Your baby doesn’t like to be transported in a baby carrier? Before you give up, make sure to try my advice on how to get your kid to like the baby carrier.
Getting your baby to like the carrier, might take some trial and error. Make sure your baby is not too tired or hungry, and check for overflowing diapers. On the other hand, it might be the type of carrier you are using. Bear with me, as I help you find why your baby might be fussy in the carrier.
Uncertain about which baby carrier to get? Take a look at this list of the best baby carriers. I have put lots of hours into this baby carrier buying guide, and you’ll find the ideal carrier for your child!
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My babies are full of personality, and don’t tell me otherwise! I have a close experience with my own kids that went through volatile stages – one day they would refuse to go anywhere without being carried; the next, their own feet were the preferred mode of transportation.
This sudden change in mood is sometimes referred to as a ‘strike’ in the parenthood dictionary. Don’t worry, it happens to almost all babies.
If you want to make the full use of your baby carrier, there are always ways to make your baby fall in love with it again even when they’re in the mood of exploring the world on their own. Of course I highly encourage that babies should be given independence and allowed to make their own discoveries; sometimes, however, (such as when you’re out shopping) a baby carrier can be a significant stress reliever.
Is your baby going through the phase of hating been transported in the carrier? Here are some ways you can change that.
Why is Your Baby Fussy in the Carrier?
There’s really no reason for a baby to start rejecting the carrier. It could be nothing; just a change of mood. But it also could be something you can investigate and fix.
In my experience, when my baby developed an aversion to the carrier, I realized that it wasn’t actually the carrier that was the problem it was my new deodorant that was a little too strong for my toddler.
However, there are other reasons why your baby could be acting up in the carrier as well.
Here are the top reasons why a baby could be fussy in the carrier.
1. Your baby is too tired
If your baby is simply too worn out, he might just desire a bed than a carrier. That’s pretty understandable, right?
Next time, make sure your baby isn’t cranky or sleepy when you’re putting him up in a baby carrier because he will most often retaliate.
Baby carriers work best when your baby is relaxed and well-rested.
There are some exceptions, though. If you can find a comfortable enough carrier, your baby might actually drift off in it as well.
2. Are you stress?
Sometimes your baby will pick up stressful energy from you, which might make him less relaxed in a carrier. Make sure that you’re in a pleasant and relaxed mood yourself when you’re carrying your baby or else you might risk a rebellion.
It’s normal to feel a little anxious when you’re carrying your baby for the first few times. So maybe it’s a good idea to practice with short periods of carrying. This will help you gain more confidence in your abilities and will keep your baby in a more relaxed and less fussy state in the carrier as well.
3. Beware of the hungry babies
We all know babies get hungry really fast, and they protest loud and clear for it. If your baby needs their milk or food, they might just simply refuse to go into the carrier. This is especially troublesome if your baby is small and still breastfeeding. Holding them close to your chest will make them hungrier, and if they don’t get their food, it will only upset them more.
It’s always a good idea to be mindful of your baby’s feeding routine. Never carry a hungry child around if you want a good baby carrier experience. In fact, you should wait a good 20-30 minutes after your baby has fed well to help the food settle in before you decide to carry them around with you in a baby carrier.
4. Your baby might be experiencing abdominal pain
Colicky babies tend to be fussier in the baby carrier than others. That’s because the pain in their abdomen keeps them from enjoying the ride in the carrier.
Always consult your doctor for the proper treatment for abdominal pain; most of the time, the cause is simply too much gas.
Whatever the reason is for the abdominal pains, it’s wise to keep the carrier aside for a while until the colic has subsided.
5. Time for a diaper change
A used diaper can be extremely uncomfortable for a baby, and most babies will let their parents know. Keep tabs on your baby’s bowel movements and diaper changing to make sure that he is always in a comfortable so that he can enjoy being carried in a baby carrier.
6. Uncomfortable baby carrier
Finally, the trouble could actually lie in the baby carrier itself. Are you sure you’ve purchased a suitable quality carrier that accommodates the weight and length/height of your baby? If you’re not following the requirements of your baby carrier down to the T, you might want to consider changing your carrier.
Always go through the user’s manual before starting to use the baby carrier. You also don’t want to outlive the lifespan of your baby carrier. If your toddler is just too old for the carrier, you probably need to switch to a newer variety (ex: backpack carrier for toddler).
Other times it’s not just the baby carrier’s age and weight requirements that cause problems, it’s simply the design. Maybe your baby doesn’t like being carried on the back; perhaps the fabric is too irritating for your baby’s soft skin. Babies can be pretty picky!
Why Should I Keep Trying if My Baby Doesn’t Like Being Carried?
It’s often rare to have a baby that will hate a baby carrier from day one. There’s always usually a reason that incites the aversion; it could be just the discomfort of the carrier itself, hunger, or simply a wrong carrying technique.
New parents might give up on their attempts with the baby carrier fast, but I say try, try again. Baby carriers can change your life as a parent so you shouldn’t just give up so soon.
Practice Makes Perfect!
When you have your first baby, there’s only so much you know about parenting. Sure, you’ve done your share of research on the topic online, probably read handbooks and gathered bits and pieces of advice from your family members but doing it yourself is a whole other story.
Baby carriers can be a feat for some new parents, so practicing the proper carrying technique will go a long way. You could practice first with a friend or your partner. You can also try out different carrying positions to choose something that will comfortable to both you and your baby.
Once you’re fully confident in your abilities, you’ll be surprised how easily your baby will fall in love with the carrier.
Choose Your Baby Wearing Time Wisely
Baby factors play a massive role in making babywearing a success. If your baby is hungry, is taking a poop or simply tired, carrying him will only annoy both you and him. Make sure that your time you are carrying wisely, so there is no bad blood between you and your child.
Happy, active and well-fed babies always are easier to carry around with little or no trouble.
Try Different Baby Carriers
If the buckle carrier is simply too overwhelming for your baby, maybe switch to a wrap instead. I’ve tried my share of baby carriers, and I know for a fact that every baby has his own set of preference when it comes to carriers. The type of baby carrier you use will also depend on the weight and age of your baby.
Try on different carriers before you find the perfect match for yourself and your baby. There’s always something that you’ll find to love.
Tips to Get Your Baby to Like Carrier
At every stage of your baby’s development, there will be a change in personality and mood; deciding on the best way to get your baby to like the carrier is an art, at best.
Newborns: If you’re planning to get a carrier from day one for your baby you might find a baby carrier with infant inserts that offer proper neck support the most comfortable option for your baby.
Infants: Babies in the age range of 6 to 12 months begin to learn the skill of holding their neck so a front-facing carrier might be a position to try.
Toddlers: Children older than 1 year have a colorful personality and prefer all kinds of carriers – backpack, wraps, slings, and whatnot. You might want to try a different type of carrier before you can choose the best one for your child.
Takeaway
If your baby is showing some attitude towards that new baby carrier you got for them, it’s perfectly fine!
Don’t discard all hope yet – just follow the tips I gave and I’m sure your baby will find a way to fall in love with the carrier once again.
P.S. Want to know which baby carrier is most suitable for you, your baby, and your budget? Check out this list of the best baby carriers. Within 5 minutes, you’ll know exactly which one to pick!
Base on my experience as a dad of 2 kids, plus genuine insights from my friends, and the hundreds of online reviews from other parents, I was able to identify the best baby carriers you could buy.