The manufacturer of your child carrier often recommends one back carrying position as the easiest to learn. Read that carefully and try that first. For example, tying a knot in the front with a baby wrap makes the rest much easier.

Baby should be sitting deeply in the baby sling. His legs should be spread wide apart, his knees flexed and slightly higher than his bottom. This is called the frog position and will be essential both for your baby’s comfort and yours.

Make sure the fabric of the child carrier is stretched widely across his back and stretching from the thighs to the neck.

The baby sling should feel snug and baby should be carried high. If it is well adjusted, you don’t need to lean forward or backwards to compensate for your baby’s weight. You should be able to carry your baby for a couple of hours without the need to tighten your baby sling along the way.

Once you’re more confident back carrying, you can experiment different positions. It is always surprising to parents and professionals that children seem to have their favourite position. Some children like to have their arms out, other their arms in, some will only tolerate to be carried high on your back in order to see above your shoulders while others won’t mind. Some parents like carrying high on their waist, others lower on their hips…

You could also email us a photo of your baby in the baby sling so we can help you adjust it. It helps if you send a photo of the back, the side and front.

Keep in mind that some baby slings are easier than others to use on for back carries. Baby wraps are a bit more complicated to learn to use but very comfortable once you’re used to it. A soft structured child carrier is easier to learn but offer less flexibility. If you need any help choosing your baby carrier, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Remember you can also find experienced ‘babywearers’ locally on SlingMeet.co.uk. They will be delighted to help you learn to carry your baby on your back.

Keep trying, the pleasure of carrying your baby on your back is worth the effort.

These are our tips. Have you found something that works for you and your baby? We’d love to hear from you and share them with other babywearing parents…

Using your child carrier on your back (2) is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

Related eco parenting posts:

1. The Wilkinet, a versatile baby carrier
2. 5 questions to help you choose your child carrier
3. Protecting your Ergo baby back carrier with the sucking pads