Illusion of "Effortless" Babywearing on Social Media

The "Social Media Mom" Aesthetic and its Perils

If you’re a parent like me whose online algorithm has detected the presence of a small baby in your house, you’re probably also scrolling through a ton of baby-wearing videos. Mostly moms dressed in their matching lounge sets standing in their tidy kitchens or perfectly curated nurseries showing you their favourite new baby carrier. Don’t even get me started on the Hot Mom Walk crowd proudly donning their baby carrier and oversized water bottles. I think it’s great that we’re showing babywearing as a universal activity. It’s no longer just for those who live in a land far far away, but being used by our neighbour, friend and cousin. There’s a problem, though. They’re using them incorrectly. So incorrectly, they can cause injury or worse.

My Babywearing Journey: From Novice to Advocate

A Realistic Perspective

I’m a mother of three; I have a 7 year old, 5 year old and 19 month old who I have carried using a baby carrier from birth into toddlerhood. I was home with my first two (2 and newborn at the time) during the Covid-19 pandemic which meant that I was often needing to “wear” at least one of them at all times. I also really loved that my baby could be close to me without risk of being touched by strangers. I’m also someone who was raised to know about the practice of babywearing from a young age. The combination of my oldest being before TikTok and my upbringing, I knew that I would have to learn and practice this skill IRL.

Finding Passion in Babywearing Education

I’m thankful that I did, because it led me to absolutely fall in love to the point of starting my own carrier brand. At Heritage Baby Designs, I put a large focus on education. Not just how to use your baby carrier - what to consider when troubleshooting and even how to assist other parents on their journey, but also the history and benefits of this practice. Some benefits can include:

• Reduced crying (for baby, but probably for the parent too)
• Supports healthy hip, back and neck development when used correctly
• Promotes breast/chestfeeding
• Aids in healthy digestion, can reduce discomfort from reflux
• Allows baby to learn social interaction in a supportive environment
• Can help newborns better regulate body temperature

Addressing the Babywearing Misinformation 

The TikTok Effect: How Misuse Spreads

Back to TikTok for a second…there are hundreds of videos uploaded daily by parents using their carriers, and worse, demonstrating improper use. The problem really arises when the viewer sees this example and then implements it into their daily babywearing. It’s so important that we follow some basic guidelines when using a baby carrier so that we don’t injure our babies or ourselves. 

Essential Safety Guidelines for Babywearing

1. Follow TICKS, a safety guideline that applies to almost every front carrying baby carrier. (image below)
2. Remember that your baby needs access to fresh air no matter the weather. I often see dangerous accessories to help keep the baby warm or covered from the sun.
3. Your baby’s neck and chin should be in a neutral position to allow for easy breathing.
4. Dangling legs can lead to poor circulation down to their toes. Your baby should be hammocked making an “M” position in the baby carrier.
5. A baby facing out too young is at risk in case of a fall and isn't receiving adequate support for their frame. Older babies can become overstimulated and it is never safe to allow a baby to sleep facing outward.
6. Finally, your baby should always be upright.

A Call to Action for Parents, Influencers & Creators

If you’re watching someone’s TikTok and are worried about their technique, it isn’t “mom shaming” to kindly send them a message voicing your concern. I’ve done it many times. And a note to any content creators who may be tempted to quickly post their new baby carrier before checking their fit: please don’t. You have accepted a role of influence and so have a responsibility to promote safe product use. While it is the users responsibility to educate themselves on the product they have, those of us in front of the camera have to accept our role.

You can find all of my educational content for free on TikTok, Instagram, and HeritageBaby.ca and you can download my free babywearing guide for beginners HERE.