Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it is hard to choose the right one for your needs. Listed are all the different types of carriers with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Each carrier style listed below supports the baby rather than having the baby hang at the crotch like most carriers in stores. When a baby hangs at the crotch it effects the spine and can cause damage. The carriers below the baby is supported by having the bum lower than the knees. The baby's weight is on the bum instead of the hip joints and spine. The baby's are also held tight to your body making it easier on your back and muscles. It also leaves them feeling more secure and safe.

Pouches
Styles - Padded - can provide cushioning for wearer and baby
Unpadded - can be more comfortable for some wearers, cooler
Stretch - allows you to keep the baby closer to you.
Non-Adjustable - quickest to get on and learn how to use.
Adjustable(zippers, rings, or snaps) - allows more than 1 sized wearer to use it.
Reversible - gives you 2 pouches in 1, also makes it look nicer when using a shoulder flip.
Fabrics - Cotton, Flannel, Fleece, Organic, Solarveil, Hemp, Mesh, Silk.
Carries - Cradle, Kangaroo/Buddha, Hip, Back, Tummy-To-Tummy.
Advantages - Easiest to learn how to use. Compact. Quick to put on and get a baby/toddler in. Easy to breastfeed with. Deeper pocket allows a nicer fit for the baby without fabric bunching. Inexpensive.
Disadvantages - Most are not adjustable, you cannot use them for different sized wearers. Some babies do not like them. They are worn on 1 shoulder which can cause a strain on the shoulder/back with heavier babies or when wearing for long periods.

Ring Sling
Styles - Padded - Gives cushioning to wearer and Baby.
Unpadded - easier to tighten, not as hot.
Open Tail - Allows wearer to adjust top and bottom rails separately. Can use the tail as a sun shield/blanket.
Closed Tail - No loose fabric to get in the way. Only have to tighten 1 piece.
Fabrics - Cotton, Fleece, Solarveil, Mesh, Silk, Organic, Twill.
Carries - Cradle, Kangaroo/Buddha, Hip, Back, Tummy-To-Tummy.
Advantages - Adjustable. Can be used for different sized wearers. More compact than a wrap. Easy to use.
Disadvantages - 1 shouldered which can cause strain on the wearer. Not as comfortable as a wrap. For some, the rings can slip a bit.

Long Wraps (4+ Metres/Yards)
Styles - 4Metres/Yards up to 9/10Meteres/Yards
Tapered - makes it easier to tie the knot and leaves less fabric hanging.
Stretch - Allows a wearer to leave it on all day, popping a baby in and out as needed.
Woven - Doesn't have the bounce a stretch wrap does.
Fabrics - Cotton, Fleece, Cotton Knit, Organic
Carries - Cradle, Kangaroo/Buddha, Hip, Back, Tummy-To-Tummy, Cross Carries. Advantages - Distributes child's weight over entire upper back. More comfortable. Larger variation in carries you can use.
Disadvantages - Can be trickier to learn how to use. Alot of fabric. A bit harder to breastfeed with. Tied with a knot.

Short Wraps(3-4 Metres/Yards)
Styles - 3Metres/Yards up to 4Meteres/Yards
Tapered - makes it easier to tie the knot and leaves less fabric hanging.
Stretch - Allows a wearer to leave it on all day, popping a baby in and out as needed.
Woven - Doesn't have the bounce a stretch wrap does.
Fabrics - Cotton, Fleece, Cotton Knit, Organic
Carries - Cradle, Kangaroo/Buddha, Hip, Back, Tummy-To-Tummy, Cross Carries. Advantages - Easier to get on than a long wrap. Less fabric than with a long wrap.
Disadvantages - Fewer carries that you can use compared with a long wrap. Only goes over 1 shoulder. Learning curve is harder than with a ring sling or a pouch. Tied with a knot.

Soft Carriers
Styles - Asian Baby Carriers - 4 straps to tie to hold the baby. Tied with a knot. Korean Carrier - 1 long strap, tied with a knot.
Constructed Carriers - Use buckles, velcro and snaps.
Onbuhimo - 1 strap and rings. Tied with a knot.
Podaegi - A small blanket with a strap. Tied with a knot.
Fabrics - Canvas, Twill, Cotton.
Carries - Front(facing out), Back, Hip.
Advantages - Quick to get on. Not as bulky as a wrap.
Disadvantages - Most cannot be used for hip carries or for laying down carries. Can be difficult to breastfeed with a small infant.

Hip Carriers
Styles - Hip/Waist belts and buckles.
Fabrics - Canvas, Hemp, Cordura
Carries - Hip, Front(not all hip carriers), Back(not all hip carriers)
Advantages - Easy to get on. Not alot of fabric.
Disadvantages - Can only be used for babies who have excellent back and neck control. Most cannot be used in any carry other than the hip. Some are not handsfree.

In general,

It's all a matter of personal preference.

