Are carriers safe for newborns?

Are carriers safe for newborns? Babywearing is an ancient practice, and modern research highlights significant benefits for both newborns and caregivers, particularly regarding hip health, attachment, and infant development. Studies indicate that carrying infants in an “M” position, common in babywearing, supports healthy hip development—similar to the protective effects of a Pavlik harness.

Populations with a history of babywearing, like those in Southern China, Western Australia, and Central Africa, have lower rates of hip dysplasia compared to those that use restrictive practices such as cradle boarding. Babywearing supports physical health and promotes emotional and cognitive development by encouraging caregiver responsiveness, reducing crying, and aiding language skills.

However, caregivers must be aware of the risks from improper use, including asphyxia, falls, and skin pressure marks.

Baby carriers can create a safe and beneficial bonding experience for newborns and parents when used correctly.

What are baby carriers? 

Baby carriers are great for parents and caregivers. They allow hands-free carrying while keeping babies close. They support the baby’s weight and promote comfort for the caregiver and child.

For more info on baby carriers read on our guides 

TIPS: Using a baby carrier, sling, or backpack frees up your hands, and most babies enjoy the view from up high. They’re safe and practical for getting around with your baby when used correctly.

What To Know Before Using a Baby Carrier

Keep in mind these points before start using carriers.

1. Newborn Babywearing: Start Right Away!

Yes, you can start using a baby carrier from day one, as long as your baby weighs at least seven pounds. Babywearing encourages bonding and skin-to-skin contact, which can be especially helpful for newborns. If you’re considering using a carrier in the early weeks, check the weight requirement for your chosen carrier to ensure it’s safe for your baby.

2. Explore the Range of Baby Carrier Styles

Baby carriers come in various forms—wraps, slings, soft-structured (often called “buckle”) carriers, and Mei Tais. Each type has pros and cons, so explore different options, read reviews, ask friends for recommendations, and even try some out in stores. Understanding which type feels most comfortable for you and best suits your needs will make babywearing much more enjoyable.

3. Explore Different Ways to Hold Your Baby in a Carrier

There are several carrying positions to choose from, depending on your baby’s age, weight, and development. Here’s a quick guide:

• Front Inward Facing: Suitable from birth, allowing close bonding.
• Front Outward Facing: From around 4-6 months, once your baby can hold their head up.
• Hip Carry: Recommended from 6 months, giving your baby more room to look around.
• Back Carry: Generally safe starting at 6 months when your baby is stronger and more curious.

4. Keep Safety in Mind While Babywearing

Safety is critical when babywearing. Follow these tips to keep your baby secure and comfortable:

• Correct Positioning: Keep your baby upright, close to your chest, with their neck supported and airways clear.
• Ergonomic Positioning: Your baby should be in an “M“ or frog-leg shape, with knees higher than their bum, which supports healthy hip development.
• Secure All Fasteners: Ensure all straps and fasteners are secured to avoid slips.
• Inspect for Wear and Tear: Check your carrier for holes or loose seams before each use.
• Mind Your Surroundings: Babywearing shifts your center of gravity, so be cautious around stairs, slippery surfaces, and other hazards.
• Be Aware of Overheating: Babies can overheat quickly, so dress your little one appropriately.
• Avoid Certain Activities: Intense activities like running, biking, or skiing should be avoided while babywearing.

5. Get Comfortable with the Carrier Before Use

Before you put your baby in the carrier:

1. Familiarize yourself with it.
2. Read the manual, watch tutorials, and practice with a doll or teddy bear to get comfortable.
3. Once ready, use the carrier with your baby, ideally with a spotter nearby.

Feeling fully confident may take a few tries, but practice will make the experience much smoother.

Related Article: How long is it ok to have a baby in a carrier

Most Common Types of Baby Carriers

Baby carriers come in various styles, each designed for different needs and preferences. The most common types secure your baby to the caregiver’s front, Back, or hip.

Each type serves different purposes based on the baby’s age, weight, and whether or not they have neck control. Here’s an overview of the most common baby carrier types:

How to Choose the Right Baby Carrier for Your Newborn

Choosing the best carrier for your newborn is a significant decision that should focus on both safety and comfort. Since newborns have different physical needs than older infants or toddlers, finding a carrier that meets their developmental requirements is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to look for in a newborn carrier.

