Babywearing: What Carrier is Right For You?
Where do I start?
Are you overwhelmed by all the babywearing options out there? Don’t worry you are not alone. There are so many things to consider when you want to start. Babywearing is a great way to have a hands-free carrying experience with your baby. There are so many benefits to this awesome parenting tool. That said, it can be a little overwhelming to choose the best carrier for you and your baby if you do not know what to look for.
What types of carrying devices are available?
Stretchy wraps
Woven wraps
Soft-structured carriers
Ring slings
Pouch slings
Mei tais
Baby carrier backpacks
Babywearing Clothes
Stretchy Wraps
Description: A stretchy wrap (such as a Moby or Solly wrap) is a long piece of fabric that you tie around yourself first, and then position your baby in it. With this type of carrier, you will need to learn how to wrap it in order to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. These wraps can be made out of a variety of stretchy fabrics such as cotton jersey, knit jersey, and knitted cotton. They come in all kinds of different colors, patterns, and styles. These wraps are generally one-size-fits-all and are perfect for newborns all the way up to 20lbs. Once your baby grows past 20lbs, the wrap will start to sag and not provide as much support for you or baby, but there are plenty of other carriers that are suitable for bigger babies.
Age/weight range: birth-20lbs
Pros:
Great for newborns
Versatile
Comfortable
Grows with baby (up to 20lbs)
Many styles
Cons:
Can get warm
Will have to learn proper assembly
Can no longer use after 20lbs
Woven Wraps
Description: Woven wraps are very similar to stretchy wraps, except they are made out of different materials. They are made out of materials like wool, cotton, and linen which are a bit thicker and not stretchy like the stretchy wraps are. These wraps are the longest-lasting and most versatile of all of the carriers. Like stretchy wraps, a woven wrap is a long piece of fabric that you can tie around you in multiple ways in order to best secure your baby to you. They also come in a variety of styles, so you can be comfortable and cute at the same time.
Age/weight range: birth- toddler age
Pros:
Great for newborns
Versatile
Comfortable
Grows with baby into toddlerhood
Many styles
Sturdy
Cons:
Can get warm
Will have to learn proper assembly
May have to wrap up extra long fabric
Soft-structured Carriers
Description: Soft-structured carriers (AKA buckle carriers or SSCs) are soft fabrics that are sewn together to make a structured seat with straps and buckles to safely secure baby. These popular carriers are pretty easy to figure out and require little to no assembly. You just put them on and then put your baby in and adjust the straps. They are not as newborn-friendly as the wraps are. Most SSCs do not provide the proper neck support that newborns need, so they need an additional insert to be used for newborns.
Age/weight range: 7-50lbs
Pros:
Grows with baby into toddlerhood
Sturdy
Easy to use
Comfortable
Versatile
Cons:
Can be pricey
Need an additional insert for newborns
Ring Slings
Description: Like woven wraps, ring slings are also long pieces of thick, non-stretchy fabric. Ring slings differ from wraps in that they stretch from one shoulder to the opposite hip. This allows for your baby to be carried on your hip or in front of you. These slings have either 1 or 2 layers. If the sling has 2 layers it will be stronger and more suitable to carry toddlers up to 35lbs, whereas a 1-layered sling can typically carry up to 25lbs. All ring slings have 2 rings, one of which you will need to thread the long loose end through, and then tuck it under the other ring. Baby’s weight will keep the rings from slipping, so there is no need to tie this type of carrier. Like most wraps, ring slings are safe for newborns and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Age/weight range: birth-35lbs
Pros:
Great for newborns
Adjustable
Easy to use
Grows with baby (up to 35lbs)
Many styles
Can be used with breastfeeding
Cons:
Can cause shoulder pain
May have to wrap up extra long fabric
Pouch Slings
Description: Pouch slings are circles of thick, non-stretchy fabric that go around your body from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Babies sit in the deep pouch on either your hip or in front of you. These slings come in a variety of sizes as they are not adjustable. The sling must not only fit baby but also the caregiver using it, this means it is not shareable between caregivers unless they are similar sizes.
Age/weight range: depends on the size
Pros:
Great for newborns
Easy to use
Many styles
Cons:
Not adjustable
Can cause shoulder pain
Mei Tais
Description: Mei Tais (AKA Meh Dais) are a hybrid of a wrap and a soft structured carrier. Like SSCs, they have a structured seat for the baby to sit in, but instead of having buckles and straps, they have long strands of fabric that you have to tie (like a wrap). These types of carriers can be newborn-friendly depending on the model and can be used into toddlerhood up to about 44lbs.
Age/weight range: Birth-44lbs
Pros:
Many styles
Adjustable
Comfortable
Grows with baby (up to 44lbs)
Cons:
Will have to learn proper assembly
Baby Carrier Backpacks
Description: Baby carrier backpacks are large, sturdy, and very structured. They are great for walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities but are not the most practical for everyday life. The backpacks are only suitable for babies who already have good neck control and are able to sit up on their own. These carriers are worn on your back with the baby in the seated position the entire time. They are easily adjustable and can be really comfortable because of the great weight distribution they provide.
Age/weight range: 16-40lbs
Pros:
Sturdy
Adjustable
Great for outdoor activities
Comfortable
Extra storage
Cons:
Bulky
Heavy
Not newborn friendly
Babywearing Clothes
Description: Babywearing clothes can be anything from shirts to overalls that are specifically designed for babywearing. They have extra space in them that is large enough to fit your baby. These allow for skin-to-skin contact and are great for breastfeeding. Babywearing clothes are available in a variety of sizes but they are not adjustable, so they are not sharable between caregivers. There are different types that are just made for lounging or others that are made for walking around and doing chores.
Age/weight range: birth- 45lbs
Pros:
Great for newborns
Allow for skin-to-skin contact
Comfortable
Easy to use
Cons:
Not adjustable
While there are general guidelines for each type of carrier, remember to always check the instructions on whichever one you choose for the best, safest fit for you and your baby.
Resources:
If you’re looking for a great local resource, try visiting Bluebird Exchange in Boone. They have all sorts of carriers and other super cute things for your baby. If you want to learn more about the safety precautions and benefits of this wonderful parenting technique, check out our other blog post on babywearing. There are also Facebook groups with tips and tricks in both the High Country - Boone and the Tri-Cities TN.
Sources