The pros and cons of each carrier type.
SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIERS (including Buckle Carriers)
These are most similar to the Baby Carriers you see in many high street retailers. The main difference is that these are likely to be more comfortable for you and your baby, plus will last for much longer.
They use buckles or Velcro to tie around your waist, and buckles or tie-straps over your shoulders. All can be used for front and back carries. Some have adjustable seat widths and back heights, allowing them to be used for both small babies and older children. Others are designed specifically for babies or older children/toddlers, with different back heights and seat widths accordingly.
PROS:
+ Easy to see how they’re put on.
+ Many have the ability to be used for newborns as well as older children, using inserts (either built in or available separately).
+ Very popular with Dads.
+ Good for putting on outside as nothing to get wet/in the mud.
+ Comfortable for long periods of time as the weight is distributed evenly on both shoulders.
CONS:
– Buckle carriers need a reasonable amount of adjusting if being used by more than one adult, so not that quick if switching between people all the time.
– Many people don’t find them as comfortable as other styles of carrier for long periods of time.
TIE-ON CARRIERS (including Mei Tai’s and other Asian Style Carriers)
These are similar to Soft Structured Carriers, except they use long straps rather than buckles around the waist and over other shoulders.
PRO’S:
+ Easy to swap between adults as the straps tie to exactly the right length each time.
+ This is also good if being used over/under coats as it doesn’t have buckles that need adjusting.
+ Some people find these more comfortable than Soft Structured Carriers when worn for long periods, mainly because it’s easier to get a really close fit each time.
CON’S:
– Straps are quite long so might not work so well if being put on/taken off a lot outdoors.
– Some people find a woven wrap more comfortable for long periods of time.
WRAPS
There are two main types of wrap – woven and stretchy. Both are made from a long length of material and tied in different ways to support your baby.
STRETCHY WRAPS
These are all made from stretchy, jersey-type material. They range in thickness from fairly thick microfleece to very thin cotton or bamboo. They are ideal for newborns and small babies.
PROS:
+ They don’t take as long to master as woven wraps and can be pre-tied, so you can take your baby in and out without undoing them.
+ If done up nice and tightly they are supportive and secure for your baby.
+ They are very soft and mould nicely around your baby and you.
+ They are comfortable for long periods of time.
+ There are a number of different carries you can do with one wrap.
CONS:
– These aren’t so good once your baby starts to get heavier.
– As with all wraps, there’s quite a bit of fabric so it can seem a little daunting at first.
– If not tied tightly enough they can put strain on your back.
– Some people find that they can loosen over the day and need retightening.
– We only recommend they are used for front carries (not on the back).
WOVEN WRAPS
These are specially woven to be safe and supportive to carry children.
Woven wraps come in a range of lengths (sizes). The lengths vary depending on manufacturer but, in general the shortest is 270cm (a Size 2) with sizes increasing in 50cm increments up to 520cm (a Size 7).
The length of the wrap determines what carries can be performed with the wrap. For most people a Size 6 wrap will enable them to perform most carries.
PROS:
+ These can be used from newborns right the way up to pre-schoolers, depending on which carry you use.
+ This type of baby carrier probably takes the longest to master, but once you’ve got the hang of it it is arguably the most comfortable for long periods of time.
+ It is also the most versatile, with 100’s of different carries you can do with one wrap.
+ Wraps can be used for front, back and hip carries.
CONS:
– The length of fabric can seem quite daunting to begin with and isn’t ideal if you’re going to be wrapping outdoors (e.g. on a walk) where the ‘tails’ can get in the mud/wet.
– It does take a bit of time to master a really good wrap job, so you need to be prepared to practice!
For beginners, we’d suggest starting with a Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC). This is nice and supportive for all sizes of baby and is possible with a Size 6 wrap (or sometimes a Size 4/5 depending on the baby/adult’s size). Make sure you properly master one carry before moving on to try another, otherwise it can get a bit confusing remembering which one you’re doing!
This website shows lots of different carry instructions:
RING SLINGS AND HIP CARRIERS
RING SLINGS
Ring Slings are worn over one shoulder and are used for front, hip and back carries. Ring Slings are adjustable so can be used by lots of different sizes of wearer.
PROS:
+ Ring Slings are ideal for quick carries
+ No fabric to trail on the floor so are great for to and from the car and anywhere else where you want don’t want miles of fabric
+ Work well for newborn babies through to toddlers
+ Fold up really small so are great for popping in the change bag/car
+ Easy to swap between wearers
+ Babies suit tummy-to-tummy or cradle carries, older children can be carried on the hip or back
+ Back carries are also possible with Ring Slings
CONS:
– Because they are over one shoulder they’re not quite as comfortable as other types of carrier for longer periods of time.
– Like woven wraps, Ring Slings can take a little time to master.
SIZED HIP CARRIERS
Sized hip carriers (often called Pouches) are also worn over one shoulder. They are used just for hip carries. They are not adjustable, so you have to buy the correct size to fit you.
PROS:
+ Hip carriers are ideal for quick carries
+ No fabric ‘tail’ so fold up really small in a bag and don’t look to bulky when worn
+ Depending on the style, suitable for newborn babies through to toddlers (some are only suitable from around 4 months)
+ Fold up really small so are great for popping in the change bag/car
+ Very quick to put on – no adjusting needed
CONS:
– Because they are over one shoulder they’re not quite as comfortable as other types of carrier for longer periods of time.
– Not so easy to share between wearers (unless they are the same size/build)
– You need to ensure you buy the correct size