Baby Carrier Weight Limits

Key Takeaways

• Weight limits vary by carrier, so check the specific model’s minimum and maximum range and choose a style that supports your baby’s current size and the way you plan to carry.

• Readiness isn’t just about pounds; make sure your baby can achieve a safe fit with a visible airway, enough head and neck support, and a deep, hip-healthy seat before settling in for longer carries.

• Match the carrier to the stage: wraps and ring slings often shine in the newborn and infant months, hybrid buckle wraps bridge the early season, and soft structured buckle carriers add support as babies grow into later months.

• Keep safety and comfort top of mind by adjusting frequently, watching temperature, taking breaks, and inspecting your carrier regularly; when in doubt, a babywearing consultant can help you fine-tune the fit.
  
  

Baby carriers improve your bond with your child while adding convenience to your life, so they’re a great option for every young family! Choosing a comfortable and safe carrier for your little one is key, and one big aspect of that is knowing the weight limits of your baby carrier as well as your baby’s readiness to be worn in a specific carrier.

Different baby carriers have different weight limit ranges. On the lowest end, the minimum weight limit is usually around 7 or 8 pounds, while the maximum weight limit can go as high as 45 pounds. 

Your little one’s weight and developmental stage also play a role in your choice of carrier and your baby’s readiness to be worn, especially in the carrying style. Some carriers are only rated for babies in their first few months of life, while others are designed specifically for older babies and toddlers. 

Wildbird is diligent with keeping these considerations in mind when designing carriers as well as with education around a comfortable and safe fit.

Table Of Contents

1. Types of Carriers and Their Weight Limits
2. Baby Carrier Weight Limits by Age and Stage
3. Safety Considerations and Best Practices
4. Can I Use the Same Carrier for My Newborn and Toddler?
5. Can Baby Carriers Cause Hip Dysplasia?
6. What Should I Do If My Baby Seems Uncomfortable in the Carrier?
7. How Often Should I Inspect My Baby Carrier?
8. Can I Nurse My Baby in a Carrier?
9. Can I Use My Baby Carrier for Hiking?
10. Is It Safe to Carry My Baby Facing Outwards?
11. How Do I Clean My Baby Carrier?

Types of Carriers and Their Weight Limits

Different types of carriers are designed with different weight limits. These limits are identified through safety testing, ensuring the material and design of the carrier can support the weight of your child.

Baby Wraps and Slings

Stretchy Wraps and Ring Slings are made of long fabric strips, (with ringslings having one side of the fabric sewn around two rings) which are made into adjustable carriers through either wrapping and threading, using the rings in the ring sling. As a result, they usually have a very broad weight and size range, from 7 pounds up to 25 or 35 pounds. Stretchy Wraps and Ring Slings are generally better suited for the early season of baby-wearing (newborn and infant stages) although ring slings are favorite among many caregivers, who make use of these carriers into the baby and toddler stage too. 

The Wildbird Ring Sling is a beautiful option to consider in your baby wearing journey. It can be used with newborns from 7lbs up to 35lbs. WildBird recommends caregivers always consider their baby's overall size and readiness to ensure a safe and comfortable fit. Baby’s head and airways should sit above the top panel of the Ring Sling. Refer here for more safety guidelines and readiness for using the Ring Sling. 

Stretchy Wraps and Ring Slings tend to provide less shoulder and lumber support, compared to other carriers, so it can be preferable to use these carriers for shorter periods of time, especially when baby is growing and more on the higher weight range.

Baby Wrap-Carrier Hybrids

Wrap-Carrier Hybrids like the Aerial Buckle Baby Wrap Carrier are an innovation that gives parents the secure, comfort and close fit of a baby carrier wrap with the support of a buckle carrier. They’re usually ideal for newborns and infants, although some are designed with larger weight ranges. The Wildbird aerial buckle wrap is designed for full term babies up to 25 lbs, however Wildbird has found it to be most comfortable and secure when worn with babies under 15lbs. WildBird recommends caregivers always consider their baby's overall size and readiness to ensure a safe and comfortable fit. Refer here for more safety guidelines and readiness for using the Aerial Buckle Wrap. For babies above the 15 lb. weight range, Wildbird suggests using the Aerial Buckle Carrier. 

