Safely Supporting Babies in Soft-Structured Carriers
Soft-structured carriers (SSCs) are popular for their ease of use, ergonomic design, and supportive structure. But like all babywearing tools, correct positioning is essential for safety — especially when babies are young and still developing head and neck control. In this post, we take a closer look at how to ensure your baby is Safe & Supported, based on common mistakes and ideal fit.
Why Positioning Matters
Babies under 3 to 4 months of age are particularly vulnerable to airway obstruction because their neck muscles are still developing. If their chin drops to their chest, the airway can become partially or fully restricted — a serious risk, especially when they're sleeping. That's why keeping baby upright, snug, and supported is crucial when using any upright carrier.
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Too High
It might seem counterintuitive, but too high can be risky — not because of position on your chest, but because of poor support. When a carrier holds your baby too loosely or lets their chin curl down toward their chest, it creates a hazard.
A baby’s head should not slump forward or rest face-down against your body. Instead, your carrier should hold their chest snugly against yours, keeping the spine gently curved and the head naturally tilted to the side or upright, with the chin well clear of the chest.
Checkpoints:
Baby’s nose and mouth are visible at all times
Chin is lifted, with at least a finger’s width under it
Baby is supported close to your body with no slumping
Fabric does not cover baby’s face
Safe & Supported
When your baby is positioned correctly, everything just feels right. Their body is upright, snug, and well-supported with no gaps between you and them. Their weight is evenly distributed, and their breathing is relaxed and unimpeded.
This is the ideal position — safe for baby and comfortable for you. In this posture, your baby’s back is gently rounded (especially in the newborn stage), and they are high enough for you to easily kiss the top of their head.
The "Safe & Supported" Checklist:
Baby is upright and tight enough to feel secure
Baby's head is close enough to kiss
Their airway is clear, and face is visible
Baby’s back is supported with fabric up to the base of their neck
There is no slumping, no curling, and no hidden face
Too Low
A baby sitting too low in a carrier can end up with a curved, collapsed posture, where the chin sinks into the chest and the airway becomes compromised. It can also strain your own back and shoulders as you compensate for the weight being lower than ideal.
Too-low positioning is common when the carrier’s waistband is worn on the hips rather than the natural waist. This doesn’t just affect comfort — it makes it harder to tighten the carrier properly, leading to sagging and slumping.
How to Fix It:
Start with the waistband at or above your belly button
Pull baby’s bottom into the seat of the carrier
Support baby’s weight as you tighten the shoulder straps
Bring baby’s body snugly against yours — no loose gaps
A Note on Sleep
Babies often fall asleep in carriers. This is lovely — and safe — if the positioning is correct. Always check that baby stays upright and supported as they doze. If their head flops to the side or forward, it’s time to readjust.
Older Babies and Toddlers
Around 9 to 10 months of age, many babies begin to demonstrate age-appropriate shoulder rotation and upper body mobility that allows them to safely pull their arms out of the carrier. This is a common and developmentally normal stage — often coinciding with crawling, pulling to stand, and other signs of increased strength and control through the shoulders, torso, and neck.
For these older, more mobile babies, having their arms out of the panel can be perfectly safe and supportive — as long as the carrier still holds them snugly through the torso and maintains a seated, knee-to-knee position. Unlike younger infants, whose lack of tone and head control requires full upper body support, older babies are able to shift and explore while still being well-supported in the carrier. If the child is upright, airway is clear, and spine and pelvis remain in alignment, arms-out carrying is a safe and often preferred option for active little ones.
Final Thoughts
A well-fitted soft-structured carrier keeps your baby secure, comfortable, and supported — and gives you peace of mind to move through your day with confidence. When in doubt, remember the T.I.C.K.S. rules, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our babywearing educators can assist you with fitting, adjusting, and building confidence in your carrier.
Want to try out different styles or get a fit check in person? Come along to one of our community events or babywearing meets — we’d love to help.
