Ashley’s Baby Carrier Breakdown

When one first discovers the world of using baby carriers, referred to as “babywearing,” the plethora of options may be a bit intimidating. There are many reasons to use baby carriers and many different people who may be wearing baby. I believe variety is best, so consider getting more than one to fit your different needs. If you aren’t sure what to look for in a baby carrier, read this. (*link to blog about what to consider*) Here we will look at the pros and cons of different types of baby carriers. We will review slings, stretchy wraps, soft structured carriers, mei tais, woven wraps, onbuhimo and a few honorable mentions.

Slings

Ring Sling:

Rectangular piece of fabric, attached and threaded through rings to create a seat for baby

Pouch Sling:

Piece of fabric sewn into a tube shape, child sits in pocket, does not provide neck support

Pros:
-Easy to adjust, take on/off and share between multiple caregivers
-Can pop child in and out for running errands
-Great for breastfeeding as child is already to one side
-Compact carrier that fits into diaper bag, stroller or the trunk of your car
-Can use two for tandem wearing
-Use a mesh ring sling for in the shower or swimming pool

Cons:
-Weight not distributed well, so not ideally for carrying have babies for a long time
-Not a great choice for caregivers with existing shoulder/neck problems

Best For: newborns, running errands, indecisive toddlers who want up and down

 

Stretchy Wrap

-Usually made from cotton jersey
–Moby, Boba  or DIY click here for instructions!

Pros:
-Easy to take baby in and out once carrier is on
-Gets very snug, which newborns love
-Multiple layers keep baby warm
-Distributes weight well
-Very adjustable for different wearers (the K’Tan is sized for the wearer.)

Cons:
-Too warm for summer babies in hot climates
-No options for pockets
-Learning curve, but luckily there are plenty of videos on you tube

-Long piece of fabric can be intimidating
-Not very supportive as baby gets bigger
-Must put baby down to put wrap on (except K’tan, which can be done while holding baby)

Best For: newborns, beginner wrappers, cool weather

 

Mei tie

Fabric rectangle with four straps, used to tie around the body

Pros:
-Little learning curve
-Adjustable between multiple carriers
-Comfortable for long periods of time
-No buckles, not bulky
-Distributes weight somewhat well
-Inexpensive (the Infantino’s are only $35 and you can get custom made ones on Etsy for under $100)

Cons:
-Inconvenient for toddler who want up and down
-Not as padded or supportive as SSC

-Long straps can drag on ground

Best For:
babies who have neck control, beginners to back carries, parents on a budget

 

Soft Structured Carrier (SSC)
Backpack-style carrier with adjustable straps, buckles and padded shoulders.
Popular brands include Ergobaby, kinderpack, tula, beco and LILLEbaby.

Pros:
-Very supportive over long periods of time
-Baby feels very secure
-Great weight distribution
-Can be adjusted to fit different wearers
-Male caregivers usually like SSC

Cons:        
-Slightly bulky, does not fit in diaper bag
-Most require insert for newborns
-Must adjust all straps between wearers
-Buckles and straps can be difficult for caregiver with existing neck or shoulder conditions
-Not as cuddly, though some woven wrap conversions are very soft
-Less budget friendly than other options

Best For:         hiking, traveling, toddlers

 

Woven wrap

Long rectangular fabric woven from cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk or wool.
Popular brands include Natibaby, Didymos, Girasol, Tekhni and Tula.

Pros:
-Many options for different carries for different situations
-Different muscles are used for different carriers
-Quick once you have mastered the skill of wrapping
-Supportive for long periods and older children
-Fabric is very snuggly

Cons:        
-quite a learning curve
-Fabric can be uncomfortable and “dig” depending on the fabric and skill of wrapper
-Long piece of fabric can be intimidating to beginning wrapper
-Many different sizes, fabrics and personal preferences
-Fabric can drag on ground
-Tying knots can be difficult for some people

Best For: experienced babywearers, babies and toddlers of all ages, around the house

 

 

 

Onbuhimo

Rectangle of fabric with two padded shoulder straps with no waistband.
Popular brands include LennyLamb,

Pros:
-Very supportive and comfortable
-Less bulky than a SSC
-Less expensive than SSC
-No pressure on waist or hips
-Often converted from beautiful woven wraps
-Huge variety of colors and prints
-Can be used for front or back carries

Cons:        
-Don’t have pockets
-Not suitable for newborns

Best For: toddlers or babies over four months of age, pregnant people or people recovering from a caesarean birth

Honorable Mentions

XOXO Carriers- deserve a mention because they are very comfortable and fairly simple. Somewhere between a buckle carrier and a woven wrap, they make a great addition to your baby carrier collection.

Wrapsody hybrid wraps–  These wrap are somewhere between a stretchy wrap and and woven wrap. These are a bit easier to use then wovens because they don’t require strand by strand tightening. Very comfortable and versatile. Complaints is that they can dig into the shoulders if the fabric isn’t stretched out well.

Lalabu– This is a shirt, nursing bra and baby carrier all in one. Similar to stretchy wraps, this carrier is really only good for newborns so it is quickly outgrown. It’s a great choice for caregivers who are wanting to soak up that snuggly newborn phase. There is a male and a female version.

This covers most baby carrier options but there are lots of new carriers coming out all of the time. If you would like in person help with using a baby carrier, ask your postpartum doula or attend a Babywearing International Meeting. And look out for future blogs about babywearing!

Written by Ashley, Labor and Postpartum Doula.

Ashley also provides placenta encapsulation, postpartum belly binding, babywearing education and is a Child Passenger Safety Technician. She was also is trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders