Using slings and carriers with your twins, triplets and more

Babywearing with more than one baby

Having more than one baby at once can make even short trips feel like a major operation. Big pushchairs can be heavy, awkward to steer and hard to lift in and out of the car, especially when you are tired.

Babywearing offers another option. Using a sling or carrier for one of your babies can free up your hands, reduce the need for a large pushchair every time and help you feel more mobile. Many parents find that being held close is very soothing for their baby, which can be especially helpful when you have twins, triplets or more to care for at the same time.

It’s also possible to carry two babies together, known as tandem babywearing. This can feel daunting at first, but with the right support, information and equipment, many families find a way that works for them.

Keeping your babies safe and comfortable

Whether you are carrying one baby or two, safety is always the top priority. How you position your babies in the sling is just as important as the type of sling or carrier you choose.

Babywearing safety in the UK is often summed up by the TICKS guidelines, recommended by the UK Sling Consortium and the NHS.

In practice, this means carrying your babies upright, with their whole bodies supported and their airways open and clear. They should not be carried lying down in a ‘cradle’ position in a sling or carrier.

Their backs should be supported so they cannot slump or curl into a ball inside the fabric. If a sling is too loose, your babies’ chins can drop onto their chests, which can make breathing more difficult. Keeping the sling snug and supportive helps to keep their spine in a natural position and their airway clear.

You should always be able to see your babies’ faces without moving fabric out of the way. They should sit high on your chest, close enough for you to kiss the tops of their heads without straining your neck. Take a moment to check on them often and enjoy the extra cuddles while you do.

Temperature is another important part of safety. When your babies are against your body in a sling, they do not need as many layers of clothing. As a rough guide, your body is one layer, the sling is at least one more and a warm room or coat adds another. Light layers that you can add or remove work best.

Finally, think about your own body. Good positioning protects your back, shoulders and pelvis. If you or your babies have any medical conditions or you are unsure what is safe, always speak to a medical practitioner or an experienced babywearing consultant.

Here are five key tips to keep in mind when babywearing:

• Always carry babies upright in the sling, with clear airways and supported bodies
• Tighten the sling so babies cannot slump or curl up inside the fabric
• Keep your babies’ faces visible and close enough to kiss and check them regularly
• Practise putting babies in and out of the carrier over a soft surface, following the instructions
• Dress babies lightly so they do not overheat when close to your body in a sling

Choosing slings and ways to carry

There are many different slings and carriers on the market, which can feel overwhelming. Stretchy wraps, woven wraps, soft structured carriers and hybrid carriers can all be used, depending on your babies’ ages and your own comfort and confidence.

Some parents choose to carry one baby while pushing the other baby or babies in a pushchair. Others decide to explore tandem babywearing and carry two babies in slings at the same time. This might mean one baby on the front and one on the back (please note this is not advised for babies under six months old) or using a specially designed twin carrier.

Because every family and every body is different, it’s helpful to get personalised advice. A local sling library or babywearing consultant can help you try different options, show you how to adjust them safely and check that your babies are well supported.

If there is no in-person service nearby, babywearing experts at Wear My Baby offer video consultations. You can talk through your situation, discuss your existing carriers and learn safe ways to carry one or two babies that suit your daily life.

Building confidence and finding support

Learning to use a sling or carrier is a skill, just like learning to fit a car seat or unfold a pushchair. It’s normal to need time, practice and reassurance, especially when you are caring for twins, triplets or more.

Take things slowly. Start by practising with one baby and an empty sling over a bed or sofa, when you have support. Once you feel more confident, you can build up to longer carries, different positions or tandem carrying if that feels right for you.

If something does not feel safe or comfortable for you or your babies, stop and readjust, ask for help or try a different option. Trust your instincts. You know your babies best and you deserve support that helps you feel confident, close and secure when you head out together.

NB: Current sling page has Wear My Baby Discount on it - this will probably need to be transferred over. Check with fundraising…