Our Guide to Baby Carriers

There are a large and growing volume of baby carriers on the market and choosing one can be confusing.  Ultimately, the type of baby carrier you should purchase will depend on what your requirements are; how do you plan to use it?

There are a number of points/questions to consider.  Are you the only ‘carrier’ who will be using it?  If you are, your comfort is the most important thing. However, if someone else, such as you partner, mother or child-carer want to use it, then you should select one that can be easily adjusted to fit multiple users.

The age of your child is also important.  If you have a young baby, would you prefer to buy one carrier now that you can use as your baby grows into a toddler.   Alternatively, you may purchase a cheaper one now that’s suitable for a young baby and decide at a later date if you need a second sling/carrier to continue carrying your (rather heavier) little one?

Another, seemingly obvious issue, is how simple do you want to keep things? Baby carriers can be surprisingly annoying objects to manipulate.  Ideally you want something that is easy to get on and off and easy to juggle the settings on so it can be transferred to an alternative user.

Are you a keen walker or rambler? If so you will want to purchase one of the sturdier models that also have a large amount of storage space (for food, bits and bobs).  If you simply want a sling to wear to carry around the house while you get jobs done, then something smaller, lighter and cheaper can do the job. Carriers are often divided up between front baby carriers and back baby carriers. Again, your choice will depend on your requirements.

The main advantage of a front baby carrier is that you can see your baby clearly, thus you will know whether they are asleep or awake, happy or sad! Front carriers are also more practical if you plan to breastfeed your baby.  Finally, front carriers can usually be used from birth (as long as your baby meets the minimum weight requirement).  On the downside, front carriers have a sometimes short lifespan; usually once the baby is over a certain weight then they can be quite uncomfortable in a front carrier.

Most parents find that back carriers make it physically easier to carry the child.  Thinking about it, given the choice, we will almost always want to carry heavy objects on our back (rather than chest).  Furthermore, back carriers will usually have a longer shelf-life, with children sometimes being carried in back-carrying positions right up to age 3 and beyond.

On the downside, many parents are uncomfortable with being unable to see the baby they are carrying.  Furthermore, back carriers aren’t really usable with newborns as the baby needs the ability to sit in an upright position to be comfortable.

 If you are unsure then you should consider a carrier with multiple carrying positions as this lets you get the best of the two main ways to carry your baby (front and back) and you can change carrying positions for maximum comfort for you and your baby as the baby grows.

More generally, you should purchase a sling or baby carrier that is easy to clean, preferably (though size permitting obviously) machine-washable. Your carrier is bound to get vomited on or food spilt on it at some point, so anything that is sponge-clean only won’t stay as fresh as one that you can simply throw in the washing machine.  We would also strongly recommend buying a carrier from one of the main tried and tested brands such as LittleLife, Bush Baby or Baby Bjorn.

Whichever baby carrier you do decide to purchase, make sure you use our site to ensure that you get the best possible deal!