Babies love to be with you! They want to be held and cuddled. A Baby Carrier allows you to keep your baby close to your heart! You can securely carry your baby while still having your hands free! There are many different Baby Carriers and you are sure to find one that is right for you and your baby! There are 5 major types of baby carriers. So which one is for you? To help you decide, please read the explanation of each type.
The Soft Structured Baby Carrier is often called a backpack carrier (or front pack). Well known brands of this type are the ErgoBaby Carrier and Beco Baby Carrier. These carriers are designed
for comfort and stability. Although they are thought of first as a backpack baby carrier, they are versatile and you will be able to carry your baby in several different positions. Deluxe style carriers of this type are used for hiking, but smaller versions are great for everyday use. Dad's especially love these types of baby carriers.
The Wrap style is a large piece of fabric and at first it can be intimidating to put on. Full instructions with pictures are included with baby wraps and the learning curve is not as steep as
one would think. You will quickly become an expert at putting it on, so please do not let this deter your from trying a baby wrap carrier. Wraps have a huge range of ways you can wear your baby - hip
carry, back carry, front carry. The fabric allows you to spread the weight of your baby out over both shoulders so they are very comfortable. When wearing a wrap baby carrier, your baby will be "closer" to
you than with the structured type of carrier.
The Pouch or Sling style keeps the baby positioned on your body. It is very simple to use and is suitable for newborns. Moms like this type for the privacy it provides when breastfeeding. Baby pouch carriers or slings
can pose a suffocation hazard to babies, so when using this type of carrier be aware of the position of your baby at all times. Be sure the baby's face is not covered and is visible to you at all times.
Slings can also be used with older children as a hip carrier. One drawback to baby pouch or sling is that all the weight is focused on one shoulder, also sizing is important so one sling cannot always be
shared with other adults.
The Ring Sling carrier has all the benefits of the sling or pouch carrier but it is adjustable so different sized adults can share the carrier.
The Mei Tai carrier is basically a rectangular fabric with 4 straps - 2 for the shoulders and 2 around the waist. Criss cross the straps and tie them for security. The Mei Tai carrier distributes
the weight more evenly and it can be use for a front or back carry. Although Mei Tai baby carriers are not recommended for newborns, they can be used into toddler years. |
