Best baby carriers for hands-free baby wearing
- Best baby carrier overall :
- Most comfortable baby carrier:
- Best carrier for plus-size parents:
- Best baby carrier for newborns:
- Best baby wrap carrier:
- Best baby carrier for hiking:
- Best baby carrier for twins:
- What to look for in a baby carrier
- Do I need a baby carrier?
- What are the types of baby carriers?
- Are baby carriers safe?
- How long can I use a baby carrier?
- Baby carrier safety notes
Many parents say that a baby carrier is a lifesaver when their child is small. For one thing, newborn babies are often lulled to sleep in them. Cradled against your chest and taking in your warmth, familiar smell, and heartbeat, newborns may stop fussing and fall asleep instead. (Though, the safe sleep recommendationsOpens a new window from the American Academy of Pediatrics advise moving your baby to a firm sleep surface if they fall asleep in a baby carrier.) Later on, baby carriers safely prop up curious infants so they can get a view of their surroundings and interact with people.
“Babies like being carried if the carrier is comfortable and used right,” says Jay McMillin, a certified lactation educator and baby carrying educator for Modern BabywearingOpens a new window. “They feel secure and like being near their caregiver.”
But babies aren’t the only ones who like carriers. Parents like that they can enjoy comfortable closeness, while giving their arms a much-needed break and free up their hands for other tasks.
How we chose the best baby carriers
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We spoke with McMillin and Leah Alexander, M.D.,Opens a new window a New Jersey-based pediatrician, to learn what to look for in a baby carrier. Per their advice, all of the baby carriers on this list:
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Distribute weight effectively
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Comply with standards from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for soft infant and toddler carriersOpens a new window.
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Meet the relevant American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards (ASTM F2236 for soft structured carriers and ASTM F2907 for slings).
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We utilized results from the 2022 Best of Baby Center Awards, which polled more than 1,100 parents in the BabyCenter community on their favorite baby products.
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We spoke with four parents on BabyCenter's staff who told us about their experiences with six of the baby carriers on this list.
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We searched BabyCenter's community boards to find a consensus of opinions on the best baby carriers. All the carriers on this list received positive reviews for:
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Ease of use
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Comfort
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Value
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Best baby carrier overall
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
Voted Best baby carrier in the 2022 Best of BabyCenter Awards, Infantino’s soft-structed convertible carrier provides many of the bells and whistles of more expensive carriers for a fraction of the price. The carrier’s best quality is its adjustability: There is a pair of flaps under your baby's bottom that you can fold in to make a narrow infant seat, or pull out to widen for an older baby. McMill says this option "can help parents comfortably carry their babies for a longer period of time by giving babies more support as they get heavier.”
There are adjustment options for parents, too. The padded backpack-style straps can be lengthened or shortened for different bodies, while the waistband can be cinched or let out to fit waists from 24 to 49 inches. The Flip allows four carrying styles and can be used for newborns starting at 8 pounds — no insert needed. And get this: When it gets dirty, you can throw the whole carrier in the washing machine.
Heads up
Many parents report it isn't comfortable for extended periods or heavier babies.
Parents say
“I'm glad I opted for the $40 Infantino over the pricier carrier I originally wanted. It's super lightweight and my fiance and I both wear it comfortably.”
"I'm happy with it. And my baby is happy with it. I got the Moby first and returned it."
“That’s the only carrier my daughter likes! She falls asleep immediately in it."
"If I'm in it long enough my shoulders hurt, but it isn't so bad. I like how it fits my baby – and she loves it."
Specs
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Carrier type: Soft structured
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Carrying styles: 4 (front facing-in with narrow seat, front facing-in with wide seat, front facing-out, back)
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Fabric: Cotton, polyester
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Weight range: 8-32 pounds
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Age range: Newborns and up
Most comfortable baby carrier
Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is the gold standard when it comes to supportive baby carriers. The waistbelt is wide and padded, with a contoured panel that sits at your lower back to give you more support. The cushioned shoulder straps can be worn straight up and down or crossed, which McMillin says is more ergonomic and comfortable for most.
