Carrying your baby from birth is much more than a practical gesture. It’s a continuation of the bond created in utero, a support for the baby’s motor and emotional development, and a valuable aid in navigating the postpartum period.
However, not all carriers are created equal—and not all are suitable for a newborn’s specific needs.
So, how do you make the right choice?
In this article, we help clarify things by breaking down the key concepts that make the difference:
- 👉 Why the size of the carrier is crucial for the baby’s safety and comfort.
- 👉 What we mean by "body fitting" and why it’s essential in the early months.
- 👉 How carrying should (and must!) support the mother’s body without restricting it.
- 👉 And finally, what solutions Mama Hangs offers to meet all these challenges.
The newborn's tone: what you need to know to carry them properly from birth
At birth, the baby is soft, tiny… and very floppy! This is normal: their body is still a work in progress. It’s said to be hypotonic, meaning it lacks the muscle tone needed to control movements or stabilize posture. Think of it like a little rag doll.
This immaturity comes from both their nervous system, which is not fully operational yet (especially the myelin sheaths that transmit messages between the brain and muscles), and their muscles, which haven’t had the chance to work yet.
Little by little, all of this comes together: tone first appears along the spine — known as axial tone. Around 3 to 4 weeks, the baby starts organizing better along its axis, beginning to "gather." Then, tone spreads to the arms and legs. By 5-6 months, they can usually grab an object voluntarily.
When carrying a newborn, it’s essential to consider this lack of tone. The positioning in the carrier (or sling) should support the baby’s whole body, like a warm cocoon. That’s why adjustments must be precise: to match the newborn’s physiology while providing the safety and support they need.
Choosing a carrier for a newborn: the size issue
One might think that a carrier is like a piece of clothing: one size fits all ages. But in reality, it’s more subtle than that. And it’s essential for the baby’s safety and comfort.
Carrier too big = insufficient support
A carrier that’s too big for a newborn is like a hammock that’s too large: it floats, sags in the back, and the baby can slump inside. As a result, the baby’s little body isn’t well-supported, and their airways may not be properly cleared. Not ideal for a peaceful carry from the very first weeks.
Reducing the size: two very different approaches
To adjust a carrier for very small babies, several solutions exist. But not all of them are equal.
1. The reducer cushion: a makeshift solution
Some pre-formed baby carriers use a cushion or reducer to raise the baby inside the carrier. In theory, this lowers the backrest’s height. In reality, this doesn’t solve everything: if the baby is sitting higher, their back often gets squashed in a rigid backrest that doesn’t respect the natural curve of their spine. Their feet remain inside, often pushing against the fabric — triggering a pushing reflex. The result: the baby tries to straighten up, sometimes even trying to stand… which is not at all suited for their development.
And very quickly, around 3 or 4 months, the baby becomes too big for the reducer... but still too small to use the carrier without it. And you're stuck between two sizes.
2. Built-in adjustments: a real tailored solution
A more adjustable and suitable option is to offer adjustments directly on the carrier: the width and height of the backrest can be adapted to the baby’s actual size. This is what we prioritize at Mama Hangs — because these two parameters ensure a comfortable and physiological carry, closely following the child’s growth.
However, be careful: the maximum weight indicated on a carrier is not a guarantee of physiological support. It simply means that the fabric can support that weight, but it doesn’t guarantee proper support. A backrest that’s too wide or not adjustable in height will never be suitable for a newborn. On the other hand, a backrest that’s too short or not modular won’t last long. At Mama Hangs, we focus on creating solutions that combine physiological support with true adaptability — from birth and for as long as possible.
So, how do you choose the right carrier size?
Trust clear indicators based on your child’s age and size. At Mama Hangs, our models are designed to best meet each stage’s needs: a physiological support for the first months, followed by a support system for older babies in their explorations.
The art of connecting with your baby
When carrying a very young baby, it's not just about support or safety. It’s also about ‘body fitting’: that magical moment when the baby naturally settles against your chest, curled up right next to you, in a position that stabilizes and calms them.
This full contact allows the baby to completely relax their muscles. They don’t need to hold their head — it simply rests against your chest. This posture is crucial as long as their back and neck aren’t yet strong enough to support themselves, which typically happens when they can sit by themselves (around 6 to 8 months).
The right height is at kissing height
For this body fitting to happen naturally, you need to carry high. Really high. Generally, it's recommended that the baby's head is above the chest for women and at the collarbones for men.
A too-low carry? Then the baby’s face ends up "stuck" against ``` your chest, and it can be difficult to breathe properly.
Mama Hangs solutions to properly carry your newborn
At Mama Hangs, we’ve designed products that guarantee both safety and comfort for the baby, while respecting their development from birth and throughout their growth. Our baby carriers and slings respect the baby’s physiological position and adapt to their size for months, ensuring optimal ergonomics for both parents and babies.
Discover the products that allow you to start carrying your baby safely from birth, giving them the freedom to develop naturally in your arms.