We all love holding our little ones close to us, if possible all day, every day. But to make that possible you need arms stronger than that of hulk and an army of support to take care of everything else in the house. That’s why a baby carrier is the best option to keep your tiny tot close to you without overburdening yourself. If you have made up your mind to switch to a baby carrier, now let’s look into which is the best baby carrier for you and your little one.
Types of Baby Carrier:
Baby carriers come in the following styles:
Wrap
The wrap style of baby carriers is made of a single piece of long cloth, which is used to wrap around your body, starting from over your shoulder moving around your midsection. This forms a carrier for the baby. This is the best choice for newborns as the tight yet soft feeling of the fabric resembles the feel of the womb. This style of the baby carrier comes in a single size that fits all as it is easily adjustable as per your requirement.
Sling
Sling-style baby carriers have a pouch-like space that holds the baby. This is created using a wide piece of cloth that runs over the shoulder to around your torso. This is generally used in areas that face hotter weather. Since the weight distribution is not even in this style, it is not apt as a long-term choice.
Structured Carriers
Structured carrier is a style that resembles a backpack. It is designed to distribute weight evenly with soft straps across the shoulder. The baby can be carried either on the back or chest. This design is more appropriate for older babies or toddlers. Structured carrier gives you the option to carry the child either in the back, front, or even hip.
Hybrid
The hybrid style of carriers combines the style and comfort of both wrap and structured carriers. This style is comfortable to wear and handy, hence one of the favorite styles for parents. The only catch is to find the right fit for your body.
Now let us see what are the best available options under the wrap style.
Boba Wrap Classic Baby Carrier
The Boba wrap is one of the most favorite baby carriers. The fabric used for this carrier is a blend of 5% spandex which gives the best snug fit for the baby. A single piece of fabric is used in a single position to hold the baby in the front. The snug fit is the best choice for newborns, leaving a skin-to-skin feel making the baby more comfortable like in a saddle. The carrier also comes at an affordable price. It can also carry a weight of up to 35 pounds.
The one point to be noted is that since the wrap gives a tight snug fit, it can get hot especially during warmer climates.
2. Baby K’Tan Original Baby Wrap
Baby K’Tan wrap is made of 100% cotton making it apt for baby skin. With the slight stretch in the fabric, this wrap is designed to serve the purpose without actually wrapping.
The carrier goes around the shoulder to the back, allowing the child to be held in the desired position. The wrap is designed with a double loop to evenly distribute the weight across the shoulder and back. The wrap resembles the design of a t-shirt, making it easy to wear. It also comes with extra support and storage space. The wrap comes in multiple sizes ranging from 0-24, given the best support as per the age of your baby.
3. Solly Baby Wrap
Solly baby wrap is an all-time favorite for its feather-soft material that is lightweight making it newborn-friendly. Enclosed pockets provide additional space in this design. This wrap is also made out of sustainably sourced material that is environmentally friendly.
4. Wildbird Ring Sling
Designed with premium linen material this is one of the most stylish and comfortable designs. It can be adjusted to fit size irrespective of the body size or shape. The material is dyed with natural dye hence making it completely safe for babies. The babies can be positioned front, back, or hip.
5. Sakura Bloom Ring Sling
Sakura Bloom ring sling carrier is made up of materials like bamboo, silk, and linen. This slingback is useful for newborns to toddlers. The material used makes it easily foldable. Hence travel friendly too.
6. Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Baby Carrier
Boppy ComfyFit integrates the comfort of wrap for the baby and the support provided by the structured carrier. The carrier is made of soft breathable material with spandex which provides extra stretch and support. The straps over the shoulder and hips are padded to distribute the weight.
7. Moby Fit Carrier
The Moby fit carrier has a hybrid structure that provides the snug of the wrap and more structure for support. The t-shirt like a hybrid carrier is made of crossed fabric panels, which provides comfort and support for the little one. It also comes in a single size that fits all due to its adjustable features.
8.BabyBjorn Mini Carrier
Baby Bjorn is designed for ease of use and gently supports the newborn. The buckles-up design is extremely useful as it makes the process of getting the baby in and out of the carrier. Its lightweight design also makes it compact hence easy to carry around.
9. Happy Original Baby Carrier
Happy! Baby carriers are designed with linen which makes them significantly lighter than the other structured carriers available. It is also adjustable, hence easy to fit. These handmade carriers are also apt for warmer climates as they are breathable for both the baby and the parent.
10. Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier
Omni Breeze as the name suggests is a highly breathable structured carrier that is covered with a mesh fabric making it incredibly soft. It can hold weight up to 45lbs. This carrier also offers multiple carrying positions of front inwards, front outwards, back, and hip making it one of the favorites of both parents and babies.
11. Infantino Flip 4-in-1Convertible Carrier
Infantino is a fantastic choice that comes at a great price point. Designed with multiple straps and buckles making it adjustable and fit for all sizes. The seat can also be adjusted as per the size of the baby. It is comfortable for both child and parent with its porous fabric choices.
12. Baby Tula Explore Carrier
Baby Tula carrier is a companion that lasts long enough to hold your baby from the initial months to the toddler days. Made of 100% cotton, this carrier is easy to wash and maintain adding to its longevity. It is also strong enough to carry weight up to 45 pounds.
13. Iillebaby Carrier All Season 6-in-1 Baby Carrier
Iillebaby carrier is designed to fit all seasons with its smart design. Zip up the back zipper to create a cozy cocoon for your little one and if the heat raises you can unzip it, the mesh provides a breathable comfortable environment for the baby. With the weight carrying capacity of 45 pounds that goes till toddlerhood.
14. TwinGo Carrier
TwinGo Carrier is the best support for parents with twins as it provides a double carrier of 10 to 45 pounds at the same time. The carrier is designed to be detached and used as a single carrier, in order to share the load.
Conclusion:
Are baby carriers a must-have? Well, that is for you to choose, but the advantages of a baby carrier have been tremendous. It gives you more hands and soothes the baby better. With a wide range and variety of materials and fabrics options available, you can precisely choose the one that fits your price point too.
Best Baby Carriers FAQs:
- When should I start using a baby carrier?
Baby carriers can be used for newborns to toddlers. There are ones used for newborns that are specially designed to give better support. They can be carried once they weigh at least 7 pounds.
- How long can you hold a baby in a carrier?
The time duration depends on the material of the carrier, the general climate of the area, the comfort of the baby, and the situation. It is advisable to hold the baby in the carrier for not more than 2 hours. Keeping the baby close to your body keeps the baby feel more secure
- Can a baby carrier hurt the baby?
Yes, if the baby is not positioned right inside the baby carrier, it can hurt the baby. Studies show that holding the baby’s legs together for a prolonged period of time can result in hip dislocation.
- Is it bad to hold the baby all the time?
You can never spoil a baby by holding them close to you. Research shows, that constant care and attention only helps in the development of the child. You can hold the baby while the baby is sleeping even till 4 months of age.
