Infant Carriers and Motor Development
Question
Our 6-month-old loves to be carried in one of those front infant/toddler carriers. He averages at least three hours a day in the carrier. Can this harm him in any way?
Dr. Greene's Answer
What a wonderful experience for both of you for him to be carried so close! I am delighted to hear of babies who get lots of time each day in carriers as long as they also get time each day down on their own where they struggle to sit, roll, and then move across the floor. This exercise is important for development. If he is getting this, then the treat of getting to be in the carrier with you when he wants to helps in bonding and development.
Enjoy the days ahead. As he starts to get more and more mobile all the time, standing will be the activity that captures his interest with delight.
Alan Greene MD
Our goal is to improve children's health by inspiring parents to become knowledgable partners who can work with their children's physicians in new and rich ways.