Choosing a baby carrier

This list list gives you many considerations to take into account when choosing a carrier.

v     Age of baby to be carried

    Some carriers tend to lend themselves to be better suited for newborns or for toddlers.  Some carriers will work equally well for any size or age baby.  Be sure to consider the age or age range of the child/ren you’ll be carrying.

v     Size of adult wearer (Height and build)

    Most carriers will fit adults of most any size, however, if you’re a large or petite person you may want to consider this when choosing a carrier.  A large person my be more comfortable in a longer wrap or ring sling while a petite person might get ‘lost’ in too many yards of fabric.  This is especially true if the carrier is to be shared with another person (see Adjustability below)

v     Adjustability

    Some carriers are widely adjustable such as a wrap or an unpadded ring sling while others such as a padded ring sling or pouch offer little or no adjustability.  Adjustability may be a consideration for you if more than one person will be wearing the carrier (a large man and a petite woman for instance) or if you may gain or loose a substantial amount of weight (ie you’re pregnant).

v      Carry that you prefer

    The carry you prefer can strongly influence the type of carrier that you choose, for instance, and ABC is wonderful for a back carry but isn’t the carrier of choice for a hip carry.  The age of the child you’re carrying will also influence the type of carry you will want to use.

v     Length of time carrier will be worn

    The length of time the carrier will be worn should also be considered when choosing a carrier.  While a wrap may be more comfortable for wearing a child on long walks, a pouch or ring sling may be more convenient if the child is going to be repeatedly taken out and put back in the carrier.  The ease of taking a child out and getting them back into a carrier is referred to as its ‘poppability’.

v     Warmth of carrier

    While most carriers are appropriate for most climates if you live in or will be visiting an area with an extreme climate you will want to consider the warmth of the carrier.  A fleece pouch, sling or wrap can be snuggly warm in the winter months.  Conversely, a mesh sling can be wonderful for a day at the pool (or even to use in the shower!)

v     Physical issues

    Both your and your baby’s physical conditions may need to be considered when choosing a carrier.  If you have problems with your back you should look for a carrier that will distribute your baby’s weight well.  Look for a carrier that will either hold your baby high and close or that can distribute some of the weight to your hips.  If you have problems with your shoulders you may want to consider a carrier that can be used with a torso carry that ties around your chest avoiding your shoulders.

     You may also need to consider physical issues your baby may have such as club feet or other medical problems.

v     Will you be carrying more than one child

    Some carriers, such as ring slings and pouches, can be used two at a time to carrier twins. Others, such as an ABC can be worn one on the front and one on the back, allowing you to carry children of different ages.

v     Learning curve

    Some slings, such as pouches, are extremely easy to use and have little or no learning curve.  Others, such as wraps, are very comfortable but tend to have more of a learning period associated with them.

v     Monetary considerations

     After choosing the type of carrier you want monetary considerations can be taken into account.  If you decide you want a ring sling, for example, a simple cotton ring sling can be purchased for as little a $20.  However, if you feel like you want something extra special, silk slings are available for $150 or more.

Babywearing promotes physical development, makes baby smarter and less fussy and promotes bonding.

Get all these benefits AND MORE!  Learn how to babywear.