When you have a new baby, you’re going to be holding him or her a bunch. Once in a while, you will need to carry your child and use your hands at the same time. This could be a tricky task, but thankfully, baby carriers are here to the rescue!
There are plenty of things to keep in mind when figuring out which baby carrier is right for you. Here’s a quick guide for finding the perfect fit:
Types of baby carriers
Because there are so many different kinds of carriers out there, it can be incredibly difficult to figure out which is right for you. One holder may offer all the features you’re looking for, but if you don’t know which is which, it’s impossible to know for sure:
Slings
Sling baby carriers are long straps of fabric that go over one shoulder. These allow you to hold your baby on one side of your body. The shape and angle of slings make them perfect for breastfeeding mothers, as they keep the baby in place and provide some level of privacy. However, slings have to be fitted to the wearer, which means you can’t easily share them with other people in your baby’s life.
Wrap
A wrap baby carrier is a long, wide piece of fabric that you use to strap the baby to your body. Generally, these are worn over the shoulders with the little one in the front of your torso. Another advantage of the wrap is its versatility. There are a number of different ways you can configure this carrier, and it’s easy to adjust the tightness once it’s on. However, it usually takes awhile to feel comfortable while wearing this.
Mei Tai
This is like the wrap but with four bands that can be arranged in various ways across the body. Your baby can be held in front or back. These carriers are quite adjustable, which means they can easily be shared between parents and other caregivers.
Hard and soft backpacks
These provide lots of support and are great for parents with older children. The backpack style of these carriers means they’re super easy to use. However, you do miss out on some of the cuddly intimacy of the other designs.
Things to consider
When figuring out which baby carrier is right for you, you should consider many different factors. For example, are you planning to use the baby carrier over long stretches of time or for brief spans periodically? If you’re using it long-term, you might want to go with something adjustable like a wrap or Mei Tai carrier. Though these can be a little more complicated, they provide lots of support and are great for use over long periods.
The weight of your baby, the condition of your back and how frequently you expect to use your carrier should also come into play. Generally speaking, anything with more structure is going to be best for a weak back and a heavy baby. Moreover, if you’re only expecting to use it once every other week or so, it might take a long time to adjust to the more complicated holders.
Ready to check some baby carriers? Try these best sellers.
Sources:
http://www.babygearlab.com/Best-Baby-Carrier/Buying-Advice
http://babywearinginternational.org/what-is-babywearing/choosing-a-baby-carrier/
http://www.babycenter.com/how-to-buy-a-baby-carrier#articlesection3
http://www.popsugar.com/moms/4-Tips-Choosing-Right-Baby-Carrier-27334473