Which Carrier? This is always the big question, which one to get. The options are numerous. If you are new I suggest starting with a pouch. They are the easiest to learn with and are inexpensive so you can move up to ring slings, wraps, and soft carriers without having spent alot of money on the pouch. Pouches, Ring Slings and Wraps all have the same basic idea behind how to use them, they are just secured differently. If you buy one and find it does not work, do not give up. Some carriers are not well liked by some babies and wearers. There is a large market for used carriers and you can get your money back and try another one. Soft Carriers are the closest to mainstream carriers like a snugli or Baby Bjorn. They are relatively easy to use and have the look of them but also have the added advantage of wider seats so the baby is supported and not just hanging from it's groin.

Fabrics? Some people like the woven fabrics of a wrap better than a knit. Some people choose a specific fabric due to a specific outing they are attending. Flannels and heavy wovens and cottons are not a widely used during the summer months as a lightweight cotton, solarveil or mesh sling would be.

Mesh slings are good for pools, lakes, the beach and the shower. Solarveil are also good for them but have the added advantage of sun protection.

Tying Methods? Some people find the knots in a wrap to be bothersome. Rings are easy, but some have concerns about their babies hitting their heads on them. Snaps and zippers in an adjustable pouch give it more uses, but it isn't as easy to adjust as a pouch with ring slings.

Padding? It can be a huge advantage, but also a disadvantage at the same time. Leg padding helps keep red marks from material cutting in away, shoulder padding helps keep strain off your shoulder, top rail padding can be used as cushioning for the baby's head, but padding can also be hot, make it harder to adjust tightly and make things more uncomfortable. If you have a sling with padding and are having difficulty with it, look closely at how it is made and see if you can remove some(or all) of the padding and re-sew it shut. If you find the unpadded sling is hurting you, you can either sell it and get one with padding or see if the sling maker has optional padding available.

Accessories? Depending on the sling maker, some comes with various accessories. You can get built in diaper bags, toy hooks, pillows and pockets. If you find a diaper bag is too cumbersome to bring along, a sling with pockets will probably be useful. Toy hooks can keep a fidgety baby occupied. Pillows are helpful in pouches if you have a small baby or a newborn. They can prop the baby up so they don't look so "lost" inside the sling. Pillows can make a difference in whether a newborn likes or hates a pouch.

Lastly, if you buy a sling and are having problems getting it to work do not hesitate to ask questions. There are many ladies quite knowledgeable about babywearing here at Mothering, but you can also contact any LLL(or other breastfeeding group), Midwife or Doula and they should be able to point you in the right direction on where to go for help. You can also find babywearing classes in most larger centers. A little help can make the difference in becoming a babywearing family.

Carrie Hirtle
Mother, Doula and Owner of Natural Blessings an Attachment Parenting store specializing in Baby Carriers, Cloth Menstrual Pads, Breastfeeding Supplies and a variety of other products for moms and tots.

I am a Childbirth Educator, Childbirth Doula and Lactation Counsellor specializing in Natural, Drug Free Childbirth. For my services visit Natural Blessings Childbirth Services.

For more information on my products or services email me at ezine@natural-blessings.com

---

Important Safety and Styling Features of Baby Cribs

Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby's nursery.... Read More

The Best Way To Give Medicine To A Baby

So you carefully fill a spoon with medicine for baby,... Read More

Baby Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

In this article you will be provided with information about... Read More

How to Save Money on Wedding and Baby Shower Favors

Planning on having a wedding or baby shower soon? Getting... Read More

The Character Traits of a Scorpio Baby

Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More

Baby Cribs - Safety Is Key

You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More

Should You Get Baby Shower Game Ideas for Free?

There are quite a few baby shower game ideas for... Read More

Baby?s First Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones

Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question:... Read More

Choose The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

The first thing you should do when trying to choose... Read More

Preparing for New Baby or Traveling with Baby this Summer

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among... Read More

Sweep Away Colic Baby Crying with White Noise

It doesn't make sense does it? You do everything possible... Read More

How to Choose a Baby Swing

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,000 American... Read More

Playing With Food Words: Teaching Mindfulness to Preschoolers

The most powerful way to instill a love for language... Read More

Potty Training Boys - How To Potty Train Boys - Do You Teach Them to Sit or Stand?

I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More

How Toddlers Can Benefit From Using Computers

It's a fact of life that we live in an... Read More

Baby Expense: What To Do When Baby

As you probably know, baby expense should be high on... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More

Getting to Know Your Baby: Babys Second Month Guide

Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been... Read More

Heres What to Expect at a Baby Shower

A baby shower is a great way to welcome a... Read More

Top 3 Must Have Books for Your Baby or Toddler

Reading is one of the most important things you will... Read More

How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned... Read More

Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early... Read More

Steps To Dealing With Your Autistic Child

It is most unfortunate that many wonderful parents feel that... Read More

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear, And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced... Read More

Wheres My Mother of The Year Award?

With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in... Read More

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies

Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This... Read More

Babies Born During The Sign Of Gemini

Your Gemini Baby..May 21 - June 20Gemini children are lively... Read More

Baby Shower Gift for Dads

Gift for Dads: The mom is always on the limelight... Read More

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

A few guests can get together and get a big... Read More

Backpacking With Children: My Own Adventures

When I had my firstborn I thought I new everything... Read More

Fun Nursery Themes That Will Even Have Your Baby Talking!

There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More