WO2011071441A1

WO2011071441A1 - Child carrying device

Info

Publication number: WO2011071441A1
Application number: PCT/SE2010/051336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Jansson Kragh
Original assignee: BABY VIKING AB
Current assignee: BABY VIKING AB
Priority date: 2009-12-07
Filing date: 2010-12-03
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2012-06-07

Abstract

The invention relates to an ergonomic and safe baby carrier device with baby sitter function and positioning function for ergonomic breast feeding, consisting of detachable adjustable children's unit (2), which embraces the child (1), equipped with head protection / stiffener device (5) to protect the child's head, neck and back and transfer the child weight to his pillow / power splitter (13) and stabilize the child's back and neck / head, fold-out support legs / supporting elements (12), an adjustable upper part (3), a baby unit (2) that embraces, supports and balances the baby and lower harness (4) carrying the bulk of the child's weight.

Description

CHILD CARRYING DEVICE

The invention relates to an ergonomic and safe baby carrier with a variety of carrying positions both on the front of the wearer (fig. 8 +41 +42) and the back of the wearer (Fig.43 +44), with possibility to be put down as a baby sitter, breast feeding function (fig.41), consisting of adjustable disconnectable children's unit (2), which embraces the child (1), equipped with head protection / stiffening element (5) to protect the child's head, neck and back and transfer the child's weight to the load- relieving device (13) and stabilizes the child's back and neck / head , fold-out support (12), an adjustable upper part (3) baby carrier that balances the children section (2) and lower waist part (4) carrying the main part of the child's weight. Baby unit embraces the child with a front piece (29) and back (30) with the embracing member (28). Child's weight (Fl) is transferred on to the wearer's lower back, stomach and hips by the child's weight is taken up by load-relieving device (13) which transfers the child's weight (Fl) to the lower waist part (4) that transfers and distributes the force (F2) around wearer's stomach, lower back, hips and lower back, thus relieving neck back and shoulders, since the upper part (3) burdens only with forces (F3) which is required to balance the child upon the load-relieving device (13). Baby unit (2) is connected to the upper part (3) with buckles (7) that allows decoupling between the baby unit

(2) and upper part (3), baby unit (2) is also connected to the lower waist part (4) and load-relieving device

(13) with buckle (21) . Both the upper part (3) lower waist part (4) is controllable with adjustable fittings (7, 9, 22) that allows the bearer to adapt the upper part

(3) and lower waist part (4) to the wearer's body and preferred carrying position. The adjustable buckles makes it possible to use the carrier as a child seat, by threading the upper and lower part (3 & 4) around the back of a chair and then lock the child device.

Furthermore, the baby carrier is equipped with foldable support elements (12) that the baby unit (2), to function as a babysitter when being put down.

Technical Area Today the baby carrier is a natural part of

parenthood, and enables the child and parent to be near each other, while the parents do not have to carry the baby in her arms and the child may feel a parent's warmth, closeness, smell and become involved / present in the parent's duties and follow with the parent and get impressions on a completely different way than if the child would be sitting in a stroller.

The present invention relates to a new type of baby carrier, including several new features and conceptual approaches that provides both protection, increased security and improved ergonomics for the child, while the ergonomics of the wearer is improved substantially by the unloading of the wearer's shoulders, neck and back, at the same time as it is possible with several carrying positions and also possible to use the carrier as baby sitter, high chair, breastfeeding support, evacuation harness etc ..

There are a number of different principles for the carrying of children:

1st Backpack inspired baby/child carrier -usually with stiff frame (see Fig.l)

2nd Sling (see Figure 3)

3rd Baby Carrier (see Fig 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7) The various principles have different advantages and disadvantages, and are limited on functionality,

ergonomics and safety.

Backpack inspired baby/child carrier (Fig. 1) is the only frog that provides reasonable relief to the wearer's back, but it is relatively bulky, heavy, nonflexible, impossible to pack in a small bag and you can just carry the baby on her back. At the same time it gives little intimacy between carriers and children and it is

completely excluded at the first few months before the child's neck muscles are developed.

Slings (Fig. 3) gives a good sense of intimacy between carriers and children, but wight is on to the shoulders, neck and back of the wearer, and if it's hot, it becomes difficult to make it airy for the child that could overheat. Slings requires that the user is not foreign to the knots and the like, to be used safely. Flexibility is relatively good with the opportunity to carry the baby on the front of, on the back and side of the wearer.

