(HealthDay News) -- Baby carriers can be comforting for baby and keep your hands free. But you should take care to prevent carrier-related injuries, especially from falls.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions for infant carrier use:

• Framed carriers should only be used for babies who are at least 4 months or 5 months old. But don't use one as a car seat, since it can tip over unexpectedly.
• Make sure all restraining straps are properly fastened.
• When you want to lean over the carrier, bending your knees rather than bending at the waist will help prevent baby from falling from the carrier.
• Inspect the carrier frequently to check for loose fasteners or torn seams.