Babies love and need close contact, and infant carriers are ideal for nestling them against their parents. Most injuries that happen with these carriers are from falls. The two types of carriers are soft, pouch-like ones for young babies, and structured frame carriers for older babies. What to look for: The carrier should have straps that prevent your baby from falling or crawling out. Look for firm, padded head support. Find one that fits your baby's size and weight, and make sure that the carrier is deep enough to support the back and that the leg openings are small enough to prevent your baby from slipping out. Check for ease of use. Some of the soft wrap styles are hard to put on because of numerous straps. A framed carrier should have a kickstand that locks in the open position. The folding mechanism should be free of pinch points that could catch your baby's fingers. Look for padding on the metal frame around the infant's face. Try the pack on for comfort, both with the baby in it and without. Ideally, the fabric should be durable with strong stitching or large heavy fasteners to prevent slippage. Pockets or zippered compartments are handy for storing frequently needed items. SAFETY NOTES: Never use a framed carrier before your infant is 4 to 5 months old, and don't use it as an infant seat. It can tip over without warning. Use restraining straps at all times if your carrier has them. If you need to lean over, bend from the knees rather than the waist to prevent the baby from falling out of the carrier. Check the carrier periodically to look for loose fasteners or ripped seams. Back to Articles Related Articles Pregnancy & Newborn Center Advice and information for expectant and new parents. Read More A Guide for First-Time Parents If you're a first-time parent, put your fears aside and get the basics in this guide about burping, bathing, bonding, and other baby-care concerns. Read More Choosing Safe Baby Products Choosing baby products can be confusing, but one consideration must never be compromised: your little one's safety. Read More Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under. Read More Choosing Safe Toys Toys are a fun and important part of any child's development. And there's plenty you can do to make sure all toys are safe. Read More Bringing Your Baby Home Whether your baby comes home from the hospital right away, arrives later, or comes through an adoption agency, homecoming is a major event. Read More Household Safety Checklists Young kids love to explore their homes, but are unaware of the potential dangers. Learn how to protect them with our handy household safety checklists. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.