Babywearing Through the Holidays: Staying Connected, Calm, and Present
- Austin Rees
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
The stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is full of gatherings, travel, and excitement. It’s also a time when routines get tossed, nap schedules shift, and overstimulation can sneak up fast. As a babywearing educator and a parent of four who lived through many busy holiday seasons with little ones, I can tell you that our carrier was one of the most useful tools we owned.
When we visited family, babywearing meant I could stay connected to my baby while still being part of the celebration. My youngest struggled to fall asleep in new places, but when I wore her, she’d drift off peacefully while I stayed nearby, catching up with loved ones. And when my toddlers needed extra closeness or containment in new, non-baby-proofed homes, wearing them on my back was a game changer.
Here’s why I always tell families: don’t forget your carrier this holiday season.
Keeps Baby Close and Away from Germs
During the holidays, you’re likely surrounded by well-meaning relatives who can’t wait to hold your baby. Keeping your baby in a carrier creates a natural boundary that helps protect them from extra hands and seasonal germs. You can still let others say hello and coo from a distance, but your baby stays snug, secure, and out of reach.
Calming for Baby
With new faces, sounds, and smells, babies can easily become overstimulated. The familiar rhythm of your breathing and heartbeat in the carrier helps them regulate and feel safe. Many babies nap better and longer when worn close, especially when sleep routines are disrupted by travel or excitement. My three year old was overwhelemed after Thanksgiving dinner, and the ring sling helped her calm and fall asleep with a full house.
Gives You a Way to Step Outside and Take a Break
The holidays can be loud, crowded, and full of stimulation for both babies and parents. Having your carrier gives you the flexibility to step outside for a few minutes when you or your baby need a reset. A short walk in the fresh air can calm an overstimulated baby, help them fall asleep, and give you a moment to breathe and regroup. Sometimes just moving away from the noise for ten minutes can make all the difference. It’s also a gentle way to help your baby transition back into the gathering once they’ve had that quiet time to regulate. Think of it as a built-in pause button you can take anywhere.
Calming for Parents
Holiday gatherings can be joyful, but also overwhelming. Wearing your baby can help you stay grounded. The physical closeness supports your own oxytocin release, which can lower stress levels. Having your baby right there allows you to relax and enjoy the moment, knowing your little one is content.
Supports Feeding and Bonding
For lactating parents, babywearing makes on-demand feeding easier. You can recognize early hunger cues and nurse or feed discreetly without having to step away from the group. This helps maintain your milk supply and gives your baby a sense of security in unfamiliar surroundings.
If you breast or chestfeed in the carrier, once your baby is finished, always unlatch, bring them back up to your chest, adjust, and retighten the carrier so their airway remains clear and their body well-supported.
A Safe Place for Toddlers in Busy Spaces
If you have an older child, you know how challenging it can be to keep track of them in a new environment that isn’t childproofed. A toddler carrier lets you keep them close, safe, and part of the action. It also frees your hands for plates, gifts, or holding another child’s hand.
Safety First: Babywearing Guidelines
Holiday excitement can make it easy to get distracted, but always take a moment to check your baby’s position and breathing:
Keep baby’s airway clear and visible at all times
Ensure their chin is off their chest and their nose and mouth are unobstructed
Make sure baby is held high and tight enough to kiss or sniff the top of their head
Recheck positioning if baby falls asleep in the carrier
If using a wrap or structured carrier, make sure it is snug, secure, and supports baby’s back and hips appropriately
A good rule of thumb: if you would be comfortable holding your baby in that position with your arms alone, it’s likely safe in the carrier.
Check out these Simple Tips for Monitoring While Babywearing
Don’t Leave Home Without It
Whether you’re traveling across town for Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating Hanukkah with family in your home, flying to another state for Christmas, or staying up late on New Year’s Eve, babywearing can make the holidays smoother for everyone. It keeps your baby close, your hands free, and your heart connected.
For me, it meant I could truly enjoy the holidays, sharing meals, laughter, and memories, while knowing my children were safe and content right there with me.
So as you pack up the diaper bag, gifts, and snacks, make sure your baby carrier is right on top of the list. It may be the most valuable thing you bring.
If you want to ensure you are wearing your carrier comfortably and confidently before the holidays, check in with the local babywearing group, or add on a babywearing fit check during your next infant CST follow up.
Happy Holidays!
Austin and Kate
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