Narrow Based carriers...the reality
What do we mean by narrow based carriers?
A narrow based carrier is one where your babies legs will dangle down straight *see image below (unless they are a newborn, in which case they will be tucked up naturally in that newborn position). See below some of the more common brands of narrow based carriers.
Common brands of narrow based carriers
Baby Bjorn - Mini
Mamas & Papas
Mothercare
Chicco
Nuby 3 in 1
Babylo 3 in 1
Infantino swift
Dreambaby
What’s the issue with narrow based carriers?
When it comes to babywearing, we applaud anyone for wanting to wear their baby and be the kind of caregiver that is responsive and close to their baby. Especially during the 4th trimester, when your little one still identifies as being part of you. Holding them often during this time (and after) has lots of positive impact for your babies development, creates a healthy and secure attachment, calms your baby during times of distress and allows you to respond to your babies needs. As well as creating lots of oxytocin between you both, which supports breastfeeding and is called the ‘love hormone’ for a reason. Oooh don’t you just love those snuggles!
However the thing to consider when buying a carrier is first and foremost safety. You would be lead to believe that any carrier sold on the Highstreet would be safe, but unfortunately this isn’t necessarily true. Also how it fits your body shape and your baby’s size will also play a part in how safe the carrier is. You can find out more about finding the right carrier for you here (when you’ve read this :D!) Baby carriers are like jeans - how to find the right size and shape sling for your body and baby — Dance Like a Mother
Carrier currently on sale in Aldi
The carrier above is currently on sale in Aldi for £24.99 , and while we totally get this is a bargain (don’t worry I’ll get to affordability soon), there are several things even on the promo photo for it, which highlight its not ideal.
What makes a carrier unsafe?
Too low
As you can see here the carrier is very low on “Dad’s” body. This means that firstly baby could be in a vunerable position for breathing. Now with men, this isn’t too much of an issue, but If you are a women; especially with ample bosoms this can be a suffocation risk. You need baby to be “close enough to kiss”. What this means is you can tilt your head down and easily kiss baby’s forehead or head. Having baby up on the hard part of your chest not only means they are less at risk of suffocation, but also you can easily check on them by just glancing down.
Also think of this from your baby’s point of view. Where would you think they would most like to be? Snuggled up close to your heartbeat, hearing your breath and curved around your breasts. Or dangling around your waist or even worse…your goin…or even worse…your Husbands groin! By the way If you have tried this kind of carrier and your baby kicked off it’s likely this could be the reason. If your baby is unhappy in your carrier, please get in touch as we can help with this and is often a quick fix.
Too low also means back pain for you. The weight is puling down and forwards, so all of the weight is on your shoulders; and lets face it we have enough stress held there as it is! You might not notice this whilst baby is tiny, but after a while the carrier will become uncomfortable.
I’ve also found over the years, that most of the time its hard to get the carrier tight enough to get it high. Most often the cheaper it is, the more likely this is.
Good position. Baby’s head is high up on Mums chest.
2. Legs dangle down
Narrow based carriers only offer support around the hips and groin of your baby. When they are newborn, this won’t be as noticeable in a narrow based carrier, as it is small enough to sit knee to knee on the baby (more on this in a moment). However as they get bigger you will notice your baby’s legs dangle straight down. I always imagine it’s like being held in a parachute harness (not that I’ve ever been brave enough to do that!) but imagine for your baby thats how it feels.
As the legs dangle down straight, again the weight is bearing down. This means that baby will lean away from you. You may find they aren’t able to comfortably rest their head on you. Which in turn means no neck support.
Ideally you want a carrier that is ergonomic. What this means is the carrier fits to the pit of their knees, creating an ‘M shape’ position with the knees slightly higher than their bottom. This in turn should allow for the pelvis to be tilted (like they are squatting). This position creates support for your baby’s spine, hips and pelvis. It also distributes the weight evenly and because of this will be more comfortable for your baby and you. This position also means that baby’s body curves in towards you, meaning their head can rest against you.
3. No neck support
You may also find that there isnt quite enough support on baby’s neck. Ideally you want the carrier to stop at the nape of their neck, providing good support. Often these types of carriers have big flappy bits, where not only does it not suport the baby’s neck, but it also often means for tiny baby’s you can’t see them. Again this is a risk and you should be able to see your baby’s face clearly and that their airways are open.
Baby’s neck supported by the carrier, fitting on the nape of her neck (Carrier: Sleepy Nico)
4. Not comfortable for you
Carriers need to not only be safe and supportive for your baby, but also comfortable for you. Ideally you want to be able to wear your carrier for long periods of time (yes there’s no limit to how long you can wear your baby for) and feel comfortable. Narrow based carriers are often flimsy and don’t offer much in way of lumber support, with some have no waistband at all. Your carrier should also last and be suitable for you and your baby until they are around 18 months, or longer. Narrow based carriers will eventually cause you back pain and the heavier they get the more pain it will cause you.
But I already have one of these carriers!
There a a couple of things to consider here.
Affordability. Maybe it’s a hand me down or your budget just doesn’t stretch much past £30. That’s okay. Right now there are plenty of second hand options for carriers. Great places to look are Vinted and marketplace. I would avoid E-bay as I've seen a few knockoffs through the years. You can pick up a really good £150 carrier, thats maybe only been worn a few times for anything between £30 and £60. You want it to last. Also please bear in mind that because its expensive (yes there are carriers on the market for over £400!!) or because a Mummy Blogger recommended it, doesn’t necessarily mean its good, it’s suitable for your body shape or even that it will last.
Hacking your narrow based carrier. You can adapt your narrow based carrier to fit knee to knee with a simple scarf. Here’s the video for you: Narrow Based Carrier Hack
Well fitting carrier for Mum & Baby. Carrier: Tula Free to Grow
Using carriers in our class
We are all trained in babywearing and can not only offer you advice, but have carriers available to try in our classes (they are always available to use for FREE every class). So you get a chance to test drive before you buy. We have discounts available on some brands and can also recommend second hand If your budget is tight (we also love the idea of reusing too!)
We ask Parents not to use narrow based carriers in our classes for the reasons above and our priority is your baby’s and your safety and comfort.
If you don’t attend class or have a newbor and can’t quite attend yet, please get in touch. We can offer FREE advice or arrange a 121 appointment with you, so we can go through different wraps and carriers and how to wear your baby safely. We also run Babywearing 101 Workshops (2 hours) for groups between 4 and 8. So please get in touch if you would like to know more and get some advice. Contact us HERE: Contact Us — Dance Like a Mother
There is also more information including carrier discounts, video tutorials etc HERE: Babywearing — Dance Like a Mother
Hope to see you soon & I hope this has been helpful. If so please share on your social media and with others,
Nikki xx
Nikki and her Daughter Ellie (aged 8 months) in an Ali Dover Wrap