Babywearing for Plus-Sized Parents

Mother sitting on outdoor sofa with baby in a carrier

As a plus-sized parent, you have probably experienced more than your fair share of grief and body-shaming from toxic people. They may have even led you to believe that there are things you, as a parent, can’t do because of your size.

Let us say loudly and clearly that all those trolls are WRONG. You are worthy and wonderful. And, you have the right to enjoy the benefits of babywearing just like any other parent.

Over the years, the babywearing community has become more inclusive and size friendly. Most baby carriers will fit your body type. You do not need to buy a special plus size baby carrier. But, there are a few things you should keep in mind to find the best size-friendly baby carrier for your needs.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Prior to purchasing a structured carrier, find out how long the waist belt is. Avoid brands that have short waist belts, which can’t be adjusted for your size. LÍLLÉbaby’s Complete and CarryOn carriers have waist belts that extend to 52 inches (women's size 22/24). If you need even more room, we also sell a waist belt extender that adds an additional 9.5 inches.

In addition to the waist belt, look for a carrier with easy to adjust shoulder straps. If you are using a carrier that will be worn by two caregivers, you will want something that can be adjusted for a comfortable fit quickly and easily. Carriers that use slide adjusters are quick and simple. Slide adjusters are the type of adjuster you find on many backpacks, you tighten by pulling down on the strap, or loosen by lifting the adjustor.

Comfort and Wearability

Plus-sized individuals can be susceptible to more lower back pain. If this affects you, select a baby carrier with lumbar support to ensure your back is properly braced as you carry your little one.

Avoid harness style carriers without waistbands. They can be more difficult to adjust for individuals with large chests and broad shoulders. And, they place the child’s entire weight on your shoulders, leading to discomfort and shoulder/back pain.

If you do experience back pain while baby wearing, seek out a baby wearing educator to check your fit and provide support. Find a local educator with the Center for Babywearing Studies. LÍLLÉbaby also offers free fit checks to our customers with the trained educators on our staff.