How Long Is It Okay For My Baby To Be In A Carrier?
“Baby #2 spends so much time in carriers for naps, soothing, and outings. How much is too much?”
ANSWER- I get it, it’s not easy! my best advice is to know that is just life sometimes. I would try to maximize floor play as much as you possibly can when you’re home and relaxing!
Carriers can be a nice way to get babies used to pressure on their belly & change the pressure on their skull, but I wouldn’t “count it" as actually tummy time on the floor, if that makes sense. Mostly because they’re working similar muscles to lift their head off your chest and look around or turn, but it is a much smaller range of motion against gravity and not using much in terms of back muscles (because the carrier supports their back).
Want more?
For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.
Was this helpful? Save it for later!
KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.
