Baby Carrier Age Limits: At What Age Can I Use a Baby Carrier?

Discover the baby carrier age limit, learn when to start using a baby carrier, and find out how old your child should be at different stages of babywearing.

You can leave the hospital with your newborn in a baby carrier. There’s no minimum age for babywearing. However, seeing how fragile newborns are, I didn’t want to risk using a carrier before my baby was ready. That’s why I scoured all the information and consulted with pro-parents for the right advice.

Here’s what you’ll find out in this article:

• When is it Safe to Start Using a Baby Carrier?
• Can I Use a Baby Carrier for My Newborn?
• When Can I Transition to an Infant Carrier?
• Can I Use a Baby Carrier for My Toddler?
• How Do Carrier Types Affect Age Recommendations?
• Takeaway

I’ve spent a great deal of time researching both online and offline on the RIGHT age to use a baby carrier. Therefore, I gathered a lot of reliable information. The bottom line is that even though you can use a baby carrier at any age, the type and properties of the carrier you choose should depend on how old your baby is.

Uncertain about which baby carrier to get? Take a look at this list of the best baby carriers. I have put lots of hours into this baby carrier buying guide, and you’ll find the ideal carrier for your child!

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When is it Safe to Start Using a Baby Carrier?

Really that’s up to you. If you want to put your baby in a carrier right after they were delivered, do it! As long as you consider some important considerations (see above) because your newborn can be placed in a baby carrier inside the hospital.

There are specialized newborn-specific baby carriers available in the market that are made to cater to newborn babies. Usually, your baby must be at least 7 pounds to meet the minimum weight criterion. Suppose you can’t get a special baby carrier model for your newborn baby. In that case, there are inserts available that can be placed inside the carrier.

Child Age	Approximate Weight	Recommended Type of Carrier	Important Baby Carrier Features	Recommended Position in Carrier
Newborn (0-4 months)	5-14 lbs	Wrap, Ring Sling, SSC (with infant insert)	Adequate head and neck support, Proper positioning for healthy hip development, Soft, breathable fabric	Tummy-to-tummy (front carry, facing parent), Cradle position (for ring slings)
Infant (4-12 months)	12-22 lbs	SSC, Mei Tai	Ergonomic design, Adjustable seat width, Proper head and neck support, Breathable materials, Ease of use	Front carry (facing parent), Hip carry (for Mei Tai and some SSCs)
Toddler (1-3 years)	20-45 lbs	SSC, Mei Tai, Woven Wrap, Toddler-specific carriers	Higher weight limits, Wider seat, Additional support, Comfortable straps	Front carry (facing parent), Back carry, Hip carry (for Mei Tai and some SSCs)

0 to 4 months old: Can I Use a Baby Carrier for My Newborn?

Babies can actually be placed in a carrier right away after they are born. However, because of the weak neck support newborns have, it’s safe to wait until 4 or 5 months of age until their muscles are strong enough.

If you do choose to place a newborn (given that they are at least 3.5 kg) in a carrier, there are several things you’ll need to consider.

What Should I Look for in a Newborn Carrier?

From ensuring the carrier material is sturdy enough to provide adequate neck support and be comfortable for the baby to sleep well. I discovered how both paradoxical properties could be united: use a fabric wrap to cover the baby inside the rigid baby carrier. This will ensure your newborn is comfortable and securely supported inside the carrier.

Also, since a newborn prefers sleeping close to you at this age, a fabric wrap inside the carrier can make them more comfortable. Newborn-specific carriers are now available in the market and come with a built-in insert for the newborn.

You should also try to keep your baby in an “M” position where their knees are slightly higher than their hips. This provides excellent lumbar support as well.

For more information, check out my list of the best newborn baby carriers!

4 to 12 months old: When Can I Transition to an Infant Carrier?

Infant carriers are designed for babies who have outgrown their newborn carriers, typically around 4-6 months. But remember, every child is different, just like my two kiddos. My daughter was ready for an infant carrier at 4 months, while my son took a little longer, making the transition at 6 months.

