In short: Adjust the baby carrier to fit you before placing your baby in it (seat, waistband, shoulder straps). Then position your baby with their bottom deep in the seat, legs in an M position, and back rounded and supported. Before you go, always check that their face, nose, and mouth are clear of the fabric and that their chin is not pressed against their chest: this is the most important safety check.
When fitted properly, an ergonomic baby carrier soon feels like a second skin: your baby snuggles against you, your hands are free, and you’re both comfortable. But getting the most out of babywearing takes a few careful steps. Here’s how to put on your carrier, then position your baby safely, step by step.
How do you put on a baby carrier? Steps to take before positioning your baby
Before positioning your baby, prepare the carrier. Getting the adjustments right beforehand is half the work: your baby will then settle into place naturally, without you having to adjust everything while holding them against you.
1. Check that the baby carrier is suitable for your baby’s age, weight, and intended carrying position.
Each model has its own usage limits (minimum and maximum weight, and positions allowed from birth or only after a few months). Check the instructions for your Love Radius baby carrier to confirm that your chosen position (front, hip, or back) is suitable for your child’s age.
2. Adjust the carrier before positioning your baby
Adjust the seat to the width of your baby’s knees: place your baby on the center panel of the carrier, lift their legs, and see how far apart their knees naturally sit. That’s the width at which you should secure the seat with its hook-and-loop fasteners.
Also adjust the center panel to your baby’s height using the side straps to fit their size.
Put the carrier on without your baby first to adjust the waistband and shoulder straps to fit your body. It’s easier and faster, and means you won’t have to adjust them while holding your baby.
3. Position the waistband correctly
Wear the waistband at hip level, lying flat, with the buckle fastened and tightened securely. It will support much of your baby’s weight: the more stable it is, the more comfortable carrying will be for you.
4. Pre-adjust the shoulder straps according to the model
Depending on the carrier, the shoulder straps either cross at the back or are worn like backpack straps. On our carrier, they can attach at the front to the waistband for a newborn or to the sides of the center panel to distribute the weight better with an older baby. You can clip them in place beforehand, leaving the straps loose enough to position your baby, then tighten them afterward.
Once you’ve completed these four steps, the carrier is ready for your baby—and this is where you need to be especially attentive.
At Love Radius, these adjustments are designed so you don’t have to redo them for every outing: once the seat and shoulder straps fit you and your baby, you can put the HoodieCarrier 2 and PhysioCarrier 2 back on in seconds without undoing everything.
How do you put a baby in a baby carrier?
This is THE question parents ask most, and with good reason: a properly positioned baby is comfortable and safe, with their back and hips supported as they develop. Here’s how to do it, step by step.
If you’d rather see it in action, watch our baby carrier tutorials
1. Position your baby against you
Hold your baby firmly against your chest before opening or closing the carrier around them, always supporting their head and neck if they cannot yet hold them up on their own.
2. Settle their bottom deep in the seat
The seat is the starting point for positioning your baby correctly. Their bottom should sit deep in the fabric, not just rest on its edge.
3. Check leg position and seat width
Your baby’s legs should be spread in a “frog” or M position: knees higher than their bottom, with the fabric supporting their thighs all the way to the backs of their knees. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) recommends this position, considering it the most favorable for healthy hip development in babies.
4. Adjust the front panel and shoulder straps
Raise the carrier’s front panel to the nape of your baby’s neck (or just below it, depending on their age and head control), then tighten the shoulder straps so your baby is held snugly against you, with no gap between their chest and yours.
5. Check back and head support
Your baby’s back should be rounded and supported along its full length, without being compressed or held too straight. If your baby cannot yet hold up their head, make sure it is well supported by the headrest or raised fabric. If their back isn’t rounded enough, bring their hands near their mouth and settle their bottom deep in the seat while lifting their knees.
6. Check that the face and airways are unobstructed
This is the most important step, and one you should never skip: your baby’s nose and mouth must remain completely clear, never covered by fabric or pressed against your chest.
How can you check that your baby is positioned correctly in their carrier?
Before every outing, take a few seconds to go through this checklist. It’s a simple habit that soon becomes second nature.
Check before you go:
- Your baby is high enough to be close enough to kiss
- Their face is visible and not covered by fabric
- Their nose and mouth are unobstructed
- Their chin is off their chest (never chin-to-chest)
- Their back is properly supported and rounded
- Their legs and hips are positioned correctly (M position)
- Your baby is held snugly against you, with no slack in the fabric
This checklist covers the main principles of the T.I.C.K.S. rule (Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to Kiss, Keep chin off chest, Supported back), established by the UK Sling Consortium and used by several health organizations as a babywearing safety reference.
