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

Which baby carriers are ergonomic?

According to Ergonomic-Baby-Carriers.com, the following should be considered when choosing an ergonomic carrier:

Ergonomic baby carriers are made to provide the best support for both babies and baby wearers. For the wearer’s comfort, the carrier should evenly distribute baby’s weight and not put unnecessary pressure on the wearer’s back and shoulders. The carrier should have padded shoulder straps and a wide waist belt.

For the baby, an ergonomic baby carrier must properly and safely support the baby. An ergonomic carrier supports the natural baby posture and promotes healthy hip and spine development. The carrier should support baby’s hips, spine and pelvis. The baby should be seated in the “M-position,” with the baby’s tush lower than their knees, and their hips spread open. Ergonomic carriers should support your baby’s legs up to the backs of their knees, so their entire legs don’t dangle. This wide-leg, spread-squat position benefits baby’s comfort and promotes proper hip development.

That’s where a hipseat carrier comes in and of course, we’re partial to Tushbaby!

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

Tushbaby is designed to support your back and your baby and is approved by both pediatricians and orthopedists. 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 Ergonomic 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 ergonomic carrying positions
Signature lumbar support
Near-limitless adjustability
Ergonomic 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 ergonomic ways to babywear with this fan favorite front and back baby carrier: outward facing, inward facing, hip carrying, and back carrying. Known for its “ergonomic excellence” the 360 is designed for ultimate comfort and convenience, providing the freedom to take on everyday tasks and life’s big adventures.

A supportive ergonomic 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 longterm 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.