Non ergonomic baby carrier, what are the dangers?
It's hard to miss the term "ergonomic" in babywearing today. But what does ergonomic baby carrier mean? Is there any danger in using a non ergonomic baby carrier? How to choose?
We will answer all these questions.
It is the most natural way of carrying possible. It respects the baby's physiology. A baby does not have the same musculature and bone density as an adult. In an ergonomic carrier, this dimension is taken into account and it is necessary to support baby's head and the back (which must be rounded).
The physiological / ergonomic position is often summarized by: legs raised with knees above the buttocks in the shape of an "M", respect for the distance between the hips and a rounded back.
Other criteria must be taken into account. Moreover, a baby carrier or an ergonomic sling will not be suitable if your child is not correctly installed. So be sure to check the different criteria.
To learn more about the physiological position and its criteria, discover :
What is a physiological position for babywearing?
Several things, some baby carriers are not physiological and this can be seen very quickly. BUT, some baby carriers say they are ergonomic or physiological when you search for them on the internet but they are not! So learn to recognize them easily:
in the product photos, the baby's legs are straight and dangling. This means that the pelvis is not tilted forward, the seat is not deep enough: baby is supported by the crotch
the baby's back is straight
the price is very very attractive (too much so): this is not always the case but it suggests that you should check
you can carry baby in 48 positions (other than front, back and for some hip carriers)
Typical example of a non ergonomic baby carrier VS an ergonomic baby carrier
So recognizing a non ergonomic baby carrier is fine, but let's find out together WHY you SHOULD NOT use them.
When a baby carrier does not allow a physiological / ergonomic position for your child, here are the risks:
Supported by the crotch, baby is in an upright position while his bones are not yet solidified. The spine is not ready to stay upright when the baby was in a fetal position for 9 months. This can lead to poor development, delay or misalignment of the vertebrae.
A term you probably heard during your pregnancy.
As we have seen, in these baby carriers the legs hang down, are dangling. Well, this position is not conducive to a good interlocking of the hip joints. In the short term, this is not noticeable because it is not painful for baby. However, as your baby grows, if the hip joints don't fit together properly, he or she may have difficulty moving the hips and walking.
As you will see, your baby may start to cry, get upset, become agitated, and show signs of discomfort and uneasiness.
And even if he doesn't show any signs of discomfort, the repercussions on his health and his good development are enough to dissuade the use of a baby carrier that is not ergonomic.
The discomfort is also present for you! The weight is not distributed correctly, which will cause you back pain, which is one less reason.
You know which baby carriers not to use, but which one to choose? Well, check that it allows a physiological position, anticipate your needs (carrying positions, age of baby), and look if you like it aesthetically it's nicer. Even if they are ergonomic, make sure to adjust the baby's position. An ergonomic baby carrier is no longer ergonomic if the baby is not correctly positioned.
As we know them and have designed them to allow a physiological position for your child, we can present you our two ergonomic and physiological baby carriers.
They are both made of Oeko-Tex100 certified cotton and certified healthy for baby's hips by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
They will meet your different needs.
The PhysioCarrier: More massive with wide and comfortable straps (padded ++), it will be your ally for all situations in all seasons.
Little benefit: it has a pocket that opens and closes to ventilate baby's back and a mirror to observe him when he is in your back.
The HoodieCarrier : The perfect mix between the hoodie for its discretion, the PhysioCarrier for its robustness and its support and the feeling of the sling.
Little benefit: a hood for baby, a very refined style
Ventral, hip and dorsal carrying for both baby carriers.
Our full-buckle baby carriers can be used from birth with a booster and a head support (in the extension kit, to allow the physiological position) up to 20 kg. From 5 kg without the extension kit.
PHYSIOCARRIER
HOODIECARRIER
You might also be interested in this:
TOP 5: choosing the best baby carrier
We will answer all these questions.
What does physiological carrying mean?
It is the most natural way of carrying possible. It respects the baby's physiology. A baby does not have the same musculature and bone density as an adult. In an ergonomic carrier, this dimension is taken into account and it is necessary to support baby's head and the back (which must be rounded).
The physiological / ergonomic position is often summarized by: legs raised with knees above the buttocks in the shape of an "M", respect for the distance between the hips and a rounded back.
Other criteria must be taken into account. Moreover, a baby carrier or an ergonomic sling will not be suitable if your child is not correctly installed. So be sure to check the different criteria.
To learn more about the physiological position and its criteria, discover :
What is a physiological position for babywearing?
How to recognize a non-physiological baby carrier?
Several things, some baby carriers are not physiological and this can be seen very quickly. BUT, some baby carriers say they are ergonomic or physiological when you search for them on the internet but they are not! So learn to recognize them easily:
in the product photos, the baby's legs are straight and dangling. This means that the pelvis is not tilted forward, the seat is not deep enough: baby is supported by the crotch
the baby's back is straight
the price is very very attractive (too much so): this is not always the case but it suggests that you should check
you can carry baby in 48 positions (other than front, back and for some hip carriers)
Typical example of a non ergonomic baby carrier VS an ergonomic baby carrier
So recognizing a non ergonomic baby carrier is fine, but let's find out together WHY you SHOULD NOT use them.
What are the risks of a non ergonomic baby carrier for baby?
When a baby carrier does not allow a physiological / ergonomic position for your child, here are the risks:
Poor development of the spine
Supported by the crotch, baby is in an upright position while his bones are not yet solidified. The spine is not ready to stay upright when the baby was in a fetal position for 9 months. This can lead to poor development, delay or misalignment of the vertebrae.
A risk of hip dysplasia
A term you probably heard during your pregnancy.
As we have seen, in these baby carriers the legs hang down, are dangling. Well, this position is not conducive to a good interlocking of the hip joints. In the short term, this is not noticeable because it is not painful for baby. However, as your baby grows, if the hip joints don't fit together properly, he or she may have difficulty moving the hips and walking.
Discomfort for you and baby
As you will see, your baby may start to cry, get upset, become agitated, and show signs of discomfort and uneasiness.
And even if he doesn't show any signs of discomfort, the repercussions on his health and his good development are enough to dissuade the use of a baby carrier that is not ergonomic.
The discomfort is also present for you! The weight is not distributed correctly, which will cause you back pain, which is one less reason.
How to choose a baby carrier?
You know which baby carriers not to use, but which one to choose? Well, check that it allows a physiological position, anticipate your needs (carrying positions, age of baby), and look if you like it aesthetically it's nicer. Even if they are ergonomic, make sure to adjust the baby's position. An ergonomic baby carrier is no longer ergonomic if the baby is not correctly positioned.
As we know them and have designed them to allow a physiological position for your child, we can present you our two ergonomic and physiological baby carriers.
They are both made of Oeko-Tex100 certified cotton and certified healthy for baby's hips by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
They will meet your different needs.
The PhysioCarrier: More massive with wide and comfortable straps (padded ++), it will be your ally for all situations in all seasons.
Little benefit: it has a pocket that opens and closes to ventilate baby's back and a mirror to observe him when he is in your back.
The HoodieCarrier : The perfect mix between the hoodie for its discretion, the PhysioCarrier for its robustness and its support and the feeling of the sling.
Little benefit: a hood for baby, a very refined style
Ventral, hip and dorsal carrying for both baby carriers.
Our full-buckle baby carriers can be used from birth with a booster and a head support (in the extension kit, to allow the physiological position) up to 20 kg. From 5 kg without the extension kit.
PHYSIOCARRIER
HOODIECARRIER
You might also be interested in this:
TOP 5: choosing the best baby carrier
Updated on: 26/11/2024
Thank you!