The key is looking for developmental milestones such as head and neck control. When your little one can hold their head up without assistance and sit up with minimal support, that’s the green light for an infant carrier. But always double-check the weight and age guidelines the carrier manufacturer provides to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.

What Features Are Important for Infant Carriers?

As an anxious dad, I’ve learned that not all carriers are created equal. When it comes to infant carriers, a few features can make a world of difference for your baby’s safety and your own peace of mind.

1. Ergonomic Design: Look for a carrier that supports your baby in a natural, seated position with their knees higher than their hips. This “M” position is more comfortable for your little one and promotes healthy hip development. Trust me; a happy baby equals a happy parent!
2. Adjustable Seat Width: Infants grow faster than we can keep up with, so an adjustable seat width is essential. My son went through a growth spurt and seemingly doubled in size overnight! An adjustable carrier helped us adapt to his growth without buying a new carrier each time.
3. Proper Head and Neck Support: Your baby’s head and neck control is still developing at this stage. Look for a carrier that provides adequate head and neck support so your little one stays safe and secure while you’re on the move.
4. Breathable Materials: My kids, like most, get fussy when they’re too hot. So, opt for a carrier of breathable materials to keep you and your baby cool and comfortable, even on those long summer walks.
5. Ease of Use: As parents, we have enough on our plates, so a carrier that’s easy to put on, take off, and adjust is a lifesaver. Trust me, the last thing you want is wrestling with your carrier in a crowded supermarket parking lot.

By understanding when to transition to an infant carrier and knowing what features to look for, we can make informed decisions that protect our children and give us much-needed peace of mind.

12 to 36 months old: Can I Use a Baby Carrier for My Toddler?

Many baby carriers are designed to accommodate your child’s growth; some are specifically designed for toddlers. The key here is to pay attention to the weight and age limits the carrier manufacturer sets. My daughter, for example, loved being carried around until she was almost three, so we invested in a toddler carrier to keep her safe and comfortable while she still enjoyed the ride.

What Types of Carriers Are Suitable for Toddlers?

Regarding carriers for toddlers, a few options provide the support and comfort needed for both you and your growing child. Here are some of the best types of carriers for toddlers:

1. Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs): SSCs are versatile and provide excellent support for you and your toddler. Many SSCs have adjustable settings and can be worn in multiple positions, like front, back, or hip carries. My son preferred the back carry position as he grew older, which allowed him to see the world from a higher vantage point and gave my back a much-needed break!
2. Mei Tais: These traditional Asian carriers combine a wrap and a soft structured carrier, providing the perfect balance between support and versatility. Mei Tais are easy to adjust and often have wide, padded straps for added comfort. My wife and I loved using a Mei Tai for our daughter as a toddler, as it allowed us to share the baby-wearing duties easily.
3. Woven Wraps: For those who love the snug feeling of a wrap, woven wraps can be a fantastic choice for toddlers. They provide a secure and comfortable fit, allowing for various carrying positions. However, they can have a steeper learning curve, so practice your wrapping skills before venturing out with your toddler in tow.
4. Toddler-Specific Carriers: Some carriers are designed specifically for toddlers, with added features like higher weight limits, wider seats, and additional support. If you plan on carrying your toddler often, a toddler-specific carrier might be worth the investment.

Just remember that, as your child ages, they may prefer to walk or run around more. So, while a baby carrier can still be helpful for those times when your little one gets tired, be prepared for your toddler to want more independence.

How Do Carrier Types Affect Age Recommendations?

Different carrier types are suitable for different ages, so choosing one that matches your baby’s development is essential. Here’s how carrier types can impact age recommendations:

• Wraps and Ring Slings: Both wraps and ring slings can be used from the newborn stage if you follow safe baby-wearing guidelines. They provide a cozy, womb-like environment for your little one. Still, you may need to switch to a more supportive carrier as your baby gets heavier.
• Soft Structured Carriers: Most SSCs are designed for use from infancy to toddlerhood, but you may need an infant insert for newborns. Always check the manufacturer’s age and weight recommendations to ensure your baby is ready for a particular SSC.
• Mei Tais: Like SSCs, Mei Tais are suitable for babies and toddlers, but you may need a special newborn carry or an infant insert for the first few months. As always, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for age and weight limits.