Support for Head, Neck, and Spine

• Why It Matters: Newborns have limited head and neck control and need extra support to prevent strain and ensure safety.
• Features to Look For: Choose carriers that offer built-in head and neck support, especially soft structured carriers (S.S.C.s) with infant inserts. Some wraps, like stretchy wraps and ring slings, also provide a snug fit that supports the head and neck.

Healthy Hip Positioning

• Importance: Newborns need their hips and spine to be naturally positioned to prevent hip dysplasia. The “M“ position, where the knees are higher than the bottom, is ideal.
• Carrier Options: Look for carriers that promote the “frog“ or “M“ position, supporting the hips and thighs. Wraps, ring slings, and soft structured carriers are often adjustable to create this ergonomic position.

Related Article: will baby carriers cause hip problems

Ease of Use and Adjustability

• Convenience for Parents: Newborns often need to be carried and held frequently. Choose a carrier that is easy to put on, adjust, and take off, especially for first-time users.
• Carrier Types:
  • Soft-structured carriers (S.S.C.s): These are typically easy to adjust, with padded straps and buckles. They can be worn on the front and back as the baby grows.
  • Wrap Carriers: Provide custom fit for newborns but may require practice to tie and adjust appropriately.
  • Ring Slings: Great for quick adjustments but may put more strain on one shoulder with extended use.

Comfort for Both Baby and Parent

• Why It’s Key: Both you and your baby will likely spend a lot of time in the carrier, so comfort is essential for extended wear.
• Considerations:
  • Padding: S.S.C.s and Mei-Tais often have padded straps and a waistband for added comfort. Wraps typically lack padding but may still be comfortable for shorter durations.
  • Weight Distribution: Carriers like S.S.C.s and Mei-Tais are designed to distribute weight across your shoulders and hips, preventing strain and allowing you to carry your baby longer.

Related Article: Do you need a baby carrier for each parent

Breathable, Comfortable Fabric

• Why Fabric Matters: Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, and a breathable fabric helps prevent overheating.
• Best Fabrics: Look for natural fabrics like cotton or linen, which are soft, breathable, and suitable for delicate skin. Lightweight, organic, or mesh fabrics can be beneficial for warmer climates.

Portability and Convenience

• For On-the-Go Use: Since newborns are often carried frequently, you’ll want a compact and easy storage carrier.
• Carrier Options:
  • Ring Slings: Fold down quickly and are highly portable.
  • Wraps: Can be rolled up but may take longer to put on.
  • S.S.C.s: Bulkier but often offer more support for longer durations.

Related Article: Can a baby sleep in a sling carrier

Durability and Price

• Investment Considerations: Baby carriers vary widely in price, and a high-quality model can last through multiple stages of growth. Some carriers are adjustable to grow with your child.
• Value-Adding Options: Consider carriers like the Chicco Snug Support 4-in-1, which can transition your baby from infancy to toddlerhood, making them more cost-effective.

Safety Standards and Features

• Safety First: Although no Australian standard for baby carriers exists, many carriers meet European (EN 13209-2:2005) or U.S. (ASTM F2236-08) safety standards. Always prioritize a carrier with proven safety records.
• Key Safety Tips:
  • Position the baby with the face visible and fabric away from the nose and mouth to ensure there is no risk of airway obstruction.
  • Check for easy-to-understand instructions—whether written or visual—for proper use.
  • Look for sturdy materials that are durable and built to last.

Testing the Carrier for Comfort and Fit

• Fit for Family: Try different carrier types with your baby before purchasing. Consider a carrier that will also fit other caregivers (like your partner) if they share in carrying the baby.
• Comfort Features: Choose broad, padded shoulder straps and a supportive waist strap to distribute weight evenly.

Avoid Framed Carriers for Newborns

• Why Wait: Framed or backpack-style carriers are designed for older infants with head and neck control (usually around 6 months and up). These carriers may block airflow or pressure the neck, posing risks for younger babies.

Summary: Checklist for Choosing a Newborn Carrier

When shopping for a baby carrier, look for one that:

• Provides head, neck, and spine support.
• Supports an ergonomic “M“ position for hip health.
• It is easy to use and adjust and comfortable for both parent and baby.
• Has breathable fabric suitable for the season.
• It offers convenience and portability if you need to take it on the go.
• Meets international safety standards for peace of mind.

By choosing a carrier that checks all these boxes, you can create a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for your newborn, helping you bond while keeping your hands free.

