Why Babywearing Works So Well in Vancouver (And How to Get Started)
Living in Vancouver with a baby comes with its own set of joys and challenges. Between the rain, crowded transit, winding trails, and stroller-unfriendly sidewalks, it quickly becomes clear why babywearing isn’t just helpful—it’s a game-changer.
When my first was born we didn’t have a car but we got a stroller and car seat set, however I soon realized it wasn’t going to be as practical as I had imagined. For starters, I would have to carry the stroller up 8 steps to get it out of our apartment onto street level. Trying to do that postpartum was a no-go, the stroller was too heavy, so unless I had someone else do it for me I wasn’t able to use the stroller alone. When I finally did get the stroller out for a walk around the neighbourhood I was surprised that not all the sidewalks here were stroller friendly. I had to pull or push the stroller/car seat/baby up or down the curb to cross the street or the alternative was to walk on the road until the next accessible sidewalk. This was frustrating because I didn’t feel safe, especially because there are often speeding cars down our street. Using the baby carrier became so much simpler than attempting to use the stroller even just for a simple walk around our neighbourhood.
Whether you're navigating busy streets, hiking in the mountains, or just trying to get groceries with a toddler in tow, babywearing can bring freedom, connection, and serious practicality to your parenting journey.
In this post, we’ll explore why babywearing makes so much sense in a city like Vancouver, where to buy carriers (including second-hand options), and how to tap into the amazing local support available to help you get started.
Why Babywearing Just Makes Sense in Vancouver
Vancouver’s unique blend of urban life, natural beauty, and unpredictable weather makes babywearing not just convenient—but essential. Once you start babywearing, you'll notice how much easier it becomes to enjoy the city's best spots without the hassle of a stroller.
Urban Mobility, Simplified
Whether you’re navigating crowded bus aisles, hopping on the SkyTrain, catching the SeaBus, or walking through downtown, babywearing makes getting around far simpler. You don’t have to stress about finding elevators, folding up a stroller, or whether there’ll be space to park it. Speaking from experience—after being stuck on a SkyTrain platform during rush hour with a stroller for nearly an hour—I’ve learned that babywearing is often the faster, easier way to go. Now, I avoid peak times with a stroller whenever I can, and rely on a carrier for most outings.
Ideal for the Great Outdoors
Vancouverites love the outdoors, and babywearing helps you fully embrace that lifestyle. Whether you're hitting the Grouse Grind, hiking through Pacific Spirit Park, walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or simply taking a stroll through Stanley Park, having your baby close makes every adventure more manageable—no need to push a stroller over gravel, roots, or uneven paths.
Perfect for Markets & Local Errands
Tight spaces like the Granville Island Public Market, the Richmond Night Market, or even my neighborhood produce shops along Kingsway can be a struggle with a stroller. Many of these places have narrow aisles and crowds to navigate. Babywearing keeps things simple—you can move freely, keep your hands available, and still get everything on your list without juggling a stroller and a shopping basket.
Weather-Ready Convenience
Rain is a fact of life in Vancouver, and babywearing helps you adapt. Instead of wrestling a stroller through puddles with one hand and holding an umbrella in the other, you can bundle your baby under a raincoat or umbrella and stay warm, dry, and hands-free. I love using an extra large umbrella to make sure we’re both well covered and tucking my baby under my jacket. There are a variety of DIY methods from scarves and oversized jackets as well as accessories like jacket extenders or babywearing specific coats and sweaters you can purchase to keep you both cozy while babywearing
Fits Your Busy Parenting Life
From daycare drop-offs and grocery runs to toddler meltdowns and impromptu coffee stops, babywearing makes it easier to stay mobile and responsive. Many small cafés and shops don’t have the space for strollers—but they always have room for you and your little one in a sling.
Hands-Free at Attractions
Indoor spots like Science World, the Vancouver Aquarium, or the Museum of Anthropology are so much easier to enjoy when you’re not juggling a stroller. You can focus on the experience and follow your child's lead—without having to worry about whether your gear will fit through the doorway or where to leave it. Many attractions will have no stroller policies for various reasons so I always recommend being prepared with a carrier to keep your little one close and secure. Using a backpack as a diaper bag makes it even easier to carry all your essentials and not have to rely on the stroller to carry “all the things”.
Of course having options is so important as a new parent so use your stroller as much as you want/need just be sure to always bring the carrier along because you’ll definitely regret not having it when you need it!
Babywearing truly opens up the city—from trails to trains to tiny tea shops—helping you stay connected to all the things you love about living in Vancouver, with your little one right there with you.
Where and How to Buy Baby Carriers in Vancouver
There are so many ways to get started with babywearing—whether you're buying new, shopping second-hand, or borrowing a carrier first.
1. Second-Hand Options
This is my preferred way to get a great quality carrier at an amazing price. Babywearing gear can be expensive, but it holds up well and is often easy to find second-hand. I have found brand new carriers for under $50 and I once purchased a brand new woven wrap for $5!
Facebook Marketplace: Search by brand or just "baby carrier" to find local deals.
Local Facebook Buy/Sell Groups: Try groups like V2V Babywearing Swap & Shop, Canadian Babywearing on a Budget, Canadian Babywearing FSOT Swap, or Vancouver BC - BABY STUFF - Buy & Sell + Free
Craigslist Vancouver: A good option for budget-conscious families.
