Babywearing & Backpain

Written By Laurene Bizarro

First things first

Babywearing should not hurt.

If it does:

  • the carrier isn’t right

  • or it’s not adjusted properly

Pain = something needs tweaking.

The carriers that tend to help backs most:

Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs)

These are usually the most supportive if your back is already grumpy.

Why they help:

  • wide waistbands take weight off your spine

  • straps spread weight across your back

  • less faff when you’re exhausted

From our sling library:

  • Tula Free-to-Grow / Explore

  • Ergobaby Omni 360

  • Izmi Baby & Toddler

Stretchy / hybrid carriers (newborn stage)

Great early on — not forever.

They work best when:

  • baby is small

  • carrier is worn high and snug

  • you move on before your back complains

From our library:

  • Ergobaby Embrace

  • Boba Bliss

Ring slings

Underrated. Surprisingly supportive.

Good for:

  • quick ups

  • refluxy babies

  • parents who hate bulky carriers

They spread fabric across your back — not just one sore spot.

Back carrying = back saver

Once baby has good head control & can sit independently

✔️ weight is centred
✔️ less lower-back strain
✔️ your hands are free

Back carries are not advanced. They’re practical.

The BIG thing : strap setup

Same carrier. Same baby.
Totally different comfort — just from strap placement.

Rucksack (H-back) straps

(Tula, Ergobaby Omni)

That little strap across your back?
It matters.

Best position:

  • around your bra-strap line or slightly above

H - Position

Why:

  • pulls straps inward

  • spreads weight across your upper back

  • stops shoulder and neck strain

Too low = pulled backwards
Too high = digging in

Cross-back straps

Where they cross matters.

Best position:

  • around bra-line / mid-upper back

Crossed position

Why:

  • creates a stable “X”

  • spreads weight diagonally

Quick back-saving checks

Ask yourself:

  • Is baby close enough to kiss?

  • Is the waistband snug and supportive?

  • Are the straps doing the work — not my shoulders?

  • Does this feel better than holding baby?

If not → something needs adjusting.

The honest truth

Most parents who say “This carrier didn’t work for me”…just never had it fitted properly.

Tiny tweaks = massive difference.

If you’re stuck

You don’t need to figure this out alone.

A sling consultation can:

  • save your back

  • save your money

  • save your sanity

And yes — we do this gently, without judgement, and at human speed.

Final reminder (before you put your phone down)

You’re tired. Your body is healing.
Babywearing should support you, not hurt you.

If it doesn’t yet — help exists

Laurene Bizarro