We are often asked which is the best baby carrier out there, but there is no specific baby carrier that will suit everyone equally. Each case is different and each family is unique.
There are several types of baby carriers available, but before choosing the best one, let's first understand what this word, which is not very familiar to most people, actually means. Babywearing can be considered the practice of carrying a baby close to the body, and is probably the oldest form of baby transport known throughout history. Many ancient peoples have always done this because they needed to move around with their babies safely and with their hands free for all kinds of tasks.
We can then consider the most varied options available, such as slings or wraps (the wrap sling, the pouch sling and the ring sling), adjustable backpacks and the mei tai. These are some examples of babywearing that have helped this type of practice of carrying babies gain more and more followers, mainly because there are many advantages that prove the benefits that "baby carriers" bring to babies and their development.
Benefits of Babywearing for Babies
The ideal baby carrier can vary from person to person and there are several pertinent issues to consider. To do this, we first need to know how to answer a very simple question: Do I really need a baby carrier?
Many parents already consider baby carriers to be essential in their daily lives. As a result, they offer several benefits and facilities for caring for and transporting babies, such as:
- Allows you to have your hands free for all types of tasks;
- Provides better ergonomics;
- Allows you to stop having to carry a stroller everywhere;
- Encourages the baby to see and experience the world in a different way, while creating a special bond between the baby and the person carrying him/her.
What types of baby carriers are there?
There are many different types of baby carriers with different names for each model, but to understand them better we can separate them into two groups: Cloth baby carriers, known as slings/wraps, and pre-formed baby carriers, which are adjustable backpacks and mei tai.
Isara the One DIAMONDA BLUE INK Adjustable Backpack
Types of baby carriers
Wrap Sling (elastic, semi-elastic and non-elastic cloths)
A baby sling/wrap is basically a rectangular strip of fabric that is used to wrap your baby and hold him/her close to your body. The fabric should be placed around your shoulders and back to create a space for your baby to be in a comfortable position. Depending on the type of fabric, these can be elastic/semi-elastic or non-elastic.
Elastic and semi-elastic swaddles can be pre-tied, which makes them more practical, especially for less experienced swaddlers. These swaddles are very comfortable to use up to 8 kg of your baby (approximately), however, due to their elasticity, they do not last as long as non-elastic swaddles. It is also important to check that the swaddle does not contain more than 5% elastane so that it does not give way as easily.
Non-elastic cloths are more durable and are an excellent option due to their longevity. However, you need to be patient to learn how to apply them. Furthermore, although there is no weight limit, they usually last until your child no longer wants to be carried.
Hoppediz elastic cloth
The difference between semi-elastic fabric and elastic fabric is in the way the fabric stretches. Semi-elastic fabric stretches only in the width, while elastic fabric stretches in both the width and length directions.
Additionally, stretchy swaddles have 3 layers of fabric to ensure support for your baby's spine. However, this can make them a little hot, especially in summer. If you want a cooler swaddle, opt for silk, linen or bamboo swaddles.
What makes this type of cloth so practical is that you can tie it in different ways, which means it doesn't put as much strain on your shoulders. Furthermore, although it takes longer to learn how to apply this type of cloth than other types, there are many videos on the internet that teach you how to do it in a simple and practical way.
Pouch Sling
The pouch sling is a baby carrier made up of a rectangular strip with joined ends. It has no adjustments and should be used after 6 months, when the baby can already sit.
Neobulle Sling Hop'La Pouch
This type of sling is just a rectangle that is easy to carry and can be adjusted, but if you decide to use it for a long time, it can cause back pain and discomfort. Some brands sell pouch slings in different sizes and some also choose to have them custom-made to ensure that they fit the body of the person using them. If you like to use this type of baby carrier, it is important to make sure that your child is always in a sitting position and never lying down, as this can lead to the risk of postural asphyxiation .
Ring Sling
The ring sling is a strip of fabric with two rings at the end that allow you to adjust the baby carrier as you see fit. Just like the pouch sling, it is super practical and usually one of the most used.
Neobulle Simon Ring Sling
Unlike the pouch sling, this is adjustable and is an excellent option for those carrying newborns. However, as it rests on one shoulder, it can cause back pain or posture problems, especially if your baby is over 10. kg. In this case, it is best not to use it for many hours in a row.
Adjustable backpacks
Adjustable baby carrier backpacks have the same purpose as baby carriers, but the fastening and adjustments are made with straps, harnesses and buckles, just like traditional backpacks.
What makes them very practical and easy to use is their applicability, as there is no need to tie them. Keep in mind that for it to be ergonomic, the seat must provide the correct support for the baby, the legs must be in the "M" position and the body in the "C" position to avoid putting pressure on the spine.
BabySize Hana Adjustable Backpack
In addition to this type of baby carrier having a larger structure with zippers and other features, this is probably the most popular baby carrier due to its practicality and therefore also the most expensive. It is important to note that despite its advantages in terms of comfort and quality of materials, these can be considered uncomfortable in the summer because they are not as cool. Another issue is when the child's parents have a large height difference and will be sharing the backpack, it can be a bit annoying to constantly have to make the necessary adjustments.
Mei Tai / Evolutionary Mei Tai
The Mei Tai is a baby carrier that originated in East Asia and consists of a central panel with four straps for tying the baby, which, depending on the model, can be made of cloth or buckle. This is a fusion of the cloth baby carrier with the adjustable backpack. It allows the baby to have their spine well supported and to be in the "M" position like a frog.
The evolutionary Mei Tai is a variation of the Mei Tai and is also the most recommended if you want to transport your newborn baby, as it is possible to adjust the baby carrier panel in width or length, unlike the simple Mei Tai which is more limited in this type of adjustments.
Hop Tye Hoppediz - Evolutionary Mei Tai
Below are some comparative questions that will help you choose the best option for your specific case.
What is the difference between the Adjustable Backpack and the Mei Tai?
They look very similar and it is often difficult to tell them apart. However, most of the time the Mei Tai is made of fabric and has a larger support base for the baby's spine, which provides added comfort.
What is an evolutionary baby carrier and how do you identify it?
An evolving baby carrier, as the name suggests, evolves as your baby grows. To make this possible, the carrier panel needs to be adjustable in size.
What is the correct position for the baby?
When babywearing, your baby should be in a sitting position. Their head and neck should be properly supported, and their legs should be in the "M" position, also known as the "frog position," to avoid hip problems. When your baby is in this position, their knees should be higher than their hips and their spine should be gently curved in a natural position.
It is very important that the baby is in the correct position to prevent problems with hip dysplasia.
Correct ergonomics for baby's legs according to the Hip Dysplasia Institute
What is the best baby carrier?
According to Dr. Henrik Norholt, a member of the World Association for Infant Mental Health , parents' facial expressions are the main source of interpretation of the world around a baby in the first few months of life. Therefore, it is advisable to hold your baby facing you for as long as possible.
Neobulle Toddler Size Adjustable Backpack
Please note that not all baby carriers allow for all carrying positions. Please contact us before purchasing yours.
What is the best baby carrier?
The best type of baby carrier will depend on several factors, such as: the baby's age, weight, the season in which it will be used, whether or not you want to tie it, price, among others. The best option when you have a newborn baby is to always start with non-elastic, semi-elastic and elastic slings or ring slings and only then move on to adjustable backpacks or other equivalent baby carriers.
If you are interested in purchasing a baby carrier, talk to us first and we will suggest the most suitable baby carrier for babywearing in your specific case and according to your needs.