Recommended Types of Baby Carriers for Newborns

Here are some carrier options that are well-suited for newborns:

Recommended Baby carrier age limit

Baby carriers come in various designs suited to different developmental stages. Choosing a suitable carrier for your baby’s age can help promote safety, comfort, and healthy physical development. Here’s a guidelines  to understanding which types of carriers are best suited for each stage:

When Not to Babywear

• Health Concerns: Avoid carriers if your baby is premature or has specific health conditions (e.g., low birth weight, cerebral palsy) unless advised by a medical professional.
• Positions to Avoid: Avoid the cradle carry position for long periods, as it can restrict hip movement, which is essential for proper hip development. Babies with reflux may also experience discomfort in this position.

Tips for Choosing and Using a Baby Carrier Safely

• Consult the Manual: Review your carrier’s manual for weight and height limits to ensure safety.
• Proper Fit and Adjustment: Adjust the carrier for a snug fit and double-check to keep you and your baby comfortable and safe.
• Use Mirrors: When carrying your baby in inward-facing or back positions, use mirrors to check airflow and alignment.
• Match Carrier to Baby’s Stage: Babywearing can be a positive experience, but only when the carrier suits your baby’s age and developmental needs.

Securing Your Baby in Carriers, Slings, and Backpacks

• Check Weight and Height Limits: Confirm the recommended weight and height limits on the labels to choose carriers that fit your baby’s size.
• Strap Adjustment: Tighten the straps before placing your baby in the carrier and adjust them afterward for a secure, comfortable fit.
• Inspect Straps for Wear: Regularly check straps and buckles for wear or damage and contact the manufacturer if any issues arise.
• Practice Before Use: If you are new to babywearing, practice putting the carrier on and off with help or using a doll for comfort.

Related Article: Will a sling carrier support a preemie baby

Safety Tips While Using Carriers, Slings, and Backpacks

• Choose Stable Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of uneven ground to prevent tripping while carrying your baby.
• Temperature Awareness: Avoid using carriers in hot weather, as body heat and the carrier can cause your baby to overheat.
• Exercise Caution When Lifting or Removing: Use extra care when putting your baby in or taking them out of the carrier to prevent falls.
• Proper Bending Technique: If you need to pick something up, hold onto a stable surface and bend at the knees, not the waist.
• Keep Hazardous Items Away: When bending down, ensure your baby cannot reach dangerous items, such as scorching food or beverages.
• Avoid Carriers While Cooking: For safety, avoid front-wearing carriers in the kitchen to reduce the risk of burns.
• Balance Babywearing with Play: For healthy growth and development, balance time in carriers with tummy time and other physical activities.

Follow The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Baby Safety:

• Tight: The carrier or sling should fit snugly, with your baby high, upright, and supported in the head. Avoid loose fabric, as it can cause your baby to slump and restrict breathing.
• In view at all times: Always keep your baby’s face visible by simply looking down. Ensure the carrier, sling, or your body doesn’t cover the face, nose, and mouth.
• Close enough to kiss: Position your baby close enough to your chin so that you can quickly kiss their head by simply tipping forward.
• Keep chin off the chest: Your baby’s chin should remain up and away from its chest. Avoid any curled position where it is forced down, as this can obstruct breathing. Check regularly, as babies may experience distress silently.
• Supported back: Your baby’s Back should be well-supported. When facing inward, their tummy and chest should be against you; when facing outwards, their Back should rest against you. If you need to bend, support your baby with one hand and lower yourself by bending at the knees.

When to Remove Your Baby from the Carrier or Sling Immediately:

Take your baby out if:

• Their face is covered, or their chin is tucked in.
• They’re curled into the fetal position.
• They’re grunting, wheezing, or breathing rapidly, laboriously, or with a whistling sound.
• Their skin has a grey or blue tinge.
• They appear fussy, restless, or squirmy.

Sleep Safety Reminder: The safest place for your baby to sleep is on a firm, flat, level surface, on their Back. If your baby falls asleep in the carrier or sling, move them to a safe sleep space as soon as possible.

TIPS Premature babies, those with low birth weight, under 4 months, or unwell, are at higher risk of suffocation in slings and carriers. Consult your health nurse, GP, or pediatrician before use.