Your Local Buy Nothing Group: A great place to find gently used carriers
Poshmark: Another online option.
Hand-me-downs: Family and friends love to pass on their beloved carriers and even your local Buy Nothing facebook group is a great way to receive gifted carriers.
When buying second-hand, always check:
Buckles and straps for damage or wear
Fabric integrity (no fraying or holes)
Manufacturer details and model (some older carriers don’t meet current safety standards or have been recalled)
2. Local Brick-and-Mortar Stores
If you want to try on carriers and get some expert advice, there are a few great local spots to check out:
Active Baby (North Vancouver & Langley): Offers a wide selection of soft structured carriers and wraps.
Baby en Route (Burnaby & Richmond): has some soft structured carriers in stock.
Hip Baby (Vancouver): they carry some stretchy wraps and a few buckle carriers.
Snugglebugz (Coquitlam): Wide selection with reviews and helpful buying guides.
West Coast Kids (Vancouver): Carries top brands like Tula, Ergobaby, and more.
Lagoon Baby (Maple Ridge): Family-owned with knowledgeable staff and a solid variety of carriers.
3. Buy Directly from Canadian Manufacturers
If you prefer to shop from home, or want to add some carriers to your registry, there are plenty of reputable Canadian brands of baby carriers:
Aura Leaf Co. - ring slings
Babuebaby Carriers - Half Buckle with lateral strap (18-50lbs)
Beluga Baby - stretchy wraps and adjustable buckle carrier (15-50lbs)
Chimparoo - all types of baby carriers including water carriers
Gustine Baby - all types of baby carriers
Heritage Baby Designs - stretchy wraps and ring slings
Potter and Pehar - ring slings
Sewfunky Slings - Ring Slings
UCHI Wraps - variety of wraps, meh dai and sling
Tip: Always double-check return policies when buying online, especially if you're new to babywearing.
Local Resources for Babywearing Support
Vancouver has a thriving, supportive babywearing community—especially helpful if you're new to it.
1. We Love Babywearing from the Valley to Vancouver
This is a Lower Mainland support and education group is mainly on Facebook
Offering fit checks, recommendations and lots of tips through peer to peer support
In-person meetups with experienced leaders and babywearing educators who can give hands-on support
2. Baby Carrier Lending Library
Created as a compliment to the “Babywearing from the Valley to Vancouver” Facebook group as a means for people to borrow and try various baby carriers.
Currently based out of East Van
You can try out a variety of carriers
The V2V Lending Library sometimes hosts open houses to peruse the carrier collection with over 150 carriers, where you can try them out and get fit checks.
3. BabywEaring Educators and Consultants
Babywearing Educators and Consultants have hands-on experience and specialized training. They study anatomy, infant development, carrier mechanics, and safety protocols, enabling them to provide evidence-based, personalized advice.
They have real-life experience with a wide variety of carriers and situations (e.g., newborns, toddlers, special needs) and their recommendations are generally brand-neutral and focused on what works best for the baby and caregiver—not driven by marketing or trends. They also stay up-to-date with the latest research, carrier designs, and babywearing techniques, ensuring their guidance evolves with best practices.
As a Babywearing Educator and Consultant myself, I offer virtual consultations open to anyone anywhere and do in-person sessions for families within Vancouver. There are other Educators in the Lower Mainland who also offer support. I know of a few in North Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey. Some of them have small lending and learning libraries also.
Final Thoughts
In a city like Vancouver, babywearing isn’t just helpful—it’s empowering. Whether you're hiking a coastal trail, riding the SkyTrain, or juggling multiple kids, babywearing brings flexibility, freedom, and closeness to your daily life.
Looking back on the last 14 years of parenting five babies through different seasons of life, I can confidently say that babywearing has been one of the most essential tools in my journey. Through newborn snuggles, toddler meltdowns, busy city days, and quiet walks in the forest, babywearing has allowed me to stay connected—to my children, to my routines and to my community.
It’s been more than just a convenience or a lifestyle choice—it’s been a doorway into a gentler, more intuitive way of parenting. Wearing my babies has helped me tune in to their needs more easily, respond with calm and confidence, and build a deep sense of closeness and trust from the very beginning. It gave me the freedom to meet the needs of my older kids while still nurturing a new baby. It helps me slow down, be present, and find rhythm in the chaos.
A baby carrier holds more than just a child—it carries memories, growth, and the heartbeat of those early years. And as I reflect on this chapter of life, I’m so grateful that babywearing has been a part of it.
If you’re just starting out, don’t be overwhelmed. Explore your options, try before you buy, and reach out to the incredible local community that’s ready to support you.
“Babywearing has allowed me to stay connected—to my children, to my routines and to my community.”
About the Author
Karla Castro is a mother of five and a passionate advocate for babywearing. She has been carrying her children since 2011 and is a Trained CBWS and Slingababy Babywearing Educator. Karla serves as a Group Admin and Lending Library Leader in her local babywearing community, where she helps parents and caregivers find safe and comfortable babywearing solutions.
Her journey began with a simple stretchy wrap, but over the years, she has explored a wide variety of carriers, deepening her understanding of the benefits and techniques of babywearing. Through her work, she hopes to empower parents to embrace babywearing as a tool for connection, confidence, and ease in daily life.
She currently lives with her family in Vancouver, Canada, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples.