Olivia DeLong, BabyCenter’s Senior Health Editor, says that the Omni 360 was "super supportive" and she used it well into her daughter's toddlerhood. Christine Mattheis, Editorial Director, also used it from infancy to toddlerhood, and says that the waist strap "helped relieve some pressure from my achy lower back.”
Christine also appreciated that the Omni 360's adjustability made the carrier easier to share between caregivers: the waistband fits 26 to 55 inches. “The buckle-and-strap system is very easy to adjust on your own, no help from a partner required,” she says. “The carrier fit both [my husband and I] very well, even though he's much taller than I am," (5'7" and 6'3" respectively).
Heads up
The carrier comes in a polyester mesh version for cooler ventilation.
Parents say
“Love my Ergobaby Omni 360. I have an Ergo wrap style carrier as well and I just feel like it is too difficult to get on and my baby into whereas the Omni 360 is so easy I can do it myself and my baby loves it.”
“We have the Ergobaby Omni 360 and love it. No infant insert needed and grows with your baby. We used a wrap when she was a peanut but now prefer the Omni.”
Specs
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Carrier type: Soft structured
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Carrying styles: 4 (front facing-out, front parent-facing, back, hip)
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Fabric: Cotton, polyester mesh
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Weight range: 7-45 pounds
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Age range: Newborns-48 months
Best carrier for plus-size parents
Lillebaby Complete All Seasons Baby Carrier
With a waistband that can extend from 24 to 52 inches (or 61.5 inches with the Lillebaby waist extender), the Lillebaby Complete fits many different bodies. It has impressive comfort features too. Lisafé Carreon, Senior Product Manager at BabyCenter says she loves the panel at the back of the waistband that provides extra support: "I tried an Ergobaby as well as two cloth wraps and would end up with a sore lower back," says Lisafé.
Lisafé also likes the zip-down front, which peels away thick outer fabric to reveal a breathable mesh inner layer: "more airflow for baby's back during warmer periods," she says. That and the (removable) sunshade helps her daughter doze off on walks.
Heads up
Some parents say this carrier's inner mesh layer chafed their baby's delicate skin.
Parents say
"I love my Lillebaby! Both my husband and I can use it. (I'm 5 foot 2 and 150 pounds, and my hubby is 6 feet and 220 pounds.) I can also quickly change it to fit either my 15-month-old or my 3-year-old."
"There are a ton of patterns and styles of this carrier, and I like that it has an extra back support piece to help with longer wear times."
"This carrier saved my life with my second, and I'll use it again this time around. It's the only one out of six different carriers I tried that didn't hurt my back and shoulders after 5 or 10 minutes. I highly recommend."
"I love my Lillebaby and its extra support pad. It's the best."
Specs
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Carrier type: Soft structured
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Carrying styles: 6 (front legs-in, front facing-in with narrow seat, front facing-in with wide seat, front facing-out, hip, back)
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Fabric: Cotton, tencel
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Weight range: 7-45 pounds
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Age range: Newborns and up
Best baby carrier for newborns
BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini
The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini is ideal for those early months when you want your baby close but don’t have the mental energy to learn how to use a wrap. The Mini is easy to put on (all the buckles are on the front of your body) and it’s equally straightforward to unfasten and lift out a sleeping baby.
"I could never get the hang of wraps," says Sarah Darby, BabyCenter Senior SEO Content Strategist, who says that the Mini was much easier to put on. She put her carrier through its paces – "I walked probably two to three hours a day on maternity leave with [my son] in the carrier" – and found it comfortable and soothing: "It was SO soft, seemed to hug him, and he would snuggle up. I could do anything with him in it."
Heads up
The BabyBjorn Mini also comes in polyester mesh for babywearing in warm conditions.
Parents say
“I found most carriers to be really bulky; this is so much slimmer and comfier especially for around the house.”
“It’s a little easier to get on by yourself than a wrap if you are home alone. Also holds a newborn well and fits my husband with good straps and back support.”
“I have a wrap too but felt more secure in the BabyBjorn.”
