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Babywearing: The best carriers and how to use them

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Baby can be safe and comfortable next to mom in a sling

Baby can be safe and comfortable next to mom in a sling

Even mothers who don’t embrace attachment parenting and the concept of “babywearing” will find some type of hands-free baby carrier useful – whether it’s to go to the grocery store, hiking, or to give baby a better view of what parents are doing.

I’m actually not a huge fan of the term “babywearing”, which can contribute to the objectification of babies, according to Janet Lansbury, a RIE-certified instructor and one of my favorite parenting experts. I am a fan of using slings, pouches, and other carriers in ways that help us interact more with our children and bring them closer to our faces, hands, and attention, such as:

  1. Bringing baby into the action! The modern world is often far away from babies — we sit on chairs and couches, pull up to tables, and stand up at parties to talk to our friends. Slings and carriers are a great way to bring baby up to our level and allow them to participate, especially if you’re at a place where it’s not safe for baby to explore on their own.
  2. Keeping baby safe and comfortable when you’re out and about. It’s common to see parents carry their baby in portable car seats, which are often placed in shopping carts, on tables, or other areas that can be dangerous if they’re knocked over. If you have to take baby out to run errands with you, a soft carrier allows you to get things done while protecting baby from falls. Another bonus — strangers are often less likely to reach out and touch new babies when they’re held close to you, as opposed to when they’re sitting in an infant seat.
  3.  Discreetly feeding baby in public. Especially with younger babies, when they get hungry, you need to feed them! If you’re out in the hustle and bustle of the world, a carrier can provide a quiet, enclosed space for baby to eat. Some mothers find they can feed baby while they’re riding in the carrier, while others feel more comfortable finding a quiet place to sit. A few types of slings or wraps can double as breastfeeding modesty covers.

Here are three common styles of baby carriers and what they are best for:

  1. Baby carried comfortably by mom in a ring sling

    Baby carried comfortably by mom in a ring sling

    Sling. These can be either a pouch style (fixed size) or an adjustable “ring-sling” type. They are worn over one shoulder and can be configured to carry a baby in several different positions on the front of the body. These are normally best for shorter rides with lighter children, because the weight is concentrated on one shoulder. Special care needs to be taken to make sure the smallest babies are positioned carefully because their chins could get trapped and impede breathing. This type of sling is easily packed and can double as a great modesty cover for on-the-go breastfeeding. My favorite brands: Maya Wrap, a woven cotton ring-sling in non-padded or lightly styles that come in a rainbow of vibrant colors, starting at $57.95; Sakura Bloom, luxurious linen or silk ring-slings that are surprisingly practical, distinctive, and breathtakingly beautiful, starting at $88; and Seven Sling pouch slings, elasticized cotton pouch slings available in a variety of patterns and sizes, starting at $21.99.

  2. Mother hiking with baby carried in a wrap-style carrier

    Mother hiking with baby carried in a wrap-style carrier

    Wrap. These long pieces of stretchy or woven* cloth are tied in different ways to hold an infant in both front and back (for woven only*) carries. Some parents find them cumbersome to tie, but once they’re on they provide a very snuggly environment for baby to be close to skin. These are best for skin-to-skin kangaroo care, cooler temperatures, and times when you’re not in a rush to get baby on you. The two most popular wraps are the Moby Wrap, starting at $39.99; and the Sleepy Wrap, starting at $45. Both knit cotton in various colors and patterns.

  3. Groceries can turn into a bonding experience with a soft-structured carrier

    Groceries can turn into a bonding experience with a soft-structured carrier

    Soft-structured carrier. These types of carriers offer fantastic weight distribution and can be used for older, heavier children. They often need some type of insert until babies have head control. Although they’re a bit bulkier to pack, they’re easy to put on and are often adjustable to fit many different-sized parents and children. The best picks are the Ergo, which comes in several different styles and materials to fit different lifestyles, starting at $115, and the Beco, which is artsy and minimalist and starts at $129.

I don’t recommend “crotch dangler” baby carriers or those that face outward because they’re not as supportive for either parents or babies, and often don’t provide the same benefits of closeness and bonding, but some parents swear by them and find them more comfortable and useful. As with any other baby product, use of carriers, slings, and wraps requires diligence to ensure safety. Here’s my favorite guide on correct use of babywearing products.

Happy bonding!

Photo credits (in order of appearance): sdminor81dewellerone tiny spark, and jencu, all on Flickr

*I modified this sentence to reflect that the only woven wrap carriers, not the stretchy ones, are safe for back carries.


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