What to wear when babywearing: kurtas, tops and layers

Keep the front flat and soft

Whatever sits between you and a front-carried baby gets pressed into both of you. Large decorative buttons, toggles, chunky zips and heavy beadwork are uncomfortable, and raised thread embroidery can feel scratchy against a small cheek. Embellishment on the sleeves, the back or the lower hem stays out of the way and still makes an outfit feel special.

A plain or printed front with a simple neckline is the easiest base. A round neck or a shallow V sits flat; a deep neckline can gap when you lean forward to lift the baby. If you are feeding as well, our guide to nursing-friendly kurtas covers openings that stay discreet, and you can choose them so the opening sits away from where the carrier straps cross.

Fabric for the extra warmth

A carrier adds a layer of padding across your body, and a baby is warm too, so you will usually feel hotter than your outfit suggests. Choose a fabric that breathes and copes with being damp for a while.

• Lawn and voile for warm days. Light and soft; see the lawn guide.
• Cambric for a slightly firmer cotton that holds its shape under straps; the cambric guide explains the difference.
• Linen for heat, accepting that it will crease where the straps sit.
• Soft khaddar for cooler months, worn under an open coat rather than a thick jumper.
• Avoid stiff, slippery or very sheer fabrics. Satin and chiffon slide under straps and crumple; organza feels scratchy.

Kurta length and the waistband

Most carriers have a waistband at or just below your natural waist. A kurta that ends near that line bunches under it and rides up. Two lengths avoid the problem. A short kurta or top ending at the high hip sits above or just over the waistband and stays tidy. A longer kurta, at the knee or below, needs side slits that open from around the hip, so the skirt of the kurta falls freely below the band instead of being trapped under it.

A straight cut is easier than a very flared one; a wide frock gathers into folds under the waistband. Our guide to kameez length and trouser pairings helps you choose trousers to go with the shorter length.

Dupattas, sleeves and layers

A long dupatta tends to slide, get caught in buckles or be grabbed by small hands. Many people drape it across the back of the shoulders, wear a short stole instead, or leave it at home and get their coverage from the kurta’s neckline and sleeves. Three-quarter or elbow sleeves are practical, since full sleeves get pushed up and down all day.

Over the top, an open cardigan or an unbuttoned coat works better than anything that has to be pulled over your head, and it is easy to adjust as you and the baby warm up.

Ordering pieces for this stage

You can order a single kurta or a small set made to your current measurements through custom stitching. In your request, say the outfit is for babywearing and list what matters: no front embellishment, the length you want, slits from the hip, a nursing opening if needed and a fabric that breathes. If your measurements are changing, maternity kurtas and adjustable fits explains features that allow some room. Send the details with the quote form and we confirm the design in writing before cutting.