Baby Carriers 101
Sorting Through the Baby Carrier Options
by The Cradle Staff
aby slings, wraps, and backpacks are as varied as the parents who use them. With so many styles on the market, it is difficult to know which one is right for you.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:
The following questions might help you narrow the field:
Do you prefer two shoulder straps or a single shoulder sling?
Two shoulder straps will more evenly distribute your baby’s weight, but will offer you less mobility and range of motion. If you have back or hip problems, you may prefer the balance of a wrap or backpack style carrier. Otherwise, you might enjoy the versatility of a single shoulder sling.
Are you looking to hold an infant or an older child?
Slings or wraps can be used with newborns, but some can become restrictive as the child gets older. On the other hand, many backpack styles cannot be used until the baby can hold his head up on his own.
Will both parents be using the carrier?
Some styles are flexible for different sized people while others need to be fitted exactly for one person.
Do you prefer a padded or unpadded carrier?
While the padded styles can be comfortable for both wearer and baby, they are more difficult to fold away and store. Unpadded carriers and slings can be easily tucked away in diaper bags or suitcases, but may not be as comfortable for baby (or you) for long periods of time.
Does carrier versatility matter to you?
Some carriers can only carry baby facing in while others can hold baby facing in or out. Some slings are versatile enough to carry baby at your chest during the newborn stage, in a sling-like position when your infant is a bit older, and at the hip or on the back for toddlers.
How long will you want to use this carrier?
Some styles can be used from the newborn to toddler years while others become more restrictive to older children.
How much are you looking to spend?
Costs vary from $20 to over $100. You might not need the top of the line carrier if you’re only planning on using it once in a while. On the other hand, a cheap carrier may not hold up on long, daily walks.
Now that you’ve thought about what your needs are in a baby carrier, here are descriptions of some of the most popular styles:
SLINGS
FRONT-PACK CARRIERS
WRAPS
ASIAN-STYLE CARRIERS
BACKPACKS
SLINGS
Slings come in many styles. Fabrics range from cotton to woven to silk or cashmere.
Basic Slings
The basic sling wraps over one shoulder and holds baby “hammock style” on your front. As baby grows, you can hold baby in the sling on your hip with his legs hanging out. These wraps hold babies weighing up to 35 pounds and come in a variety of fabrics.
Ring Slings
Rings slings are long pieces of fabric that adjust through rings at the shoulder. There is a long flap of material included to protect baby from the sun or cover yourself as you breastfeed.
Upside: More versatile than basic slings and can be worn on the front, back or hip. Plus, they adjust in size as baby grows and can be worn by many caregivers. Ring slings come in both padded and unpadded styles and a variety of fabrics.
Padded Slings
As the name implies, the main difference with these slings is that they're padded.
Downside: Hotter to wear, bulkier, quick storage in a diaper bag isn’t easy. Plus, it might take some time to learn how to put it on.
FRONT-PACK CARRIERS
The ubiquitous Baby Björn exemplifies these carriers.
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Upside: Front-pack carriers are easy to use, have generous-sized padded straps, and adjust to almost every size and shape (so both mom and dad can use it). Baby can face forward or backward, and the carrier holds newborns as well as babies up to 25 pounds.
WRAPS
Wraps come in a variety of styles and fabrics with different tying methods. Each wrap is basically a long, wide piece of fabric that you can either:
1) Pre-tie and then slip in your baby.
2) Hold your baby close to you and then tie the wrap around the both of you.
Upside: Some studies show that wraps are the best carrier for support of the spine and hips and most users agree that they are the most comfortable carriers they’ve used. Since wraps can be tied in many different ways, they are adjustable for several caregivers and baby is comfortable from newborn to 4 years old. Plus, since they are just fabric, they can be stored easily in a diaper bag or suitcase.
ASIAN-STYLE CARRIERS
These carriers are made from a rectangle of fabric with long straps attached to each corner. You tie the straps around your waist, set baby in the fabric rectangle, then tie the upper straps over your shoulders and back under the baby.
Upside: Asian-style carriers are similar to backpack carriers, but less structured and can be used in a variety of ways. They are versatile in that they can be worn on the front, back or on the hip. They also come in a variety of fabrics and in padded or unpadded versions.
BACKPACK CARRIERS
These carriers are structured with metal frames, padded straps, sun/rain roofs, padded seats for baby, and plenty of pockets for storage.
Upside: Active parents love these for hiking, walking, shopping or for a long day at an amusement park. Most claim they can be used for newborns and babies up to 4 years old, but many require an extra insert for newborns. The majority of backpack carriers are for your back only, but some convert to front or hip carriers.
The best way to choose a baby carrier is to try on several types – with your baby, if possible.
Check your local retailers – some places, like The Pump Station in Santa Monica and Hollywood, California, offer sling clinics to help you master your carrier!
And remember – the right baby carrier will give you the flexibility to be on the move while keeping your baby close to you.
Visit Browse & Shop for the baby carriers listed above and more.
