Carrying is a solution greatly appreciated by many parents for its practical side and its soothing benefits for the baby. But one question often comes up: can we let a baby sleep in a baby carrier?
Between safety concerns, wearer comfort, and respect for the physiological needs of the baby, let's take stock of the advantages, safety criteria, and limits of naps while carrying .
The benefits of carrying your baby to sleep
Babywearing is known to have soothing properties on your baby. Your baby's position in the physiological baby carrier , your body heat and the regular movements you make remind him of the environment he knew in your womb.
Research shows that this familiar sensation is particularly reassuring for babies, helps reduce stress and crying, and even promotes falling asleep .
Just like during his stay in your womb, carrying allows your baby to stabilize certain essential functions, such as his body temperature, his heart rate or even his breathing .
Moreover, the practice of carrying is particularly recommended for babies with specific needs, such as premature babies.
Snuggled up warm in your arms, soothed and calmed by the natural rocking produced by your movements, your baby will find it easier to fall asleep while being carried than alone in his bed. The baby carrier is generally your little one's favorite place to take naps!
Babywearing is also known to facilitate breastfeeding , which often follows or precedes a nap. We tell you more in our article dedicated to breastfeeding in a baby carrier .
Safety criteria for sleeping in a baby carrier
There are still some safety rules to follow to let a baby fall asleep in a baby carrier without worry. Here are the essential points to check:
- Correct physiological position: Your baby should be sitting in an "M" position: knees slightly higher than the hips, and the back rounded into a "C". This posture supports the development of the hips and spine.
- Clear airway: Your baby's chin should always be kept away from his chest to avoid any risk of airway obstruction. So, make sure to keep his head and neck aligned. It is also advisable for the baby to have his head to the side to ensure that his airway is clear.
- Choosing the right baby carrier: The choice of baby carrier should be made according to the age and weight of the baby and your needs. These recommendations are essential for the safety and comfort of the baby. You can find them on the brand's website.
- Constant supervision: Your baby should never be left unattended while sleeping in a baby carrier.
Which baby carrier should I choose for my child’s naps?
From birth: putting an infant to sleep in a sling
The sling scarf is the recommended model for newborns. Usable from birth, it is suitable up to approximately 9 months . This carrying solution allows the baby to be in a physiological position that respects its development, health and comfort from the first days.
Ideal for everyday use, it is recommended not to wear them for more than a few hours. Indeed, baby slings put the weight of the baby on one shoulder, which may represent a slight discomfort for you after a while. Be careful with long naps, which can tire the wearer if he remains standing.
But it is quite possible that your baby will take a nap in it ! Lulled by your movements, he will fall asleep easily and you will have plenty of time to take care of your activities while monitoring your baby. Long live hands-free!
From two months: nap in Duo baby carrier
From 2 to 24 months, the Duo double-strap baby carriers are one of our bestsellers. These physiological baby carriers distribute the baby's weight evenly across both shoulders, allowing you to carry them for several hours without feeling any discomfort.
Just like the Slings, they are adapted to your baby's growth and will help him fall asleep easily. Thanks to its two crossed bands, the Duo helps your baby keep his back straight and keeps him in a physiological position, during his waking or sleeping phase.
Right against you, he will feel safe and you will be able to watch over him while you go about your business. Be careful, however, to regularly check that his airways are clear.
From 6 months: naps on the go with the Up&Go
The Up&Go is our onbuhimo baby carrier model designed for long family walks. To be used from around 6 months (when your baby can hold his head up by himself), it gradually adapts to the baby's growth thanks to its seat and adjustable straps.
Again, it's entirely possible for your baby to fall asleep in it. But there are a few things to be aware of.
If your baby is at risk of falling asleep, choose to carry him facing you rather than on his back. When the baby is facing you, you can monitor him and help him keep his head and back in a good position, even when he is sleeping.
On this model, it is recommended to take a break and put your baby down every two to three hours, both for their comfort and yours.
The comfort alternative: the skin-to-skin option
Skin-to-skin wraps are not baby carriers but they can also be used for baby to nap in.
Also called “kangaroo care,” skin-to-skin care has many benefits, especially for premature newborns. For very young babies, the closeness that skin-to-skin contact with mom or dad offers is very soothing: there is a good chance that your baby will fall asleep right next to you if you practice it!
When using a skin-to-skin headband , we recommend that you sit or lie on your back . Be careful not to fall asleep so that you can monitor your child during skin-to-skin. Your role is to ensure that their airways remain clear and that they do not slip, especially if the child falls asleep.
We remind you that this is not a carrying accessory and that it is not designed to carry the weight of the baby.
Practical tips for peaceful naps
It cannot be said enough, but a baby carrier must be adapted to the weight and age of your baby . It is important to adapt your carrying model to the age and weight of your child to be sure to find a model that perfectly supports their growth and offers them both comfort and safety.
Also, we recommend that you practice carrying at home before using the baby carrier outside or on the go . This allows you to test different positions and adjustments to gain confidence and know what works best for your baby and yourself.
If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to take advantage of our offer to consult our babywearing instructor for free. She will be able to help you see more clearly in setting up the baby carrier.
If you know your baby is at risk of falling asleep in the carrier, consider protecting him from the sun with a hat or light fabric.
Finally, pay attention to the signals your baby may send you to identify the right times for a nap.
The limits of babywearing naps
While baby carrier naps are your little one's favorite and can be very convenient for you, there are still some limitations.
Let's start with the question that every parent asks: should you wake a napping baby? If your baby has fallen asleep and you feel like undoing the baby carrier, you may be wondering.
If there is no particular reason to wake him up, the answer is rather no , especially for newborns who need a lot of sleep (unless otherwise indicated by the pediatrician). Once your baby has fallen asleep while being carried, it is better to finish the nap!
You should know that several short naps are beneficial for your child. The sleep cycle of a newborn is estimated at around 45/50 minutes. It is therefore better for your child to take several short naps than one long nap of several hours, especially in a baby carrier.
Indeed, it is important that your baby can differentiate between naps in the baby carrier and nights in the bed to dissociate naps and real nights of sleep . For this reason, it is more prudent to alternate naps between the bed and the baby carrier depending on the days and times of the day.
I t is important to consider your own comfort as a carrier . Certain positions or types of carriers can cause minor back or shoulder pain. Regular adjustments and breaks can help you avoid any source of discomfort.
Co-sleeping with a baby carrier: a practice to avoid
Leaving a baby sleeping in a baby carrier while you sleep is risky.
When carrying, it is important to regularly check the baby's position, but also to ensure that their airways are clear (we repeat this a lot in this article, but it is an essential point for safe carrying!).
While sleeping, you may move and put pressure on the baby's rib cage: this is strongly discouraged.
Carrying must remain an active practice where the carrier is vigilant at all times.
Naps in a baby carrier: yes, but with a few rules
Napping while carrying offers undeniable benefits , such as calming, physiological regulation, and closeness.
Please note that this also requires compliance with strict safety criteria and remaining attentive to the specific needs of each baby.
By combining naps in a baby carrier and sleeping on a suitable mattress, you can offer your child a balanced and secure environment to grow up peacefully.