Newborn baby carriers let you keep your baby snug and safe with you after you give birth and slowly return to your daily activities. Newborns love being with their parents, observing the world, seeing, hearing, and smelling everything around them during their quiet alert periods – and then taking a nice nap, lulled by a parent’s movement, warmth, and heartbeat.
Baby carriers suitable for newborns
Not every baby carrier is suitable for newborns. They do not yet have the muscle strength or coordination to support their proportionally large heads, and their entire body must be supported. For those reasons (and others), these are the types of carriers that are recommended:
- Slings
- Wraps
- Some front carriers that have appropriate support
- Mei Tais or Asian carriers
Carriers that are not recommended for newborns include:
- Most front carriers
- Baby backpacks
- Baby hip carriers
When considering a front pack carrier, be careful to review the manufacturer’s product literature or instructions for newborn safety features. Some carriers, such as the Ergo, come with a special infant insert that has to be separately purchased.
Slings – Slings are one of the oldest baby carriers in the world. Ranging from simple hand-made fabric pouches to elaborately dyed, padded slings with adjustment rings, there are choices available for parents of all sizes and shapes. Newborns love slings because the hammock-like support is much like being in the womb. Slings are easy to nurse in, fold down to almost nothing, and are usually easily machine washed. Try to try on and use several different slings with a doll or teddy bear before making a decision, or talk to an experienced baby-wearing parent who is about your size and shape to get a good recommendation.
Wraps – Wraps are probably the oldest method of babywearing. Fabrics can be long or short, specially tailored (like a Mei Tai) or not, and can be tied in many ways to suit your baby and you. They do take some getting used to but there are great resources available to teach you how to put the wrap on and how to put the baby into the wrap’s fabric so that they will be safely held. Nursing is possible in a wrap but most newborns and new mothers might find it challenging. The advantages of wraps include the fantastic array of fabrics available, the many ways the baby can be worn and carried, and their lightweight breathability. Great wraps include the Moby Wrap, Parents of Invention Ultimate Baby Wrap, and the Peapod CuddlyWrap.
Front carriers safe for newborns – Several front carriers are safe for newborns, who should always be worn facing in (towards your chest) when in a front carrier. Make sure to utilize any newborn support inserts, special leg opening buttons, or other safety features included by the manufacturer of your front carrier. Safe carriers include: Baby Bjorn Original, Baby Bjorn Air, Baby Bjorn Active, ERGObaby Baby Carrier with the infant insert, Kelty Kangaroo, Kelty Wallaby, MacPac Bambina, Okkatots baby carrier, Red Castle Sport Baby Carrier, and the Sherpani Emi baby carrier.
When and how to use a newborn carrier
You can carry your newborn in a baby carrier whenever it’s comfortable and convenient for you. They really excel when the baby is fussy or has colic, as the combination of physical contact and movement soothes even the most upset baby. You have to try several brands until you find one comfortable for you and baby. Some newborns thrive in slings, while others prefer wraps. If you’re planning on trying one after giving birth, bring the sling to the hospital with you.
