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Infant Carriers & Spinal Stress

Choosing the proper carrier for your child requires careful consideration. Certain carriers can cause stress to your infant's spine. While infant carriers offer you convenience, be sure not to sacrifice your baby's health by choosing the wrong type of carrier.

  1. Spondylolisthesis

    • Resulting from stress on the lower back, displacement of vertebra in relation to the ones below is called spondylolisthesis. While rare, this condition causes extreme pain for your baby when aggravated.

    Eskimos

    • Spondylolisthesis occurs in approximately 60 percent of Eskimos. While no scientific evidence exists, some speculate that papooses worn by Eskimo women may cause this condition in the baby as it grows.

    Carriers to Avoid

    • Any carrier that positions your baby upright with most of the support located in the crotch could cause spondylolisthesis. Putting so much stress on the spine can hinder proper spinal development.

    Safe Carriers

    • Sling carriers offer the most safety for your baby. By distributing the load, sling carriers keep stress off your baby's spine.

    Insisting on Upright

    • If you insist the baby must sit upright and see the world around him, choose a carrier that allows your baby to sit cross-legged. Allowing legs to hang freely signals an unsafe carrier.

    Things to Consider

    • Any carrier should provide support for your baby's neck. Remember, keeping your infant inclined or vertical relieves spinal stress.

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