Baby Carrier Types, Carrying Positions & Buyer's Guide For New Moms

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Isn’t it just fantastic to keep your hands free but still holding your baby securely with the help of a baby carrier?

Having your baby snugly close to your body while doing house chores, shopping or walking outdoor is both beneficial for mom and baby.

Research shows that the babies who are carried by parents 3 hours a day cry 50 % less as compared to babies who are not close to mom’s body. Wearing a baby in a carrier is getting popular these days and many celebrities also following this trend. Baby carriers are more convenient to carry a baby as compare to using a baby stroller. Deciding that you want to use a baby carrier is a wise decision but first, you must be aware of different types of baby carriers.

Types of Baby Carrier

Selecting a quality baby carrier is not difficult. You need to consider the following types and factors before buying a baby carrier according to your need. Here are some suggestions that help you in choosing the best baby carriers.

Carrier Wraps

Baby wraps are the perfect carriers for newborn babies because they keep bay close to mother and provide needed warmth and feel of closeness. Baby wraps are a single cloth that needs to be wrap around waist and tie to secure the carrier. You can wear the baby wraps in numerous positions as you want. These are available in many colors, fabrics, and patterns. Make sure to buy a breathable fabric and check the baby off and on if he sleeps in the wrap to make sure the correct breathing position.

Carrier Ring Slings

Carrier slings are made to carry relative older babies and are worn diagonally. You can place baby on hip or in the front position in a sling fabric cradle. Sling carriers are most easy to wear and take off. The fabric used in carrier sling is soft and breathable. You can customize the position of the baby according to your need with the help of the ring. Consider the fabric according to season. Also, pay attention to the baby position in the sling carrier that he is breathing properly.

Carrier Bags

Baby carrier bags either be a soft structure or solid structure for older babies. Carrier bags come with adjustable straps and closure buckle to adjust the position of the baby. There is a proper seat for the baby and legs come out from the holes to balance the baby position. You can hold a baby in front or from the back position. Carrier bags provide the most support to baby and you can use carrier bags during shopping or hiking or long walking trips. These come with special features like storage pockets, baby sleeping hoods, and a supportive stand, etc. The fabric used in carrier bags is not as soft as in the case of sling carrier or wrap carrier. Moreover, these carriers are costly as well.

Carrying Positions of the Baby

Cradle carry

Wear the baby carrier first then slip in a baby into carrier. The baby remains in a fully reclined or semi-reclined position in the cradle.

Reverse Cradle Carry

In a reverse cradle position, the baby remains in a horizontal position with head one side of the shoulder. This position is good for breastfeeding. Moms carry newborn to under 4 months baby in this position.

Hip Carry

Hip carry is used for babies older than 5 months. This is a comfortable position for both mom and baby and the weight of the baby is equally distributed.

Front Face-in Carry

The face-in position is suitable for newborn babies because their neck is not balanced. Baby vision is limited to 8-10 inches and babies adapt the life outside the womb slowly and gradually. With head and neck support and closeness with parents, the baby feels more secure and comfortable.

Front Face-out Carry

Face-out carrying position is also called kangaroo position is suitable for older babies. 5 months older babies want to explore their surroundings and interact with others. Front out position is exciting for baby.

Back Carry

Back carry is the most comfortable position for the carrier wearer. It gives you the freedom to freely move your hands while carrying your baby on your back. the back position is not recommended for newborn babies up to the age of 5 months. When a baby learns to sit independently then carry your baby on your back.

How do I choose a Baby Carrier?

Fiber is the most important factor while buying baby carriers. If you buy sling or wraps style then fabric should be breathable, washable, and anti-allergic. In the case of bag style carrier fabric should be strong and washable.
If you intend you buy a baby carrier for a newborn then you should consider the baby carrier with head support.
While buying baby carrier padded shoulder straps are important to wear the carrier comfortably and to bear the baby weight easily.
Waist belt distributes the baby’s weight and supports the lumber of the wearer.
Look in detail for the fastener of the carrier before slipping the baby into the carrier. Always buy adjustable fastener for baby safety and a wearer convenience.
Check for air vents in carrier bags because they get hot with time.
In case of wraps or sling use cloth according to weather. Use microfiber for winter and cotton fabric for the winter season.
Check before buying that cloth should be washable. Because you can predict baby pee and p00.
If you are intending to buy for a newborn then the baby sling is appropriate. If your child is 5 months older and you have to wear a baby for long hours then buy a carrier bag with straps.

What is the easiest baby carrier to use?

Structure carrier with straps is easiest to carry and the wearer does not feel uncomfortable. But these are recommended for older babies who learn to sit and have a stable neck. For smaller babies sling and straps is good.

How long a baby stay in a carrier?

You can use a carrier for newborn to 2 years old baby. It depends on the weather. If it is winter, you can carry the baby for 3 to 4 hours in a carrier. But if it is summer you should carry a baby for more than an hour. It may be uncomfortable for both wearer and baby. Make sure the baby neck, head, and legs are in a proper position if they are for longer hours in a carrier.

Is it ok to let baby sleep in a carrier?

Yes, it is in fact better to take nap for babies while they are in close contact with parents. Make sure they are in the correct position while sleeping.

Can you sit with a baby carrier?

Yes, you sit with a baby sling carrier and baby wrap. If your baby wants to be in close contact with you while you are busy in-home at a laptop or outside in-plane, It is totally fine to carry a baby in sitting position.

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Xadia Cashif

Xadia Cashif is a content and affiliate marketer with a passion to have a perfect home with her husband. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her at her kitchen, busy with 2 kids, or maybe on Pinterest @xadiacashif where she likes to share about her lifestyle and work. Alternatively, try her email at xadcash@gmail.com, and she’ll probably shoot you back a list of her favorite and latest gizmos.