Tandem Babywearing:

Carrying Two Children with Confidence
When you have two little ones close in age, juggling their needs can feel like a circus act. Whether you’ve welcomed twins, or you’ve got a baby and a toddler vying for attention, tandem babywearing can be a game-changer. It allows you to meet both children’s needs with hands-free freedom, keeps everyone calm and close, and makes getting around far more practical than trying to wrestle a double pram through narrow shop aisles or crowds at the market.

Tandem carrying means wearing two children at once — most commonly one on the front and one on the back. While it may sound daunting at first, with the right gear and a bit of practice, it can become a regular part of your parenting toolkit.

Why Tandem Carry?

Settle two children at once: When both kids are clingy or tired, being close to you can calm them quickly.
Navigate life hands-free: Tandem carrying is a lifesaver for doing chores, school drop-offs, or popping into the shops.
Strengthen connection: Physical closeness supports bonding — especially for toddlers who may feel displaced by a new baby.
Reduce reliance on prams: Ideal for places where prams are awkward or inaccessible.
Simplify routines: Great for transitioning one child to sleep while still attending to the other.

Safety First

It’s important to understand that tandem wearing doesn’t mean compromising on safety — in fact, it requires extra attention to ensure both children are secure.

Always use carriers suitable for each child’s size and developmental stage.
Babies must be positioned with clear airways, upright, and snug against your body.
Older toddlers need proper support and weight distribution for your comfort.
Learn each carry individually before attempting to combine them.
Follow the T.I.C.K.S. guidelines for safe babywearing, especially for younger infants.

Which Tandem Setups Work Best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some popular combinations to consider:

👶 + 👧 Baby on Front, Toddler on Back
This is the most common and balanced arrangement. Use a soft-structured carrier (SSC) or wrap for your toddler and something simple like a stretchy wrap, meh dai, or ring sling for baby.

👧 + 👶 Toddler on Back, Baby on Hip
Works well if you want more visibility of your newborn and are confident using a hip carry like a ring sling.

👶 + 👶 Twins
Twin babywearing often involves two of the same or a specialised carrier. It requires more skill but can be done safely with guidance.

Practical Carrier Combinations

Two Soft-Structured Carriers: Quick, easy, and ergonomic.
Two ring slings: one for each hip
SSC + Ring Sling: Offers flexibility and is lighter for warm days.
Wrap + SSC: The wrap distributes baby’s weight well, while the SSC makes toddler carrying simple.
Two Wraps: Best for experienced wrappers who love custom fit.
Onbuhimo (for toddler) + Front Carrier (for baby): Waistless option that relieves pressure on your abdomen.

Step-by-Step: Tandem Carrying Baby and Toddler

Prep your carriers: Lay both out where you can reach them easily.
Front carry first: Secure your smaller child first using a carrier you’re confident with.
Then back carry: Add your bigger child to your back carrier once the first is settled.
Adjust straps and check fit: Use a mirror or take a photo to confirm everyone is positioned correctly.
Start small: Practice at home before trying longer outings.

Tips

Wear layered clothing, avoid bulky jackets.
Use a mirror for quick checks.
Practice tandeming at home with short sessions.
Pack light — opt for a belt bag instead of a big nappy bag.
Take turns — it’s fine to tandem sometimes, and carry individually other times.

Can I Handle the Weight?

Many parents are surprised how comfortable tandem babywearing can be with the right fit. Using ergonomic carriers and adjusting straps properly distributes weight evenly. And remember — you don’t have to do it all day, every day. Even occasional tandem carrying can make life smoother.

Where to Get Help

You’re not alone! At the South Eastern Babywearing Group, we offer:

Try-before-you-buy opportunities at community events
Demo dolls to practice tandem setups
Hands-on help from experienced volunteers
Info sheets and blog articles to guide you at home

We know that tandem babywearing can feel intimidating — but with support and practice, it can become second nature. If you’d like to explore more or attend a fitting session, check out our upcoming events or browse our detailed carrier reviews.