Babywearing in Walt Disney World
Exploring Disney World with a baby? Babywearing is truly a game-changer. It gives you the freedom to navigate the parks with ease (especially in areas where strollers aren’t allowed) while keeping your little one close and comfortable. I’ll admit, I’m no expert in this department, so I reached out to Rachel Peritore of North Shore Babywearing, who just returned from Disney with her two little ones (ages 2 and 4), for her best tips and real-world experience.
Here is more from Rachel:
Babywearing In Disney World
My favorite thing about babywearing is that there are so many different styles and types! Whether you’re traveling with a newborn or a toddler, you can find the perfect carrier for any destination or climate. However, keep in mind that the carriers discussed here are in no way a definitive list. I’ll be explaining which carriers I think are the most helpful for a Disney trip and why.
Speaking of climate, Orlando is hot. And depending on where you go, it’s really, really hot. Your best bet to beat the heat is an SCC (soft structured carrier) with a waistband and buckles or clips, like an Ergo, Tula, or Lillebaby.
While a Bjorn-style carrier works great for quick errands or wearing around the house, Disney days are a whole different story. With all the walking (and I mean a lot—I tracked my steps during our last trip and averaged 7–10 miles a day!), you’ll definitely want something with a bit more support to keep both you and your little one comfortable from rope drop to fireworks.
Carriers for infants and smaller babies:
If you plan on babywearing for most of your Disney trip, comfort and support are key. Look for a carrier that fits well and keeps you both as cool as possible—bonus points if it has a mesh panel!
Mesh panels help air flow through and keep your little one from overheating, which can make a big difference under that Florida sun. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much to cool you down—you’ll still feel that little furnace snuggled up against your chest—but it’s worth it to help your baby stay comfortable.
Most of the big brands have mesh options now. Tula offers the Coast line (pictured bottom left), and Lillebaby’s All Seasons carrier features a zip-down panel that folds up to reveal breathable mesh (pictured bottom right).
Other ways to stay cool:
Keep in the shade. Keep baby’s head covered with a light and wide brimmed hat.
Take breaks from wearing if possible
Stay hydrated: both you and baby!
Dress yourself and your baby in light layers
Keep in mind: it’s easy for babies to overheat in hot weather, so if you’re ever unsure, trust your gut. Take a break from wearing and head to a shop or restaurant with some air conditioning.
Here are a few signs of overheating to look for:
Baby is breathing rapidly or has a hot chest
Baby’s skin is overly red or developing a rash
Baby seems uncomfortable or overly lethargic
Carriers for Toddlers
Just like with smaller babies, a soft structured carrier (SSC) is usually the best choice for toddlers, especially at Disney. They’re quick to get little ones in and out of, which is a must when your toddler wants to be up one minute and running free the next. After all, Disney has plenty to see and explore, and an SSC will help you to make sure that you won’t need to fiddle with bulky straps or cumbersome clasps whenever your toddler decides they want “down“—now!
Ring slings can be great for those quick “ups,” but if you’re wearing for longer stretches or your toddler’s on the bigger side, you’ll likely find an SSC far more comfortable and supportive throughout the day.
The same goes for wrapping. Even if you’re an experienced wrapper (there’s something to brag to your kids about once they’ve hit their teenage years!), carrying around a large woven wrap can be cumbersome, and having to wrap and re-wrap every time your toddler wants to go “up” or “down” can quickly get frustrating.
In addition to SSCs, I also strongly recommend getting the hang of a back carry if you haven’t yet. I wore my 30-pound toddler on my back for most of our trip, but one night, she needed extra cuddles. I put her on my front (see picture), and let’s just say…it wasn’t a great experience for either of us! We were hot, sweaty, and exhausted after only a few hours, and I avoided front-wearing for the rest of the week. You’ll feel cooler and more comfortable if your larger toddler is on your back, and it gives them a great view of the park over your shoulder!
For first-time back-wearers, I’d recommend the hip-scoot method. There are plenty of great YouTube tutorials; there’s a lot of help out there, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
One of my other favorites is a hip seat carrier. I borrowed the Lillebaby SeatMe from my local babywearing group and loved having it as an extra option. It’s basically an oversized fanny pack with a built-in “shelf” that your child can sit on. It even comes with a detachable panel, but since I already had my Tula, I left the panel at home and just used the side option (#4 in the image).
The hip seat carrier was perfect for standing in long lines at Disney. Whenever Annabelle was sick of standing she just hopped on! There are no panels or straps, though, so I had to use my arm to support her back. It’s nice for very quick “ups,” but it’s not meant for long-haul treks across the park, so I tended to use my Tula far more often.
The Tula worked best for longer stretches when I didn’t want my daughter running around wild when we were waiting for a quick service meal, a particularly-long line, or walking back to our rental car each night. The walk to the car wasn’t too far, but it felt like an eternity after spending a day walking through the parks, and it was definitely too long for little legs to do on their own.
Babywearing isn’t just a park-day lifesaver—it’s a total game-changer for airports, too. I’d keep my daughter on my back while we navigated security and boarding, then gate-check our stroller and use it as a rolling luggage cart for all our carry-ons. It kept my hands free, my toddler close, and made the whole process so much smoother.
At the end of the day, babywearing is a lot like finding the perfect pair of jeans—what fits someone else perfectly might not be quite right for you, but there’s a style out there that will feel just right. Try a few, find what works best for you and your little one, and most importantly, enjoy the snuggles and the freedom that come with it.
Happy babywearing, and here’s to creating magical memories that feel effortless (even with little ones in tow)!
If reading this has you dreaming about your next Disney trip but the thought of actually planning it feels overwhelming, I’d love to help. Book a FREE Vacation Conversation here so I can take care of every detail (from stroller-friendly routes to must-do character dining) and you can focus on the fun, not the logistics.
Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira: a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too!
She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
