Are you up for the challenge of carrying two babies at the same time? It sounds daunting doesn’t it…. But tandem babywearing is not only possible but a lot of fun!
If you are a parent of twins, or have two (reasonably) small children then there are a number of ways you can get them both in a baby carrier at the same time.
In this post, we will cover a number of different baby carrier combinations you can use to tandem babywear, and provide some guidance on how to get your kids in and out of the carriers.
What Baby Carrier Designs are Suitable for Tandem Babywearing
There are a few different tandem baby carrier designs that you can choose from. The most popular type of tandem carrier is the twin baby carrier, which allows you to carry both babies in front of you.
There are also back carriers and hip carriers that can be used for tandem wearing, but they are not as common as the twin baby carrier.
- Twin baby carriers – designed specifically for this task (most recommended!)
- Baby Wrap – long fabric can be tied off to accommodate two.
- Two Structured Baby Carriers – One at the front, one at the back!
- Two Ring Slings – One on each side.
There are more combinations that we will discuss below but they all include the above designs.
Tandem Babywearing Guide: Common Design Options and Combos
In this section, we will cover how to use the most common types of baby carriers with more than one child.
We will also include some guidance on how to get your kids in and out of the baby carriers on your own. This will vary slightly depending on the designs you are working with.
Purpose Built Twin Baby Carrier
The easiest option is to use a custom-made twin carrier. There are not many of these available on the market and we have reviewed all of the best twin carrier options here. The main features of these carriers include:
- Two seats.
- Option to use as a single or double carrier.
- Much higher weight limit than a standard carrier.
We recommend the following two options depending on whether you prefer the ring sling design (best for newborns) or a typical soft structured carrier (from 10lbs and up):
- Malishastik Twin Sling – Holds two children with one on each side of your torso. This is great for newborns and can be used up to a maximum weight of 60lbs.
- TwinGo Twin Carrier – This is a structured carrier with two seats that is suitable once your babies get a little older, and has a massive 70lb weight limit!
Most parents would never think of buying one of these unless they have had twins.
Two Soft Structured Carriers
A more common progression for parents who do not have twins is to buy their first baby carrier, and then a second when baby no. 2 comes along. If they have not yet graduated to a stroller then wearing two structured baby carriers at the same time is a viable option.
The main caveat is that one child must be old enough to safely place them in the back carry position. Which they are usually ready for from 10-12 months of age.
The other child will of course be carried out front, either facing inwards or outwards depending on age and preference.
Tips for safe use:
- Secure waistbands before strapping in children.
- Keep shoulder straps of each carrier separate and not woven together.
- Place the heavier child at your back.
Single Baby Wrap
If you are on a budget then a regular baby wrap is also perfectly capable of carrying two children at once. However, there are two things to consider:
- The weight limit will be much lower (usually up to 35lbs).
- You should opt for a wrap with longer fabric such as the Moby Wrap (18ft).
Now you just have to master how to tie them in! This is a tricky undertaking (as if it isn’t with one baby!).
There is a special technique to getting this correct so best to watch the tutorial below that walks you through how to tandem carry with a baby wrap:
Baby Wrap and a Structured Carrier
Tandem babywearing with a baby wrap and a soft structured carrier is probably the easiest combination on our list!
The fabric of the wrap will sit flat on your skin, allowing the carrier straps and buckles to slip on top easily.
You will again be using the structured carrier in the back carry position and will need to ensure your baby is strong enough for this.
If you place your carriers on in this order then you should be fine:
- Position your wrap ready to be tied off but do not place your baby in the wrap yet.
- Strap on the baby carrier over the top of the wrap with the seat facing your back.
- Have your child either placed into the carrier seat, or if they are big enough to step in while you squat down, then clip them in.
- Final step is to position your smaller child in the baby wrap in a front carry position and tie off the knot for a snug fit.
Again, this may take a practice run before you attempt this with your children. But can be done solo assuming the older child can step into the back carry position.
Two Ring Slings
This is our least favorite tandem babywearing option, but it will work just fine with newborns and infants. It is also one of the cheaper options if you are going to use two separate carriers.
The one advantage of this approach is that with one baby on each side you will be well balanced with the weight distribution.
However, with all of the weight in front of you there is more of a risk to your lower back and your kids will outgrow your capacity sooner.
Check out the video below for instructions on how to tandem babywear using two ring slings:
Can I Carry a Toddler and a Newborn at the Same Time?
As you can see from some of the instructions above, it is actually easier to tandem babywear when you have one older child that can walk up to your back without assistance.
This allows you to use the back carry position, and if they are also old enough to jump into the seat then it makes it much easier to put the carrier on by yourself!
If you have twins then you will be restricted to the twin ring sling, or a baby wrap with both children in a front carry position until they are strong enough for one to venture into that back carry position.
Tips for Safer Tandem Babywearing
Here are some extra tips to ensure that you can use your twin baby carriers safely:
- Make sure you keep your back straight and avoid twisting to avoid injury.
- Be realistic with how much weight you think you can handle.
- Keep a mirror handy so you can check in on your child at the back.
- Make sure your babies are comfortable if things will turn south quickly!
- Practice taking the carriers on and off before attempting with your kids.
Final Word
Tandem babywearing can be super fun and rewarding, but you need to be extra careful!
It is important that you do not go over the weight limits specified by manufacturers (especially if using a single wrap) and that both of your babies are comfortable and safe at all times.
There is also an increased risk of injury to you with the extra weight and you should limit your mobility accordingly.
So take it easy, be realistic, and enjoy the ride!
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