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Infant & Newborn Guide

Newborn & Infant Carriers: Supporting the Fourth Trimester Safely

From birth to 12 months, carrying your baby promotes bonding, eases colic, and supports cognitive development. Here is how to keep airways completely open and hips naturally aligned.

The Golden Newborn Rule: Close Enough to Kiss

Your infant's head should rest on your chest just below your collarbone. By simply tipping your head forward, you should be able to easily kiss the top of their head without straining. If you have to bend down, the carrier is sitting too low.

The TICKS Rule for Infant Airway Safety

Because young babies have heavy heads and weak neck muscles, their chin can easily slump down onto their chest if a carrier is too loose. Positional asphyxiation occurs silently. Always verify the 5 TICKS checklist:

T
Tight: The carrier must be snug enough to hug your baby close. Slack fabric allows baby to slump, which can restrict breathing.
I
In View at All Times: You should always be able to see your baby's face simply by glancing down. Fabric should never completely cover their face.
C
Close Enough to Kiss: Baby’s head should be positioned comfortably near your chin so a gentle head tilt lets you kiss their forehead.
K
Keep Chin Off the Chest: Ensure there is at least one to two adult fingers of space between baby's chin and their chest at all times.
S
Supported Back: In an upright carrier, baby should be held comfortably close to you so their spine is supported in its natural gentle curve.

Protecting Developing Hips: The "M-Position"

During the first 6 months, an infant's hip socket (acetabulum) consists mainly of soft cartilage. If an infant's legs are forced into a straight, dangling position, the ball of the femur can slip out of joint, increasing the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

How to Spot the Proper "M" Position:

  • Baby's knees should be higher than their bottom (the bottom of the "M").
  • Thighs should be spread around the wearer’s torso and supported all the way to the knee creases.
  • The pelvis is tilted slightly backward (pelvic tuck), allowing the lower back to round naturally into a C-curve.

Looking for Toddler Options?

If your child weighs 15 lbs or more, explore dedicated wide-panel toddler carriers.

View Toddler Carrier Guide