Babywearing & Your Pelvic Floor: What Every Parent Should Know

Babywearing & Your Pelvic Floor: What Every Parent Should Know

Becoming a parent means learning a whole new way of moving through the world—with a baby in tow. Babywearing is a popular, practical, and a deeply connective way to keep your baby close while freeing up your hands. But as physical therapists specializing in pelvic health, we’re often asked: "Is babywearing safe for my pelvic floor?"

The answer? Yes—with good posture, support and awareness, babywearing can absolutely be safe. But there are important considerations to protect your pelvic floor and whole-body health.

First, What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis that supports your bladder, bowel, uterus and spine. These muscles also help with posture, stability and core strength. During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor experiences a lot of strain, and recovery varies widely from person to person.

When the pelvic floor is under pressure—especially in the early postpartum period—symptoms like leaking, heaviness (prolapse) or back/pelvic pain can arise or worsen. This is why how you carry your baby matters.

Babywearing: Posture Matters

Wearing your baby changes your center of gravity which affects your posture. Many parents unconsciously shift into a forward-leaning or “swayback” posture to compensate for the weight of the carrier. This can increase strain on your pelvic floor, especially as it is recovering from childbirth.

Here’s what to watch for when babywearing:

✅ Do:

●      Use a supportive carrier: Choose one that distributes weight evenly across your shoulders, back and hips.

●      Keep baby high and tight: Baby’s head should be close enough to kiss, and snug against your chest—not hanging low.

●      Engage your core: Gentle core activation can support your spine and pelvic floor.

●      Stack your posture: Ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips. Avoid leaning backward or sticking your pelvis forward.

🚫 Avoid:

●      Slouching or letting your baby sit too low.

●      Using one-shoulder slings for extended periods.

●      Wearing your baby for a long duration if you’re experiencing pelvic heaviness or leaking—check in with a pelvic physical therapist first.

Signs Babywearing Might Be Impacting Your Pelvic Floor

Listen to your body. If you notice any of the following while or after wearing your baby, it’s time to pause and consult a pelvic floor physical therapist:

●      A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the pelvis

●      Leaking urine with coughing, sneezing or movement

●      Low back, hip or pelvic pain

●      A bulging sensation in the vaginal area

These are signs your pelvic floor may be stressed. The good news? With the right support and treatment, you can return to pain-free babywearing.

When, After Birth, to Start Babywearing

Everyone's postpartum recovery is different. If you have a vaginal birth, you may be able to begin light babywearing within the first few weeks, as if you feel strong, supported and are symptom-free. If you have a cesarean birth, give your incision time to heal—usually at least 6 weeks—and always check with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting.

Tips for Pelvic Floor-friendly Babywearing

●      Start slow: Begin with 10–15 minutes and gradually increase as your body adjusts.

●      Mix it up: Alternate between babywearing, stroller use and resting.

●      Strengthen your base: Gentle core and pelvic floor rehab exercises can make a big difference.

●      Get assessed: A pelvic health physical therapist at Solstice Physiotherapy can evaluate your posture, core function and pelvic floor strength to create a customized plan.

Final Thoughts

Babywearing is a beautiful way to connect with your child—but your body needs support, too. At Solstice Physiotherapy, we work with new parents every day to help them move with confidence and protect their long-term pelvic health.

If you're unsure how babywearing is affecting your body, or if you have questions, E-mail us at info@solsticept.com or call us at (929) 2692505 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Together, we’ll make sure both you and your baby are well-supported.