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Types of Carriers

Wrap – a wrap that has no clasps or rings, simply a piece of long cloth wrapped around your body and your baby. Wrap carriers offer many different positions for holding your baby at various ages.

pros:

  • optimal head/neck support, essential for when baby falls asleep
  • complete back support
  • correct leg support, fabric can be stretched to the back of the knees to ensure proper sitting position
  • legs flexed and abducted (froglike position)
  • naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets, and aligns the spine
  • clings to wearers body and to the contours of the baby
  • fine tuning possible without retying in stretchy wraps
  • no pressure points on carrier or on baby

cons:

  • may have a slightly longer learning curve
  • may not be as fast to throw on
  • male partners may not be too enthusiastic about the wrapping process
  • may be difficult to keep off the ground when tying outside (try tucking in your pockets!)
  • back wearing is not safe and it is not recommended with stretchy wraps
  • woven wraps have multiple holds and positions, but fabric may dig and not be as conforming as stretchy wraps

Sling – piece of fabric that goes over your shoulder to form a pouch to hold your baby .

pros:

  • easy on and off
  • ideal for quick errands
  • can be worn in horizontal or upright position
  • spine is supported in convex position
  • provides the most discreet nursing (especially if the sling has a tail)
cons:
  • babies weight isn’t evenly distributed on mom
  • only goes over one shoulder, can give you lopsided feeling or exacerbate back or shoulder problems
  • fitted or custom made slings do not grow with your baby
  • may not fit your partner
  • rings can be unpleasant and have been reported to break
  • when you bend forward baby moves away from your body
  • when baby gets bigger the bottom rail of fabric is sometimes unforgiving on little hamstring
  • no back carry

Mei-Tai Baby Carrier – carrier has four straps coming off the body of the carrier, which can be tied to wear your baby on your front, back or hip.

pros:

  • it is not bulky and can fit into a smaller purse sometimes
  • simple design (easy DIY carrier)
  • fits infant to toddler
  • front and back holds possible
  • easy to learn to use
  • bilateral, goes over both shoulders evenly distributing babies weight

cons:

  • may have no shoulder padding/usually has no waist padding which may cause digging or pinching
  • no chest strap, although some straps are long enough so you can tie your own
  • not ideal for newborns or smaller infants because of the open sides
  • usually doesn’t provide adequate head support for sleeping infants

Soft Structured Baby Carrier – more like a backpack and are generally designed for older babies and toddlers to be worn on your body’s front, back or hip.

pros:

  • easy on, easy off
  • easy to learn
  • back and hip support
  • adjustable
  • foam in shoulders and in waistband
  • baby held close
  • proper sitting position
  • supports legs in flexed abducted (froglike) position
  • naturally aligns hips, pelvis, and spine

cons:

  • weight distribution mainly on waist and shoulders of carrier
  • shoulder straps may dig
  • may not adequately support legs of toddler
  • doesn’t provide clinging contoured support for a newborn or infant
  • nursing may not be as discreet as in a wrap or sling