In the first few months of parenting your baby needs your constant attention. As a parent, you will feel safest when your baby is near you, or even better, on you. However as dedicated as you are you can not carry your baby in your arms all day long, you’d end up with cramps.
That’s where baby slings and baby wraps come in handy, as you can simply carry your baby on you wherever you decide to go and still have your hands free.
You need something easy to put on, secure and comfortable so you can wear it all day long.
Our top picks to carry your baby
The best baby carriers
The best baby wraps
The best baby slings
Why would you need or want a baby carrier?
Simply because it’s lovely to feel close to your baby while having your hands free to go about your daily tasks. However, there are other great reasons for investing in a baby carrier.
- You can parent your other children much easier while carrying the tiniest member of the family along with you.
- If you have a fractious new born who simply won’t be put down, then a sling will help you get on with household tasks.
- Studies have shown that a baby who is carried for at least two hours in a day will cry 43% less throughout the rest of that day.
- Trips on public transport are so much easier without a pram the size of a tank to deal with. A baby carrier is the perfect option for a bulk-free trip to the shops.
- Carrying an older baby in a front-facing baby carrier is a fun way to go for a walk. They can see what’s going on from up high with mummy or daddy pointing out tractors, dogs, big trees and other exciting, new things.
What to consider when shopping for a baby carrier
The best baby carrier is a comfortable one. There’s nothing worse than finding the expensive, stylish papoose you just bought makes your back ache or chafes your arms.
- Before you buy, TRY! I would recommend having an initial recce and then once baby has arrived take them with you to ensure the best fit and level of comfort for both you and your cherub.
- Decide whether to buy one carrier for each stage of your baby’s development or one that will adjust to your child’s growth.
A wrap is a great idea for a small baby but not for a curious 10-month-old. Your choice will depend on your budget as a separate carrier for each age may be more practical and comfortable but might be expensive.
- When guidelines are followed, baby carriers, slings and wraps can be used without worry. However, do keep safety in mind. Read the instructions for the product, visit The Lullaby Trust website and have a look through these guidelines; https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1038508/how-to-keep-your-baby-safe-in-a-sling
- Practise putting your carrier on. Getting the technique right can take a few goes. Cracking the puzzle of how to strap it to you is one thing, doing it with a baby in it or putting a baby in after can be nerve-wracking and stressful.
Carrier, wrap or sling – what’s the difference?
A Baby Carrier
- Designed to securely strap to your front.
- They are usually made from structured material with a soft inner and weatherproof outer liner.
- Baby carriers will either be in one piece with carrier and straps attached (Chicco) or in two separate sections. (Baby Bjorn)
- They will keep baby in an upright position with their head supported when needed and little legs either curled up underneath or dangling.
- Can be used with baby facing towards you in the first months and then changed to be forward facing as they get older.
- The straps are designed to be adjusted to fit men, women, indoor and outdoor clothing and for people of all shapes, sizes and heights. But you need to try them on before purchase.
- A baby carrier can be bulky and heavy to wear, pack and store.
A Wrap
- They are usually made of a soft breathable fabric that will regulate your baby’s temperature.
- They are designed to be wrapped around your body and then your baby.
- Baby is carried facing you with their legs tucked up or dangling. Head support can be adjusted easily by wrapping in a different way.
- Adjustable, within reason, they can be wrapped to suit an individual’s shape and size.
- Can be used from birth into the older baby stage.
- Wraps are large, foldable pieces of fabric so are portable and lightweight to wear, pack and store.
A Sling
- Made of soft, breathable fabric which will keep your baby both cool and warm where needed.
- Worn over one shoulder so can be uncomfortable over a long period of time.
- Usually used with baby in a cradled, reclined position like a hammock.
- Mainly used for young babies but some can be adjusted to become a ‘hip seat’ for older babies and even toddlers.
- Can be used as a discreet ‘cover-up’ when breastfeeding.
- Slings sometimes have a structure to them (high sides so baby can’t roll out) so they aren’t quite as lightweight and portable as wraps.
Hope this article helped you find the perfect baby carrier for your little one. Talking about carrying your baby, you might be interested in reading more about travel gear:
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