A Family Approach to Photos
Your Photo Albums:

Edit Albums
Upload New Pictures
Pregnancy - from 28 weeks to 42 weeks pregnant


Get Weekly Updates on your Child E-Mailed to You
Complete Privacy - Your information will be used by edHelperBaby only and will never be shared with another company.

  Enter your E-MAIL ADDRESS:  
    

How Do I Choose A Baby Carrier That Is Right For Me?

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  How Do I Choose A Baby Carrier That Is Right For Me?
           You have likely seen parents out shopping, walking in the park, or just doing chores around the house, carrying their babies in one of the many baby carriers that are currently being sold.  Baby carriers have become very popular as they keep the baby close and comforted by human touch while allowing the wearer the freedom to use both hands.  Additionally, they are an ideal alternative to carrying around your baby when a stroller may be cumbersome.  There are a few options to explore when you are choosing a baby carrier that best suits your needs:
  • Front Baby Carrier
  • Back Baby Carrier
  • Baby Sling
  • Asian-Style Baby Carrier

       It may be worthwhile to go to a store that offers a wide selection of baby carriers and try a few on.  (When trying them on, keep in mind how the fit will be altered with a baby inside the carrier!) Additionally, do not forget the power of word of mouth!  Ask your family and friends which carrier they prefer and why, before making a final decision.  Finally, ask what the store's return policy is before purchasing, just in case you need to exchange your baby carrier once your bundle of joy has arrived!

   

  Front Baby Carriers
           A front baby carrier tends to be the most popular baby carrier as they can adjust for the wearer's height making them ideal for households with parents of different sizes looking for a single solution.  Many parents find this type of carrier easy to use for a young baby as it keeps the baby close to their chest, soothing the baby with their heartbeat.  As the baby gets older and can support his head better, he can be turned to face out.  However, this carrier can usually only be used up to a certain point as the discomfort on the wearer's back intensifies as the baby gains weight.  To extend the usability of this type of carrier, look for one that can be converted to a backpack style as the baby gets older.

   

  Back Baby Carriers
           A back baby carrier is often used to take babies on longer walks or hikes, where a stroller would not be practical.  To use a back baby carrier the baby must be able to support his head and ideally sit up on his own.  This type of carrier can be easier on the wearer than a front style carrier as the baby's weight is distributed on the wearer's back.  Often parents prefer this style of carrier for taking their babies on outdoor adventures, such as hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.

   

  Baby Slings
           A baby sling ties around the wearer with a large band of fabric and some also come with a fastening device, such as a buckle.  This type of baby carrier is often designed to be a hip carrier but with the use of the buckle can be worn to carry the baby on the wearer's back, cradled in the front, or at the chest.  Slings can seem complicated at first, but with practice the idea is to find the position that is most comfortable for the wearer and baby.

   

  Asian-Style Baby Carriers
           An Asian-style baby carrier is tied onto the wearer with four cloth straps attached to the corners of a rectangular piece of fabric.  One set of the straps ties around the wearer's waist, while the other set ties around the wearer's shoulders like a backpack or around the neck.  This type of baby carrier offers a lot of flexibility for the wearer as it can be worn on the back or the front with the baby either facing the wearer or facing out.  However, many parents recommend using them for newborns or smaller babies as they can be too restrictive for larger babies.

   


Ask Your Own Question
    

Ask a Question

Give a Suggestion     Contact edHelperBaby
Note: All information on edHelperBaby is of a general nature for educational purposes only.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
Your use of this site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.