Best Baby Carrier for Back Support

There’s no question that babywearing can cause back pain. Not only are you wearing your baby, but the carrier, too. This added weight can put pressure on your upper body and add stress to your arms, shoulders, neck, and back. That’s why it’s important to find a carrier that’s comfortable for both you and your baby, and if possible, find a baby carrier with back support. The idea behind baby carriers is that they allow you to wear your baby on your body handsfree, with lots of added benefits: eye to eye contact, sensory stimulation, bonding, the list goes on.

The good news is, you can still carry your baby if you suffer from back pain. Keep reading for more info on finding the best baby carrier for back support and pain-free babywearing.

How Do You Carry a Baby with a Bad Back?

If you’re wondering how do you carry a baby with a bad back, you know the answer: very carefully! Experts suggest that keeping your feet hip-width apart, your back straight, and using the strength of your legs rather than your back will help keep your back feeling supported, and baby, too! There is, however, a lot of lifting and carrying when you have a baby, and it can take until well into toddlerhood for that to change. That’s why it’s good to do your research, discover what works best for you and your lifestyle, and stick with it!

Tips to reduce back pain while baby wearing

When it comes to safely and comfortably wearing your baby, make sure you’re wearing your carrier properly: read the instructions, watch videos! Then, try some of these tips to avoid or reduce back pain:

Wear baby as high as possible when front wearing to avoid back strain
If the carrier has a waistband, tighten it around your hips so that’s where you carry baby’s weight, rather than your back
Keep it tight — a carrier that is too loose can cause pain on your upper body and lower back
Be sure to adjust the shoulder straps, too. This can alleviate pressure all over!
Choose a carrier that distributes your baby’s weight evenly across your hips and shoulders to avoid back pain and strain

Best hipseat carrier for back support: Tushbaby For The Win!

Tushbaby is designed to support your back and your baby. Some of the many benefits of the Tushbaby hip seat carrier are that it’s easy to put on, folds-up quickly, and weighs less than 1-pound. Once your baby is around 6 months and has full support of their head and neck, the Tushbaby is a great babywearing option, particularly for parents and caregivers with back issues.

Because it sits high and tight on your hips, Tushbaby also protects the muscles in your arms, neck, and shoulders by supporting your baby’s weight — and your back — by wrapping the Tushbaby snugly around the smallest part of your waist, and letting your legs do the heavy lifting.

Tushbaby has all of the benefits listed above, plus it doubles as a fanny pack. Thanks to plenty of pockets, Tushbaby makes life on the go easy with room for extra diapers, wipes, bottles and toys.

Best infant carrier for back support: LÍLLÉbaby Complete Original

When it comes to the best infant carrier for back support, the LÍLLÉbaby Complete Original 6-in-1 Baby Carrier comes up time and time again. It boasts all kinds of support including two-way adjustable straps, extendable back panel, lumbar support, and an adaptable seat for baby. It also has adjustable side panels that widen and narrow the seat for comfortable hip positioning. Other benefits include:

6 carrying positions
Signature lumbar support
Near-limitless adjustability
Comfort
Durable 100% Cotton
Can be used from birth through toddler years

Best baby carrier for your back: Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier with Lumbar Support

This award-winning, all-position baby carrier is flexible and functional for babies between 12 and 45 pounds. There are four ways to babywear with this fan favorite front and back baby carrier: outward facing, inward facing, hip carrying, and back carrying. The 360 is designed for ultimate comfort and convenience, providing the freedom to take on everyday tasks and life’s big adventures.

A supportive and comfortable seat, soft material, and optional UPF 50+ privacy hood keep baby snug and serene in this front baby carrier, while the padded shoulder straps and lumbar-supporting waist belt make long-term babywearing a breeze for mom and dad.

Best sling carrier for your back: Baby K’tan Original

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, when it comes to babywearing and sling carriers, Baby K’tan is a parent fave for the ease of use and simple design. The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier has a patented double-loop design that functions as a sling, wrap and baby carrier, yet there is no wrapping, no buckling, and no adjusting any rings; simply slip it on like a T-shirt in three simple steps for a comfy, cozy, and secure fit! The Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is also recognized as a hip-healthy product by the Hip Dysplasia Institute when used as directed.

FAQ's

Are baby carriers safe for the spine?

Tiny babies can feel heavy quickly when you hold them for extended periods. And tiny babies grow quickly—only to become heavier. As a parent or caregiver, you probably hold a baby for several hours a day (and night, too). The result? Aches and pains throughout your body, especially your back. The act of lifting your baby can put a strain on your spine, and you may even be lifting your baby up to 50 times a day throughout their early years. That strain can add up.

Parents gravitate toward baby carriers because they make carrying babies safer, more comfortable, and more secure while helping keep your hands free. Baby carriers have tons of benefits—they help hold and distribute your baby's weight to relieve pressure from your back and spine, promoting better posture and support for both you and your baby. With the added comfort and support, parents can carry their little ones longer and reduce the number of times they need to lift their baby throughout the day.

Modern babywearing when done properly shouldn’t cause hip or spine problems, but holding a baby in general may. Make an intentional effort to lift your baby with caution and care, maintain good posture, and invest in a quality baby carrier. We’ve designed the Tushbaby with comfort in mind for the wearer and the baby to provide you both with the extra support you need and deserve.

Why does my back hurt after wearing a baby carrier?

Taking care of a baby (especially when you’re low on sleep) can affect your mind and body. While your body may be sore in general from caring for a baby, back pain suspected to be from a carrier is something to address. It can be a sign that the baby carrier is not fitting properly or being worn properly. When babywearing, your baby’s weight should be evenly distributed—if the carrier is adjusted unevenly, this can throw off the baby’s weight.

A baby carrier should help relieve your back and body of pain from carrying a baby. It’s very important to ensure a baby carrier is appropriately adjusted for both the wearer and the baby, and that the baby is properly secured in the carrier. As your baby grows or your body changes, you may need to adjust the carrier for the best fit.

There are many other things that life with a baby entails, such as lugging car seats, heavy diaper bags, carrying groceries and a baby at the same time—the list goes on and on. Be proactive about caring for your body and addressing any pain before it progresses. Additionally, make sure you make time to care for your body, whether that means sleeping, exercising, or anything that makes you feel better. After all, you need to preserve your health to keep up with your baby for years to come.

Do baby carriers help with back pain?

Baby carriers are designed to provide support to protect both the wearer’s and the baby’s bodies. Having additional support while carrying your baby can help you do it longer and more comfortably—no more hitching and switching sides. With several baby carriers on the market, do your research to choose one that is most appealing to your needs and lifestyle. Ensure the baby carrier features an streamlined design, like the Tushbaby, to maximize safety, support, and comfort for you and your little one. Tushbaby features a plush memory foam-lined seat for baby’s bottom, built-in lumbar and back support, and a padded waistband. It defines comfort and practicality with a stylish twist.

Must-have carrier features for back support

It’s important to take the time to learn more about the design and build of the baby carrier and what it offers. Here are some top features that a baby carrier should have to offer maximum back support.

Supportive waistband: Hip seat carriers work by wrapping around your waist and should have plenty of padding. The padding serves more purpose than just making the carrier more comfortable; it can reinforce support. Traditional baby carriers should also have padding on any straps that are resting on your body.
Lumbar support panel: Lumbar support is critical for maximum back support in a baby carrier. It helps to ensure proper posture while carrying your little one, preventing long-term aches and pains.
Hip-healthy: Baby carriers should support the baby’s and wearer’s hips. The Tushbaby puts the baby’s hips in an “M” position to promote proper hip development.