Whether you’re on a trip or just leaving the house for errands, there can be times when it’s easiest to keep your baby in a carrier. This becomes especially true as they become more mobile and curious about the world. Depending on the day, your baby may prefer extended time in the baby carrier or want to get in and out often. To keep them happy, you should have the option to do both. But you may ask yourself, how long can I carry my baby in a carrier?

Babywearing is functional, but it can be hard on the body if done with the wrong carrier or for too long. In this blog, we’ll cover how long you can safely carry a baby in a carrier, and how the Tushbaby hipseat can help you carry your baby longer while keeping you both secure and comfortable. Read more as we answer ‘how long can you carry a baby in a carrier’ and share the many ways that Tushbaby is the best option for long periods of babywearing.

Tushbaby ensures no snuggles get cut short by aches and strains while making the up-and-down moments a breeze without complicated wraps and straps. It’s the ultimate stylish parent fanny pack designed to support your baby’s weight, your back, and all the stuff you need to have on hand when you’ve got a baby on your hip.

How Long Can a Baby Be in a Carrier?

Table of Contents

• Is it OK to carry a baby in a carrier all day?
• Protect baby’s airway when carrying baby in a carrier
• Consider the weather if you plan to carry baby in a carrier for long periods of time
• Adjust baby’s position in a carrier when wearing for long periods of time
• Use a carrier that promotes hip health for baby’s comfort
• How long can you carry a baby in a wrap carrier?
• How long can you carry a baby in a sling carrier?
• How long can you carry a baby in a hip carrier?

Is it OK to carry a baby in a carrier all day?

When it comes to how long it is acceptable to keep your baby in a carrier, the answer can vary. There really is no set time maximum because many factors can dictate how long your baby can, or should be, in a carrier. Factors like age, baby’s strength development, and the carrier's comfort can change how long your baby can be in a carrier.

If you need to carry your baby all day, use your best judgment on how comfortable they seem and ensure they are seated in the proper posture that is safe for breathing and healthy hip placement. It’s best to get your baby out of the carrier every hour or two, even if just for short periods. This can prevent them from getting fussy and really throwing a wrench in the day. We may not always be able to prevent a fussy baby, but we know we’ll do anything we can to try at the very least. 

Here are some things you can do to promote safe babywearing, especially for extended wear periods: 

#1. Protect baby’s airway when carrying baby in a carrier

As we mentioned, the most important consideration when it comes to using a baby carrier for any period of time is ensuring that you’re protecting your baby’s airway, no matter the carrier type. Your carrier should always be snug enough to keep your baby in an upright position, keeping their airways protected for safe breathing. With some carriers, like slings and wraps, your baby can fall into a ‘C’ shape (or with their chin tucked to their chest) when the carrier is worn improperly.

#2. Consider the weather if you plan to carry baby in a carrier for long periods of time

Because mother nature has a mind of her own, it’s best to always be prepared for any weather if you plan to carry your baby in a carrier. With your Tushbaby carrier, five storage pockets allow you to pack along extra layers, sunscreen, or baby hats and shades.

With varying weather, different carrier types can cause tricky, or sticky, situations. In cold weather with extra layers, wraps and slings can be challenging to ensure your baby is layered correctly and fits safely in their carrier. Additionally, all that extra fabric from wraps and slings can cause sweaty, sticky, or slippery situations on warm summer days. It’s important to always look out for signs that your baby is overheating, like being warm to the touch, looking flushed or red, or having a sweaty neck or back.

The Tushbaby hip seat carrier has no complicated wraps or straps, so you won’t need to worry about how those extra layers of clothes may get in the way on cold days or how extra fabric from wraps can cause too much heat on warm days. With plenty of pockets for storage, the Tushbaby carrier allows you to carry your baby for longer periods in any weather while staying prepared for any changes throughout the day. Plus, its open design makes picking your baby up and down as needed a breeze.

Tushbaby can help you carry your baby while weathering any storm. For babywearing in the rain, Tushbaby allows you to carry your baby close with one arm for support while the other holds your umbrella close to keep you both dry.

#3. Adjust baby’s position in a carrier when wearing for long periods of time

If you’ll be carrying your baby in their carrier for long periods, adjusting their positioning is important if your baby seems to have lost good support or posture. Adjusting can also mean changing carry positions to keep your baby comfortable and well-entertained. If stuck in the same position for too long, you can end up with a bored or fussy baby—and no one wants to end up there. 

Not all carriers allow for easy adjusting, but the Tushbaby carrier will enable you to carry your baby using four different carrying positions. This is perfect for long days of toting your tot or if you’re looking for the best baby carrier for travel. Using your carrier while sitting or standing will give your baby the best seat in the house while keeping them comfortable and safe. When you’re on the go, tuck all your necessities (like passport, keys, or wallet) right into one of Tushbaby’s side pockets for easy access to avoid a bag shuffle in the middle of the airport or store.

Pro tip: Latch your Paci Pod to your Tushbaby carrier to avoid digging through a bottomless bag. Our Paci Pod is a clip-on pouch for the beloved paci to help you keep it clean and close.

#4. Use a carrier that promotes hip health for baby’s comfort

Hip health is an important consideration when choosing the right carrier, especially when using yours for long periods of time. Your carrier should allow your baby to sit in a position that promotes healthy hip development. The Tushbaby hip seat is designed to do just that, with a memory foam-lined seat that puts your baby’s hips in the M-shaped position with their thighs supported. This ‘spread squat’ position promotes optimal hip health and keeps your child comfortable. Safety first, always! 

How long can you carry a baby in a wrap carrier?

As with any carrier type, the length of time you carry your baby will depend on comfortability and baby safety. With wrap carriers, keep in mind that you may begin to feel strain in your shoulders and neck if carrying for long periods of time. In addition, the wrap can start to sag the longer you wear it and the older and heavier your baby gets. No matter how hard you try to tighten it, the wrap carrier may eventually no longer provide proper support, especially for long durations of carrying.

How long can you carry a baby in a sling carrier?

Slings can function very similarly to wraps. While the soft fabric may be a comfortable place for your baby, there are a few safety considerations with long durations of babywearing. With slings and wraps, your baby can be more likely to slip into a C position where their chin touches their chest. You’ll need to keep a close eye and frequently adjust if your baby’s face becomes covered or they slide into that dangerous position where their airways can be blocked. This can make long periods of babywearing feel like more work than convenience.   

How long can you carry a baby in a hip carrier?

If you’re looking for a soft baby carrier that allows you to carry your baby longer, Tushbaby is the best option for you. With a streamlined design, it provides plenty of support for your body by evenly distributing your baby’s weight. With four different carry positions, you can switch it up as much as you need throughout your day or use it for feeding support. Plus, the ability to clip on your baby’s favorite toys or stash a bottle in the holder will keep your baby happy and entertained. With so many color options and plenty of versatility and support, you can carry your baby even longer than with other carrier types.

Be sure to check out how other Tushbaby products, like the Totebaby and the Paci Pod, can make packing for long days out of the house much more functional—so you can keep your necessities close and your sanity intact. 

Support is everything - especially when you have a baby. Shop Tushbaby today for products that make life easier!