How much upright time is acceptable for a newborn?

Question

I have read many recommendations about not keeping newborns upright due to skeletal development to support the head.

However, I also have (and use) a papoose style carrier in the ErgoBaby (with infant insert).

My 3 week old enjoys being carried in this way, and will often sleep very well in the carrier (though we don't let her sleep upright longer than necessary).

Should I be concerned about her skeletal or brain development from being carried upright like this?

Answer 1

We do carry our baby at home at upright position, either on a carrier or directly held on our arms. My baby boy has almost 5 months old and he is developing as expected. Nothing wrong happened, I noticed that he started doing things before the expected age indeed, and I think it has to do with stimulation.

I noticed that he feels tired from being held on our arms after some time and also when he is lying on the bed or is on the car seat cocoon.

My position is that if done moderately it does no harm, and could even stimulate your baby.

I found this really interesting article that backs my position on this: strollers, baby carriers and infant stress

Answer 2

• 0-1 months: 18-20 hours
• 1-2 months: 16-18 hours
• 3-6 months: 14-16 hours
• 6-12 months: 12-14 hours
• 1-5 years: 10-12 hours
• 6-12 years: 9-10 hours