Carriers (Fig. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7) is easier to use when it has clear instructions and if they are properly

constructed can only be put together in a way and give different degrees of flexibility.

BabyBjorn's baby carrier (Fig. 4 and 5) pat. SE 528 184 C2 is limited to carry the baby on his stomach with the baby either facing or the wearer. Baby Bjorn baby carrier adds 50-100% of the weight on your back and shoulders, and between 20 and 100% of the weight ports in effect on the wearer's shoulders, which pretty quickly becomes tiring when you carry children weighing a few kilograms, or if the wearer is not big, strong and physically fit. Figure 2 shows another baby carrier (WO 2007/000762 A2) which is well suited to carry the baby on her back facing the wearer. The baby bearer carry 100% of the child's weight on the your back and shoulders, with an even higher share of the load on shoulders.

Figure 6 shows an example of a carrying device with no headrest for the child, which requires that the child has good balance, strong neck and stays awake.

Fig 7 (DE 2006 019 290 Ul) shows a relatively innovative baby carrier from Cybex brand, enabling it to carry the baby lying, which is good because it allows one to carry the baby without burdening the child's neck and spine. This harness has in common with the other baby carriers that the child's weight to 60-100% end up on your back and shoulders with the possibility of some relief to the wearer's hips / waist, but still worn most often the largest part of the child's weight up with your

shoulders.

All the above types of carying methods and baby carriers have their role limited to that function as carrying device and provides no or minimal protection to the child if the wearer falls or someone opens a door in front of the wearer when carrying baby on front etc., which can be fatal to a child's fragile body, neck & spine and especially for its head before the fontanelle's have had time to grow together properly.

If a bearer, which carries the baby on her belly falls headlong forward, the risk of the child seriously injured is high with the current carrying devices, which provide no or minimal protection for the child's head and body which will be squeezed between the wearer and the ground.

Furthermore, the harness / carrying devices for the child to wear both front and back is not possible to carry the baby in laying position when breastfeeding and they lack adequate head support and protection for the head / body against external violence or accident cases. All previous devices lack actual efficient support for back / spine, which was the first time is very sensitive .

The possibility to move / carry / sit and breastfeed while carrying the baby in the baby carrier are also extremely limited.

Being able to breastfeed a child who is in a carrier without having to tension arms / neck and shoulders is a big relief for the mother's shoulders / neck and arms because the mother will not have to keep the child in "position" in order to breastfeed, which means that the mother involuntarily forced to tighten arms, shoulders and neck to keep the baby's head against his chest, something that can be very tiring and create substantial tension and pain especially in the neck and shoulders. While it is possible for the mother to do anything but sit still and nurse, providing a degree of freedom for the mother.

Another shortcoming of the current baby carriers, is the difficulty to remove a child that can be easily awaken from the wearer / carrier in order not to bring it in bed etc, which means much to the agony of both

children and parents, especially when the baby suffer from colic, which often means that parents have to carry around child until the child falls asleep. When the parent / carrier must release the child, the child notices even though it is asleep that the soothing the immediate vicinity of feeling that comes from the

pressure / contact / heat from the wearer is lost and the child wakes up accordingly. Moreover, it is relatively difficult to make a completely safe way detach the child from the carrier without waking it: On Baby Bjorn sling the neck support function disappears in the moment we begin to disconnect the child from the wearer, which means that it is both difficult and challenging to support the child's neck / head while you should

disconnect buckles / hardware and keep up the child, something that requires three hands or a spare space / table that you can lean over while disconnecting the child, which is not very beneficial for the wearer's back, in particular a new mother, whose abdomnial support is substantially reduced as an effect of the abdominal muscles being stretched in the immediate period after birth, which means that the wearer's back muscles and spine get loaded significantly more.

This fact has hitherto been overlooked by those who designed / constructed child carriers, with the result that many parents get a bad back by carrying, handling and breastfeeding their children.

Furthermore, no current baby carriers, baby slings and infant carriers are designed so you safely can put down the child if it falls asleep.

Featured Baby Carriers / carrying methods are also in a very limited compatible for use with conventional chairs high chairs, which means a constant search of high baby chairs at cafes and restaurants.

