Your Ultimate Baby Carrier Guide

Baby carrying is probably one of my favourite things about being a mum.

I love the feeling of being close to my baby whilst being able to move, be outside and take baby everywhere with me.

Baby carrying is literally using a carrier to keep your baby close to you, either on your front facing inwards, with your baby chest to chest with you, or with your baby facing outwards, so chest to back with you. This is usually around six months onwards.

Once baby is about nine months onwards and can fully support themselves, you can carry baby on your back, with them facing you, so chest to back.

There are many different carriers that will help you to so this, so in this blog, we are going to go through each of them, to help you chose the right one for you and baby.

Gemma back carrying her toddler

Sling Carriers

Sling carriers are a great way to keep baby very snug and cosy close to you right from day one.

There are no buckles, straps or clips, as there are made of material, so the beauty of sling carriers is that they grow with you and your baby.

Some are made from stretchy fabric, whereas some are more cotton based. These varying in price from roughly £20 - £80.

Depending on how you want to wear baby will help you decide what sling carrier you chose.

Stretchy wraps are usually just one long piece of fabric that you wrap around yourself and baby to keep baby snug. This allows them to be really adjustable and fit both you and your partner carrying baby. They are normally really soft and cosy pieces of fabric, which helps keep them really close to you and almost like they are being swaddled. They are typically used to carry baby on your front, so chest to chest.

Woven slings tend to be a set size, although they are still adjustable, so they will only last so long until your baby grows and you may need to use the next size up or change carriers.

Again, they are typically used for front carrying.

There are also ring carriers and pouch carriers. These ones take a bit more time to get used to but may suit you and baby.

Ring carriers tend to have rings at the end of a long piece of fabric, so you can use them just like a buckle.

Pouch carriers only go over one shoulder, so are not always the comfiest or sturdiest for newborns.

I loved using a woven carrier in the newborn stage, around the house and going out for short local walks.

I used the K'Tan Original with both my babies when they were newborns, it felt like they were really close to me and it was great that it had another band to place around baby, this really helped my peace of mind that baby was secure and comfy.

Gemma using the K'Tan Oringinal carrier

Soft Carriers

Soft carriers tend to be what you see a lot of nowadays. There are many different brands, designs and prices, so it is important to narrow down what you want to use the carrier for and the different ways of wearing baby.

These carriers are generally more structured, they have specific buckles/straps/clips that adjust to keep baby in one position, yet some allow you the option of front carrying, so baby is chest to chest, or back to chest, back carrying or some can be used as hip carriers too.

Soft carriers tend to distribute the weight of your baby across your shoulders and hips better than a sling carrier, so are more comfortable for longer periods of time, as they have more padding.

Some do this by using a waistband, or criss-crossing straps on your back, or both!

Soft carriers do take some time getting used to, especially if you're used to using slings, but once you are familiar with the all the straps and adjustments you need to make for you and baby, they really are simple and easy to use.

Like the BabyBjorn Mini carrier, you put it on and with six clips and slides, you're ready to go!

Read more about the BabyBjorn Mini here.

BabyBjorn Mini carrier

I really like soft carriers because they have a long life span (some can be used for newborns up to four years old), and feel really secure and sturdy for you and baby.

I'm a big fan of the Ergobaby Omni Breeze, (read my honest review here) because it feels really secure, you have the option of baby being inwards and outwards front facing and back carrying. Plus your toddler can use it back carrying too!

Ergobaby Omni Breeze carrier

Gemma using the Ergobaby Omni Breeze carrier

Structured Carriers

Structured are designed for when your baby can support themselves sitting and for longer periods of use.

They tend to have a seat for your baby or toddler to sit in and watch the world go by. They are pretty much baby/toddler backpacks!

Now these are the pricest carrier on the market with costs varying from £200 to £400, however, there are some unbranded models starting from about £70.

However, if you know that you are going to be outside a lot, camping, going on long hikes, exploring and traveling or your baby/toddler enjoys sitting and watching, they are worth the investment.

The most popular brands on the market are Osprey Poco and Poco Plus, Dueter Kid Comfort and LittleLife S4.

Again, a few important things to consider with the structured carriers, are the length of time both you and baby will be wearing them, how much storage they offer and are they adjustable between you and someone else wearing them, if you’re going to be sharing the carrying.

Toddler Carriers

There are a few versions of toddler carriers, but all of them are very portable and easy to take with you, being so light and convenient. Additionally, they are affordable, ranging from £15 - £40.

Soft carriers that have the option of back carrying usually can hold a child up tp 20kg/four years old, so make a great toddler carrier.

I have used the Ergobaby Omni Breeze with my toddler and it is definitely one of the best investments I have made. However, putting a toddler in the carrier isn’t always that easy! When my toddler was about one years old, it was a challenge getting him in as he wasn’t tall enough to reach onto my shoulders or to climb up my back, so I had to do a lot of manoeuvring and leaning forward. Now he’s over two, he can reach up and hold onto to my shoulders easily, so that I can hold underneath whilst getting the straps on.

Gemma using two soft carriers

Toddler slings offer great portability and convenience as they are a piece of fabric that goes over your shoulder and loops underneath your toddlers bottom and legs, so that they are effectively sitting on your hip without really sitting on your hip. This really does help to keep your spine in neutral whilst carrying your toddler. You will need to hold onto your toddler whilst they’re in this carrier.

Gemma using a toddler sling

Hips carriers are similar to toddler slings but offer a structured seat for your toddler to sit on, as the waistband goes around your waist. So again, your toddler is sitting on your hip without sitting on your hip, relieving back pain and keeping your spine and posture neutral for you.

Now, with all the carriers here, it is vital to know that your baby’s face needs to remain visible at all times, their airways should be clear, their hips and knees should be in a deep ‘M’ position and their spine should be supported. Additionally, you should be able to kiss baby on the head without straining your neck.

If you need more help and advice with this, please read this website (Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents).

Additionally, babyslingsafety offer a great visual on keeping babies safe whilst in a carrier.