Baby carriers are a very useful accessory during the baby’s first years of life. Its use favors their adaptation to the environment, promotes a secure attachment and stimulates the proper development of their spine and hips. Likewise, it improves posture in adults and promotes their autonomy and mobility, while strengthening the bond between parents and children. However, not all baby carriers provide these benefits, only ergonomic ones.
Keys to choose a truly ergonomic baby carrier
Most baby carriers are advertised as ergonomic, but not all are. There are baby carriers, also known as “colgonas”, in which the child literally hangs from this accessory, which, in addition to being uncomfortable for the baby, increases the risk of long-term hip dysplasia. For this reason, when choosing a baby carrier , it is not only recommended to take into account the quality of the materials and safety accessories, but also the positions it offers the baby.
The best baby carriers are those in which the baby is held in the frog position, that is, with the legs in an M shape and the knees higher than the hips. When sitting, the baby’s weight should fall on his buttocks, never on the genitals, and the buttocks should never be below the umbilical region of the adult. Likewise, the back should be kept slightly curved and should have an adaptable support in a way that facilitates freedom of movement, as recommended by a report from Hospital La Paz.
Likewise, it is important that the backpack has a kind of support to guarantee the support of the baby’s head and that it leaves his airways clear so that he can breathe normally. Obviously, it also has to be ergonomic for the wearer, so the weight must be distributed between the shoulders, the back and the waist or hips. In this sense, it is essential that the straps have good padding, that they do not press the base of the neck and that they fit well to the body.
7 baby carriers so that both you and your baby are always comfortable
1. Babybjorn One
Its excellent quality and great adaptability make this baby carrier a perfect option to carry your child during the first years of life, not in vain it has the approval of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Made of a cotton blend, it has a sturdy abdominal belt and padded shoulder straps that take the weight off your shoulders and back while providing adequate support for your hips.
In addition, it has two height positions so that you can carry your child up to the age of three, since with a few simple adjustments you can carry it both in front, outwards and towards the center, and on the back. It also comes with a built-in support for newborns and an adjustable headrest that fits easily.
Ergobaby Adapt
If you are looking for a practical and resistant baby carrier, this Ergobaby model is a safe bet, recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Designed for newborns and up to 2 years old, it does not require an additional cushion since its ergonomic seat adapts to the child’s growth. Made of quality cotton, it has a hood with UPF 50+ sun protection to protect the baby from the sun and the wind.
In addition, it is very versatile since it allows the little one to carry the same in front position as on the back or on the hip, while it has lumbar support and padded straps that can be worn crossed or in parallel. Another point in its favor is that its belt can be raised or lowered for greater comfort, which is especially useful especially after a cesarean section.
3. Ergobaby Evolutionary Pack
Quality, safety and comfort, everything you and your baby need in a single pack that can be used up to approximately 3 years of age. Certified according to the European standard for baby carriers EN-13209, it includes a baby carrier backpack and a matching cushion so that the baby can use it from the day of birth. The backpack has four different ergonomic carrying positions, so that you can carry the little one in the front position looking in or out as well as on the back or on the hip.
Thanks to the redesign of its belt , it can be placed at different heights for greater comfort for the wearer, while offering optimal weight redistribution so as not to overload the shoulders and hips. In addition, it has a cervical reinforcement for the baby’s back that adapts to his growth and incorporates an adjustable hood with UPF 50+ protection to protect the head from the sun and wind.
4. Mipies
This Mipies baby carrier backpack is a great example that price and quality do not have to be at odds. Made with resistant and durable materials, it is a very comfortable backpack since it distributes the baby’s weight between the shoulders and hips, while it has padded shoulder straps and an adjustable belt for greater comfort.
Approved with the supervision of paediatricians, it has an ergonomic design that allows the baby to be carried facing inward, either in front or on the back. Ideal from birth to approximately 4 years of age, it adapts to the size and weight of the baby as it grows. Another advantage? The baby carrier has several pockets to carry some of the baby’s accessories and has a kind of hood to protect the little one’s head at all times.
5. Complete Líllebaby
Recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, this baby carrier is an ideal alternative to always carry your baby with you from birth to around 3 or 4 years of age. Its adjustable seat keeps baby’s hips and legs in a comfortable frog position, while it has six ride positions: front-in, front-out, infant/toddler-friendly, hip or back.
In addition, it is very comfortable since it has a very soft padding and a headrest to protect the little one’s head. Thanks to its lumbar support, it offers extra stability, relieves pressure on the lower part of the carrier and allows the baby’s weight to be distributed evenly.
Take your little one with you wherever you go with this practical and stylish baby carrier. Its neutral and minimalist design is not only very cool but also very resistant since it is made with a very soft organic cotton and hemp canvas that gives it extra durability so that it will accompany your little one for a long time.
Recommended by the International Institute of Hip Dysplasia, it is very comfortable as it has an ergonomic seat and a headrest with a folding hood to protect the head. In addition, it allows you to carry the baby in different positions, either forward, on the hip or on the back. And it is very safe, since it has a three-point buckle that offers extra protection, while being very easy to open and close.
7. Close Parent Caboo
Halfway between a sling and a baby carrier, this model is ideal for parents who want to benefit from both styles in a single carrying accessory. Made of cotton, it is light and soft to the touch, but also very resistant, so that it will accompany the little one as he grows. Recognized by the International Institute of Hip Dysplasia, it has an ergonomic seat that promotes the proper development of the baby’s hips and spine, while being safe as it has several straps to support the little one during the walk.
Thanks to its wide and padded straps, it allows to distribute the baby’s weight evenly on both shoulders while the back panel offers greater lumbar support to the carrier. Despite its design similar to a wrap, it is very easy to put on and adjust since you only need to pull the rings to adapt it.