Wearing your baby can be a gratifying experience for everyone involved. Babies really enjoy the sense of closeness and the natural motion, and parents appreciate the convenience of the hands-free hold, as well as the added support a good carrier can provide. Also, strollers do have limited access, so a carrier is ideal for mass transit, airports, hiking, and apple orchards (take our word for it).
There are so many different kinds of carriers, and many are multifunctional, but we’ll try our best to break it down.
Slings & Pouches
The carriers are worn across the body and over one shoulder to create a pocket for the baby to sit in. They can be used from birth through toddlerhood in a multitude of different positions, both front and back (though back positions take some practice to master). They are the easiest for nursing on the go.
Wraps
A long strip of fabric that can be twisted, wrapped and tied into hundreds of different wearing positions. Wins the prize for flexibility, but is somewhat intimidating to the novice user, and not very practical for putting on and taking off while on the go. It must be said that this is the most comfortable and supportive type of carrier we have ever tested. From birth through toddlerhood.
Front Carriers
The most popular variety of baby carrier, these have a soft front pocket, and babies can usually be positioned facing either in or out. The baby is upright, and arms and legs are exposed. The straps usually come around the parents’ shoulders and criss-cross on the back for added support. Birth to about 6 months.
Backpacks
For older, heavier babies, backpacks are much more comfortable and convenient than front carriers. Especially as babies start to develop better dexterity, everyone will be better off there isn’t much within reach (other than your hair, your ears and your hat). There are two basic types of backpacks. Soft backpacks are quite compact and lightweight, and are generally deceptively comfortable to wear. Frame backpacks are much more adjustable and have more pockets and other bells and whistles. They are excellent for prolonged outdoor activities.