Keeping the airways clear deserves particular attention: a baby, especially a newborn, cannot always free their nose or mouth if either becomes obstructed. That’s why you should always visually check that nothing is hindering their breathing before, during, and after each time you position them in the carrier.
How do you put on a baby wrap?
A baby wrap works differently: instead of buckles and pre-adjusted straps, it’s a long piece of fabric you tie around yourself. The exact method therefore depends entirely on the tying style you choose (cross, simple, kangaroo...) and the type of wrap you use.
Broadly speaking, the same principles apply as with a structured carrier: the fabric should be taut and spread across the full width of your shoulders and back, and your baby should be in the same ergonomic position (deep seat, legs in an M position, back supported, face unobstructed).
Depending on the fabric used, there are:
- the baby wrap, a long strip of stretchy or woven fabric that allows for various ties and carrying positions;
- the sling, a wrap worn over one shoulder, handy for short outings;
- the structured baby carrier, such as the HoodieCarrier or PhysioCarrier, which is already shaped and adjusts with buckles.
Each tying technique deserves its own step-by-step tutorial: explore our complete guides to tying a baby wrap and using a sling to learn more.
Mistakes to avoid when putting on a baby carrier
Some mistakes are common, especially among those new to babywearing. Knowing what to look for helps you avoid them.
- Baby too low: the carrier isn’t positioned high enough, so your baby “hangs” instead of sitting close enough to kiss.
- Carrier too loose: the waistband or shoulder straps aren’t tight enough, so your baby isn’t held snugly against you.
- Face or nose covered by fabric: the front panel is too high, or your baby is sitting too deep in the carrier.
- Chin pressed against the chest: this position closes off the airways and must be corrected immediately.
- Legs positioned incorrectly: legs dangling or held too close together instead of in the hip-friendly M position.
- Poor head and back support: the back isn’t rounded, or a newborn’s head isn’t supported.
- Position unsuitable for your baby’s age: for example, back carrying or facing outward too early.
If you’re unsure about a potentially unsafe position, always stop, readjust, and check every point on the checklist rather than continuing on your way.
How do you use a baby carrier at different ages?
How you position your baby changes as they grow, develop motor skills, and gain head control.
| Baby’s age | Possible carrying positions | Key adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Front only | Seat narrowed, head-support pad tucked in, front panel raised to the nape of the neck, shoulder straps attached to the waistband |
| Baby with head control (around 4–6 months) | Front, hip, back (depending on the model) | Seat widened gradually, front panel lengthened gradually, neck-support pad facing outward |
| Older baby | Front, hip, back | Seat and shoulder straps readjusted regularly; taller front panel |
For detailed guidance on babywearing during the first few weeks, see our dedicated newborn guide, designed specifically for this special time.
FAQ: Your questions about putting on a baby carrier
How do you position a baby in a baby carrier?
Position your baby against you, with their bottom deep in the seat, legs in an M position (knees higher than their bottom), back rounded and supported, head supported if needed, and face always clear of the fabric.
What is an unsafe babywearing position?
A particularly risky position is one where your baby’s chin touches their chest and their back is unsupported: it can interfere with breathing and does not respect your baby’s natural posture. Read our full article on the dangers of non-ergonomic babywearing to learn more.
How can you tell if your baby is positioned correctly in their carrier?
Go through the checklist: baby close enough to kiss, face visible, nose and mouth unobstructed, chin off chest, back supported, legs in an M position, and baby held snugly against you.
How do you put on a baby wrap?
It depends on the tying method you choose, but the principle is the same: fabric pulled taut and spread across your shoulders and back, with your baby in an ergonomic position. See our dedicated baby wrap tying tutorial for a complete step-by-step guide.
How do you use a baby carrier with a newborn?
Use the front-carry position only, with the seat narrowed to fit your baby, their head and neck supported by tucking the support pad inside, and the front panel raised to the nape of their neck for optimal support. Adjust the carrier’s fit using the side straps and attach the shoulder straps to the waistband clips to support the curve of your baby’s back and keep their airways clear.
How can you tell if your baby’s airways are clear?
Their nose and mouth must remain visible and unobstructed at all times, never pressed against the fabric or your chest. If in doubt, uncover their face immediately and readjust their position.
Can a baby face outward in a baby carrier?
Babywearing professionals do not recommend this position: it does not respect the natural curve of your baby’s back and makes it harder to keep a visual check on their airways. Front, hip, or back carrying is preferable and much more supportive of their development. For a curious baby, hip or back carrying is ideal for satisfying their curiosity.
Want to learn more? Explore our ergonomic baby carriers, wraps, and ring slings.