Soft Structured Carriers

Soft structured carriers come in a broad range of weight capacities. Some are only designed for lower weight limits. Other carriers are designed exclusively for higher weight limits, in which case they might be compatible with separately sold infant inserts. There are some soft structured carriers that can be adjusted (without needing to use an infant insert) to accommodate wearing throughout the newborn to toddler phase.

Aerial Buckle Carriers

Our Aerial Buckle Carrier is a great option to consider as it is a unique baby carrier that offers maximum versatility and comfort, with a weight capacity of 7 to 45 pounds. Wildbird has found that although the weight range is tested from 7lbs, most infants will reach the recommended height, with the top panel of this carrier positioned at baby’s mid ear level, with an open airway, at around 2 months of age. Wildbird suggests that the age range for the use of the Aerial Buckle Carrier is 2-24 months. It is important to remember that baby’s readiness and developmental stage needs to be considered in order to obtain an optimal fit. For babies under 2 months, not meeting this recommended position, there is the option to wait until baby is big enough or make use of the Aerial Buckle Wrap to bridge the gap.

Baby Carrier Weight Limits by Age and Stage

Throughout different seasons of baby's development, you will most likely find that different carriers will better accommodate you and your baby. You may also find that one carrier works well throughout your baby-wearing journey. What is important to consider, at each stage of development is the correct positioning to ensure safe, secure and comfortable wearing for both you and your baby.

Although the weight limit recommended by the manufacturer is important, it does not determine a baby's complete readiness in terms of overall size, height and developmental stage. This is especially true in the newborn phase. Your newborn may be at the correct weight to use the carrier; however, they may still not be ready in terms of height  and overall size for that particular carrier. If your baby is below the recommended weight limit for that carrier, it is suggested that you reach out to a baby-wearing educator or consultant to help guide and assist you before attempting the practice of babywearing.

Choosing a safe and comfortable baby carrier and using it correctly is most crucial during the newborn and infant stages. It is during this phase of development that a baby is most vulnerable and therefore in need of the wearer to understand proper support and positioning in the carrier to avoid the risk of any potential injury or suffocation . 

Making sure to carry your little one well, with the manufacturer's guidelines for proper, safe positioning is crucial. Baby needs to be positioned high enough against the wearer's chest (so you can kiss the top of baby’s head), with sufficient head support from the carrier, whilst maintaining a clear airway. Obtaining a proper deep seat, with baby’s knees higher than the bum is important too.  We discuss these factors in more detail below.

Our Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap is a great option and is best suited for this newborn phase with the suggested age of 0-6 months and is intended for babies full term to under 15lbs. 

The Wildbird Ring Sling is also very beneficial, as it can be used from this beginning, newborn stage of development with the suggested age of 0-36 months, with a weight range of full term up to 35lbs. 

Keep in mind, that these are the suggested ages and weight ranges for these carriers, however WildBird recommends caregivers always consider their baby's overall size and readiness (baby's head and airways should sit above top panel of the carrier) to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.   

As babies grow, it becomes more important that the carrier is durable and secure, and that your baby can still achieve a full, deep seat with the carrier running from knee to knee. This can still be achieved with the ring sling, which can be used into the toddler stage, up to 35 lbs. The Aerial Buckle Carrier is a popular choice at Wildbird with the recommended age of 2-24 months. Ensuring that, for the newborn phase, the top panel of the carrier is at the baby’s mid-ear level and baby’s airway is always open and unobstructed.

When your baby is around 6 months, you might be able to experiment with carriers that allow for front-facing for short periods of time and or back carrying. Wildbird carriers are only designed for inward facing and back carrying. We do not have a front facing option. The Aerial Buckle Carrier is designed for both inward facing and can be adapted for back carrying however this is only an option once baby is at least 6 months or is sitting independently. 