Technical Background On the basis of increased demands and needs for safety, ergonomics, flexibility, feature requests that

breastfeeding ergonomy and baby sitter, colic experience and the needs of the child and parents in active

parenting with new demands on a combination of safety, ergonomics and flexibility, a new concept for the baby has emerged, which results in a baby carrier with superior safety, superior flexibility, superior

ergonomics and superior ease of use with new features that facilitates ease for active parenting, protects the wearer's back / neck and increase the level of child ergonomics and safety.

The present invention relates to a new baby carrier, including several new features and conceptual approach that provides both protection against external violence and accidental falls, increased user safety,

significantly increasing flexibility, ergonomics for children as well as a carrier, by unloading of the wearer's shoulders, neck and back, while it is possible to carry the baby in a variety of angles and carrying positions, and the same for both standing and sitting without arms or shoulders burdened with the babys weight at the same time as it is also possible to use the carrier as baby sitter, high chair, evacuation harness etc.. The invention also includes the ability to

eliminate that, when traveling with the child unbelted or belted inadequate due to that there is no babyseat available, through the child unit is to strap in the car or airline seat belt and through the carrier unit can ensure that the child is fixed in position and protection spares / relieve the child's neck at accidents.

Brief description of drawings The present invention will hereinafter be described in detail in various embodiments in reference to the

attached drawings, which are exemplified view showing preferred embodiments of the invention. The invention is limited but not to the drawings in the exemplified embodiments, but can be performed by an expert in several combinations of the different variants in accordance with patent claims.

Fig 8 +9 shows overview images with complete harness with baby unit (2) and bearing device consisting of an upper part (3) and lower waist part (4) where the child (1) is worn on the wearer's belly with baby (1) in an upright position facing the wearer's face where one can see how the child's weight (Fl) is transferred to lower waist part (4) (F2) by a relieving device (13) that is equipped with adjustable buckle (19, Figll), the child is resting on top of the relieving device (13), and the wearer upper part (3) ensures that the child is in balanced (F3) through the buckles (7) . One can also see how the upper-front straps (15) that goes over the shoulders of a wearer is used to regulate the height position of the upper part (3) . These drawings also show the the protection/ stiffening unit (5), who supports up the baby unit (2) and holds it in place by springs (40), which ensures that the harness that embraces the child, may give the child the Charter, through the transverse adjustable embrace of the belt (28, Figl8) and the adjustable front portion (29, Figl8), which connects to the back cover (30, Fig 20) through the shoulder straps (25, Figl8) with shoulder straps (26, Figl8), as

illustrated in Figure 19A-C. Protection / stiffening unit (5) is a a protecting and stiffening unit as described in the requirements. The front piece with shoulder straps, the embrace and protection / stiffening unit ensures that the child stability and upright despite no force from the aupper part carries the weight of the baby, allowing it to not burden the wearer's shoulders, neck and upper back due to the force transfer of the babys weight from stiffening unit through load relieving device (13) to the lower waist part (4), while the child gets a good support and stability.

Figure 10 shows baby carrier members (3 +4) showing upper part (3) (16) and adjustment fittings (8), which together with the of straps (17) regulates the angle (see Fig40A- C) , the child has in relation to the wearer, through the buckles (7) . Figure 11 shows schematically how the child's weight (Fl) is transferred to the wearer's hips (F2) via an

adjustable strap (18) and buckle (22) passing through the load-relieving device (13), which is equipped with an adjustable strap (21), which stuck in load relieving device (13) with tension strap (19) through which the baby unit (2) is held in place by the load-relieving unit (13) .

Fig.12 shows the carrier with the upper part on the front: the upper part (3) , which regulates the height mode (15) on the buckles (7) and angle (14) on the child.

Fig.13 shows the front of upper part: how the upper back straps (16) connects to the upper adjustment straps (15) and connects to straps with fittings (8) that allows easy control by pulling the loose ends (17 ) .

Fig 14 shows a carrier with upper parts back (23) , from behind.

Fig.15 shows upper parts front pieces (24) and back (23) when they stay together, from behind.

Figure 16 shows upper parts front (24), from the front. Figure 17 shows upper parts back (23) , from behind.

Figure 18 shows how the baby unit (2) is constructed with embracing member (28) which with the back piece (30) embraces the child (see Figl9A-B) and buckles (27) that connects to the upper parts (3) buckles (7) . It is further shown how the shoulder straps (25) who is stuck in the back piece (30) with buckles (26) connects the front piece (29) The upper part of the back cover (see Figure 19c) .

