What Types Of Baby Carriers Are Recommended For Different Ages?

Posted by Megan Petchel & Julie Monson on Feb 14, 2022

Babywearing is an age old practice which has been proven to promote bonding between a parent and child. It is also one of the most secure and comfortable ways in which to carry your baby while still allowing you to move around freely. As times have evolved, so have the types and designs of carriers, which can make choosing one that best suits your baby’s age tricky.

The type of carrier best suited for your baby at each age is largely dependent on their level of development as well as their height and weight. Aspects such as head and neck control as well as hip and spine position play a significant role in the type of carrier used at each age.

While there is a carrier suited for your baby at each age, knowing when your baby is ready for a wrap or soft structured carrier and what position is safest in each is valuable information.

When can you start babywearing your baby?

Technically you can start babywearing from the moment you leave the hospital with your newborn provided they weigh at least 3.2 - 3.6kg (carrier dependent) and have no medical concerns. Babywearing from so early on encourages the bond between you and your baby and helps them slowly adjust to life outside your womb.

The biggest factor to consider when choosing to babywear your newborn is that they do not have sufficient head and neck control and therefore require a carrier which provides them with this support. This is essential for the first 4-5 months as that is around the time when their neck muscles strengthen and are able to support their head. This means that the carrier you choose to use must give them sufficient support for their back, neck and head. The best type of carrier to provide this essential support for a newborn is a stretchy wrap.

A stretchy wrap allows your newborn to curl up in a natural position on your chest with the necessary support required to encourage healthy hip and spine development. The soft and stretchy nature of a wrap easily moulds to your baby’s natural position making it more comfortable and secure for them. These carriers are great for young babies as they are easily adjustable as your baby grows. Your baby will essentially be supported by 3 layers of fabric when using a traditional tying method. It is important that this not be altered as all 3 layers are needed to promote healthy “M” positioning of their hips and spine.

Similar to a stretchy wrap, woven wraps and ring slings can also be used in the newborn stages. These wraps and slings are made using a sturdier and stiffer type of fabric which makes them slightly less flexible. This is not to say that a soft structured carrier cannot be used for a newborn baby. These types of carriers often require an additional infant insert to be used until they reach a certain weight. These carriers tend to be firmer in nature in order to provide the necessary support for older babies and toddlers. Even with the additional infant insert, your newborn baby may not find it as comfortable to be in.

When is your baby not ready to be worn?

There are a few instances when your baby is not yet ready to be placed in a carrier or a relevant medical professional is required to provide insight first. These include: A premature baby (born before 37 weeks) or one that has a low birth weight should not be placed in a wrap or carrier until they reach the minimum weight requirement of your particular model. Care should be taken and medical advice should be obtained when carrying a baby or toddler with cerebral palsy or any other type of disability. Certain positions such as a cradle position, which is when your baby is lying on their side across your chest, should not be used for long periods of time as it does not support healthy hip development. This position should also be avoided if your baby struggles with reflux or has a chest infection.

Weight limits of baby carriers?

Each type of carrier differs in their weights and height restrictions. Always refer to the manual for the approved weight and height limits of your carrier.

Generally speaking a rough estimate of each carrier type would be as follows:

A wrap is able to support your baby from 3.6-10kg
A ring sling is able to support your baby from 3.5-15kg
A soft structured carrier is able to support your baby from 3.2- 15kg or 20kg
A hard structured carrier which is usually used when hiking has a maximum weight of 15kg.

Each type of carrier differs in their weights and height restrictions. Always refer to the manual for the approved weight and height limits of your carrier.

Generally speaking a rough estimate of each carrier type would be as follows:

A wrap is able to support your baby from 3.6-10kg
A ring sling is able to support your baby from 3.5-15kg
A soft structured carrier is able to support your baby from 3.2- 15kg or 20kg
A hard structured carrier which is usually used when hiking has a maximum weight of 15kg.

Always check the manufacturer's instructions regarding weight restrictions as well as safe carrying positions before using the carrier with your baby. It is also important that weight only be used as a guideline when deciding if it is appropriate for you to carry your baby. For example, if your baby reaches the required weight which allows you to remove the infant insert before they are old enough or developmentally ready, there may be safety implications if you were to remove it.

	Weight guidelines:	Recommended age:	Positions you can carry your baby in:
Stretchy Wrap	3.6kg to 13kg	Birth to 1 year	Inward Front Carry Only (with legs in or out depending on product and baby's age)
Sling or Woven Wrap	3.6kg to 15kg	Birth to 3 years	Outward & Inward Carry Hip carry Cradle carry Back Carry (product and age dependent)
Soft Structured Carrier	3.2kg/3.6kg to 15kg/20kg (product dependent)	Birth to 3-4 years	Outward & Inward Carry Hip carry Back Carry (product and age dependent)
Hard Structured Carrier	9kg to 18kg/25kg (product dependent)	6 months to 4-5 years	Back Carry

What safety concerns need to be considered when using a carrier?

The potential dangers of using a carrier are similar for all types of carriers and include positional asphyxiation and suffocation. These possible risks are at the highest during the first 6 months of your baby’s life when they are still developing head and neck control and are unable to protect their airway on their own.

The chance of these hazards occurring are greatly reduced when the T.I.C.K.S. principles are used:

T is a reminder that your carrier must be tight and firmly support your baby

I is a reminder that your baby’s face must be in your view at all times

C is a reminder that your baby should be close enough to kiss

K is a reminder to keep their chin off their chest

S is a reminder to make sure your baby’s back is supported

In addition to the T.I.C.K.S. principles, it is also important that your baby not sleep in an outward-facing position as the likelihood of their head flopping forward and compromising their airway is high.