Specs
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Carrier type: Soft structured
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Carrying styles: 2 (front facing-out, front parent-facing)
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Fabric: Cotton, polyester mesh, or polyester/cotton/elastane jersey
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Weight/height range: 7-24 pounds, 21-30 inches
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Age range: Newborns to 12 months
Best baby wrap carrier
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
When your baby is very small, you may find structured carriers are too big and bulky. Many parents prefer to wear newborns and infants in a wrap carrier, like the soft, stretchy, and dependable Boba. Made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex, the Boba has just enough stretch to securely hold your baby close yet allow parents to move and bend and reach without anything chafing, or your baby's weight shifting. The fabric is strong, but not heavy or thick: It's less "sweaty" than similar wrap carriers.
The Boba is endlessly adjustable and fits parents of all sizes. It's also available in many machine-washable and dryer-safe colors and patterns. If you need help learning how to use your Boba, you can schedule a free one-on-one call with a baby wearing educator.
Heads up
Although the Boba can hold babies up to 35 pounds, most parents find it more practical to use this wrap during the early months.
Parents say
"I've used a Boba wrap for all five of my children. I absolutely love it and can't imagine how I would have survived without one. My Boba has been with me through family vacations, train travel, and just making dinners in my kitchen. It's super simple to use, and after watching one video I was wrapping like a pro."
"It's great for long periods of time and feels very secure. The only drawback is the fabric is so long it drags on the ground while I'm wrapping myself up."
"I prefer the Boba over the Moby! I plan on babywearing way more with this baby than I did with my first (I wish I had done it more with my first!). I love the Boba because it's super soft and stretchy, so much easier to maneuver my baby in and out of the wrap."
"I love it. We go for walks, do short workouts, and I can actually do the dishes with him in the Boba. My only issue is that I use it from wake-up to bedtime, so I have a hard time finding a time to wash it. I'm planning to get a second Boba so we can rotate."
Specs
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Carrier type: Wrap
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Carrying styles: 1 (front parent-facing)
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Fabric: Cotton, spandex
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Weight range: 7-35 pounds
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Age range: Newborns and up
Best baby carrier for hiking
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
Made with a sturdy metal frame that evenly distributes your child’s weight onto the ergonomically designed hip straps, the Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier is strong and comfortable enough for long hauls. The Kid Comfort also takes strain off your shoulders with a sternum strap that clips in front, and "load adjuster" straps on each shoulder that help balance an equal weight on each side.
The Kid Comfort makes it easy to swap carrying duties between caregivers on the trail with its adjustment options, too. The pack's shoulder straps slide easily up and down to suit different heights, and both the hip and shoulder straps tighten by pulling a couple of straps.
Heads up
This carrier is expensive but worth it, parents say.
Parents say
“I love mine. Super adjustable, fits me and DH, optional sun/rain shield, comfy, can actually BACKPACK with it!”
“For hiking at an older age, we prefer our Deuter Kid Comfort Backpack. A front carrier would be too hot for a good hike in the summer with a backpack on as well. The Deuter has some storage space — probably not enough if you are carrying your own sleeping bag, pad, etc, but you could carry food, clothes, or other small items.”
Specs
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Carrier type: Backpack
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Carrying styles: 1 (back parent-facing)
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Fabric: Nylon-coated 210 denier polyester fabric
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Weight range: Up to 18 kilograms (39.68 pounds)
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Age range: 9 months and up
Best baby carrier for twins
TwinGo Air Model
Twin parenting is a whole new level of juggling, but the TwinGo carrier can help. You can wear two babies at once, or split the carrier in two so Mom and Dad can each carry a single baby. The split is easily accomplished: Just unclip two buckles at the front of the shoulder straps, two more on the waistband, and add shoulder straps (included). It's even easier to link the two carriers together, and with them paired you can carry up to 45 total pounds, whether you're toting twins or siblings.
Parents sharing twin duties like that the TwinGo Air's waistband can fit waists from 20 to 99 inches. And if you don't want to carry an extra purse (and who would while wearing two babies?), you'll appreciate the pocket on the waistband that's big enough for a phone and keys.
Heads up
This carrier has a learning curve; TwinGo has easy-to-follow videos that can help.
Parents say
“I use mine constantly. I prefer to only wear one, but frequently wear both. Sometimes it's the only way they will nap when out and about. I live in the city, without a car, so the pockets are a big deal to me. I use them as a diaper bag.”