Fig 19A-C shows how the baby unit (2) embraces the child transversely (Fig.l9A) and lengthwise (Figl9B) .

Fig.20 children's unit (2) inside with embracing member (28) Velcro (31) that grips the outside of the back cover (see fig21, 21) and length adjustment advice (32), which will facilitate the proper adjustment of the harness to the child.

Figure 21 shows the outside of the baby unit, at its shortest (adapted for small babies) with pocket (33) for stiffening unit (5) and elastic straps (200), which is to hold down the stiffening unit and keep the tension on the fabric in the back piece (30) to embrace the function to provide stability to the child's spine and so that the shoulder straps (25, fig. 18) can hold up the baby and embrace it in a stabilizing manner . Furthermore, visible Velcro (21), which is gripping Velcro (31) on the inside where it overlaps and buckle (21) that connects to the buckle to the wearer's load-relieving device (13).

Furthermore, visible were the buckles (27), which keeps baby unit (2) in the right position relative to the wearer, are attached with straps.

Figure 22 shows the same view as Figure 21, except that the baby unit here is adjusted to its maximum length. This lets you see the adjustment means (34), which together with the regulating system (35, Fig24) makes it possible to continuously vary the length of children to fit children of different lengths.

Fig 23A and B shows baby unit adjusted in its longest position .

Figure 24 shows how to proceed when it regulates the length of the child part by shifting the child unit front piece (28) relative back piece (30) using rules strap (34) running through regulating the north again (35) who is stuck in the back piece(30), note the adjustment-belt (34) ends are sewn in the front (28), eliminating the child to "fall through" the scenario.

Figure 25 shows the length regulation correlates with the length adjustment instructions. Figure 26 shows the head stiffening unit (5) inserted in a version of the back piece (30) with multiple pockets (33) .

Figure 27 shows the protection / stiffening unit which provides rigidity, plugs into the back piece (30) .

Figure 28 shows how the springs (200) are holding the stiffening unit in place so the fabric around the

stiffening unit can transmit forces into the load- relieving device.

Fig 29 shows a round configuration of the load-relieving device (13) and the range control strap (18) goes through load-relieving device. It also shows how the buckle (21) that secure the baby unit (2) on the wearer's lower waist part through the load-relieving device and is attached with an adjustable strap.

Figure 30 shows the load-relieving device can be used to store paper towels (36) or the like, which is good to have on hand when dealing with children.

Fig 31 shows a more classic version of lower waist part (38), which is more reminiscent of a lap belt for the backpacks, which tension the belt (18) for the range control can be placed on the side and buckle (21) for connection to the child element will be more on top.

In Figure 32-34 you can see how relief cushion is used to keep the legs (37) that can be attached to the children section and make it possible to put down the children's section with a child when the child is resting or sleeping .

In Fig 35 shows how the wearer first connecting strap (21) between lower waist part and baby unit when they when attaching baby unit.

In Figure 36, one sees an enlargement of lower waist part and load-relieving device (13) with an adjustable buckle (22), adjustable strap (18), connecting buckle (21) and llower waist part (4) that goes around wearer. In Figure 37-39 shows how the second step to take on the child works: This is already connecting the buckle (21) secured and maintains children's section, so that the child's weight lands on the wearer's hips through load- relieving device (13), making it is easy to keep baby unit in place with one hand (39) while connecting the baby unit top buckles (27) with upper part buckles (7) . Fig 40A-C shows how to regulate the child's angle

relative the wearer by stretching or releasing the rules straps (17). This is an essential feature that allows it to alternate between full body contact and to vent between the carriers and children on a hot summer day, and to enable eye contact with the child without the child must look straight up.

Figure 41 shows how to carry the baby lying in the nursing position, which allows for ergonomic

breastfeeding for the mother but also a set of pillows in a chair and that also allows it to carry the baby lying in order to relieve the child's spine - which can be quite substantial with Given that children should not be carried erect any length of time during the early period. You can see in the picture how the head section put the load on the load-relieving device (13) and the flexing of the entire strap so the child's back is not bent

backwards.