To accommodate your growing baby into the toddler stage, structured carriers like the Aerial Buckle Carrier with padded straps and more lumber support is a great option. 

This table provides a general outline of age and stage of baby together with weight ranges and carrier types. Be aware that baby’s readiness for babywearing in a certain carrier type will also depend on overall size, development and how baby is positioned in the carrier. Baby needs to be big enough to meet safe and secure guidelines as outlined by the manufacturer.

Safety Considerations and Best Practices

Weight limits are only one aspect of your child’s safety, comfort and readiness in the carrier. It’s just as important that you know how to safely put on, position and adjust your baby in the carrier, as well as how to make sure they’re safe and secure and you are both comfortable throughout the day. 

• Make sure the carrier you purchase is compliant with safety standards like CPSIA and ASTM. All WildBird carriers are safety tested and certified.

• Always review the guidelines and manuals provided by the brand, to ensure you know the manufacturer’s weight limit and that you use the carrier correctly.

• The carrier should hold your little one tightly and securely against you, with a panel fully supporting their back, up to their neck/ mid ear ear to give sufficient neck and head support. Make sure that the baby is positioned high enough that you can always kiss the top of the head. 

• Your baby’s face should always be visible and unobstructed, without any fabrics or materials to obscure their airways. Be especially vigilant about this during the newborn and infant phase. Always pay close attention that your baby’s face and nose is visible, his chin is off his chest and that he is positioned high enough for you to kiss his head.

• Your baby should have a good, deep seat in the carrier with his knees higher than his bottom to create a hip-healthy M position. The carrier should also provide full support from knee to knee.

• The carrier should support your baby’s natural C-curve of the spine, by providing full support from your child's bottom, all the way up to the nape of the neck.

• If your little one weighs 7 pounds or less, consider speaking to a baby-wearing consultant before adopting the practice. In general, working with a babywearing consultant can go a long way towards ensuring safe, comfortable baby-wearing and an overall enjoyable experience, especially if you run into any complications.  

Can I Use the Same Carrier for My Newborn and Toddler?

In some cases, yes! If you choose a carrier that can accommodate babies from newborn into toddler stage you may be able to use the same carrier throughout. It is important to keep in mind your baby's overall readiness and not just the weight capacity of the carrier. The newborn phase is typically from 0-3 months however, even though carriers may indicate that it can be used from newborn, that may mean that your baby is actually only ready (meets the proper fit and safe positioning guidelines) to use the carrier once he is around 2 months (which is still in that newborn phase) WildBird has taken this into account, so although the weight capacity of the WildBird Aerial Buckle Carrier, is 7-45 lbs, and can sometimes be used from the newborn phase into toddlerhood, it is recommended that this carrier is most suited for babies from 2 months-24 months. 

Can Baby Carriers Cause Hip Dysplasia?

There has been ongoing discussion about babywearing and whether it can affect a baby’s physical development, particularly hip health. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly, which can happen before or after birth as a baby’s bones continue to develop. When this occurs, the ball of the hip joint may be partially or fully out of the socket, move in and out of place, or sit in a shallow socket.

A recent study found that wide base baby carriers position a baby’s hips in a way that is not significantly different from the Pavlik harness, a medical device used to treat hip dysplasia. This suggests that babywearing in a wide base carrier may actually support healthy hip development.

For this reason, new parents should look for carriers that keep their baby’s legs in the natural “M” position. In short, properly designed baby carriers do not cause hip dysplasia or increase stress on developing hip joints. Babywearing in supportive positions may even help prevent hip instability.

You can read more in this article from Center for Babywearing Studies.

What Should I do If My Baby Seems Uncomfortable in the Carrier?

If your little one is showing signs of discomfort in the carrier take a moment to assess what might be causing the problem. Here are some check points to consider:

• Respond to baby by turning your attention to his needs. Could he be hungry or maybe in need of a diaper change. If so, attend to those needs.

