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Many parents wonder about the safety of baby carriers. Is my child safe? Does the carrier hurt the baby’s hips or spine? To address these common parenting questions, we asked Dr. Amanda Weiss Kelly, an expert in infant musculoskeletal health & wellness, to give us some answers.

Dr. Kelly is a board certified pediatrician on staff at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, home of the No. 2 ranked NICU and one of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals according to U.S. News & World Report. She also is the mother of a 2-year-old and an experienced baby wearer. Here are the questions we asked, followed by her answers.

What are risk factors for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)?

• Family history of DDH, female, breech birth, Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), Cesarean section birth, large birth weight, first pregnancy, swaddling with hips tightly in extension, other musculoskeletal abnormalities

How does hip development relate to baby carriers?

• No evidence or reported cases that indicate front carriers can cause hip dysplasia
• Parents should look for baby carrier that positions baby with infant’s hips abducted (legs spread)
  • Includes BabyBjörn Baby Carriers

How does spine development relate to baby carriers?

• No evidence to suggest that infant carriers are harmful to spine development
• A child should not be held in any one position all day

Should a baby face the parent or face away from the parent while in a baby carrier?

• Face in as an infant to stabilize head and neck and protect airway
  • Parent can feel breath, knows where infant’s head is positioned and can change infant’s head position easily
• Face out once baby can hold head up
  • “At 4 mo. of age, infants are described as ‘hatching’ socially, becoming interested in a wider world…In the mother's arms, the infant may literally turn around, preferring to face outward.” (Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th ed.)

How can I avoid back pain when using a baby carrier?

• First, it may not be the carrier: 90% of Americans complain of back pain
  • Build core muscle strength and overall fitness
  • Work on hamstring and hip flexor flexibility
  • Avoid slouching
• When babywearing
  • Choose baby carrier with added lumbar support
  • Follow manufacturers instructions for wearing
    • Make sure that the straps are positioned correctly and fit snugly on your body
  • Take breaks from wearing a baby carrier
  • Respect the weight limits of your baby carrier

What do you advise parents to look for in a baby carrier?

• A baby carrier should:
  • Allow for eye-to-eye contact with infants
  • Allow baby to face out and see world once older
  • Be secure
  • Be easy to put on & take off alone
  • Be comfortable for parent & baby

For more from Dr. Kelly on babywearing and BabyBjörn click here.

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