Raising a baby with Down syndrome comes with its share of challenges. It’s something most of us don’t prepare for in life, but also something we have no control over. If your baby has Down syndrome, you can be reassured that there are plenty of resources to make life easier. Babywearing keeps babies close and safe, keeping babies and caregivers happy. Babies with Down syndrome need extra support, so not all carriers may be the best choice. Keep reading to learn more about baby carriers for babies with Down syndrome. 

Best Baby Carrier for Baby with Down Syndrome: Top Options

Table of Contents

• 4 Things to be Aware of with Infants with Down syndrome
• Which carry methods are best for babies with Down syndrome?
• Are baby carriers suitable for Down’s syndrome babies?
• Benefits of Babywearing with Down Syndrome
• Which baby carrier is safest for a Down syndrome baby?
• Best sling carrier for a baby with Down syndrome
• Best wrap carrier for a baby with Down syndrome
• Best hip seat carrier for Down syndrome baby

4 Things to be Aware of with Infants with Down syndrome

When considering what to look for in a baby carrier for a baby with Down syndrome, there are a few things to remember to aid in your decision. Below are a few traits babies with Down syndrome typically have that should be considered when deciding what type of baby carrier will best suit those needs: 

1. Higher risk for respiratory problems

Because of their narrower airways, babies with Down syndrome may be at higher risk for respiratory problems. When choosing a baby carrier, you will want to be sure that the baby carrier allows you to support your baby and doesn’t create any additional restrictions to airflow. 

2. Low tone

Weak muscle tone, or hypotonia, is one of the most common musculoskeletal traits for children with Down syndrome. Low muscle tone is not muscle weakness but rather a lack of resistance or tension in the muscle. This may make things like your baby’s neck feel ‘loose’ as they lack the resistance in muscle to hold their neck upright. When considering a baby carrier, it’s important to buy something that will allow you to best support those muscles, as your baby with Down syndrome may need extra support.

3. Slower growth

Babies with Down syndrome tend to have slower growth, which means they typically don’t reach milestones like walking and crawling as soon as other babies might. This may mean an even longer time carrying your baby for you. Because of this, you will want to decide on a carrier that protects your body as much as it does your baby’s. 

4. Loose joints

Children with Down syndrome may have loose joints that can cause instability in places like their knees and hips. The loose hip joint can cause the femur to come out of place, causing potential repeated hip dislocations. You want to ensure you aren’t using a carrier accentuating the ligaments' stretching even further. This means that you should look for a carrier that keeps the hips secure and supported in a safe position. The Tushbaby Hip Carrier  keeps the baby's legs in the recommended ‘M’ shaped position to promote healthy hip growth.

Which carry methods are best for babies with Down syndrome?

There are plenty of ways to carry a child with Down syndrome. Deciding on what’s ‘best’ may come with some practice or trial and error. Think about your needs in a baby carrier and what unique needs your baby with Down syndrome may have. 

Are baby carriers suitable for Down’s syndrome babies?

Baby carriers are absolutely suitable and safe for babies with Down’s syndrome. A baby carrier can give mom or dad the extra needed support to help safely carry their baby while accommodating their baby’s unique needs. When using a carrier that positions the baby in the ‘M’ position, you can actually be supporting healthy hip development for your baby. 

Benefits of Babywearing with Down Syndrome

Babywearing provides benefits not just for babies with Down syndrome, but also for their parents. Benefits go beyond just physical, promoting bonding between parents and their babies. Babywearing can make going out, doing household activities, and even just lounging an easier task. 

Which baby carrier is safest for a Down syndrome baby?

Finding the right baby carrier that accommodates both you and your baby can feel overwhelming, especially if your baby has particular health needs to keep in mind. 

Safety is the most important trait in a baby carrier to remember when deciding on one for your baby with Down syndrome. A carrier should provide the support to keep not just your baby safe, but you too. A lot of strain can come from holding a baby, especially one that might need extra support. 

It’s never a bad idea to seek professional advice if you have the opportunity when choosing a baby carrier. A pediatrician, physical therapist, or occupational therapist can help guide the decision for babywearing and how to do so safely. You’d be amazed at the holding techniques a therapist can provide!

The Tushbaby Hip Carrier is a great option that allows you to support your baby while seating them in the ‘M’ position, providing hip stability and needed structure for healthy hip placement. 

When positioning your baby, remember the extra support they may need with their looser joints and low muscle tone. Tushbaby’s 4 carrying positions give you the versatility to find what works best for you and your baby. 

Best sling carrier for a baby with Down syndrome

Baby slings are a popular carrying choice with the advantage of being hands-free, providing close contact for bonding and nursing, and convenient storage. The Moby Moby Ring Sling is a fan favorite.

One of the potential disadvantages of baby slings is the difficulty parents may have in getting their baby in a proper position with the sling. While it can be done safely with practice, holding a baby incorrectly in a sling poses a greater risk of being unsafe due to the possibility of constricting airflow. Since babies with Down syndrome have the potential to have narrow airways, it will be important to master the proper holding techniques if choosing a baby sling.

Best wrap carrier for a baby with Down syndrome

Much like baby slings, wrap carriers can be a great option if you can master the wrapping properly. The most important consideration for a baby with Down syndrome is the need for the right support. If wrapping is done correctly, it may be able to provide that for your baby. If done incorrectly, a wrap method may leave you and your baby without the right support to keep you both safe. Consult your pediatrician if you are unsure what wrap baby carrier best suits your baby’s needs. Some popular wrap carrier brands include Boba Baby and Solly Baby, but there are plenty on the market. 

Best hip seat carrier for Down syndrome baby

The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier provides many great benefits for parents and their babies with Down syndrome. The adjustable hip seat gives parents added support as they may need to provide extra help for their little ones with Down syndrome. With the unique traits a baby with Down syndrome may have (low muscle tone, slower growth, looser joints), having that extra support is critical.

(Also Read: Is Hip Seat Good for Baby?)

The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier helps keep your baby in a position that promotes healthy hip support, which is critical for a baby with Down syndrome who may have loose joints and low muscle tone. Since babies with Down syndrome tend to have slower growth, you may find yourself carrying your little one for longer than you might have with other children. The extra support will help save your back and arms as you keep your little one close, safe, and properly supported. 

The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is the best-selling carrier on the market, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. The Tushbaby Carrier was made by moms who understand the daily struggles and importance of keeping your baby safe and your back pain-free. It was designed with intention, love, and the hope of making your day-to-day life easier. 

Find out why parents worldwide vote Tushbaby as the #1 carrier. . . order yours today!