• Is the carrier positioned and secured correctly around you and your baby. Check to see if baby is in a deep seat, with the carrier running from knee to knee and that baby’s legs are not stuck or perhaps coming through an incorrect hole in the carrier. Make sure baby’s arms are not restricted or stuck under a strap and then also be aware if baby is positioned high enough to kiss the top of its head, and that it’s head is not covered and baby’s airway is visible. 

• Check that the carrier is not too tight or loose and if so, be sure to loosen or tighten the straps accordingly.

• If you are feeling a pressure point in the carrier, your baby may be feeling that too, therefore adjust, loosen and readjust so you feel comfortable with the fabric tight against you.

• Sometimes it can be helpful to engage in movement, so walking up and down, rocking, swaying, gently bouncing can help soothe and calm baby while becoming more familiar with being in the carrier.

• Check in with your own emotions. Sometimes if the wearer is feeling overwhelmed or anxious, baby picks up on this and may also start to become fussy and uncomfortable.

• If needed, take baby out of the carrier. Take a little break; perhaps assess the carrier to ensure it is correctly adjusted to suit you and your baby before trying again.

• If baby continues to seem uncomfortable in the carrier, consider reaching out to a baby wearing consultant or educator for some guidance and support.

How Often Should I Inspect My Baby Carrier?

It is important to firstly be familiar with your carrier; so knowing what you should expect to see on the carrier, the features and mechanisms to adjust and accommodate you and your baby and making sure these are all functional and secure is crucial. It is then a good idea to do a quick overview every time you use your carrier as this will train your eye to notice if there is any wear and tear. Inspecting your carrier should become a very familiar habit. 

Can I Nurse my Baby in a Carrier?

This is a very common question among many new parents. It is important to understand that both breastfeeding and babywearing are two separate skills that need to be learned and practiced separately.

It is crucial that the mother establishes a good breastfeeding relationship with her baby and feels confident and secure with nursing before adding babywearing into the mix. Once breastfeeding is established and mom also feels confident babywearing then yes, you can combine the two skills. However, baby needs to be repositioned in an upright position after nursing is complete. It is crucial that this repositioning occurs (and baby is not left asleep at the breast in the carrier) to avoid potential risk of restricting baby's airway and suffocation. If you are wanting to nurse in a carrier, consider reaching out to a babywearing consultant for assistance and support.

Can I Use My Baby Carrier for Hiking?

Hiking is a beautiful activity to do while babywearing and allows you to bring your baby into an experience in nature and the outdoors. There are however some important factors to take into account.

• Consider your current season and phase of postpartum as well as your baby’s developmental phase and the length and difficulty of the hike. In the newborn phase going for gentle walks with your baby in the carrier around the neighborhood is a wonderful idea. As your baby gets a little older, increasing the length and difficulty of the hike can gradually increase.

• Be aware of your own physical ability in the different seasons and know that you are carrying an added weight.

• Hiking while babywearing will demand that you are vigilant about temperature regulation. Your baby is not able to regulate her temperature so be aware of overheating. Dressing down a layer of clothing is a good idea for both you and baby.

• Different types of carriers will be better suited for hiking than others. A more structured carrier with padded shoulders and waist band with lumbar support will be more comfortable and practical than a wrap or ring sling especially for a longer or more difficult hike. 

• If your baby is over 6 months and sitting independently you can consider back carrying which could be helpful as the baby’s weight is more evenly distributed on your back.

•  Ensure proper positioning at all stages and phases of babywearing and check in regularly with your little one during the hike. Make sure their airway is always open, you can see baby’s face and nose and there is an open air flow to baby’s airway throughout the hike.

Is it Safe to Carry My Baby Facing Outwards?

Facing out is typically encouraged for older infants (from 6 months of age) when your baby is able to hold himself up more securely with good head and neck control.

Babies who are showing more curiosity and enjoy seeing and interacting with the outside surroundings may enjoy facing out for a short period of time. Facing out can encourage more active engagement with the environment however this position tends to lead to babies becoming overstimulated so therefore only for a short period of time of facing out is recommended. Perhaps for a short walk or for a little while during a social event. It can be tricky to check in with your baby if he is facing out as it makes it more difficult to pick up on his facial cues and expressions.

