From the moment of birth, babies love to be close to their parents. They love to be cuddled, snuggled, and held close to those who love them. Baby carriers can offer parents a great way of doing this while still being able to have use of their hands. During fussy periods this can be a godsend, and it is something most parents can sympathize with. There is a house that needs to be cleaned, laundry that needs to be done, and the list can go on and on, but what carrier is the right fit for you?
Baby carriers are broken down first into four categories/styles and then by brand. The first step in choosing which carrier to go with is deciding which style would work best for your family. Some have the ability to grow with you, others will have a specific weight limit, and still others will be somewhere in between.
The first option is a wrap. This is probably the most versatile of all the options out there. A wrap is a long piece of cloth that you wrap around your shoulders and then knot in a way that the baby has a seat to sit in. Because the child's weight is carried on both of the adult's shoulders, it is a great option for parents who have neck and shoulder concerns. With a little practice, this wrap could be the perfect fit for a growing baby.
Your next option is the sling is no longer being recommended due to some concerns over its safety, though, so please take that into consideration.
Another option is an Asian Back Carrier or ABC. This is a great option for breastfeeding moms. Since the wrap goes over the shoulders, pressure is removed from the breast. It also has great flexibility; it can be used not only as a front carrier but as a back carrier. Because these wraps are made of lighter fabric, they can be great options for people living in warmer climates. Some of these can be safe for newborns, but they are really recommended for older infants. Make sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations before buying.
The most recognizable option are pre-shaped carriers. As the name suggests, these are pre-shaped carriers that a parent straps on and places the baby in. On average, these are recommended for babies that are 2-4 months and sometimes even 6 months of age. In comparison to a wrap, sling, and ABC, pre-shaped carriers can be bulky, so they're not the best option for storage-minded families. If space is a concern, any one of the other carriers would be a better option.
Now that you have a little more information, get out there and find the one that is the perfect fit for you and your new baby. With so many colors and designs, the options are endless. Have fun with it, enjoy, and don’t forget to add an extra one for dad.
Baby carriers are broken down first into four categories/styles and then by brand. The first step in choosing which carrier to go with is deciding which style would work best for your family. Some have the ability to grow with you, others will have a specific weight limit, and still others will be somewhere in between.
The first option is a wrap. This is probably the most versatile of all the options out there. A wrap is a long piece of cloth that you wrap around your shoulders and then knot in a way that the baby has a seat to sit in. Because the child's weight is carried on both of the adult's shoulders, it is a great option for parents who have neck and shoulder concerns. With a little practice, this wrap could be the perfect fit for a growing baby.
Your next option is the sling is no longer being recommended due to some concerns over its safety, though, so please take that into consideration.
Another option is an Asian Back Carrier or ABC. This is a great option for breastfeeding moms. Since the wrap goes over the shoulders, pressure is removed from the breast. It also has great flexibility; it can be used not only as a front carrier but as a back carrier. Because these wraps are made of lighter fabric, they can be great options for people living in warmer climates. Some of these can be safe for newborns, but they are really recommended for older infants. Make sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations before buying.
The most recognizable option are pre-shaped carriers. As the name suggests, these are pre-shaped carriers that a parent straps on and places the baby in. On average, these are recommended for babies that are 2-4 months and sometimes even 6 months of age. In comparison to a wrap, sling, and ABC, pre-shaped carriers can be bulky, so they're not the best option for storage-minded families. If space is a concern, any one of the other carriers would be a better option.
Now that you have a little more information, get out there and find the one that is the perfect fit for you and your new baby. With so many colors and designs, the options are endless. Have fun with it, enjoy, and don’t forget to add an extra one for dad.
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