Carrying your baby is undoubtedly the first thing you do when you become a parent… and yet, you quickly wonder whether you're doing it right! Don't worry, that's completely normal :)
In reality, "carrying a baby" means two things. On one hand, there is carrying them in your arms on a daily basis: picking them up, lifting them, holding them while respecting their still-fragile little body. On the other, there is babywearing properly speaking: keeping baby close against you with a wrap or a baby carrier, while keeping your hands free to get on with life.
In both cases, two watchwords: comfort and safety. And because baby's needs evolve quickly between birth and their first steps, the right techniques evolve with them. We explain everything, step by step.
How to carry a baby in your arms?
To carry a baby correctly in your arms, the key is to always support their head and back, use slow movements and keep them wrapped close against you in a physiological position (knees higher than the bottom). Their neck is not yet strong enough to hold their head, and their spine is curved just like it was in your womb: it's up to you to do the rest of the work :)
Key points for picking up baby:
- Slide one hand under their head and neck, the other under their bottom.
- Lift them gently, without any jerky movements, keeping them close to you.
- Bring them close to your chest rather than holding them at arm's length.
- Talk to them: your voice reassures them just as much as your arms.
Positions to know for carrying baby in your arms
Depending on the time of day, some positions are more practical than others. Here are three to keep in mind:
The cradle hold (the feeding ally) Ideal during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Nestle baby's head in the crook of your elbow, let their body rest along your forearm and support their bottom with your other hand. Always check that their face remains clear so they can breathe freely.
The upright position (anti-colic) Perfect after a feed to help baby burp. Settle them against your chest, facing you, one hand under their bottom and the other supporting their back and head. The close contact against you also works wonders on sore little tummies :)
The "buddha" position (special for awake time) When baby starts wanting to observe the world, sit them on your forearm, back resting against your stomach, and support their chest and head with your other hand. They enjoy the view in complete safety, comfortably settled against you.
How to carry a newborn?
With a newborn, everything comes down to supporting the head and neck. Until they can hold it on their own (around 3–4 months), your hand remains their best support.
Key points:
- Always support the head and neck with a firm but gentle hand.
- Respect their physiological position: rounded back, knees raised higher than the bottom, like a little frog.
- Take it gently: newborns hate sudden movements, which trigger their startle reflex.
How to carry a baby according to their age?
As the months go by, baby gains more muscle tone… and you can evolve the way you carry them.
- 0 to 3 months: head always supported, wrapped position facing you, against your chest.
- 3 to 6 months: baby holds their head, they enjoy starting to observe the world. The hip carry position becomes possible.
- 6 months and up: more active and curious, they enjoy being carried on the hip or taking part in everyday activities.
The idea is simple: we follow baby's rhythm, not the other way around. Every child moves at their own pace :)
Carrying in your arms is wonderful… but we only have two arms! That's where babywearing comes in to meet the same need for closeness, while giving you your freedom back.
Why carry your baby with a babywearing system?
A babywearing system is simply a way to keep baby close while keeping your hands free. And its benefits go well beyond the practical side:
- Parent-child closeness: cradled by your movements and reassured by your warmth, baby extends the sense of security they knew before birth.
- Baby's comfort: in a physiological position, they digest better and regulate their emotions more easily.
- The parent's freedom: you cook, you walk, you look after your older child… while baby enjoys being close to you.
- A real helping hand in daily life: phases when baby only wants "to be held", difficult settling times, complicated outings with the stroller… babywearing changes everything.
Remember: carrying does not mean "creating bad habits". A reassured baby becomes a confident child, who explores the world all the more peacefully knowing they can always come back to you :)
What solutions are there for carrying a baby?
Let's think in terms of uses: what matters is what you're looking to do day to day, to choose the solution that suits you and your baby!
For the first months: prioritizing closeness and envelopment
At birth, nothing replaces the softness of a fabric that wraps around baby and holds them close against you, in a soothing skin-to-skin contact that is perfectly tailored to them.
The stretchy wrap and the sling are ideal for these first weeks: they perfectly mold to the newborn's body and extend the bubble of pregnancy.
The wrap for babywearing that distributes weight across both your hips and shoulders — practical for days at home or outdoors.
The sling is an asymmetric carry, perfect for shorter but regular babywearing moments. It can be put on in just a few seconds thanks to its rings. So it's ready to use at every opportunity!
Discover our babywearing solutions for carrying from birth
For everyday outings: opting for a practical and adaptable solution
As baby grows and life gets back on track, practicality becomes key. The physiological baby carrier goes on and off in the blink of an eye, adjusts easily from one parent to the other, and accompanies baby from birth to around 3 years old. Perfect for walks, errands or travel.
> Discover our physiological baby carriers
For extended babywearing: thinking about the comfort of baby and the carrier
Do you carry often and for long periods? The key word becomes ergonomics. Good weight distribution across the carrier's shoulders and hips, optimal support for baby's back and pelvis: this is what allows you to carry for hours without back pain, and without discomfort for your child.
How to carry a baby safely?
Safe babywearing rests on one golden rule: baby must always be in a physiological position, with clear airways and their face clearly visible. Here are the points to check every time you settle them in:
- Physiological position: rounded back, knees higher than the bottom (the famous "M" position), pelvis tilted toward you, limbs gathered (hands toward the face)
- Clear airways: baby's chin never touches their chest, you should always be able to slide a finger under their chin.
- Face visible: baby's nose and mouth always remain uncovered, never hidden by the fabric.
- Suitable device: the baby carrier or wrap must match your child's age and weight.
👉 Everything you need to know about how to carry a baby safely
And if you'd rather watch than read, take a look at our tutorials for carrying your baby: nothing beats a step-by-step demonstration to get started with confidence :)
Frequently asked questions
How to carry a baby correctly? By always supporting their head and back, with gentle movements, and by keeping them wrapped against you in a physiological position (knees higher than the bottom).
How do you lift a newborn? One hand under the head and neck, the other under the bottom, lift slowly and bring them against your chest, without any sudden movement.
What is the best way to carry a baby? The one that respects their physiology and meets your current need: in your arms for a cuddle, in a wrap or a baby carrier to keep your hands free.
How long can you carry a baby? There is no limit as long as baby is comfortable, in a good position and well supervised. With ergonomic babywearing, you can carry for a long time without discomfort, for you as well as for them.
Is babywearing good for baby? Yes! It promotes their emotional security, better digestion and the attachment bond. Carrying your baby is a gentle way to extend the cocoon of pregnancy :)