Baby carriers are a great way to keep your infant close, especially when you’re going. But there are some things you should know before putting your baby in a carrier.
Is baby carriers safe for infants? Carriers can be safe and comfortable when used correctly. They’re also convenient because they give you two hands-free while carrying your baby or young child.
However, certain factors make it essential to follow certain precautions when using a carrier with an infant:
Your baby’s age and weight. Carriers aren’t recommended for newborns under four months old because infants don’t have strong enough neck muscles to support their heads.
The center of gravity of your baby’s body. When using a front-facing carrier, such as a ring sling or front-pack style carrier, ensure your baby’s weight is centered over your hips so that their spine isn’t bent forward (which could cause pain and discomfort).
The baby carrier is a great way to carry your baby and a safe way to do so.
However, there are some things you need to know about using a baby carrier with infants.
Most importantly, it’s not safe for an infant to be in a carrier all day and overnight.
Do baby carriers hurt infants?
It is a common myth that baby carriers hurt infants, and the opposite is true – baby carriers can provide your baby with a great deal of comfort and support. The short answer is no; baby carriers are not bad for babies.
They can be a great tool as your child grows. But as with any piece of baby gear, you should follow some best practices to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable.
Wearing your child in a carrier is an excellent way to keep him close while getting things done. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that when infants were carried in a sling or wrap, they were less likely to cry or fuss than those put down or walked around with their parents.
In addition to being suitable for babies’ stress levels, wearing your child also has other benefits:
It can help develop your bond with your child.
It allows you to spend more time with him during his first few months.
It makes it easier for mom and dad to get things done around the house without taking turns carrying their little one along with them.
What are the risks of using baby carriers for infants?
There are many benefits to babywearing, but it’s essential to know the risks. Here are some of the most common risks of using baby carriers for infants:
But if they’re not positioned correctly in the sling or carrier — which is not always easy to do — they could sleep face down instead.
Babies are especially vulnerable to overheating because they lack control over their body temperatures.
Excessive heat can lead to hyperthermia (a dangerously high body temperature), which can be fatal if left untreated.
Avoid wearing a baby carrier during hot weather or outside in direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
It’s also a good idea to ensure adequate ventilation around an infant’s face and neck so that air can circulate freely around them while wearing a carrier.
What makes baby carriers safe for infants?
Here are some of the things that make baby carriers safe:
The Baby’s chin should not be higher than the chest, and this position can interfere with breathing and cause pressure on the neck.
The carrier should not have any complex parts to press against a baby’s face, such as buckles or buttons.
The fabric should be soft enough to prevent irritation (from rubbing against the skin) but firm enough to support your child’s weight without sagging.
Your baby should not be able to kick off any straps or buckles; these should be designed so young children cannot remove them.
How tight should a baby carrier be?
It should be tight enough to feel the baby’s weight is taken by the carrier and not by your shoulders or back.
It should not be so tight that it’s uncomfortable for you or your baby, but you can also see some space between your body and their back.
The baby should be able to sit in the carrier with their legs out straight and feet touching the ground with no arching of their back or slouching forward.
The baby’s weight should rest on their bum and back, not on their shoulders or arms.
If there is any extra fabric in front of the baby, try tightening it until there is no extra fabric left (but still enough for comfort).
FAQs
Are baby carriers bad for infants’ hips? It’s a common misconception that baby carrier are bad for infants’ hips.
There’s no evidence to suggest that using a baby carrier will cause hip problems in infants.
If anything, the opposite may be true: carrying your baby close to your body can help reduce colic and ease breastfeeding.
However, if you have concerns about the safety of baby carriers for children over the age of six months, speak to your doctor or pediatrician.
Is it safe to carry an infant in a baby carrier for long? The weight of the baby should not exceed the weight limit of the carrier. Your baby must be aged enough to sit independently and have good head control.
You should make sure that there are no signs of distress (like crying or sweating) before using it again, but if your baby seems fine, it is safe to use again.
Is baby carriers safe for infants? Baby carriers can be unsafe if they aren’t used correctly or have defects in their design.
If you’re concerned about whether a particular model will work for your needs and if it’s safe to use with an infant, check out user reviews before purchasing one.
You may also want to talk with other parents who own similar products about whether or not they had any problems with them.
Some people believe that using a baby carrier during the first few weeks after birth could cause unnecessary pressure on the spine or hips of an infant, especially if they were born prematurely or were small at birth.
However, there isn’t enough research available yet to support this claim because most studies only looked at how long people wore.