There are many aspects to keep in mind when choosing a baby carrier. Do you mainly want to babywear your newborn for shorter sessions in the early days? Or do you want a baby carrier with more ergonomic features? We give you all the information you need to choose the right baby carrier for you and your baby.
Do you mainly want to use the baby carrier at home to give your newborn closeness while leaving your hands free for other things? Or do you want a baby carrier that you can take along on family days out once your child is able to walk for short distances?
A newborn needs a lot of closeness, and you’re likely to be babywearing for shorter sessions, mostly at home, at all hours of the day and night. One feature that is super-important in this scenario is how easily and quickly you can put on and take off the baby carrier. It’s also convenient if you can unfasten the entire front section of the baby carrier when you want to lift out your sleeping baby.
If you want to be able to keep using the baby carrier as your baby grows, you can choose a baby carrier that adapts to your growing baby. While most baby carriers can be used from birth, the subsequent period of use will vary. With a more advanced baby carrier, you can vary the babywearing position, and some even allow you to carry your child on your back!
Also read: In our Babywearing Guide, we’ve collected helpful articles for you to read about baby carriers.
Do you want to carry your baby facing in, facing out and maybe even on your back eventually? Different baby carriers offer different babywearing positions and height positions.
For the first few months, you should always carry your baby in the facing-in position. This strengthens the bond between you and your baby, and the warmth of your body, your breathing and your heartbeat are reassuring to your baby. Some baby carriers have different height positions that allow you to carry your newborn higher up on your chest at first.
This strengthens the bond between you and your baby, and the warmth of your body, your breathing and your heartbeat are reassuring to your baby.
When your baby is about five months old and their neck muscles are strong enough, you have the option of carrying them in the facing-out position. It’s fun for a slightly older, more curious baby to able to join in and see what’s happening.
Some baby carrier models also allow you to carry your child on your back. This is a more pressure-relieving babywearing position once your child has grown heavier. We suggest that you wait to carry your child on your back until they’re about one year old since you won’t have the same degree of supervision.
Also read: “When is it safe to start using a baby carrier?”
Think about your specific needs and the length of time you plan to babywear. Do you want a small and easy-to-use baby carrier for the early days or one that you can use for several years?
A simpler baby carrier is suitable for your baby’s first year, when they have a great need for security and closeness. A high babywearing position means that your newborn can rest against your chest and hear the comforting sound of your heartbeat. You will usually babywear a newborn for shorter sessions, but possibly at any hour of the day or night.
If you want to be able to carry your child over a period of several years, some baby carriers can be adapted as your baby grows. Carrying a larger — and heavier — child places other demands on the baby carrier, such as being ergonomic. A waist belt and sturdy shoulder straps provide comfortable pressure relief and distribute your baby’s weight more evenly. Once your baby develops an interest in the surrounding world, you have the option of babywearing in the front-facing position so your baby can see what’s happening around them.
Once your baby develops an interest in the surrounding world, you have the option of babywearing in the front-facing position so your baby can see what’s happening around them.
Also read: We have different baby carrier models that suit infants of different ages. Our Comparison Chart shows you at-a-glance information about the special features of our different baby carriers. This handy chart helps you to decide which baby carrier is best for you.
Regardless of how you plan to use your baby carrier, what is most important is that it is comfortable for both your baby and you, the babywearer.
An ergonomic baby carrier should mimic the way you carry your baby in your arms — it’s extremely important for your baby’s hips, neck and back to have good support. The natural sitting position for a newborn is a slightly curved back and knees level with the bottom.
Perhaps you’d like to be able to switch between the stroller and baby carrier or let your child walk for short periods? If so, you should invest in an ergonomic baby carrier with wide shoulder straps and a waist belt for good pressure relief and even weight distribution — essential for longer babywearing sessions.
Once you’ve made your choice and purchased a baby carrier, it’s well worth taking the time to read the owner’s manual carefully to make sure that you know how to correctly adjust the settings.
What is an ergonomic baby carrier? Read more in “Ergonomic baby carriers”
Different fabrics have different properties, so think about what feels important to you. Do you want a baby carrier that dries quickly, or do you want the baby carrier to feel super-soft against your newborn’s skin?
Baby carriers come in many different colors and patterns — from basic colors to temporary, trendy collections.
Bib for Baby Carrier Mini and Teething Bib for Baby Carrier One are soft dribble bibs that absorb moisture. It’s so convenient to pop only the bib in the washing machine, rather than the entire baby carrier! Cover for Baby Carrier is windproof and has a soft, cozy fleece lining — perfect for chilly and wet days.
There’s a lot for you to keep in mind when choosing a baby carrier. Think about what is important for you and your baby, and hopefully you will find your favorite carrier in our wide selection.