Figure 42 shows how to wear baby facing forward on the wearer's stomach with gutted back piece (30) and how to have weight down the back top flap (23), and how the child is placed on load-relieving device (13) that transfers baby's weight on the wearer's hips and holding the baby unit with the adjustable buckle (21) .

Figure 43 shows how to wear the baby on her back facing the wearer, the head part in the picture you can also see how load-relieving device bearing small "stirrups" (41) who is stuck in load-relieving device via strings or rubber bands (42) . These "stirrups" allows both the incentive for the child's leg muscles and coordination and also a certain relief for baby's bottom when the child is placed.

Figure 44 shows the carrier the baby on their backs with their faces turned away from the wearer and with head protective part of the child part.

Figure 45 shows that you can - if you want to remove or insert the head portion of the child component when you carry the baby (this is recommended only in emergencies) . Figure 46 shows the head portion (5) in its first version is equipped with retractable legs (12) allowing it to set down the child portion of the land (43) so that it acts as a "babysitter".

Figure 47A shows the stiffening unit (5) with recessed legs (12) and reflector (201) on the legs.

Figure 47b shows the head part with the legs unfolded and how they relate to a flat surface (43) when setting down baby section (2) precipitated with support elements (12) on the ground (43 see Fig 46) .

Figure 48 shows the head protection / stiffening unit (5) and how it has a double curvature in the upper part where it will be able to absorb shocks and protect the child's head and how it has a narrower part that plugs into the pocket (33) of the district's children back piece. The narrower portion should preferably be given a concave shape with some full tracking of the double curvature of the upper part to get the strength and stability, without having to use large amounts of material, but still able to give full protection for the back and neck as well as head.

Fig 49A and B see text Fig 48th

Fig 50A-D shows a variant of the invention where the legs are made in the form of fold-reinforced tabs (44), held in place with Velcro (46) and ties (45). Fig 51 A + B show yet another version with a folding tabs (44) .

Fig 52A and B show a further design of folding tabs (44) with stabilizing bands (45) that provides a supporting memebers.

Fig 53 shows a version with detachable legs and placed at the head portion so that you can ask sling.

Fig 54 shows a second variant of the folding support (12) which is attached to the head portion.

Figure 55b shows a third version of support elements ( 12), which is attached to the head portion.

Fig 56A and B shows a version where the head portion has been provided with transverse bands (48, 49) which is attached to the ends (50) of head protection district's upper portion.

Figure 57 shows how the power (F10) would be allocated (F10 / 2) and headed past the child's head (100) if the wearer falls forward over heels, so that the head portion strikes the ground with the carrier on top and lead the force into the carrier (101) and eliminating that the child is crushed under the wearer's falling body.

Fig 58 +59 shows two designs that protect as in Fig.57 on display principle, with a larger footprint (50) which protects the wearer to some extent in one case.

Figure 60A shows how the transverse strap (or rope tube, can be an integral part of the wearer's upper bar area (48, 49).

Figure 61 shows the padding (47) at the head of is thicker and have 2 different densities (one soft for comfort and weight distribution for the child's head and one adapted to energy-absorbing at the event or

accident) . Comfort padding can be integrated into the fabric and the energy absorbing device can be affixed to the main protective element, so that the child unit back plate can be held smoothly as foldable (according to Fig.42) and have good breathability .

Fig 62A and B shows stiffening and protecting element (51), adapted to capture the appropriate energy from carriers, mounted with the wider surfaces (50) to raise and allocate appropriate energy.

Fig.63 shows how the carrier with the children's section can be used as emergency baby seat when traveling by car when there are no child seats available (it should be noted that proper car seat gives a much better

protection) upper part (3) is placed around the car seat backrest (60) and the same has been done with just rounded ends (4) . The child sits on load-relieving device (13) which is secured to the kids section and the car's seat belt goes behind the head part.

Fig 64, 65A and 65B shows how the carrier in order to act as chair at such restaurant visits, by clamping the waist part (4) and upper part (3) around the back of the chair and then attach the child unit. Relief device (13) causes the child to comes up a bit higher, which is desirable.

Claims

A baby carrier comprising an upper part (3) for

arranging the baby carrier on the shoulders of a user, a lower waist part (4) and a baby unit (2) which is attached to the baby carrier at least at the lower waist part, said baby unit (2) having a back piece (30) with a head portion and a back portion for supporting the baby' s head and back, characterised in that the baby unit (2) comprises a stiffening element (5) which extends from the head portion of the baby unit (2) along the back portion to said lower waist part (4) so that the baby' s head, neck and back are protected and the baby' s weight is transferred to said lower waist part (4 ) .

