How to choose the right baby carrier
You’ve got a few different choices when it comes to carrying your baby when you’re away from home.
While strollers are a great option in many situations, there are other times when you need a solution that means your hands remain free. That’s where baby carriers come in.
There are several different types of baby carriers and you’ll probably come across terms like wrap, ring sling, soft structured and meh dai in your browsing (with the terms sometimes used interchangeably). To keep things simple, we’re separating baby carriers into three broader categories and exploring the pros and cons of each to help you find the perfect fit for your baby and lifestyle.
Wraps and slings
Wrap and ring sling baby carriers are made up of a large piece of cloth that wraps securely around both you and your baby. They can often be tied in various ways and lack the buckles, straps and snaps that you’ll find on more structured baby carriers.
Wraps, which can be made of loose, stiff or stretchy material, tend to secure the baby against your chest, whereas the ring sling design crosses your body diagonally with the baby on your hip.
These types of carriers offer a huge amount of versatility, are available in a variety of fabrics and are suited for newborn babies. However, they can be tricky to tie for first-time users, can be a little long and effectively mean you’re putting on an extra layer of clothing, which could cause you to overheat.
Soft structured carrier
Sometimes called buckle carriers, soft structured carriers (SSC) tend to come with padded straps that secure over your shoulders and around your waist, creating a carry pouch against your body for your baby. They’re probably the most common type of baby carrier and some styles can be worn on the front, side or back.
Meh dais can also be considered a type of SSC, although they tend to combine features of both a wrap and SSC by using long pieces of fabric to create a carry pouch rather than fastenings.
SSCs are easy to use and adjust, come with comfortable padding, and are available in a variety of colours and styles. However, they’re a pricier option than slings or wraps and using them efficiently can take a bit of practice.
Backpack carrier
It’ll come as no surprise that a backpack carrier is worn just like a backpack. The child is secured in a seated position, which means it’s only suitable for babies who can sit unassisted and have good neck control.
Backpack carriers have a solid frame and often come with padded shoulder straps and additional waist straps to make carrying more comfortable. They’re particularly worth considering if you’re an active parent who wants your little one to join you on your outdoor adventures.
However, the solid frame makes a backpack carrier a much bigger and bulkier option than the others on our list. They can also be heavier than the other baby carrier options, especially when you’ve got a child on board!