Baby Carriers and Slings

Felicity Porter asked:

Which one should I buy - baby carrier brand names abound like distant cousins. Infant carriers have increased in variety, models colors, you name it. More and more parents opt for these practical contraptions, so more and more manufacturers come up with new versions. It's getting hard to know how to pick the best brand and model for oneself.

Your first criteria when you buy baby carrier models should be your baby's age and weight. If your baby is able to sit up by itself or is a newborn, basically decides between a backpack carrier or a front carrier.

For newborns up to six months old you would want to buy baby carrier models that carry in front or a sling, where your baby faces inward and feels carried much like it was in the womb. This way of transport conveys a feeling of safety and closeness to the baby and gives you full control of the baby while still providing your hands with the freedom to go about your daily tasks. Once your baby has grown a bit it can ride facing outwards in most of these models.

Some parents prefer to buy baby carrier models that are worn on the side or the hip. These do have the slight disadvantage that your own physical freedom is somewhat restrained since the baby sits right under one of your arms. Also as the baby gets heavier the strain on your shoulder grows.

Once your baby can sit by itself a backpack may be the most practical of choices. The baby rides along on your back, providing you with a maximum of freedom to go about your tasks and still having it close by at all times. The baby isn't quite as accessible to you as with a front carrier, but once they get a little heavier this carrying position is the one with least strain on your neck, shoulders and back.

So when you buy baby carriers, whichever you pick in the end, make sure it has a 5-point harness, which will greatly contribute to the carrying comfort by distributing the baby's weight evenly.

Make sure your baby has enough room for some growth and movement and still at all times gives the baby good support when you buy baby carriers. Some versions are quite adaptable to warm and cold weather, sunshine or rain. Choose what best fits the climate conditions in your area.