The Different Baby Carrying Positions and When to Use Them

There is more than one way to carry your baby in a carrier. Nonetheless, the right positioning is crucial because your baby is growing rapidly and needs adequate space and specific positioning requirements to develop normally.

The most popular baby-carrying positions include:

• Front-inward facing is preferred when your baby is under 4 months old because it offers closeness to the parent.
• Front-outward facing can be adopted from ages 4 to 6 months when your baby learns to hold their neck.
• Hip and back carry shouldn’t be adopted until the baby is at least 9-10 months old.

At the end of the day, deciding on the right position boils down to your baby’s weight and other growth parameters. Be sure to refer to your baby carrier’s user manual and see the carrier’s minimum weight requirements before you use it.

Is it Safe to Carry Your Child on Your Back?

Here’s a question that worried me for a while, and I’m sure it has you, too, since you’re reading this.

Carrying your baby on your back in a carrier is entirely safe as long as your baby meets the minimum weight requirements. This is usually equivalent to the average baby’s weight when they turn 1 year old (around 9-10 kg).

Back carrying is the most comfortable position for the parent. It allows us to continue our daily activities, even exercise, without the front-carrying baby coming in the way. It also offers more independence to the baby. It lets them enjoy the view and interact with their surroundings with more openness.

However, since your baby is technically on your back, you can’t supervise them either. That’s why back-carrying should be adopted only after 12 months.

Is it Safe to Hold a Baby in a Baby Sling?

Before I really got into the research, I had the perception that baby slings were hazardous. A fabric carrier slinging off one of your shoulders and holding a baby – sounds like living on the edge to me!

But – that’s not really how it is. Slings are quite stable and safe if you follow some crucial requirements.

Your baby should be at least 4 months old and meet the minimum and maximum weight requirements to safely qualify for a baby sling. Infants under 4 months can’t hold their necks, making them vulnerable to getting caught in the sling’s fabric and suffocating themselves.

Always check the instructions manual with your product before using a baby sling!

Other precautions come with a baby sling. Such as making sure you don’t bend at the waist (bend at the knees instead) and watching out for any tears in the sling.

When Is It Safe For A Baby To Be Carried In A Backpack Baby Carrier?

Backpack baby carriers are designed to offer adequate support to babies that weigh at least around 5 pounds or more. These types of carriers might be enticing options. Still, when your infant is so young and small, it’s never a good idea to leave them unattended in your backpack baby carrier.

I recommend using any back-carrying device, sling, or carrier until your baby is at least a year old. Anything before that should be front carrying.

How Soon Can You Use a Baby Bjorn?

These costly options are worthwhile, but only if your child is at least 5 months old. That’s because Bjorn baby carriers are front-facing carriers. A baby under 5 months would prefer looking at you rather than at the views around you.

When Can You Use Ergo Baby Carrier without Infant Insert?

You can safely shift to an ergo baby carrier without an insert after your baby can hold its head and sit with its legs splayed. This is usually around 4-6 months of age. Anything before that will require a newborn insert.

When Is It Safe to Carry a Baby on Back in Ergo Carrier?

Again, the general rule of thumb for back carrying is a baby at least 12 months of age.

When Is It Safe For a Baby to Spread His Legs in Ergo Baby Carrier?

At around 4 or 6 months, your baby should be comfortable with their legs spread or splayed apart in an ergo baby carrier. Before this age, the baby usually prefers the froggy or the “M” position, best supported by an Ergo Baby carrier with an infant insert.

Takeaway

Excited to begin your journey as a new parent? I feel you! Baby carriers can make life easier for you as a parent but remember – safety comes first!

Ensure your baby matches the age and weight criteria, is buckled correctly in the carrier, and has enough support. Front-facing carrying for infants is essential to keep an eye on them at all times. And, of course, reading the instruction manual is necessary no matter what baby carrier you use.