Babywearing: What Carrier is Right For You?
Babywearing is a fun and safe way to carry your baby hands-free. But picking out the best carrier for you and your baby can be a challenge when you don’t know what to look for. With a little help, it can be super easy to choose the best carrier possible!
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
Babywearing
Do you ever find yourself needing an extra hand? Babywearing is a hands-free way to carry your baby wherever you go! Along with having extra hands, it promotes a healthy attachment between you and Baby, improves Baby’s mood, and promotes better sleep. The best part is that anyone can do it!
What is babywearing?
Do you ever struggle to get daily chores done while having a little baby in the house? You are not alone! Babywearing allows you to keep a close eye on your baby while also having your hands free to do other tasks. Babywearing is when you use a wrap or other carrying device to carry your baby around on your body. This is something that has been done for centuries, all around the world. Women everywhere choose to wear their babies because it allows for close contact and a hands-free way to hold your infant. There are countless benefits for both you and baby when you decide to try out babywearing. This is a great experience for the two of you to spend quality time with each other.
*frog-leg position
What are the benefits?
Prevents frequent crying
Encourages bonding
Improves baby’s mood
Prevents flat head syndrome
Can promote better daytime sleep
Promotes better social and physical development
More consistent weight gain
Stabilizes heart rate and body temperature
Keeps baby distanced from others (AKA germs)
Can prevent hip dysplasia
Can reduce postpartum depression
Easier for you to stay active
Allows for you to engage with your other children
Allows for you to do daily chores/tasks while keeping an eye on your baby
Is it safe?
If you find the right types of wraps/carriers (there are many) for you and follow the right guidelines, you and your little bundle of joy can be perfectly safe. You will likely have to practice a few times with your baby to get them used to the carrier that you choose. The earlier, the easier it is for your baby to adjust. Remember T.I.C.K.S. to be sure your baby is in the safest position possible.
T-Tight: Make sure your baby is supported and held firmly up against your body.
I-In view at all times: make sure you can always see your baby’s face and that it is not covered by the wrap or pushed into the fabric.
C-Close enough to kiss: Your baby should be close enough to your chin that you should be able to easily kiss the top of their head. This will be both safer for your baby and more comfortable for you, creating better weight distribution to reduce lower back stress.
K-Keep chin off chest: Be sure you can stick two fingers underneath your baby’s chin and that their head will not fall down onto their chest. This ensures the baby’s breathing is not restricted.
S-Supported: The wrap should support your baby’s back with their tummy and chest pressed against you. In some carriers, additional neck support may be needed, especially for newborns. When bending over, additional support can be provided by you placing your hand on the baby’s back. Legs should be in a frog-leg position* (as shown in the picture above). This will keep the hips supported in the proper position to prevent hip dysplasia.
How do I “babywear”?
There are so many different ways that you can wear your baby. Depending on the type of carrier you choose, there are different ways to use it. Some carriers are simple, like a soft structured carrier. Other than adjusting a strap or two, there is not much assembly required. On the other hand, wraps can have more steps to get started with but are the preferred option of many moms. Attached here is a Youtube video showing how to use a common type of wrap. There are also ring slings, Mei Tais, K’tans, and more. The great thing about this is that it is not just for moms, but dads too! Anyone can babywear with the right tools and information! The main thing is to remember to follow TICKS and make sure you feel comfortable.
FAQs
Will I “spoil” my baby by doing this?
No, experts say that during the first few months, babywearing can help facilitate a healthy relationship and attachment between parent and baby. Infants need to be held a lot during the first few months to foster healthy physical and emotional development. Babywearing is a great way to bond with your baby and will not spoil them. It can actually help reduce frequent crying and help them sleep more. Swaddling newborns can also make them feel cozy when you have to put them down in a bassinet or other hard surface.
What carriers should I use?
There are many different types of babywearing devices: stretchy wraps, woven wraps, soft structured carriers, slings, ring wraps, and more. As long as you find one that you like that is of good quality, with no tears or holes, and you follow the T.I.C.K.S. rules, you can use whichever one works best for you and your baby. Remember that there is a learning curve for the baby and they may need time and practice to adjust to a new carrier. A wrap is a long, continuous piece of thick cloth, while a soft carrier is a more structured carrying device similar to a backpack. Not everyone likes the same kind of babywearing device, so it may be beneficial to try out a few different ones to see what you like best. Be sure to get one that is the right size for your baby. Newborns will need a smaller wrap than a baby that is 10 months old. To learn more, consider reading our other blog post, Babywearing: What Carrier is Right For You?
When should I start babywearing?
You can start as soon as possible! The earlier you start babywearing the easier it will be. Newborn babies adjust much quicker than older babies do to something like this. That said, you can start at any point, your older baby may just need a slightly longer adjustment period to get used to being held in that way.
Want to get connected with other babywearing parents?
Parents all over the world love babywearing. There are even babywearing groups in both the High Country and the Tri-Cities that you can join. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the groups, visit their Facebook pages at: High Country Babywearing and TriCities TN Babywearing.
Sources
https://www.verywellfamily.com/facts-about-wearing-your-baby-284456
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/preemie/Pages/Baby-Wearing.aspx
https://brookemaree.com.au/blogs/news/what-are-ticks-babywearing-safety-guidelines