Specs
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Carrier type: Soft structured
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Carrying styles: 1 as twin carrier (one baby front parent-facing, the other back parent-facing); 2 as single carrier (front parent-facing, back parent-facing)
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Fabric: Cotton
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Weight range: 10-45 pounds
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Age range: Dual carry: corrected age of 4 months and up with good head/neck control awake and asleep. Single carry: 10 pounds and up for front, corrected age of 4 months and up for back
What to look for in a baby carrier
A baby carrier should make your life easier rather than causing you problems. You may want to keep these things in mind when shopping:
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Ease of use: In general, the simpler a baby carrier is, the easier it is to use. This may mean a carrier is less adjustable, and offers fewer carrying styles.
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Adjustability: Most carriers can be loosened or tightened in strategic areas to make it fit more comfortably. But if you will be sharing a carrier with another caregiver, look for features that make the carrier fit different bodies, like adjustable shoulder straps.
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Carrying style: Consider how you want to wear your baby: front, back, hip, facing you, or facing out? Or perhaps all of the above? Some carriers offer a variety of ways to wear, while others are limited to one or two options.
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Longevity: Pay attention to height and weight ranges. Some carriers have a limited window, like those intended specifically for newborns, while others can be used as your child grows.
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Material: Some carriers are made from lighter and more breathable fabric or have special features for warm-weather baby-wearing; others are made of material that’s thicker and warmer. Most carriers are machine-washable, some are dryer-safe; if either aspect is important to you, buy with that in mind.
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Bonus features: Does your carrier have pockets? Sun protection? Extended sizes? Although these aren’t necessities, they might be nice to have depending on your intended use.
Do I need a baby carrier?
Most caregivers find a baby carrier to be necessary. Baby wearing can allow you to comfort your baby while freeing up your hands to fold laundry, wash dishes, or even read a book. Of course, some parents aren’t physically able to wear carriers or prefer to carry their child around a different way. Similarly, not every baby likes being carried.
That said, many parents love wearing their children for at least some amount of time, particularly if it impacts their baby’s mood for the better. Even parents who don’t wear their babies habitually may appreciate having a carrier on hand since they’re lightweight and easy to bring along, unlike a stroller or wagon.
Baby carriers also don’t take up much space. They can be stored in your trunk, tucked into your stroller basket, hung in the closet, or folded away in a drawer. That’s a lot of payoff for a piece of baby gear that can be bought inexpensively and used for multiple children.
What are the types of baby carriers?
There are two main types of baby carriers: a wrap, which is one large piece of fabric that you wrap and tie around you, and a structured carrier that has straps, buckles, and/or clips to keep your child secured. There are also hybrid versions of these carriers, with parts that strap and parts that wrap.
Not every carrier is suitable for every baby or parent, but there are so many different kinds that it’s likely you can find just the right one to make your life easier. Here’s more information on each kind.
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Wrap: This is the most traditional style of baby carrier; a long piece of fabric that you use to bind your baby to your body. Wraps can be tricky for beginners to master, but they’re also versatile, fit most bodies, and can be worn in many different ways. Wraps are also beautiful, coming in endless colors and patterns, and made of stretchy knits or woven fabrics in cotton, linen, silk, wool, and beyond. McMillin says that when they teach baby wearing classes, students tend to gravitate to woven wraps: “They appear intimidating but when you put them on, the way they shape around your body and baby feels natural.”
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Ring sling: Similar to a wrap, the ring sling is a long piece of woven (not stretchy) fabric with two rings secured to one end. The rings sit on one shoulder, and you thread the free end of the fabric through them in order to create a pouch for your baby to sit in. Learning how to properly thread the rings and get a good fit can be tricky at first, but ring slings have many of the same advantages of wraps with a slightly gentler learning curve. The CPSC notes that ring slings may pose a suffocation hazard to infants, particularly those younger than 4 months. If you use a ring sling, make sure your baby’s face is visible, up, above fabric, and that nothing covers their nose and mouth.
