How to Use a Baby Carrier
Using a baby carrier is a practical way to carry your baby and keep your hands free at the same time. However, to avoid harming your baby’s health, it’s important to know how to wear it properly. 5-Minute Crafts has prepared a few tips for you.
❗ Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to use your baby carrier safely.
❗ Baby carriers are not recommended for babies younger than 4 months of age or babies who can’t hold up their heads yet.
1. Place your baby’s head correctly.
✅ Keep your baby’s chin off their chest. Make sure that there’s always a gap of about 2 fingers wide under their chin.
✅ The baby’s face should be visible to you so that you can monitor their breathing. Make sure nothing is blocking their nose and mouth.
✅ Make sure that your baby can see out of the carrier and that the fabric doesn’t cut into their face.
⛔ The baby’s face shouldn’t be tucked into their chest or pressed up against your body—both positions can negatively affect their breathing.
2. Position your baby’s legs properly.
✅ Your baby’s legs should be placed in the M-position:
- The hips should spread apart to the sides around your abdomen.
- The thighs should be well-supported, the hips and knees bent. The knees should be slightly higher than the buttocks.
⛔ The baby’s legs shouldn’t hang straight down because it can interfere with hip development and lead to dysplasia.
3. Pay attention to your baby’s back.
4. Keep the carrier tight.
✅ The baby carrier should be tight enough to keep your baby secure. There should be no gap between your baby and your body, but it shouldn’t be too tight either—you should be able to slide your hand into the carrier.
✅ Make sure that your baby is able to move their head, arms, and legs freely.
⛔ If the carrier is too loose, your baby will slump down in it, which can interfere with their breathing and pull on your back.
5. Choose the right height.
✅ Adjust the right height, or “kisses height,” for the carrier—you should be able to lower your head and easily kiss your baby on the head.