There are a number of different types of carriers and they all suit different lifestyles. It can seem daunting at first to know which will work best for you but our brand partner Ergobaby is here to make things easy! To help you discover whether babywearing might work for your and decide which carrier is the best fit for your family, read on below.
Why Should I Consider Babywearing?
- Babywearing strengthens the bond between parent and baby by maintaining the closeness baby had in the womb, especially during the ‘4th trimester’.
- Babywearing aids in baby’s development, both physically and emotionally.
- There are practical benefits too, parents or caregivers are able to be ‘hands-free’ while baby is in the carrier which allows them to navigate other tasks more easily, such as caring for another child, or maintaining their own needs.
- Babywearing allows parents to more easily explore where strollers are rendered impractical, while babies get to discover their new world from the safety and comfort of their parents’ body.
- Many carriers allow breastfeeding to be done on the go, and discreetly too, if you want to be covered up.
What Qualities Should I Look For In A Baby Carrier?
Searching for the best baby carrier for you can be overwhelming when sorting through endless options on the internet — but what qualities should you be looking for exactly?
The five features that matter most when shopping for a baby carrier are:
- Ergonomics
- Comfort
- Ease of Use
- Functionality
- Longevity
1. Ergonomics
Your child’s health is and always should be your primary concern when shopping for a baby carrier. Your carrier should provide adequate support for your baby’s growing head, neck and back.
It should keep them in an upright C-shaped position, meaning they aren’t slumped, and their chin is off their chest, so airways are kept open, as well as high enough on your chest so you can monitor them (think close enough to kiss their head!).
Your child should also sit in an ergonomic position inside their carrier, which means their knees are higher than their bum with legs in a spread-squat position in all different carrying positions including outward facing.
Other concerns include selecting the most secure and appropriate carrying position for your baby’s age and weight and inspecting the fabric’s quality before using it to make sure there aren’t any rips, tears or weaknesses.
All Ergobaby carriers are ergonomic which means they carry your baby in a way that supports their development in all positions and at all ages. They are also designed with comfort for both parent and baby in mind.
2. Comfort
If a carrier causes you any kind of discomfort, you obviously won’t use it — and of course you want your little one to be comfortable too! Different carrier features determine the comfort level for you and your baby.
What makes a baby carrier comfortable for caregivers?
Padded straps and lumbar support are lifesavers for parents. They relieve strain on your shoulders and back while helping reduce muscle tension, which allows you to comfortably carry your baby for longer periods of time. Fabric that’s soft and breathable determines your comfort level as well. Some carriers also come with privacy hoods; a great feature when you’re hiking on a sunny day or want to discreetly nurse on the go.
Keep in mind that your comfort needs might change as your child grows. As your baby gets a little older and heavier, you may more so appreciate those padded straps, lumbar support and different carrying positions to switch between.
What makes a carrier comfortable for babies?
Make sure your baby is as comfortable as possible in their baby carrier by checking the following:
- They are correctly positioned in the carrier.
- They are sitting ergonomically in a seat with a wider bottom.
- They are being closely held in a carrier made of fabric that’s soft and breathable.
3. Ease of Use
Parents can agree on two things — you’re all, as a general rule of thumb, busy and sleep deprived. Don’t make your life even harder with a baby carrier that’s difficult to use, put on and take off.
Find a carrier with easy-to-use straps and fasteners and that only requires you to read the instructions or watch a quick instructional video once.
You should also make sure your baby carrier is easy to clean, as your baby is bound to drool and spit up on the carrier. Look for one that’s machine washable, so your washer, and not you, has to put in the cleaning effort.
4. Functionality
The more versatile a baby carrier, the more use you’ll get out of it. Choose a carrier that offers three or four of the standard carrying positions:
- Front carry, inward facing
- Front carry, outward facing
- Hip carry
- Back carry
With these different carrying positions, you’re able to choose your favourite as your baby grows and matures.
5. Longevity
83 percent of new parents said they would prefer to invest in quality products that had long-lasting guarantees to ensure they could be used again for potential new siblings, rather than items that would only last for one baby [source: independent study of 1,500 parents commissioned by Ergobaby UK, August 2019] so carriers that will last are a must!
A baby carrier that has experienced a lot, and endured even more, becomes an heirloom, carrying each family baby when their time comes. Ergobaby offer a 10-year guarantee on all carriers, sending a clear message to parents all over the world that as their families grow, Ergobaby products will be there every step of the way. You can find more information here.
Ergobaby Baby Carriers
Now you know what you’re looking for, it just comes down to picking the carrier that suits your family best. Ergobaby have a handy comparison chart below to help you pick which of their carriers is right for you or you can compare them in more detail here.
Don’t forget to tag @ergobabyuk and @mylittlepiccolo in your snaps of you out and about in your baby carrier, we’d love to see them.
