5 Common Mistakes When Using a Baby Carrier (and How to Avoid Them)

Carrying your baby in a baby carrier can be both practical and cozy. At the same time, it can take some time to get used to how to adjust the carrier and how the baby should sit to make it comfortable for both the baby and the carrier.

Here are some of the most common mistakes when using a baby carrier – and simple tips on how you can avoid them.

1. The child is sitting too low

A common mistake is to position the baby too low on the body. If the baby is sitting too low, it can be more difficult to get the right support, position and keep an eye on a clear airway.

A good rule of thumb is that the baby should be sitting high enough so that you can easily kiss the baby's head. This position is often described as "close enough to kiss".

2. The baby's legs hang straight down

In an ergonomic baby carrier, the baby's legs should not hang straight down. Instead, the baby should sit in the so-called M-position, where the knees are higher than the bottom and the legs are slightly bent.

This provides better support for the child's hips and often makes the child sit more comfortably.

3. The carrier is adjusted too loosely

If the baby carrier is too loose, the baby can sink into the carrier or lean too far away from the body, which can prevent the baby from having a clear airway.

The baby carrier should fit snugly and close to your body, keeping your baby close to you. At the same time, it should not feel uncomfortably tight.

4. Too little support for the head and neck

Newborn babies do not yet have full control over their head and neck. Therefore, it is important that the baby carrier provides sufficient support for the upper body. However, the panel should NOT go past the baby's earlobe, this is to ensure free airways. Panels that go up to the earlobe provide more support, alternatively you can support with the hood that you can roll up and attach behind the baby's neck, or support with one hand.

5. The carrier is not adjusted correctly

Not all baby carriers are equally suitable for all body types or sizes of baby. A carrier that is not properly adjusted or fitted can feel uncomfortable and make carrying more difficult.

It may therefore be a good idea to take some time to adjust the baby carrier and try different settings until both the baby and the carrier feel comfortable.

If possible, it can also be valuable to try different models to find a harness that fits best.

At Baby Kanga, you can rent a baby carrier before purchasing, which allows you to test different models at home in everyday life before you decide.

Here you will find all baby carriers for rent! (Only in Sweden).