small baby is below weight limit for all carriers!

[luna_19]

I have an ergo with infant insert but the instructions say the lower weight limit is 7 lbs. I was trying to find something I can use in the meantime but all the wrap style carriers start at 8lbs. What is the problem with using a carrier with a small baby? Devyn weighed 5.5 lbs today, he loves sleeping on my chest so I think he would really love to be carried and it would help free up my hands to do things around the house plus it would be great for going out rather than lugging around a stroller everywhere!

 

[SophieV]

I used a stretchy wrap with my lo when she was just over 5 lbs. In some countries they use them in the NICUs for kangaroo care. I think that there is a legal requirement to put 7/8lbs as the minimum weight for carriers in some countries (the US?) so it doesn't necessarily mean they aren't suitable just make sure that you are following safety guidelines https://www.littlepossums.co.uk/information/TICKS.pdf. Hope this helps

 

[Rachel_C]

As above! I'd guess that manufacturers just don't want to take the risk of saying their product is suitable for a small baby and having some numpty take their baby off monitors or whatever and screw them up into a carrier and then try to sue the manufacturer! As long as your baby is healthy and you follow safe babywearing guidelines (google TICKS), your baby should be safe and happy If you're worried, perhaps see if there is a sling meet near you to go along to, or even take some pics and post in here. There are some real experts around.

 

[luna_19]

That makes sense that the companies are trying to protect themselves, I couldn't think of any other reason for the weight limit!

 

[readyORnot]

Mine was 5lb3½ at birth and I used a moby straight away with no issues at all. I agree that the weight limits are probably there for the protection of the companies from sue-happy parents.

 

[SarahBear]

My Baby Nest has a lower "limit" of zero pounds. But honestly, I would just wait a couple weeks and not bother getting another carrier. Babies that age grow so fast that you really don't have to wait all that long. Even if it is inconvenient, it's really no time in the grand scheme of things.

 

[misspriss]

Sleepy wrap (now Boba Wrap) said 2lbs+ and recommended for preemies, but I see no difference in a moby and a boba. I say stretchy is fine, just pay attention to safety guidelines.

I used the sleepy wrap with my preemie LO.

I now see the boba wrap says 7lbs, but the sleepy wrap (which was rebranded boba wrap) said 2+.

 

[PoppyPainting]

As pp, I used a boba wrap from birth. Lo was 5lb 6 born, and she loved being worn in it. the wrap says suitable for kangaroo care, so as long as lo is positioned safely I can't see there should be a problem...

 

[Tammyz25]

As pp's said - it is a legal thing. I have had a Baby K'tan for years and the original one I bought for my first lo said starting at 0 lbs. I bought a new one recently to have another color and it says 8+ lbs. As long as you follow the instructions and safety information for good positioning, you're fine

 

[luna_19]

He ended up growing so fast he is already over 8 lbs! We started using the ergo when he was around 6 lbs without any problems but I found that 1. we both get way too warm in the ergo and 2. I desperately needed something for wearing around the house since he doesn't want to be put down so I picked up a ring sling yesterday and so far it is working great