How Long Can You Carry a Baby in a Carrier?

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The practice of wearing or carrying a baby in a carrier, known as babywearing, is a fantastic way for parents to enjoy their little ones and it has been practiced in many traditional cultures for decades. Read more to learn how long you should carry a baby in a carrier at all stages of life.

How long can you carry a baby in a carrier

Table of Contents

How Long Can You Carry A Baby In A Carrier

Most babies can be carried in a carrier until they are about four months old. However, you should always check with your pediatrician to determine what’s best for your baby. 

Infants And Toddlers Up To The Age Of Five Months

Small babies are often carried in a wrap for hours on end. A small amount of fabric creates an intimate space where they can feel comforted and safe, all while being cradled by your arms or chest.

Newborns are taken out of their carriers regularly to feed, but as they start sleeping longer it’s normal for the baby to spend more time peacefully in their carrier.

From 5 To 18 Months

Hold your baby comfortably in one arm and use the other hand to grab onto whatever is nearby for balance. The best way to do this is by using either an infant carrier or wrap. Both options provide support without ever putting too much pressure on any specific area.

When your baby is 18 months old, you’ll notice they will enjoy sleeping in the baby carrier. Mothers report that when they put their babies up for naps, it takes about 15 minutes of warming them and patting them on their back before their baby falls fast asleep.

The carrier is worn by many parents for hours at a time, and the wearer can stay comfortable as long they want. Its practicality makes it an excellent choice.

Carrying your child for hours while you do chores is not the most comfortable choice, and they should be active children who enjoy being carried.

From 18 To 36 Months

As a 3-year-old weighs 26 – 40 pounds (depending on their height), it’s important to consider what weight limit there may already exist before deciding if this carrier will work well for you. Most 3-year-olds are still learning about life so having them stay stationary in a baby carrier all day isn’t going to allow them enough experience getting used to becoming independent.

That being said, you can absolutely keep your toddler in a baby carrier as long they are happy and not too tired. A child this age should always have some sort of activity, even if it means being walked around the block once or twice.

Baby carriers are great for parents who have busy lifestyles. You can do chores around the house while your baby naps on you, or take them out in public without worrying about what else needs attention at that moment. Check our detailed guide to choosing the best baby carrier to help you find the perfect fit for your little one.

When It Comes To A Baby In A Carrier, How Long Is Too Long?

There is no set maximum time for how long you should wear your baby, and in fact, it will vary based on their age. As a general rule of thumb, if the carrier isn’t made with adjustable shoulder straps then don’t allow more than 2 hours of usage to make sure you don’t become uncomfortable.

The best way to use a baby carrier for you and your little one will depend on what type of carrier you’re using, how old your baby is, whether or not your baby’s muscles have started growing stronger than others in order to avoid discomfort, and maintaining good posture at all times.

Things to Keep In Mind When Carrying A Baby In A Carrier

When carrying your baby in a carrier, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Always use the safety straps and make sure your baby is securely fastened.
  • Never carry your baby in a carrier for an extended period of time.
  • Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and that the carrier is not getting in the way.
  • Be sure to adjust the carrier as your baby grows.
  • Check the carrier regularly for damage and replacement is needed.

Safety Advice

  • It is important to regularly adjust the position of your baby when they are wearing a jacket or other outerwear.
  • Sometimes your baby might have a tough time sleeping and you may need to change the side that they are resting their head on.
  • There’s a risk of muscle stress for your baby if they stay in one position for too long. To reduce this, turn their head and encourage them to move around.
  • When you’re figuring out the perfect position for your baby, don’t forget about their legs and hips. You should adjust them every now and again so that they are in an optimal position. A pelvic scoop with raised knees will help round out those curves while sitting higher than before, all without putting too much strain on any one area or muscle group.

Final Thoughts

The bond between you and your child is one of the most powerful forces in existence. Holding your baby on your body while you do what needs to be done fosters closeness that can’t really happen any other way.

Baby carriers are a fantastic option for carrying your child at various ages. For more information, talk to your pediatrician.

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Sara Taylor

Sara Taylor

Sara is a freelance writer from the Midwest. As a mom of 3 boys, she knows how much abuse a stroller can take.