Why does my baby cry in the baby carrier? Causes and tips

You have chosen a baby carrier with excitement, you place your baby close to you and, instead of relaxing, they start to cry. It is normal to wonder whether they do not like babywearing or whether you are doing something wrong, but their reaction does not always mean they reject the carrier.

Hunger, sleep, temperature, a less-than-ideal fit, or simply the need to get used to a new sensation can explain why your baby does not want to be in the baby carrier.

Is it normal for the baby to cry when starting to babywear?

Yes, some babies need a short adjustment period. The carrier offers them contact, support, and a different position from the one they find in the crib, stroller, or arms.

It is also possible that the baby cries during the placement and calms down once the carrier is properly adjusted and the person carrying them starts walking. Before ruling out babywearing, it is worth observing when the crying starts and checking a few basic things.

1. It may not be the best time

The time you choose to try the carrier can make a big difference. If the baby is hungry, sleepy, gassy, has a dirty diaper, or is already crying, they will probably find it harder to accept a new experience.

Try putting them in when they are calm, awake, and their needs are met. The first attempts can be done at home, without rushing and in a familiar environment.

2. Check that the carrier is the right size for them

Not all baby carriers adapt equally well to every stage. Using a model that is too large or too small can make it harder for the baby to maintain a comfortable posture.

SOMOMU carriers are designed to start being used from around 4 kg, as long as the baby can open their legs well and adopt an ergonomic posture without forcing their body.

Beyond the weight, it is important to observe the baby’s development and actual position. If they are still too small for the carrier or cannot maintain a proper posture, it is best to wait a little before trying again.

3. Check the carrier fit

A carrier that is too loose can make the baby feel not sufficiently supported. If the straps or waistband are too tight or poorly adjusted, it can also feel uncomfortable for them.

Check that:

• The baby is at a height that lets you kiss their head easily.

• Their face remains visible and the airways are clear.

• The back is supported by the fabric, with no gaps or excessive pressure.

• The knees are slightly higher than the bottom, forming the “M” position.

• The fabric is correctly spread out and without folds.

• There are no clothes or seams that could bother them.

The panel of SOMOMU carriers is fixed and does not need adjusting. Its pattern is designed to offer a stable structure and encourage an ergonomic posture. The parts that should be adjusted for each person are the waistband and the shoulder straps.

4. Quality and padding also matter

Comfort does not depend solely on posture. The quality of the fabrics, the softness of the contact areas, and the correct distribution of weight can also change the experience for the baby and the person carrying.

SOMOMU carriers include padding designed to support and protect the most delicate areas. The upper padding helps provide support in the head and neck area, especially important during the first months, while the areas that come into contact with the legs are carefully designed to provide greater comfort.

The padded shoulder straps and waistband help distribute the weight more evenly, preventing the entire load from resting on the shoulders. When the person carrying is comfortable, they can move more naturally and transmit more calm to the baby.

Each SOMOMU carrier is handcrafted by women in Spain. The quality of the materials, seams, and finishes is carefully checked to create a carrier that is durable, comfortable, and designed to accompany the family for a long time.

5. They may be too warm

The body of the person carrying and the carrier itself already provide warmth. Dressing the baby in too many layers can make them uncomfortable, especially indoors or during the warmer months.

Fabric choice also matters. At SOMOMU we work with different fabrics and compositions so that each family can choose the option that best suits their needs and their style.

To check the baby's temperature, touch the nape of the neck or the upper back. Hands and feet may be slightly colder without that necessarily meaning they are cold.

Choose comfortable clothing and avoid pants or pajamas with feet that can pull on their legs when taking the carrying position.

6. They may need movement

Many babies relax with movement. After putting on and adjusting the carrier, try walking gently, rocking, or talking to them in a calm voice.

Staying still immediately after putting it on may not be enough. A short walk around the house or outside can help them feel more secure and associate the carrier with a pleasant experience.

7. Adaptation can be gradual

The first attempt does not need to last a long time. You can start with a few minutes and gradually increase the duration according to the baby’s response.

If they start crying and do not calm down, take them out, attend to what they need and try again another time. Forcing the experience can make both the baby and the person carrying them feel tense.

8. The baby also perceives how you feel

Learning to use a baby carrier takes a little practice. At first it is common to feel unsure, take longer to adjust the straps or check the posture several times.

Make the first attempts with time and, if possible, in front of a mirror or with the help of another person. As you gain confidence and the fit becomes more fluid, you will probably both feel calmer.

What if they liked it before and now they cry?

The baby’s needs change as they grow. They may go through a stage of greater curiosity, be sleepy, have occasional discomfort or need us to check the fit again.

Check that the waist belt and shoulder straps are well adjusted and that the carrier is positioned at the right height. An adjustment that worked a few weeks ago may need small changes as the baby grows.

It is also possible that they are simply going through a stage in which they want to move more or spend less time in the carrier. Observing and respecting their signals is always important.

When is it advisable to ask for help?

If the baby cries persistently every time you use the carrier, seems to be in pain or shows any difficulty breathing, you must take them out of the baby carrier immediately.

If you have questions about their development, mobility or posture, consult their pediatrician or a healthcare professional. It may also be helpful to get help from a babywearing consultant to check the fit and learn how to adjust the carrier correctly.

Each baby needs their own time

If your baby cries during the first attempts, it does not necessarily mean they do not like babywearing. Sometimes they just need another moment, a different fit or a few days to get used to the carrier.

Choosing a high-quality baby carrier, made with good materials, padded areas and a suitable structure is important. But so is learning to put it on correctly and respecting each baby’s pace.

At SOMOMU we design and handcraft our baby carriers in Spain to support families with comfort, ergonomics and closeness. If you have any questions about how to put on or adjust your carrier, you can write to us and we will help you personally.

Because learning to carry them close is also a shared process.