When Can You Start Using a Baby Carrier? A Guide for First-Time Parents

When you carry your little one close to your body with the help of a sling or a structured baby carrier, you're practicing babywearing, which is used in many cultures for generations. It's still a popular option for keeping your baby calm and easier to care for throughout the day.

As a first-time parent, you can see the value of a baby carrier, especially in terms of convenience (two hands free, right?). But you wonder if it's okay to use it for any age and your baby won't get hurt ("baka hindi makahinga!").

This guide can help you figure out if babywearing is right for your family and, if so, how to choose the right one and use it safely. Let's get two concerns out of the way first: age and hip position.

Ideal Age for a Baby to Start Using a Baby Carrier

There's no "official" age for when a baby should start using a carrier. A 2023 randomized controlled trial about the effects of babywearing on fathers involved babies as young as 2 to 4 months old.

Meanwhile, a 2022 review on babywearing practices in the Academic Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatology (AJPN) suggests it should be okay to use for healthy full-term babies.

Health and product safety institutions like Hong Kong's Family Health Service (FHS) and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) do not recommend using carriers for babies under 4 months old.  

When a Baby Carrier Isn't a Good Idea

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises avoiding a baby carrier if your baby was born prematurely or has respiratory issues. For babies who lack sufficient muscle strength, a carrier can make it hard for them to breathe properly.

The AJPN review also advises caution when using baby carriers for young children with sleep apnea and low birth weight. When in doubt, get your pediatrician's go-ahead before purchasing a baby carrier.

Healthy Baby Carrier Position

Your baby's legs in a carrier has to be in an "M" position ideally to protect their hips.

According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI), babywearing may benefit hip development as long as your baby is in the "M" position. Also known as the spread-squat or jockey position, the M position means:

• Your baby's thighs are spread around your body.
• Their hips are bent, so the knees are slightly higher than their bottom.
• The thighs are supported, not hanging down.

IHDI says the M position may help lower the risk of hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly.

What's Better: Carrying Baby to Face You or the World?

While carrying your baby in a carrier facing outward may seem like a fun way for them to see the world, IHDI advises waiting until after your child's first birthday to do so.

Carrying your baby facing you is the way to go, especially during those first six months when their hips are developing quickly. With their legs in that M-position, your little one can cling to your body using their inner thigh muscles, which helps with healthy joint growth. While facing outward isn't bad, it may not provide the same level of hip support per IHDI.

Besides, an inward-facing position makes your baby feel secure since they see your face and hear your voice. IHDI notes that many babywearing consultants recommend a "heart-to-heart" position: chest to chest, close enough for you to kiss the top of your baby’s head.

Choosing a Baby Carrier

There are many kinds of babywearing carriers, and the choice ultimately boils down to two questions: does it match your baby's age and size, and how do you plan to use it?

FHS classifies baby carriers into two main types: one-shoulder and two-shoulder. Here are the pros and cons of each design based on the healthy agency's guidelines.

One-shouldered carriers

A one-shouldered pouch sling lets you cradle your baby and leaves your hands free to do other tasks.

These include baby wraps and slings, usually made from fabric that can stretch to fit your body. One-shouldered carriers mean you can do a front cradle, making it ideal for newborns and younger babies. Styles, such as the ring sling, allow for a hip carry for older babies.

Pros: Compact, quick to use, and adjustable

Cons:

• It can feel tiring on one shoulder, especially after prolonged use.
• Some styles (like wraparound slings) take time to learn.
• It may limit baby's leg movement.

Two-shouldered carriers

Soft-structured carriers should have padded aluminum frames, so your baby won't get hurt if they bump on it.

Two examples of this type of carrier are:

• Mei tai is an Asian-style design featuring a panel of fabric, along with long straps for the shoulders and waist.
• Soft-structured carriers or baby harnesses have wide shoulder straps and a waistband that help spread your baby’s weight across your body

Two-shouldered carriers support a front upright carry (baby facing inward or outward) or a back carry for older babies and toddlers.

Pros: Comfortable for extended use, secure, and better weight support, especially for bigger or heavier babies. Some models include small storage pockets.

Cons:

• It's bulkier than one-shouldered carriers, so harder to pack or store.
• It only allows upright positions, so it is not suitable for cradle carrying.
• Long straps (like in a mei tai) may drag on the ground.
• Some styles may feel too warm for hot weather.

Bring your baby when you shop for a carrier. You want to see if it matches their size and development stage. Many brands of soft-structured carriers suggest babywearing when your little one weighs at least 7 to 8 lbs (around 3.5 kg).

AAP advises checking your baby carrier for strong head and neck support to prop up your baby in case they fall asleep. Leg holes should be small enough that your baby's legs can't slip through.

A 2023 research article in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research also suggests that wide-base baby carriers could be beneficial for healthy hip development.

Remember the T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Baby Carrier Safety

The ACCC recommends following the T.I.C.K.S. rule when using any type of baby carrier.

Tight

The baby carrier should be snug enough to hold your little one close to you. AAP says make sure your baby’s body doesn't curl into a C shape when using baby carrier wrap or a sling, which can be dangerous for their breathing.

In view at all times

Make sure you can always see your baby’s face when you look down. Keep their face, nose, and mouth free from the carrier, wrap, or sling so you can check on them easily.

Close enough to kiss

Your baby should be close to your chin. When you lean forward a bit, you should be able to easily give them a kiss on the top of their head.

Keep chin off chest

Keep your baby’s chin lifted and away from their body. You don’t want them all curled up with their chin tucked into their chest because that can make it hard for them to breathe.

Supported back

Make sure your baby’s back is comfy and supported, with their tummy and chest against you. When you need to bend over, use one hand to support your back and remember to bend your knees instead of your waist to keep your balance.

A baby carrier can make everyday life easier, from calming a fussy newborn to freeing up your hands for daily tasks. However, be sure to regularly check on your baby. Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement. Have a safe bonding experience!

What type of baby carrier did you end up choosing? Share it on the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook Group!