Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro, baby-wearing offers numerous benefits for both you and your little one. From wraps to structured carriers, the choices are abundant. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits, and safety considerations, and compare some popular types of baby carriers and my personal favorites as a mom of two!
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Benefits of Baby-wearing
Promotes Bonding: Keeping your baby close helps strengthen the bond between parent and child. It’s especially beneficial in the early months for building a secure attachment. *Pro-tip is to baby-wear while doing skin-to-skin for some extra bonding and can even help breastfeeding!
Convenience: Carriers allow you to keep your baby close while keeping your hands free for other tasks. Truthfully, the only way I can get anything done with one baby- let alone two kids!
Soothes Baby: The rhythm of your movements and heartbeat can calm and soothe your baby. Think about it, they were inside you for nine months!
Eases Mobility: Navigating crowded places or rough terrain is often easier with a carrier compared to a stroller + a lot less bulky!
Encourages Development: Being at eye level, babies can observe and learn from the environments they’re carried through.
Eases Symptoms of Sickness: If your little one is under the weather, baby-wearing is a great tool to use to keep them upright to help their congestion drain!
Safety First
When using a baby carrier, safety is paramount:
Ensure the carrier supports your baby's hips, back, and neck adequately.
Babies should be in a 'squat-spreader' position to support hip health. Think about the letter 'M', that's how their bottoms should look!
Always follow the ‘T.I.C.K.S.’ rules for safe baby-wearing - Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest, Supported back. Let's break this down: tight, meaning they are snug against your body and not slipping and sliding inside the carrier. In view, means you can see them and know they have easy access to airflow. Close enough to kiss means that they are up high enough on your chest that you can literally bend down and kiss the top of their head! Chin off chest meaning their head isn't being pushed down to again have optimal airflow. Supported back to ensure again that they are properly wrapped up.
Choosing a Reputable Brand
Opting for carriers from reputable companies ensures product safety and quality. Look for brands with good reviews, safety testing certifications, and clear usage instructions. This is one of those purchases that I wouldn't opt for the off-brand Amazon carrier, it's SO important that you choose from a reputable company!
In addition to choosing a reputable brand, you also want to make sure that you take time to learn the correct way to use and wear each wrap. So many brands have free tutorials on their YouTube channels, Instagram pages, and even websites. I highly recommend watching one to ensure that you follow all the guidelines.
Types of Baby Carriers and Top Picks
Let it be noted that there are A TON of options within each category as well. Fabric wraps? Moby isn't the only brand- but it's my top pick. Ring wraps? There are a billion to choose from, but I love my Tule. Structured Carriers? You HAVE TO get the Sakura Skout Carrier. + there are even other carriers you might want to consider! I understand not everyone has the luxury of brands sending samples to try-but I do! No matter what type of carrier you are looking for, these are the best out there in my humble opinion!
WRAPS:
My go to baby wearing device for the newborn days. There is nothing quite like the feeling of your newborn tucked in tightly in a cloth wrap.
Chekho Wrap $79 (most comfortable wrap)
Material: Bamboo and Spandex
Age: Newborns and young infants (we used this till about 8 months- then swapped for options that are a bit easier to put on!)
Weight: 8-33lbs
Versatility: Chest to Chest, Forward Facing, or Backpack Carrying Options
Pros: Customizable fit, even weight distribution, most comfortable and flexible. Plus its stretchy and makes it the easiest to put on (just be sure that you pull tight when putting it on since it will stretch!)
Cons: Higher price point
Moby Wraps $39 (most supportive wrap)
Material: Cotton Fabric Wrap
Age: Newborns and young infants (we used this till about 8 months- then swapped for options that are a bit easier to put on!)
Weight: 8-33lbs
Versatility: Chest to Chest, Forward Facing, or Backpack Carrying Options
Pros: Customizable fit, even weight distribution, snug and cozy, the most supportive wrap.
Cons: Not the most stretchy.
Solly Baby Wrap $74 (most breathable wrap)
Material: Cotton Fabric Wrap
Age: Newborns and young infants (we used this till about 8 months- then swapped for options that are a bit easier to put on!)
Weight: 8-33lbs
Versatility: Chest to Chest, Forward Facing, or Backpack Carrying Options
Pros: Customizable fit, even weight distribution, most breathable fabric, great for warmer weather.
Cons: Higher price point.
STRUCTURED CARRIERS:
For longer stretches a structured carrier is a must. With my first we used the Ergo baby carrier and loved the facing out option but with my second I tried the Sakura Skout Carrier and it quickly became my favorite carrier of all time.
Sakura Bloom Skout Carrier $288 *MY PERSONAL TOP CARRIER CHOICE
Material: Breathable waffle cotton
Age: Infants and toddlers
Weight: 7-45lbs
Versatility: Chest to Chest or Backpack Carrying Options
Pros: Ergonomic support and incredibly comfortable, easily adjustable, super cute, easy to breastfeed in, can wear while pregnant, has removable sun shade, and lightweight/easy to pack
Cons: Learning curve for back strap & no option for forward facing
Material: Post-consumer recycled polyester
Age: Infants and toddlers for long durations of carrying (we still use this for long walks at 24M old!)
Weight: 7-35lbs
Versatility: Chest to Chest, Forward Facing, or Backpack Carrying Options
Pros: Ergonomic support, adjustable, multiple carrying positions
Cons: More bulky, higher price point
RING SLINGS:
My favorite for the toddler stage! Easy on and off and many many ways to use it + it folds up super small to toss in the diaper bag or backpack!
Material: Cotton Fabric Ring Wrap
Age: Newborn to toddler (I loved this for toddlers, we still use this daily at 24M old!)
Weight: 8-35 lbs
Versatility: Chest to Chest, Hip Carry, or Breastfeeding Support
Pros: Very easy to use, easy to adjust, compact, and great to stuff in your diaper bag, quick up and downs, great for breastfeeding, and suitable for different caregivers.
Cons: Can put more strain on one shoulder
OTHER CARRIERS:
If you find yourself on long walks or your a hiker- we love our Osprey Carrier! And the Hippie Joey Carrier offers a unique way to help support you throught pregnancy to toddlerhood
Material: Nylon or Polyester
Age: Older babies, toddlers, hiking, and long walks (we still use this for hikes at 24M old!)
Weight: up to 48 lbs *child must be able to sit up independently
Versatility: Backpack Carrier
Pros: Sturdy, great weight distribution, storage for gear
Cons: Not suitable for newborns, can be heavy and expensive
Hippie Joey Wrap $74-$85- Use Code HAIZMAN for 10% off
Material: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Age: Uses from pregnancy, birth, toddlerhood, & beyond! (we just got this for quick toddler pick-ups, but also can't wait to use it with our 2nd due in May!)
Weight: 8-35lbs
Versatility:
Pros: Soft, breathable fabric, versatile wearing options, reversible, custom measurements, 4 different options to choose from for different climates, and no buckles, rings, or ties of any sort + Your little one can use it with their baby dolls too.
Cons: Snug fit is personalized making it hard to share with other caregivers.
Conclusion
Baby carriers are more than just a convenient tool; they nurture closeness, support development, and can make life with a little one much easier. Whether you prefer the snug fit of a Moby Wrap, the quick adjustability of a Ring Wrap, the ergonomic support of an Ergo Baby, or the adventure-readiness of a hiking carrier, there’s a perfect carrier for every family and lifestyle.
Remember, the best carrier is the one that feels right for you and your baby, providing comfort, safety, and a little extra cuddle time.
Happy baby-wearing!
xo, Jess
L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S!
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