How To Choose The Best Baby Carriers for Newborns and Toddlers
One of the *many* things you might feel confused about while building your baby registry is what sets apart the best baby carriers. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one. The best baby carriers can free up your hands at home or give you a way to go on a walk or run an errand with your baby. It can also help rock your baby to sleep and promote bonding and comfort for both you and the baby. In this guide, we will walk through the key factors to consider when choosing a baby carrier, how to make sure your baby is in a proper ergonomic position in the carrier, and I’ll tell you why I chose the two carriers I bought.
Types of Baby Carriers
There are different types of baby carriers available, each with its own set of advantages and features. Understanding the various types will help you know how to choose from the best baby carriers for your lifestyle and preferences.
[Source: Katherine Rosman Parenting Resources And Education]
1. Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs): SSCs are the most popular type of baby carriers. They usually have padded shoulder straps and a waistband for support and comfort. They can be worn on the front or back and are suitable for newborns and toddlers.
2. Ring Slings: Ring slings consist of a long piece of fabric that is threaded through rings and worn over one shoulder. They are adjustable and provide a snug fit for newborns and older babies.
3. Wraps: Wraps are long pieces of fabric that are wrapped around the caregiver's body to create a secure and comfortable pouch for the baby. They can be used from birth to toddlerhood and offer various carrying positions.
4. Mei Tais: Mei Tais are a combination of SSCs and wraps. They have a rectangular body panel with straps that are tied around the wearer's waist and shoulders. Mei Tais are versatile and suitable for babies of different ages.
Baby Carrier Features to Consider
When choosing a baby carrier, consider the following factors to get the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby:
Comfort: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and waistbands to distribute the baby's weight evenly and reduce strain on your body. “Mom back” pain is no fun!
Age and Weight Range: Make sure the carrier you choose is suitable for your baby's age and weight. Some carriers are designed specifically for newborns, while others can accommodate toddlers. Each carrier should specify weight limits they can accommodate safely.
Ergonomics: Opt for carriers that provide proper support for your baby's hips and spine. Look for carriers with a wide and adjustable seat to ensure a comfortable and healthy sitting position. This one is super important, in my opinion, so I’ll dive deeper into this below.
Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to put on and take off the carrier, especially if you'll be using it frequently. Make sure you’re able to put on and take off the carrier on your own, and make sure you practice with a spotter the first couple of times to keep the baby from falling. Adjustable carriers are generally more convenient, as they can be shared between different caregivers.
Durability: Look for carriers made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use and washing. Check for sturdy buckles, rings, and stitching to ensure the carrier's longevity.
Safety: Ensure that the carrier meets safety standards and has proper instructions for use. Check for features like adjustable straps, secure buckles, and appropriate weight limits.
Back to Ergonomics: Choosing a Baby Carrier for Proper Spine and Hip Support
This is one of the most important features to look out for. Because maybe you’ve heard concerns that babywearing can hurt babies’ hips. The thing is, while properly carrying your baby won’t hurt their hips, improperly carrying your baby can indeed impact their hip development.
To ensure proper hip development, your baby’s hips should make an “M” shape when they are in their baby carrier. The hips should be open, with their knees slightly bent.
This “M” position is most compromised when the baby is front-facing (instead of their body facing towards you). When your baby is front-facing, facing out away from you, there’s too much pressure on the hips if the baby's legs dangle straight down. The best baby carriers, like the Ergo360 and the LILLEbaby carriers, hold baby’s hips in that “M” formation to make front carrying safe for their hip development.
[Source: International Hip Dysplasia Institue]
The Best Baby Carriers for Hip Safety
The Baby Carriers I Chose
I bought two different baby carriers BUT, you definitely don’t need more than one!
I started out with the Solly Baby Wrap (I got the camel color!) and really enjoyed it during the newborn phase. I mostly used it indoors, around the house to get my hands free. My baby loved napping in there, and dad loved carrying the baby with this wrap too! It’s not difficult to learn how to secure the wrap around your body. We watched a Youtube video on it, practiced a few times, and became experts in no time.
I also bought the Ergo Baby Omni 360 and started using it more and more as my baby grew and gained weight. I loved this baby carrier to go on walks with baby, to run errands and just to be hands-free around the house. This baby carrier has a little fanny pack type of pocket, which is great for storing small things, and it comes with a rain protector for the baby, which has come in so handy for me when it starts raining on my walks. The baby carrier is very easy to put on, and it has different settings you can use to maximize comfort (you can cross it behind your back for more support). My baby is over 20 lbs and when I carry her with this carrier, my back feels very supported.
Both of these wraps support the “M” shape hip position, are comfortable to wear, and are very breathable.