It is not recommended that a baby falls asleep in the facing out position as there is no head support. When a baby falls asleep while facing out in the carrier, his head will naturally fall forward which can cause an uncomfortable position and possible airway obstruction.

It is a nice option if a carrier has the versatility to face out, however just still be aware of obtaining a good supportive seat with knees higher than bottom and consider your baby’s age and developmental stage before trying this out.

WildBird carriers are not designed to face outwards. The Aerial Buckle Wrap is designed for inward, heart-to-heart wearing. The Ringsling is designed to be also be worn facing inwards, or for a hip carry or back carry when baby is developmentally ready (at least 6 months or sitting unassisted) The Aerial Buckle Carrier is designed for inward facing, up to at least 6 months and or sitting unassisted and then can be adjusted into a back carrying option. 

How Do I Clean My Baby Carrier?

Each manufacturer will have recommendations on how to clean your carrier. The way you wash your carrier will depend on the fabric and type of carrier. Most companies will suggest cleaning and hand washing in cold water with a gentle liquid detergent (fragrance, dye and chemical free) Some carriers are machine washable and therefore using a gentle detergent on a cold, delicate cycle is recommended. If you machine wash, it can be useful to use lingerie or wide mesh bags; a larger one for the carrier and smaller ones for any accessories, such as lumbar support and carrier hood/head support that you might have with soft structured or buckle carriers. 

When washing a ring sling, you’ll want to unthread the sling before washing and when machine washing a ring sling, you can use a sock to cover the rings. Here is some more information on Wildbird fabric care of the ring sling. If washing a soft structured carrier in the machine, it is helpful to buckle all the buckles and undo all the elastic banded straps, and undo any and all the zippers. You can also pretreat any stains before you wash your carrier. To dry your carriers, most companies will recommend you hang dry or dry flat.  

WildBird Carriers

All WildBird carriers are tested and confirmed suitable from 7 pounds up. However, the readiness of your little one for a carrier is not only dependent on the weight recommendation. Baby’s overall size and positioning in the carrier needs to meet the safety guidelines for the proper fit.

Our newest creation, the WildBird Aerial Buckle Wrap, marries the close, comfortable, secure fit of a wrap with the ergonomic support and ease of use of a buckle carrier. Designed specifically with newborns in mind, it best fits babies from 7 to 15 pounds (but is tested up to 25 lbs.), therefore within the 0-6 month age range.

For parents looking for more versatility, the original WildBird Buckle Carrier is indispensable. This soft structured linen carrier comfortably holds babies from 7 to 45 pounds, so it will support your little one through all seasons of life.  However, keep in mind that the newborn phase is typically from 0-3 months, so even though our carriers may indicate that it can be used from 7 pounds, it may mean that your baby is actually only ready (meets the proper fit and safe positioning guidelines) to use the carrier once your baby is around 2 months (which is still in that newborn phase) Baby's mid-ear and airways should sit above top panel of the carrier.  The weight capacity of the WildBird Aerial Buckle Carrier, is 7-45 lbs, and we suggest it is most suited for babies from 2 months-24 months.

Finally, our Ring Sling is an excellent option for parents on the go, as it is compact and easy to carry. It can comfortably fit babies 7-35 lbs, so it fits little ones from the newborn stage to toddlerhood (0-36 months) Again, WildBird recommends caregivers always consider their baby's overall size and readiness to ensure a safe and comfortable fit. Baby's head and airways should sit above the top panel of the carrier.

All WildBird Baby Carriers are designed for your baby’s maximum safety and comfort. They’re made of safety-rated fabrics such as linen or our unique, ultra-breathable CloudBlend™. Our carriers are CPSIA and ASTM compliant and also considered "Hip-Healthy" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

Your baby’s size, weight, age and developmental stage play a vital role in determining the readiness of your little one to be worn in the different types of carriers. Considering these factors when deciding on a carrier will help to ensure an optimal, safe, secure and enjoyable babywearing experience!