When More Hands Help: Welcoming Grandparents, Helpers, and Loved Ones into Babywearing (Part 3)
Nov 06, 2025
Post Three: Share with Expectant and New Parents
Babies arrive wired for closeness. That isn’t a preference or a personality trait; it’s a biological need. Being held helps regulate their heart rate and breathing, supports digestion, reduces stress hormones, and teaches their brain what safety feels like. This takes more time than in-arm holding usually accommodates.
As the parent, you’ll be one of the most comforting places your baby knows. That bond you’ll create is magic. And also caring for a newborn is a full-body, full-time experience. It can help tremendously to have others who can hold, soothe, and love your baby, too.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, and close friends often want to contribute in meaningful ways. Babywearing gives them a safe, cozy, and calming method to carry your baby while you get the chance to rest, eat, shower, or just breathe, without stepping away from connection.
The power of familiar closeness
Think for a moment of babywearing as simply holding, but with support. The baby hears your voice, feels your warmth, and senses a heartbeat. When held by someone new, their body recognizes the rhythm of comfort, even if it takes some time to recognize their grandparent. A secure circle of caregivers helps a baby feel safe in many arms, a critical form of resilience that lasts long beyond babyhood.
It doesn’t replace your bond.
It expands your baby’s sense of belonging.
Big feelings are normal
You may feel protective, nervous, or unsure about letting others hold your new baby (other than your partner), especially early on. That protectiveness is not only understandable, it’s biologically appropriate. You and your baby are discovering each other. Learning to communicate and understand each other. Trust takes time to share.
Your feelings can be honored while still welcoming support.
Let the educator lead (so you don’t have to)
A babywearing educator can help everyone learn the same safety and positioning checks, as well as comfort tricks for the wearer. They become the communicator, the one who says, “Here’s how a baby carrier is helpful, and here is how to use it properly,” so you don't have to correct or guide loved ones on the fly.
The focus stays on what’s evidence-based, what’s new in infant development, and of course, what carrier feels good for each person’s body. Everyone practices together. Everyone is included. And your caregiving team leaves excited and confident, instead of unsure or overwhelmed.
It also sends a clear message:
This is how our family cares for our baby.
Planning ahead helps everyone succeed
Loved ones may visit only occasionally, and babies grow fast. What felt easy to hold at seven pounds can feel surprisingly heavy and wiggly just a few weeks later. Baby carriers help your part-time caregivers stay comfortable and prevent strain or injury.
Learning early means:
- You don’t have to do this alone
- They won’t feel awkward or afraid of “doing it wrong”
- Your baby gets consistent support and calm wherever they are
- You don’t have to do the teaching or convincing
A little preparation now creates a lot of comfort later.
Shared care is a gift: to your baby and to you
Your baby gains more trusted arms. You gain rest and reassurance. Your loved ones gain a role that feels genuinely supportive.
Babywearing becomes a shared language of care, one that says:
You belong here. We’re doing this together.
Babywearing becomes the bridge across generations, holding bodies, hearts, and relationships secure.
Want your village to feel ready and confident?
Ask your babywearing educator about a session designed for parents and the other caregivers in your baby’s life. It’s fun, hands on, and gives everyone a shared foundation rooted in comfort and safety.
Your baby’s world is bigger than two arms
With a little guidance, it can feel beautifully supported
Want to share this with families you support?
We’ve created a free printable handout to help parents, grandparents, and caregivers feel confident and included in babywearing.
This post is part of a three-part series
Exploring how babywearing supports connection across generations and helps every caregiver feel confident and included.
Part 1: Expanding Babywearing Beyond the Parents
Why shared caregiving is a biological expectation and how educators can help families include others with confidence.
Read more →Part 2: Carrying Across Generations
Supporting the bodies and confidence of grandparents, nannies, and other alternate caregivers through adaptive babywearing education.
Read more →Looking for something you can share with families? Download the free “Sharing Babywearing With Loved Ones” handout here.
