You can cart your baby around town in a stroller or car seat, but many parents love the ease and incomparable feeling of closeness provided by a baby carrier. Baby carriers cuddle your child against your body while leaving your hands free, a plus for you and your child. You can move easily, navigate crowded places, and take care of daily tasks while your child snoozes or relaxes next to you.
Experts say "baby wearing" can soothe a fussy or colicky child, help lower a mom's risk for postpartum depression, and promote bonding. "We advise parents to carry their babies as much as possible, beginning right after birth," write pediatrician William Sears and his wife, registered nurse Martha Sears, in The Baby Book.
Many dads sing the praises of baby carriers because they provide the chance to spend long periods of one-on-one time with their infants. "It was both a convenience and a bonding experience," says David Ellis, a father of three. "I would put my son in the sling, and he'd cuddle up against me and sleep while I sat at my desk and worked."
Some parents only use baby carriers in the early months, finding them uncomfortable once their baby reaches 15 to 20 pounds. Other parents happily tote kids long past this point – even up to age 4. Some newer baby carriers are safe for children up to 40 pounds and make this heavy load more comfortable by putting the weight squarely on your hips rather than on your shoulders and back.
Types of baby carriers
A front carrier consists of two shoulder straps that support a fabric seat. The carrier – and therefore your baby – is worn very close to your chest. At first, your newborn will face inward, toward you.
Once your baby has good head control and can sit up, usually around 5 to 6 months, you can turn him outward to look at the world. Some front carriers can also be worn on your back, which will be more comfortable for you when your child's heavier – and will give your child a great view.
One downside to front carriers is that some don't lend themselves easily to breastfeeding while wearing your baby. Also, a front carrier may feel too big and bulky for your newborn.
A sling is a wide swath of fabric worn across your torso and over one shoulder. They come padded, unpadded, and with or without rings for adjustment. If you're breastfeeding, a sling is nice because the loose fit and generous fabric allow you to nurse your baby discreetly.
All that fabric means that slings can be cumbersome, particularly for petite women. And the one-shoulder support can quickly become uncomfortable, especially once your child weighs more than 10 to 15 pounds.
A wrap is a wide piece of fabric usually worn around your body and over both shoulders. These are popular because they're so versatile – you can wear a wrap in all kinds of configurations and easily adjust it by pulling on the fabric. Like slings, wraps can make it simple to breastfeed your baby while wearing him.
The downside is that wraps can be time-consuming and confusing to take on and off. And like slings, they aren't as comfortable for carrying bigger kids because they don't have the padding and support that front carriers offer.
What to look for when buying
Type: You may find that some carriers work better than others, depending on your body and your baby. If you can, try a few different types before buying.
Versatility: Some parents prefer a sling or wrap for their younger baby and a front carrier for an older baby or toddler. But many carriers are designed to grow with your child from infancy on. Some front carriers require a special insert for newborns.
Comfort for you: Look for wide, well-padded straps or sturdy fabric to distribute your baby's weight evenly and save your shoulders, neck, and upper back from strain. If you'll share the carrier with another parent or caregiver, make sure it's easily adjustable. Many models come in both regular and extra-large sizes for tall or plus-sized parents.
Comfort for your baby: With front carriers, look for padded leg holes that are loose enough not to constrict your baby's thighs – but not so loose that your baby could slip through them. Your baby will probably sleep in the carrier, so you may want one with a padded headrest to support his head and neck. With slings and wraps, make sure the fabric is soft and breathable so your baby won't overheat.
Sturdiness: Before using your front carrier, make sure the seat and straps will support your baby securely and that all buckles, snaps, and belts are durable and in good working order.
Easy to use: Make sure your carrier is easy to navigate by yourself, preferably with one hand. You'll need to be able to take it on and off and get your baby in and out without help. Some front carriers are designed to unbuckle easily so you can move your sleeping baby into a crib or stroller without waking him.
Nursing-friendly: Consider whether you'll want to breastfeed your baby while wearing him. Slings and wraps often make this easier than front carriers do.
Weather-appropriate: Some carriers may be too warm for the dog days of summer. Remember that darker colors really heat up. If you'll be carrying your baby in hot weather, choose one that's made of lighter fabric.
Easy to clean: Kids are messy, so it helps to have a machine-washable carrier.
Important safety notes
When wearing your baby, watch that she doesn't get overheated. Your baby may get too warm when she's pressed up against your body, especially on a hot and sunny day.
Front carriers "may put the baby at an increased risk of dehydration and even heat exhaustion," according to an alert in Pediatrics for Parents.
Carriers have also led to suffocation. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14 infants suffocated in sling-style carriers over the past 20 years.
In 2010, the agency issued tips for safe babywearing, which include:
- If your baby is younger than 4 months old, was born prematurely or at low birth weight, or has a cold or respiratory problem, consult your child's doctor before using a sling.
- While wearing your baby in a sling or wrap, check on her often. Make sure she's not in a curled, chin-to-chest position and that her face isn't pressed up against the fabric or you. Both of these positions can lead to suffocation, which can happen within minutes.
- Make sure you can see your baby's face or eyes in the sling and that your baby can see you. Unless you're nursing her, your baby's face should be visible (at or above the rim of your sling or wrap).
- If you nurse your baby while wearing her, make sure that afterward you reposition her so her face is visible and at or above the rim of the sling or wrap. Her face should be away from the fabric and your body.
What it's going to cost you
Wraps and slings range in price from $30 to $65.
Front carriers run between $90 and $150, depending on the brand. More expensive models may be more comfortable for you and allow you to wear your child for more hours in the day and a longer age range. They may also have fancier fabrics or features like a sleeping hood for your baby.
