The Ergonomic Evaluations of Three Front Baby Carriers: Mother’s Perspective

Abstract

This paper evaluates the physiological and psychophysical response of mothers carrying their own baby using three different front baby carriers. Eleven mothers (aged 28–37 years) with their own baby (weight: 9.18 ± 2.1 kg) participated in this study. Maximum right shoulder pressure was measured before walking. The electromyography (EMG) and skin temperature of the shoulder and abdomen area were measured during walking. Immediately after walking, the Borg’s rating scale of perceived exertion was used to collect discomfort ratings at various body parts. The results were similar in all response factors to our previous study, which used a convenient sample of women and dummy doll. However, with further comparison, mothers showed significantly lower EMG activities and all Borg’s scales, but higher temperatures apply in both shoulder and abdomen areas. In conclusion, Type A, B and C carrier performed similar in either mother or women, but in mothers the effect was smaller in most responses.