A baby carrier according to claim 1, wherein said baby unit (2) is disconnectable from said upper part (3) and/or lower waist part (4).

A baby carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waist part (4) comprises a load- relieving device (13), at which the baby unit (2) is disposed, which transfers the baby's weight from the baby unit (2) to the waist part (4).

A baby carrier according to one or more of the

preceding claims, wherein said upper part (3) comprises adjustable fittings (9) for adjusting the baby's angle and position relative to the person carrying the baby.

A baby carrier according to one or more of the

preceding claims, wherein the stiffening unit (5) is inserted in one or more pockets (33) in said back piece (30) .

A baby carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baby unit (2) comprises a buckle (21) for attaching the baby unit (2) to the lower waist part ( 4 ) .

7. A baby carrier according to claim 3, or claim 4 or 5 in combination with claim 3, wherein said load-relieving device (13) comprises a buckle (21) which connects the baby unit (2) to the lower waist part (4), via a matching buckle (21) on the baby unit (2), which is disposed directly at the lower end of the stiffening unit (5) .

A baby carrier according to one or more of the

preceding claims, wherein the upper portion of the stiffening unit (5) has a curved surface or a double curvature surface and wherein the stiffening unit (5) tapers at its lower end to allow for variations in the curvature of the baby's back as a result of the baby's various stages.

A A baby carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baby unit (2) comprises a support element (12) enabling the baby unit (2) to be put down

10. A baby carrier according to claim 9, wherein the

support element (12) for putting the baby unit (2) down is unfoldable (12) or attachable (37) to the baby unit.

11. A baby carrier according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the support element (12) is arranged on the stiffening unit (5) .

2. A baby carrier according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the baby unit (2) comprises two support

elements so that the baby unit (2) makes contact with the ground (43) in three places when the support elements (12) are in their unfolded position.

3. A baby carrier according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein the support elements are supporting legs.

4. A baby carrier according to one or more of the

preceding claims, wherein elastic ribbons are disposed from the head portion of the baby unit (2) down towards the back portion on the side that faces away from the baby for the purpose of keeping the stiffening unit (5) in place and ensuring that the back piece (30) of the baby unit (2) is maintained in a stretched and stable position by means of the stiffening unit (5) .

15. A baby carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baby unit (2) is provided with two upper buckles (27) adapted to be attached to said uppei part ( 3) .

A baby carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said baby unit (2) comprises said back piece (30), a front piece (29) and an embracing member (28) for embracing the baby in the baby unit.

17. A baby carrier according to claim 16, wherein said front piece (29) and said back piece (30) are mutually adjustable in the longitudinal direction by means of a strap which is sewn onto the front piece (29) and which extends through an adjusting means (35) sewn onto the back piece (30) by means of which the length of the baby unit (2) is adjustable to match the length of the baby.

18. A baby carrier according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the back piece (30) of the baby carrier is provided with said embracing member (28) and shoulder straps (25) with buckles (26) , and wherein said front piece (29) is provided with two buckles (26) which are connectable to said matching buckles (26) on said shoulder strap (25) , which results in a baby unit that embraces and stabilises the baby's spine.

19. A baby carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baby unit (2) comprises buckles (27) which are arranged on the back piece (30) of the baby unit and the upper part (3) comprises matching buckles (7) for connecting the baby unit (2) to the upper part (3), the buckles of the baby unit being arranged so as to be located underneath the baby' s arms.

20. A baby carrier according to one or more of the

preceding claims, wherein the baby carrier comprises stirrups (41) which are fastened by means of elastic ribbons or strings (42) .

21. A baby carrier according to one or more of the

preceding claims, wherein shock-absorbing material (47) is applied to the inside of the stiffening unit (5) .

22. A baby carrier according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 7, wherein the baby carrier has a breast-feeding function since the buckle (21) that is attached to the load-relieving device (13) is an adjustable buckle, which is adjustable by means of a strap (22) attached to said load-relieving device

A baby carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening unit (5) is removable from said back piece (30) of the baby unit (2) .

A baby carrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the upper part of the back piece (30) of the baby unit (2) is turnable downwards when the stiffening unit (5) has been removed .