What Type of Baby Carrier Should I Invest In? A Breakdown of Common Styles
When you’re starting your babywearing journey, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the carrier options available. It’s common to ask yourself: What are the different types of carriers out there? And which one is the best for me right now?
In Australia there are six main styles of carriers most commonly used and below we’ll break down the most popular options, their key features, and the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one suits your needs and lifestyle.
1. Stretchy Wrap
Best for: Newborns, first-time babywearers
A stretchy wrap is a long, narrow piece of fabric that stretches slightly, made from a combination of materials like cotton, bamboo, and spandex. These wraps are soft, cozy, and perfect for newborns, providing a snug, comfortable fit for your baby.
Key Features:
- Extremely soft and gentle on your newborn’s skin.
- Can be pre-tied for easy use, allowing you to set it up and pop your baby in and out of it easily.
- Compact and portable, fitting easily into a nappy bag.
Common Experiences:
- Pros: Stretchy wraps are ideal for parents new to babywearing as they offer gentle, close contact and are easy to use once you get the hang of it. The wrap can be folded up into a tiny bundle, making it a great on-the-go option.
- Cons: As your baby grows (usually over 8kg), stretchy wraps may start to sag, causing strain on your shoulders. Not the best for longer outings or heavy toddlers.
Why Choose It: If you’re a first-time parent, a stretchy wrap offers a low-stress introduction to babywearing, helping you learn the basics of baby positioning without feeling overwhelmed by complex features.
2. Structured Carrier
Best for: Parents on the go, longer outings
A structured carrier is one of the most popular and user-friendly options. These carriers have a waistband and shoulder straps, usually with buckles, that make them quick and easy to put on and take off.
Key Features:
- Comes with adjustable straps to grow with your child.
- Excellent back support with evenly distributed weight.
- Quick and easy to use—just clip and go!
Common Experiences:
- Pros: Structured carriers are great for convenience and comfort. The support provided by the waistband and padded shoulder straps makes them ideal for long trips, hikes, or errands.
- Cons: These can sometimes feel bulky, and if not properly fitted, the carrier can strain your shoulders or hips.
Why Choose It: A structured carrier is great if you need something that’s easy to use and offers comfort for both you and your baby during longer outings. If you want a carrier that’s ready to go and provides solid support, this could be the right choice for you.
3. Ring Sling
Best for: Quick, on-the-go babywearing, short durations
A ring sling is a length of fabric (usually about 2 meters long) with two rings sewn into one end. The fabric is threaded through the rings to form a pouch where your baby can sit into and be supported upright against your body, usually slightly off-centre or on your hip.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Easy to adjust and quick to put on.
- Suitable for babies and toddlers, as it can be worn in multiple positions.
Common Experiences:
- Pros: Ring slings are incredibly versatile and can be used in various positions, including front, hip, or back carries. They are perfect for quick outings or when you just need to pop your baby in for a short walk.
- Cons: The learning curve can be steep, especially when it comes to perfecting the technique of tightening the fabric correctly. Additionally, as a one-shouldered carrier, you may experience discomfort if you wear it for long periods.
Why Choose It: If you’re looking for a carrier that’s fast and flexible for short trips or errands, a ring sling might be your best bet. It’s a great option for parents who want a simple, lightweight solution for babywearing in a short burst.
4. Meh Dai Carrier
Best for: Comfort, adjustable fit
The Meh Dai is a traditional Chinese carrier, known for its simple design and comfortable fit. It consists of a rectangular or square panel of fabric with straps that tie around the waist and shoulders.
Key Features:
- Comfortable and customisable.
- The straps can be adjusted for a snug fit for both parents and babies.
- No buckles or fasteners—just knots.
Common Experiences:
- Pros: The Meh Dai is highly customisable, providing a great fit for parents and babies of various sizes. It’s also very comfortable, especially for extended use. The straps are tied, making it easy to adjust on the go.
- Cons: Tying the straps out in public can be a little tricky as it often involves the end of the straps dragging on the ground. However these parts never touch baby and the Meh Dai can be easily washed.
Why Choose It: If you like the idea of a carrier with a more customisable fit, the Meh Dai offers great support and comfort and ease of use.
5. Hip Seat Carrier
Best for: Parents needing extra support, for shorter durations
A hip seat is a carrier that provides a structured seat to support your baby’s bottom, usually worn at your waist. Unlike other carriers, the hip seat offers support but doesn’t provide full hands-free carrying like other options.
Key Features:
- Provides support for parents who need assistance with holding their baby, such as grandparents or parents with mobility issues.
- Allows baby to face in or out depending on developmental stage.
Common Experiences:
- Pros: Hip seat carriers are fantastic for parents who may struggle with shoulder or back pain, as they provide a supportive seat for the baby. They are also great for short trips, providing comfort without requiring full babywearing.
- Cons: Hip seats are not entirely hands-free and might not provide enough support for long periods of babywearing.
Why Choose It: If you need extra support for holding your baby on your hip or need a solution for short-term carrying without the complexity of other carriers, a hip seat is a great choice.
6. Woven Wrap
Best for: Parents who want ultimate versatility
A woven wrap is a long piece of fabric (usually about 70 cm wide), available in various lengths, made of woven material. It can be tied in various ways to create different carries, including front, back, or hip positions.
Key Features:
- Highly adjustable, providing the best fit for both parents and babies.
- Versatile, allowing for multiple carry options as your baby grows.
- Comfortable and supportive, particularly for heavier babies or toddlers.
Common Experiences:
- Pros: Woven wraps are known for their comfort and versatility. Once you learn the different ways to wrap, you can enjoy hands-free carrying in multiple positions. They offer the best weight distribution for longer periods.
- Cons: It requires a bit of practice to learn how to wrap properly, which can be intimidating for beginners. The fabric can also feel bulky until you get the hang of it.
Why Choose It: If you want a carrier that will grow with your baby and provide ultimate comfort and customization, the woven wrap is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who want to invest in a carrier that can handle everything from newborn to toddler stages.
Which Carrier Should You Choose?
The right carrier for you depends on your lifestyle, baby’s needs, and how often you plan to use it. If you’re just getting started, a stretchy wrap or structured carrier might be the easiest to manage, especially for newborns. If you want versatility and are willing to invest time in learning, a woven wrap or Meh Dai could be the perfect option. For quick trips or when you just need some extra support, a ring sling or hip seat might be the most practical.
It’s highly important you take into consideration that the carrier you’re looking to purchase passes the international safety standards for baby carriers. You can read more about these here and why they are a serious consideration for your future purchase.
Ultimately, babywearing is a personal choice, and the best carrier for you is the one that feels comfortable, supports your baby’s development, and suits your daily routine. If possible, try different carriers in person, ideally with the help of a babywearing educator, to ensure you make the best decision for you and your little one.
Happy babywearing!