Baby Carrier Safety Risks Parents Need to Know About

Baby carriers are a helpful way for parents to keep their infants close while staying hands-free. However, some safety risks come with baby carriers that parents should be aware of:

Risk of Falls

• Falls are a common safety concern with baby carriers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported thousands of injuries related to nursery products, with infant carriers accounting for a significant portion. Falls can lead to severe head injuries, including skull fractures. Faulty straps, wide leg openings, and defective zippers are common causes. To prevent falls, parents should:
• Choose carriers that fit securely.
• Regularly inspect straps, buckles, and zippers for damage.
• Check the CPSC’s recall list to avoid carriers with reported defects.
• Ensure babies are securely fastened before moving.

Risk of Suffocation

• Slings, particularly for very young infants, pose a risk of suffocation if the baby’s face or airways become blocked. The CPSC has issued warnings after reports of infant suffocation linked to sling-style carriers. To prevent suffocation, parents should:
• Ensure they can see the baby’s face at all times.
• Position the baby’s face and nose clear of fabric and the parent’s body.
• Regularly check on the baby to ensure their airways are open.

Risk of Hip Dysplasia

• Some carriers may interfere with a baby’s hip development if they force the legs together straightly. This can lead to hip dysplasia, mainly if the baby is carried for long periods. The best position for hip health is an “M-position“ or “frog position,“ where the legs are splayed apart with knees higher than the hips. To reduce hip dysplasia risk:
• Use carriers that allow for a wide-leg position with proper support under the hips and legs.
• Avoid carriers that let the baby’s legs dangle straight down.

Parents can ensure a safer, more comfortable baby-wearing experience by understanding these risks and choosing suitable carriers.

Benefits of Babywearing for Newborns

Babywearing is a cornerstone of the attachment parenting philosophy, a term coined by pediatrician Dr. William Sears to describe fostering strong bonds between children and their caregivers. Studies show that babywearing offers numerous benefits for newborns, parents, and the caregiver-infant relationship. Here’s an overview of some key benefits:

Enhanced Bonding and Emotional Benefits

• Increased Oxytocin Levels: Physical contact from babywearing boosts oxytocin, the “love hormone,“ which strengthens the maternal bond, makes breastfeeding easier, and contributes to better care, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and maternal stress.
• Calmer Infants: Carried babies are often calmer, as they feel secure and have their basic needs—like touch, smell, and movement—met continuously. Studies also show that these babies cry less, likely due to the comfort of close contact and the soothing presence of the caregiver.
• Paternal Bonding: Fathers carrying their babies experience bonding benefits similar to mothers, creating a strong paternal attachment.

Physical Health and Developmental Benefits

• Supports Neural Development: The babywearing movement promotes sensory development and helps with gastrointestinal and respiratory health.
• Improved Muscle Tone and Balance: Rhythmic motion (such as a caregiver’s walking) promotes the development of balance and coordination, supporting the baby’s inner ear and muscle tone.
• Promotes Healthy Hip Development: Proper babywearing, especially with inward-facing carriers, supports natural hip positioning, which may reduce the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (D.D.H.) compared to time spent in strollers or car seats. Babies held in carriers typically have their legs spread and supported, allowing for the natural development of the hip joint.
• Reduction of Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly): Babies spending less time in car seats or strollers have a reduced risk of positional plagiocephaly, which is more common in babies who lie on their backs for extended periods.

Cognitive and Social Development

• Early Socialization: Babywearing allows babies to observe and learn from their environment, including facial expressions and cues, promoting faster language acquisition and social learning.
• Earlier Independence: Babywearing fulfills babies’ need for closeness, which may help them develop a secure sense of attachment and a foundation for healthy independence.

Additional Health Benefits (Kangaroo Care)

• Benefits for Premature or Ill Infants: Kangaroo care, where the baby’s bare skin touches the parent’s bare chest, is particularly beneficial for premature or ill infants. It helps regulate body temperature, heart rate, and breathing while promoting skin-to-skin bonding.

Cultural and Social Variations

• Global Perspectives: While some cultures, like the Munduruku people of Brazil, extensively practice babywearing, its impact on crying is variable. This diversity highlights that babywearing may reduce crying in some but is influenced by cultural norms, practices, and individual infant needs.

Are Baby Carriers Safe for Baby’s Hips?

With proper positioning and following the carrier’s instructions, babywearing can be safe and supportive for your baby’s hips. The ideal position for healthy hip development is the “M-position.” In this position, your baby’s thighs are flexed and spread around your torso, hips are bent, and their bum sits lower than the knees, forming an “M” shape. This positioning reduces the risk of hip dysplasia.

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