How to choose a carrier for your baby
Before you know it, it will be time to choose a carrier for your little one.
When choosing a carrier for your baby, there are lots of different considerations that one must take into account, both for the parents and the child.
From an orthopedic point of view, proper support and positioning can help assist appropriate development of the vertebral column and pelvis and prevent discomfort and injury.
That is why this post was written by the senior pediatric orthopedist, Dr Ronen Sever and it is based on the American Pediatrics Society guidelines and other guidelines by professional associations.
Here are the main points that need to be considered when choosing a carrier.
What is the age and weight cutoff for use of carriers?
Age has no significance when it comes to carriers, and you can use a carrier from birth.
Nonetheless, according to the European guidelines for safety, carriers should only be used in babies that weight at least 3.5kg.
Can carriers be used before the screening ultrasound for hip dysplasia is performed?
Indeed, there is a recommendation, mentioned on our website, about performing screening ultrasound to rule out hip dysplasia in babies around the age of 4-6 weeks.
Carriers can be used prior to this test but we recommend that the baby is turned so they are facing the parents because at this age the child is unable to support the weight of their head.
The child can be turned around at the age of 3-4 months, when they are able to hold their head up in a decent way and when there is less of an importance towards the height or spread of the legs.
Position of the thighs
Make sure the baby is positioned in an “M” position, with knees lifted above the buttocks. This position supports healthy development of the hip for all babies, especially those at risk of hip dysplasia.
Support of the vertebral column
Look for carrier that encourages natural straightening of the vertebral column. The design needs to be such that allows a soft arching of the back of the baby, supports the neck until the age of 3-4 months or until the baby is able to hold their head up.
Distribution of weight
Choose a carrier that has thick, padded straps and a supporting belt. This helps distribute the weight of the child equally along the parent’s body and reduces the burden on the back and the shoulders.
Adaptability
Find a carrier that can adjust to the child’s growth and the parent’s body. Customized carriers guarantee comfort, safety and support for prolonged use.
Easiness of use
Make sure you check how easy it is to put the carrier on and take it off. A user-friendly design allows quick and comfortable adjustments, this is especially important when the baby is irritable.
Breathability
Look for a carrier that is made of breathable material to make sure baby and parents are able to breathe comfortably, especially in warmer climates.
Safety
Make sure the carrier includes safety features such as safety straps. Additionally, make sure the design prevents the baby from slipping out of the carrier. Note that all carriers must have a European or American certification of approval.
In summary, choosing the right carrier for your baby can contribute to healthy development, while ensuring comfort for the parent and can improve the emotional connection between the baby and the parent. Preferences to ergonomic designs that are comfortable, allow the parents to enjoy the benefits of using a carrier without it influencing their health or the baby’s health, while maintaining a good emotional connection between parents and baby.
Of course, you can always consult with a pediatrician or pediatric orthopedist when there are concerns for proper hip development or different carrying techniques.
Good luck.
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