Wrap Style
These types of carriers are made from a single piece of fabric, usually about 5-6 metres long. The secret to these carriers is in the method of tying. They can take a few practices to get the hang of tying but once you know how they offer great support and flexibility. You can also make these yourself without the need for a sewing machine so they can be a very economical choice.
Wrap style benefits
Flexible - can be tied in a vary of ways including front, hip and back carries. Also baby can be in an upright or surpline position
support - the traditional two shoulder cross carry offers great support for both parent and child with the weight being distributed evenly across your shoulder, back and the babies spine
breastfeeding - can be tied in a way to allow discrete and easy breastfeeding
Hands free- these carriers are secure and allow for both hands to be free.
Wrap style suitability
Can be used from newborn through to toddler (back carries recommended from 1 year of age)
Can be used by men and women - one size fits most. For larger or taller people you may wish to get a longer length
Great for around the house, housework, settling, witching hour
Great for out and about - offers the ability to tuck baby away out of heat/cold, light or stimulating environments
Wrap style tips
Get the hang of tying the wrap before venturing out with your baby
Tie the wrap on at home and you can take baby in and out as needed without removing the wrap
If you are making your own choose a cotton jersey for a stretchy wrap or muslin/cotton for a tighter wrap. Purchase one 5-6 metre length - do not attempt to sew two 2.5mt lengths together as this can place too much stress on the seam
Wrap style things to consider
The wrap can be quite warm in hot/humid environments - use a light weight fabric and consider wearing less clothing for parent and bub when wearing
Can be difficult to lay a sleeping baby down.
Back carries can be a little tricky.
Wrap style types
Hug-a-bub (HAB)
Moby
calmwrap
Maya Wrap
Ella Roo
Pouch style carriers
These carriers are also a single piece of fabric sewn in a loop or circle. You wear it over one shoulder and it creates a pouch for baby to sit in.
Pouch style carriers benefits
Easy on and off
Can be used for front, hip or back carries.
Baby can be in an upright or surpline position
Breastfeeding is possible in most pouch style carriers
Being a sized carrier offers a great fit, can be more comfortable and easier to breastfeed in.
Pouch style carriers suitability
newborn to toddler - however special attention needs to be paid to padding and weight distribution if you want to carry a child over 9kg for long periods of time
Men and women find this carrier comfortable however they are usually sized so you might need to purchase one for each member of the family who intends on wearing baby
best for quick trips like kindy/school drop offs, shopping etc.
Pouch style tips
Most pouch styles are sized so pay attention to the measurements and make sure you get one that fits well.
As pouch style carriers are one shoulder carriers make sure their is suffcient padding on the shoulder and back area.
Pouch style things to consider
One shoulder carriers can make it difficult to put both arms over your head so test this out if you get the chance.
One shoulder carriers can distribute weight unevenly for the wearer. Consider the weight of your baby, how long you want to be wearing them and your own back and posture condition.
Pouch style types
Peanut shell
Joey Sling
Pouch style ring slings
Ring slings are a one shoulder carrier like the pouch style. The difference is that ring slings do not have their ends sewn together, instead they use a ring near the shoulder padding which offers adjustability for different sized people, children and carries.
Pouch style ring slings benefits
Easy on and off
Can be used for front, hip or back carries.
Baby can be in an upright or surpline position
Breastfeeding is possible in most ring sling/carriers
flexible and adjustable
Pouch style ring slings suitability
newborn to toddler - however special attention needs to be paid to padding and weight distribution if you want to carry a child over 9kg for long periods of time
Men and womer find this carrier comfortable
best for quick trips like kindy/school drop offs, shopping etc.
Pouch style ring slings tips
Make sure you understand how the sling adjusts and that it is esy to do one handed
As ring slings are one shoulder carriers make sure their is suffcient padding on the shoulder and back area.
Pouch style ring slings things to consider
One shoulder carriers can make it difficult to put both arms over your head so test this out if you get the chance.
One shoulder carriers can distribute weight unevenly for the wearer. Consider the weight of your baby, how long you want to be wearing them and your own back and posture condition.
Mei Tei & Structured Carriers
These style of carriers offer a variety of wearing options however they are structured with buckles or clips which can make putting them on easier.
Carriers Benefits
Flexible - can be tied in a vary of ways including front, hip and back carries. Also baby can be in an upright or surpline position
support - the traditional two shoulder cross carry offers great support for both parent and child with the weight being distributed evenly across your shoulder, back and the babies spine
breastfeeding - can be tied in a way to allow discrete and easy breastfeeding
Hands free- these carriers are secure and allow for both hands to be free.
Carriers suitability
Can be used from newborn through to toddler (back carries recommended from 1 year of age)- see horrible photo on right of me carrying my 4 year old daughter in our Ergo
Can be used by men and women - one size fits most. For larger or taller people you may wish to get extension straps on some designs
Great for around the house, housework, settling, witching hour and for getting out and about
Carriers tips
Get the hang of different carrying positions before trying out and about with your baby
make sure the buckles, clips are always fastened securely.
Carriers things to consider
Can be cooler than a wrap in warm environments
may need an infant insert or other addition to be suitable for very young infants.
Carriers types
Mei Tei
Ergo
Pikkolo
Rigid Carriers and Backpacks
Rigid carriers and backpacks have a rigid frame generally made of aluminum. This allows you to take the carrier off your back with your child sitting inside.
Rigid carriers and backpack benefits
Back carries are easy and child is restrained in the carrier before putting on or removed
carrier can double as a seat, high chair etc
Rigid carriers and backpack suitability
These styles of carriers are suitable for children who are comfortable sitting unaided
great for extended wearing, backpacking, hiking etc
Also suitable for events such as festivals etc as the carrier can be used as a chair
A lot of dads feel more comfortable using these kinds of carriers
Rigid carriers and backpack tips
Make sure the structure of the carrier displaces the weight on the hips of the wearer
Ensure the child's weight is spread evenly on the seat and possibly with foot rests for good spine support
Some of these carriers have storage space under the seat which can be great for carrying snacks, nappies etc
Most manufacturers are US based and you will find these carriers in large baby stores and some camping outlets.
Rigid carriers and backpack things to consider
These carriers are bulky as they have a rigid frame.
Rigid carriers and backpack types
Chicco smart support
Kelty
Lafuma
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