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How to Choose a Baby Carrier

Wraps, Ring Slings, and Mei Tais

Baby Wraps

Baby Wraps, also known as wraparound baby carriers or just wraps, are without a doubt the most versatile baby carriers available. Simple carrying cloths are also the most common traditional baby carriers around the world because of their simplicity and versatility. The caregiver uses a square, rectangular or long strip of fabric to wrap and tie the baby to their body. Knots are used to secure and adjust the carrier to the baby and to the wearer. Carrying scarves can be useful long after your babywearing days are over.

Carry your baby in unlimited carrying positions with a wrap, and one size will fit any babywearer, from Mom or Dad to Grandma or Grandpa.

Advantages

  • very comfortable for baby
  • most versatile, offering unlimited number of carrying positions
  • ergonomic support for both baby and adult
  • easily adapts to various baby weights and sizes for both front and back carrying
  • one-size fits most carrier
  • Wraparound carriers are particularly suited for kangaroo care, the practice of holding premature and full-term newborns skin-to-skin for optimal neurological development.

Disadvantages

  • lots of fabric can be confusing
  • somewhat steeper learning curve - requires practice to become efficient in tying the baby carrier and adjusting to the baby
  • can get warm in the summertime (but keeps baby warm in cooler weather!)

Ring Slings

Baby Slings are compact, sleek, and easy to use. Their simple design makes them one of the most popular baby carriers available. NO new mom should be without a simple baby sling for an easier adjustment to life with baby. You will be an expert at babywearing in minutes!

Using a baby sling couldn't be easier. Just put it on and take it off like a shoulder purse. The baby pops in and out quickly, making a sling the perfect choice for a little one who wants up and down (and up again!) all day long.

Slings are a favorite baby carrier for carrying a newborn and for nursing hands-free.  You can adjust the size and shape of the sling through the rings. Baby can be worn snuggled in, facing out in front like a kangaroo, on the hip, or on the back looking over your shoulder.

Advantages

  • short learning curve
  • very compact, so it will fit into a purse or diaper bag easily
  • most loved for the newborn stage - easy transition from snug environment of womb to compact sling
  • easy to move baby in and out of carrier
  • easiest for hands-free nursing
  • pouch has no extra tail fabric to figure out
  • tail of ring sling can be used for a nursing cover up

Disadvantages

  • Sizing is important in a pouch sling for the most comfort. Ring slings make this easier, but some parents find the rings more difficult to adjust.
  • only one-shouldered support, so a sling is less comfortable for extended wearing or for heavier babies and toddlers

 

Mei Tai Baby Carriers

The Mei Tai baby carrier is comfort and fashion all in one. Mei Tai is pronounced "may tie" and is also referred to as an Asian Baby Carrier. Unlike wrap and sling carriers, a Mei Tai adds padded shoulder straps and a waist straps to a small, square body to give the Mei Tai unlimited options for carrying positions. Because the adjustability is in the long straps, a Mei Tai is a one-size fits most baby carrier, easily shared between Mom, Dad and other caregivers.

Mei Tai Baby Carrier is comfortable and versatile like no other baby carrier. You have complete control in the positioning of the baby within the carrier, based on how you tie the straps. Baby likes to be tucked in and hidden? No problem! Your toddler wants to be propped up to see the world? A re-tie here and there, and you're set! Baby's arms are out and he can watch as Mom goes about her day. This adaptability means it is easy to get a comfortable fit on any wearer.

Advantages

  • good for carrying a young baby (less than one year), especially when there is a second child to attend to
  • weight is evenly distributed over both shoulders and hips
  • very supportive
  • very versatile, offering unlimited number of carrying positions
  • can be used front and back with a newborn to 30+ lbs (3 years or more)
  • big variety of beautiful fabrics available
  • higher resale value

Disadvantages

  • not as heavily padded as most structured carrier (but this can be an advantage for a parent that wants less "bulk"!)
  • straps are long and can drag on ground when tying (difficult in the rain or slushy weather)

courtesy of parenting by nature article