Last Updated on October 25, 2026 by Successful Black Parenting Staff
June 17th – June 24 is Black Baby Wearing Week
Black Baby Wearing Week was started in the United Kingdom in 2018 when Black moms were left out of the movement even though African mothers were the originators of wearing children on their backs with homemade wraps and slings.
Baby Wraps
OUR HISTORY
Black women have been wearing their children on their backs for centuries and we learned it from the motherland. “The babies move to the sway of their mothers’ hips, synchronised throughout the day, bending with them as they collect water or sweep the floor and rising again when the women stop to rest,” wrote Emily Wax in the Guardian. When captured Africans came to North America, they brought the tradition with them and you could see Black moms working in the fields with their babies tied to them not for the purpose of bonding but more likely to keep them safe and in their sight for protection.
Today, we wear wraps and slings to multitask and to bond with our babies.
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Why is Baby Wearing Important?
One of the best ways mothers and fathers can multitask and get things done around the house is to strap the baby to your back and carry the child around while you complete housework and more. According to NaturalChild.org, “Wearing a baby promotes physical development. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling is in essence a “transitional womb” for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements.” The child is close to you, relaxes, and it creates a strong bond due to the proximity of the baby to the mother. This makes the baby feel loved. According to Baby Bjorn’s website, “You can enjoy closeness with your baby while you go shopping, take the dog for a walk or perform household tasks. It also makes it much easier for you to tend to older siblings who also require your attention.” Infants should be carried on the front in a sling and once they have control over their neck muscles, they can be carried on the parent’s back.
Check It Out
BLACK BABY WEARING SUPPORT
There is a Facebook Page that supports moms who wear their babies and they state that they exist to “bring light to our history and embrace the future of Black babywearing.” Now don’t think this is all about carrying infants because it is not, these moms carry big kids too and they do it well. What better way to mind an active toddler than to have them attached to your body?This group is kicking off the week-long celebration of Black Baby Wearing Week with a Zoom Brunch called Brunch with Wraps, Slings, and Harmony where you can bring your baby all wrapped up and cuddled tightly to you. You can also find them on Instagram and Twitter.
Infants should be carried on the front in a sling and once they have control over their neck muscles, they can be carried on the parent’s back.
Wrapping children securely is a skill but there are tutorials that can easily teach you how to do it properly and safely, like the one shown below.
If you don’t feel entirely safe with a fabric wrap, there are various commercial front-facing baby wrap carriers that you can purchase and they range in price from this affordable Cozitot carrier to this more expensive Baby K’tan wrap for infants. You can also find African sarongs or wrap skirts on sites like Etsy.com.
Benefits of Baby Wearing for Families Today
Baby wearing connects today’s parents to a tradition that African mothers carried for generations, and it still fits busy modern family life. Many parents and caregivers find that it helps them:
- Keep a fussy baby calm and close while they cook, shop, or care for older children.
- Build closeness and confidence for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers, not just mothers.
- Get out for walks and errands with free hands and less stroller hassle.
- Make breastfeeding or chestfeeding on the go a little easier once you are experienced with your carrier.
- Share cultural pride by using African prints, kanga, or kente-inspired wraps.
If you are still in the early weeks, our guide with tips for caring for newborns pairs well with learning to wear your baby, and new moms may also appreciate our article on Black motherhood and the postpartum season.
Baby Wearing Safety Checklist
Wearing your baby should always be safe as well as comfortable. Before each use, run through this quick checklist:
- Face visible: you should always be able to see your baby’s face by glancing down. Never let fabric cover their nose or mouth.
- Chin off the chest: a baby’s chin curled onto their chest can make breathing harder. Keep their head upright with room for about a finger’s width under the chin.
- Snug and high: your baby should sit close and high enough that you can kiss the top of their head.
- Healthy hip position: for wraps and soft carriers, knees should sit higher than the bottom, with legs in a natural “M” shape.
- Check the gear: look for worn fabric, loose stitching, or broken buckles, and follow the maker’s weight limits.
- Extra care for small babies: newborns, premature babies, and babies with breathing or medical conditions need close supervision. Ask your pediatrician before you start.
Baby carriers are not a replacement for a safe sleep space. If your baby falls asleep and you need to rest, move them onto their back in a crib or bassinet, as recommended by the NIH Safe to Sleep campaign. Our guide to safe sleep for Black babies explains why this matters so much.
Black Baby Wearing Week FAQ
What is Black Baby Wearing Week?
Black Baby Wearing Week is an annual celebration that honors the African roots of baby wearing and makes sure Black parents and caregivers see themselves represented in the baby wearing community. Families share photos, tips, and stories, and local groups often host meetups.
When is Black Baby Wearing Week?
It has traditionally been celebrated in June. Dates can change from year to year, so check the organizers’ social media pages listed above for this year’s events.
What age can a baby be carried on your back?
Most babies are carried on the front first. Back carries are usually best once a baby has steady head and neck control, and only when the parent is confident with their carrier. Always follow the instructions that come with your wrap or carrier.
Can dads and grandparents wear babies too?
Yes. Baby wearing is a wonderful way for any loving caregiver to bond with a baby. Choose a carrier that fits the wearer’s body, practice over a soft surface, and review the safety checklist together. You can find more ideas for supporting families with young children on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren.org baby page.
Author
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information and education only and is not medical advice. Successful Black Parenting Magazine and its writers are not doctors or licensed health care providers. Always talk with your doctor or a qualified health care provider before starting any exercise program, treatment, medication or supplement, and about any questions regarding your health or your child’s health. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay getting it because of something you read here. In an emergency, call 911 or your doctor right away.
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