There are many different kinds of baby carriers on the market today. Some of the 'newest' trends in baby carrying are in fact rediscovered traditional carriers of other cultures. Carrying a baby in a baby carrier (or babywearing, which can be used interchangeably) appears to be more popular in North America in the last decade than in the latter part of the 20th century.
The ficticious 'Cleaver' family seemed more suited to large prams with whitewall tires than June Cleaver wearing her babies in slings or wraps. Similarly, discussions of babywearing may have produced visions of granola-eating yoga-practising commune members (many of whose other activities are also now mainstream) slinging babies to and from the communal fields. These days all sorts of parents (mainly moms, but not exclusively), from all social and economic segments of the population, decide for various reasons to wear their babies for a significant time.
There are a few main categories of baby carriers we will examine here: soft structured carriers, slings and wraps.
Soft Structured Baby Carriers
For many people, their initial foray into babywearing is through the ubiquitous ‘Baby Bjorn’ or ‘Snugli’ baby carriers. These carriers are available at many department stores and mainstream baby stores, and are generally priced attractively. For some people, they may be a good fit. For most, they will probably be too limited in functionality to justify their purchase price. Many larger babies grow out these carriers by the time they are only a few months old. There are also some concerns about the baby’s weight being supported inadequately by these carriers.
There are many other structured baby carriers available through specialty baby stores and online. A favoured carrier is the Ergo baby carrier, which provides a broader base on which to support the baby’s weight. The Ergo also does an excellent job as a back carrier. Although more expensive than the previous carriers, it can be used until the baby is well into toddlerhood.
Many other structured baby carriers can be found online. An excellent source of information is the babywearer website.
Slings and Pouches
Slings provide an infinitely adjustable fit and are a great choice for moms and babies, especially young babies. There have been recent recalls of slings made from heavier-weight fabric, and mothers should ensure that a baby (especially a young baby) in a sling has an adequate airflow. An excellent sling is the Mayawrap sling, which is even available with a pocket for a diaper and wipes or other small necessities.
For a slightly older baby, a pouch may be an excellent choice. Some pouches are adjustable, though most are not, and all have less fabric to deal with than a sling. They do not have the same adjustable fit as a sling does, however if their use is limited to carrying around an older baby who has good head support and can sit up, they are the simplest and most ‘poppable’ choice (for popping babies in and out of the carrier).
Wraps
The most comfortable carrier for the mother, and likely the baby, is probably a wrap. A wrap is essentially a large piece of fabric that can be used to tie the baby onto the mother’s body. When done properly, a wrap looks very attractive in addition to being very comfortable. There is a steeper learning curve for using a wrap, however, and the amount of fabric required to carry a baby in some positions can seem unmanageable to beginners. Many wrap carries are not very ‘poppable’, and may not be suitable for more fussy babies who need to frequently come out and go back in to a carrier.
In the end, what matters most is how any particular carrier fits the mom (or other adult) who is to wear it, and fits the baby who is to be carried in it.
Additional Resources: thebabywearer.com
Pamela Palmer - I have a Juris Doctor (law) degree from the University of Saskatchewan, which I obtained in 1991. After articling in Vancouver for a ...