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Soft structured carrier: These carriers come with padded shoulder straps, a thick waistband, and a fabric pouch your baby sits in. Many parents love how easy structured carriers are to use: You just strap them on, much like you’d put on a backpack, adjust for comfort and fit if necessary, then fasten your child inside. Most soft-structured carriers also allow parents to carry children in various ways (parent-facing, front-facing, on their back, etc.). These carriers are bulkier and heavier than wraps, may not fit all bodies, and may not be suitable for newborns. Check your carrier’s manual for age ranges; you may need a newborn insert, which may be sold separately.
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Hybrid carriers: Some carriers mix elements of structured and wrap carriers. Often they fasten on like a structured carrier, but have a long piece of fabric that wraps around your baby and ties at the waist. Depending on the carrier, they have the advantages and disadvantages of both styles, and may be best for a parent who likes the look and function of a wrap but is intimidated by the DIY aspect.
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Backpack carrier: These carriers are like a cross between a hiking backpack and a structured carrier, with an internal structure to make them rigid and fabric parts for your baby to sit in. Intended for hikes and long walks, these carriers are suitable for babies who can sit unassisted and have good neck control, and provide stellar weight distribution, but they’re expensive, bulky, and heavy to travel with and store. The AAP also notes that aluminum backpack carrier frames should be padded for safety, and models that come with a sunshade are best for outdoor safety. You should also make sure it includes a sunshade or hood for sun protection.
Whatever type you choose, you’ll want to make sure your baby’s airflow is not restricted. McMillin also says that parents should be able to put on their baby carrier with no help. “If you can’t put it on by yourself and don’t have mobility challenges, you should find another carrier,” McMillin says.
Are baby carriers safe?
Yes, if used correctly. Dr. Alexander notes that there are two safety concerns linked with wearable baby carriers: What the parent or caregiver is doing while carrying their baby, and how carriers are manufactured. For the first matter, Dr. Alexander says that some activities should be avoided altogether when carrying their baby.
“These carriers should not be worn while cooking or holding hot beverages to prevent burn injuries,” says Dr. Alexander. “Because many wearable carrier injuries occur when the parent or caregiver falls, navigating stairs, icy sidewalks, and uneven surfaces with a baby is risky. Although limb fractures are possible, head injuries are more common.”
For the second concern, McMillin and Dr. Alexander say carriers should comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which requires that children’s products for sale in the United States meet standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Figuring out if a particular wrap meets these standards is not easy since the CPSC does not require a label, seal, or product packaging note to indicate compliance. According to representatives from the CPSC, consumers should contact manufacturers to make sure that carriers meet standards.
How long can I use a baby carrier?
It depends on what carrier you buy. Some carriers are designed specifically for newborns, while others can carry kids into toddlerhood (and even 3- and 4-year-olds) thanks to ergonomic pads and straps designed to shift the weight of your child onto your hips and off your shoulders and back. If you want a long-lasting carrier, choose one designed to grow with your little one.
Baby carrier safety notes
The AAP and CPSC offer the following safety advice for parents who want to use a baby carrier.
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Don’t use backpack carriers or other "upright positioning devices" for babies who were born prematurely or have respiratory problems as these devices may make it harder to breathe.
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Beware of any carrier that curls your baby’s body into the shape of a C, as that increases the risk of breathing problems. Your baby’s neck should be straight and their chin should not be pressed into their chest (or yours) in a carrier. Make sure you can always see your baby’s face.
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Check your carrier regularly for signs of wear and tear in seams and fasteners.
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Choose your baby carrier with your baby in tow for the best fit. Check for back support, strong material, and leg holes that aren’t too small for your baby to slip through.
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Be sure that your child is safely seated before heading out in your carrier.
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If you need to pick something up while wearing your baby, bend your knees rather than bending at the waist, which could tip your baby out of the carrier and potentially hurt your back.
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If your child falls asleep while in the baby carrier, move them to a firm sleep surface and lie them on their back as soon as possible.
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[AAP] 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Baby Carriers: Backpacks, Front Packs, and Slings." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Baby-Carriers.aspxOpens a new window [Accessed June 2023]
[AAP] 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics. "How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspxOpens a new window [Accessed June 2023]