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Compare Baby Carriers

Many different types and styles of baby carriers are becoming available, and with so many choices it may seem overwhelming to choose the right carrier for you and your baby.  Click here for one mom's observations on the latest carriers and how they might work for you, or continue reading for the basic types of carriers and the pros and cons of each.


There are 5 basic types of baby carriers:

Baby Wraps, Baby Slings, Mei-Tais, Soft Structured Carriers and Front-Facing Carriers.

(see comparison chart)

1.   Baby Wrap - a baby wrap has no clasps or rings. It is a simple piece of long cloth wrapped around your body and your baby. Wrap baby 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 positon)
  • 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
  • back wearing is possible, but takes a while to master

 

2.   Baby Sling - a baby sling is a 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
  • your baby has your scent, your movement, and is close to your heart
  • 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:

  • 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 sometimes 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 hamstrings
  • no back carry

 

3.  Mei-Tai Baby Carrier - a mei-tai baby 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
  • simple design
  • fits infant to toddler
  • pulls baby close to you
  • front and back holds possible
  • easy to learn
  • bilateral, goes over both shoulders

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

 

4. Soft Structured Baby Carrier - these carriers are 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) positon
  • 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

 

5.  Front facing carrier - these carriers are like front packs that go over the carrying individuals shoulders.  Baby's legs are placed through leg holes.  Baby is worn facing out.



pros:

  • baby is in contact with your body
  • straps go over both shoulders
  • easy on/easy off
  • male friendly design

cons:

  • no head/neck support for sleeping infants
  • all of the baby's weight is placed on the shoulders of the carrying individual
  • fits infants only up to fifteen pounds
  • legs are not supported at all
  • pelvis and hips are not supported
  • baby is not in a seated position, pressure at base of spine
  • weak infant abdominals and front facing position can hyperextend baby's spine
  • pressure of every step the carrying individual takes is absorbed by compromised infant spine
  • baby's own weight placed on spine when the natural back curves have not even developed
  • thermoregulation more difficult
  • fabric can dig into thighs of infant
  • throws off the carrying individual's center of gravity
  • baby is fixed facing forward and cannot turn away if overstimulated

Find out why so many carry their babies in the Boba.