Recommendations for Choosing a Child Carrier
In the first months of life, the neck and nape muscles of infants are underdeveloped, so they cannot firmly hold their heads up unassisted. A carrier is a convenient solution for parents who need their hands free but the carrier must be safe for the infant and suitable for the age and developmental stage.
A carrier poses two key dangers:
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Suffocation
If the cloth of the carrier is pushed towards the infant’s face, it will cover the mouth and nose and may choke the infant.
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Blood circulation
If the rocking movement causes the infant’s chin to move toward his or her chest, the airflow into his or her body may be cut off.
It is important to observe the following guidelines when choosing a carrier for your infant.
Carrier with a standard seal
You should buy a carrier that has a standard seal from the Standards Institution of Israel. The institution approves carriers after carefully testing them to make sure that they comply with the safety and quality standards that are intended to ensure the carrier will withstand the load, its materials are not flammable or toxic and its locking mechanisms are safe.
Although the standard also confirms the integrity of the fabrics used to make the carrier (to prevent choking and injury), you should still check that all parts are present, intact and pleasant to touch. After you buy the carrier, it is important to read the article Recommendations on Safe Use of a Baby Carrier.
Age and weight appropriate carrier
When it is stated a carrier is suitable for birth age, this usually means it is suitable for a relatively low weight. However, it is important to note that there is a minimum carrying weight that to which you should pay attention. This is why it is worth waiting until the birth of your child before buying a carrier that suits the infant’s birth weight. Later, it is important to be aware of your child’s weight gain, and once the child exceed the carrier’s maximum weight, you should replace it with one that suits the new weight.
Comfort for the infant and the parents
The carrier is supposed to allow infants free movement and an ability to breathe freely while being inside it, but it should be comfortable to the parents to carry too. The market may be inundated with a selection of carriers, but it is essential to try wearing the carrier to make sure that it fits you and is comfortable. Because everyone has a different build and different shoulder and waist circumference, a carrier that is comfortable for one parent may not fit the other. Therefore, it is advised to wait until your child is born before buying a carrier, and then go with them to a designated store offering a range of carrier types and try out several. It is important to try out each carrier in a number of states: walking, standing, bending over, and so on. You can also ask for assistance by professionals specializing in this field (carrier advisors) or friends and family members who have experience and patience and wish to help.
Carrier safety for the infant and the parents
There are many types of carriers, which we will discuss shortly. Remember that besides safety, which is always the most important thing to consider when choosing equipment for infants, it is also important to look after yourselves, particularly your back. Choose a carrier that will give your back good support, particularly when your infant gains weight, as you will need to carry relatively heavy weight on your chest or back.