What To Consider When Buying An Infant Carrier

The idea of an infant carrier seems like a good idea but there are pros and cons to consider when purchasing one. The first thing aside from wearing and tearing our own backs is to consider the baby’s spinal alignment as well. Carriers that are not made properly can compromise the baby’s spine. The way some carriers are constructed the baby’s lower spine may be effected from stress. The better type of carrier for a newborn has been found to be a sling type infant carrier.

Here are some things to consider when purchasing an infant carrier. First of all you need an infant carrier that can support the baby’s neck until they can hold their own heads up. Most vertical infant carriers do not do this effectively. A sling cradles a baby like you would with your own arms. An infant carrier should not put weight on the baby’s spine too early. It is better for a young infant to be horizontal or on an incline with spinal support along the baby’s length. Another convenience for the sling is the ability to feed the baby without changing the position, especially if you are breast-feeding.

At four or five months when the baby is able to sit up and see the world, it is better for a carrier that allows for him to sit cross legged so his weight can be distributed between his legs and hips. The infant carriers where the baby’s legs hang down cause the entire spine to bear the baby’s weight. The second consideration when they are old enough to face front is you don’t want the baby to dangle from the crotch, because of the stress it places on the spine. There are frontal infant carriers now that put babies in a sitting position.

As a parent not all infant carriers are comfortable. For me a sling caused discomfort to myself after the baby was 2 months. I was more comfortable with the infant carrier with the padded shoulder pads and padded waist belt. It had an outer support that encased the baby so his spine would be in alignment. But that didn’t last too long either I remember caring my first son this way at 16 pounds was no easy feat either.

Whatever infant carrier you use you want to make sure it is simple for you. Some of the carriers today look like advanced carrier parachutes. You want an infant carrier that is easy for you to put on and take off as well as carry the baby easily and effectively.

When buying an infant carrier the weight and size of the baby has to be included in the equation. There are newborn carriers, infant carriers and toddler carriers. Backpack baby carriers are not recommended until a baby can sit up well on their own. You also want to make sure the carrier is comfortable for your baby to sleep in.

Today there are many types of infant carriers you can choose from. Ideally if you wait until the baby is born you can go to the store and try it out with the baby. See which carrier suits you and the baby the best, making sure you include the healthy spine factors for both of you. You definitely do not want an infant carrier that is going to cause problems later on for your infant’s spine. Nor do you want an infant carrier that is going to give you back problems either. Do your homework. There are carriers out there to suit both the parent and baby.

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