Choosing a Baby Carrier

Yes, you can take a few yards of an eye-catching and fun fabric and somehow wrap and tie and bounce and adjust until you and your bean are a perfect, seamless unit - ready to conquer the world (or at least FINALLY tackle the dishes!)  However, your first step is to pick the perfect carrier, mama...

1. Which carrier is the easiest to learn to use?
2. Which carrier is most comfortable for big babies?
3. Which carrier is most versatile?
4. Which carrier is best for nursing?
5. For how long can I continue to use my carrier?
6. A wonderful shot of our bean and his big sis! (No, admiring these beautiful children won't increase your babywearing skills but we couldn't help ourselves.)

What kind of carrier is easiest to learn to use?

Ah, the Mei Tai... simple, sturdy, comfy. And pretty easy to get the hang of too.  At the risk of short-selling all other carriers, I will profess my love for mei tais.  But if it's not your cup of tea, or better yet if it is but you like coffee and hot chocolate too, then may we suggest the ring sling as an "intermediate" carrier and finally the Everest of babywearing - the Wrap.


back to top




What kind of carrier is most comfortable for long carries and big beans?

We suggest two-shouldered carriers for those extra loveable and extra chunky beans, and for the most comfort during long carries.  Tying your wrap in a front or back cross carry is probably the most supportive and comfortable way to carry your baby for a long time because the wrap, if spread well, distributes the weight of the child across the wearer's entire torso. The Mei Tai would be the next most supportive (which distributes the baby's weight to both shoulders and the waist), and then the Ring Sling (which distributes the baby's weight to one shoulder).


back to top





What kind of carrier is most versatile in terms of age of baby and carrying positions?

All of the carriers we offer are suited for babies from infancy through toddlerhood. As far as carrying positions go, wrap carriers are by far the most versatile. If you can imagine it, you can pretty much tie it, and if you can't imagine it don't worry, someone elase out there has!  Ring Slings are probably second most versatile, allowing you to carry your baby on your front, hip, or even back, for short periods. Your bean can be reclined, semireclined, or completely upright, facing sideways, in towards the wearer, or out facing the world. The Mei Tai is primarily used for carrying the baby upright facing towards the wearer on the front, or back (though the Mei Tai can be used as a hip carrier as well).


back to top





What kind of carrier is easiest to nurse in?

Most mamas will find the Ring Sling or Wrap easiest to nurse in as both allow your hungry babe to be held in virtually any position and provide excellent coverage. The Mei Tai can work well for nursing an older child with good head control, but doesn't provide as much coverage. Mamas who are blessed with big bosoms for their beans may have more difficulty nursing in the Mei Tai and usually find a Ring Sling easiest to nurse in.


back to top

How big a child can I carry in a baby carrier?

We suggest a weight limit of 35 pounds for all our carriers because most parents find that children heavier than 35 pounds are difficult to carry for long periods in any sort of carrier. However, there are many parents who continue to carry much larger children, though often for shorter periods at a time. It's always a good idea to listen to your body.  If your baby is too heavy for a wrap, your body will tell you.

back to top



 
 Our carriers are shipped with detailed instructions for their use and care.  Babywearing takes a bit of practice but with a little time and patience you'll find yourself in a state we refer to as beanwearing bliss.  Be careful, wearing your baby (and collecting all of the pretty carriers) can be addictive!  Be prepared for lots of warm smiles (and questions!) from people who haven’t seen beans in carriers before.  As important, be ready for a happier baby – they are comfortable, they can look around more freely and they get to smile back too! 

        

As with all of our products, should you have any questions or concerns please drop us a line.  We'll be happy to offer advice as soon as we get this bean off our backs! 

  Visit TheBabyWearer, a tremendous resource for all things babywearing!