Babywearing a Premature or Sick Baby: 8 Helpful Tips

Caring for a premature baby can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. The early days are often filled with medical appointments, NICU visits, and a sense of uncertainty. In those moments, the idea of babywearing may feel a long way off — but when the time is right, it can become one of the most powerful tools in your parenting toolkit.

This guide offers gentle, practical advice on babywearing a premature or medically fragile baby, including how to choose the right baby carrier and when to seek support.

The Power of Kangaroo Care

The first and most important thing to know is that kangaroo care — skin-to-skin holding — offers enormous benefits for both premature babies and their parents. It supports bonding, helps regulate baby’s temperature and breathing, and boosts milk supply.

While your baby is in hospital, you don’t need to worry about hands-free carrying — being close and connected is more than enough. Babywearing will come later, when you're both ready to take that next step.

Getting Started at Home

Once you’re home, you may want to explore babywearing. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — your baby’s needs and your comfort will guide you. Connecting with a trained babywearing consultant can be incredibly helpful, especially when your baby has unique medical or developmental needs. You can also visit your local sling meet to try on different styles and hear from other families with lived experience.

8 Tips for Babywearing a Premature or Sick Baby

1. Seek Professional Help

The journey through prematurity can be traumatic. PTSD and postnatal depression are common in parents of preterm babies. Please seek support from your healthcare provider or mental health professional if you’re struggling. Emotional wellbeing matters just as much as physical care.

2. Consider a Ring Sling

If your baby has tubes, monitors, or other attachments, a ring sling may be the best option. It’s easier to adjust and creates minimal bulk, avoiding pressure on medical devices. Ring slings are also quick to put on and remove, making them ideal for short periods of carrying.

3. Try a Woven Wrap

Babies with low muscle tone need carriers that are firm, supportive, and adjustable. A woven wrap is a great option — it can be tied to give your baby snug, tailored support. Look for wraps that are thin and soft for ease of use with tiny babies.

4. Stretchy Wraps for Bigger Preemies

If your baby is around 3kg or more and free from tubes or wires, a stretchy wrap may be suitable. They’re easy to learn with and offer a custom fit for both baby and parent. Stretchy wraps work best for babies with good tone and no encumbrances.

5. Wait on Soft Structured Carriers

Structured carriers like buckle carriers or meh dais are usually not suitable for very small or preterm babies, as they lack the snug support needed early on. Once your baby has grown to around 3.5kg and is developmentally ready, these carriers may be used with a manufacturer-approved infant insert — but always check individual guidelines.

6. Smooth Back = Happy Baby

Any wrinkles or folds in the fabric against baby’s back can cause pressure points, which may be painful or unsafe. Always check that baby’s back is supported on a smooth, flat surface, with no bunching of material.

7. Follow the TICKS Guidelines

Your baby’s airway must remain clear and visible at all times. Always follow the TICKS rules for safe babywearing:

Tight

In view at all times

Close enough to kiss

Keep chin off chest

Supported back

Read more at babyslingsafety.co.uk/ticks.pdf

8. Practice New Skills

Learning to babywear is like learning anything new — it takes practice. Give yourself grace and time. Every attempt builds confidence. You are doing an amazing job.

Choosing a Carrier: Flow Chart Summary

Here’s a simplified decision-making path based on your baby’s current situation:

• Still in hospital? → Focus on kangaroo care.

• Parental mental health needs support? → Seek help and connect with a babywearing consultant.

• Baby has tubes or monitors? → Use a ring sling.

• Low muscle tone? → Try a woven wrap.

• Baby is 3.5kg or more and medically stable? → Consider a stretchy wrap or soft structured carrier with an infant insert.

Final Words

Babywearing premature babies can be a beautiful and empowering experience — but it’s not something you need to rush. Let your baby’s needs guide you. Start with skin-to-skin time, build confidence with one short carry at a time, and lean on your support network.

Your baby doesn’t need perfect technique. They just need you. Close, responsive, and doing your best — and that’s more than enough.