Toddler & Preschool – 7–60 lbs, multiple stages covered
Sestrice One and Plus – sleek design, toddler-friendly
| Carrier | Best For |
|---|---|
| Beluga Baby Cove | 0–3 years, 7–50 lbs |
| Lenny Lamb Light (Code: LETSTALK_BABYWEARING) | 0–3 years, 7–45 lbs |
| Lenny Lamb Preschool | Up to 55 lbs |
| Lillebaby Complete/Elevate | 7–45 lbs |
| Lillebaby Carry-On | Up to 60 lbs |
| Boba X | Newborn–toddler |
| Tula FTG, Toddler & Preschool | 7–60 lbs |
| Love Radius Physio | 0–3 years, 7–45 lbs |
| Happy Baby Original/Haven/Revolution (Code: LETSTALK10) | Infant–toddler |
| Heritage Baby Ring Sling (Code: LETSTALK) | Newborn–toddler |
| Sestrice One and Plus | Up to toddler/preschool |
Why Back Carrying Matters
At the end of the day, the comments I hear aren’t just about me—they’re about how people see babies, parenting, and caregiving. Some see struggle, others see tradition, and many see freedom.
For me, back carrying has been all of those things at different times. It’s hard work, it’s deeply cultural, and it’s incredibly freeing.
So the next time someone stops you to say, “Hey, your backpack has legs!”—just smile, because they’re not wrong. And honestly? It’s the best backpack I’ve ever carried.