Baby Carriers are Dangerous: The Shocking Truth You Need to Know

You may think that baby carriers are a convenient and cozy way to carry your little one around.

But did you know that baby carriers can also cause serious harm to your baby’s health and safety? We will expose the shocking truth about baby carriers and how they can injure or even kill your baby in ways you never imagined.

Metadata: Man looking sad wearing a baby carrier

One of the most common and deadly dangers of baby carriers is suffocation. Baby carriers can easily tilt your baby’s neck downward, cutting off their air supply because their necks are too weak to support their heads. This can happen in seconds and without any warning signs.

Suffocation can also happen if your baby’s face is pressed against the carrier’s fabric, your body, or your clothing. This can block your baby’s nose and mouth, preventing them from breathing. This can happen very quickly and silently, without any signs of distress.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), between 2003 and 2016, there were 159 incidents involving sling carriers, of which 17 were fatal. Most of these deaths involved babies younger than four months old!

Another serious danger of baby carriers is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint is not properly formed. This can lead to pain, limping, arthritis, and even disability in later life.

Hip dysplasia can be caused by not putting your baby’s legs in the carrier correctly. If your baby’s legs are straightened or dangling, this can put too much pressure on the hip socket and prevent it from developing normally. Your baby’s legs should be bent at the knees and spread apart, forming an M-shape.

The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends avoiding carriers that force your baby’s legs together or do not support the thighs. They also advise parents to choose carriers that allow your baby to face inward, as facing outward can increase the risk of hip dysplasia.

Metadata: Woman with a bruised face

Baby carriers can also cause injuries to you and your baby if they are not used properly or if they malfunction. Some of the possible injuries include:

• Falls: Your baby can fall over the side of the carrier or out through the leg openings if they are not secured properly or if the carrier breaks. You can also trip and drop your baby while wearing a carrier.
• Burns: Your baby can get burned by hot liquids or objects if you use a carrier while cooking, eating, or drinking. You should never use a carrier when handling anything hot or sharp.
• Overheating: Your baby can overheat if you cover them with your coat or clothing while wearing a carrier. This can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, and suffocation. You should always check your baby’s temperature and avoid overdressing them.

Baby carriers can be a wonderful way to bond with your baby and make your life easier. But they can also be dangerous if you are not aware of the risks and how to prevent them. By following the tips in “Are Baby Carriers Safe for Newborns?”, you can enjoy the benefits of baby-wearing without compromising your baby’s safety.