The baby carrier that’s easy for you is the one that you’ll wear the most. It’s got comfort and convenience wrapped into one.
Squeezing yourself into a baby carrier can seem like you’re playing Twister. Wouldn’t it be great to have both hands free while comfortably holding your baby? The best models can free you up to get a lot done: power walking, vacuuming, decluttering, shopping, playing with baby’s older sibs. So, how can you find one that’s truly as easy as the package claims?
This article will discuss easy in several ways:
- Which carriers are most comfortable?
- Do I need an adjustable or nonadjustable carrier? Is one easier than the other?
- What type of baby carrier is best for breast feeding?
- How about easy to put on and take off?
- Is there a carrier that frees up both hands while providing comfort and support for the wearer?
- Is there one all-around easiest carrier?
Get Most Comfortable with a Non-Adjustable
If you are going to be the only wearer of your sling, you can’t beat the ease of the Peanut Shell or similar slings. With no o-ring on the shoulder, it is two lengths of fabric sewn back to back. Slip it on and go.
With the soft-framed Ergo or Bjorn and other similar carriers, you’ll be adjusting it each time after your partner or a caregiver has worn it. The Bjorn has four straps and the Ergo has three that demand attention.
Consider your climate when considering comfort. I found the Moby (at least the knit one I bought) to be a bit hot and heavy. Wrap fabric needs to have some strength to it to hold up your baby, but it also has give, making it very comfortable. This same give can loosen wraps, requiring readjustment.
Easy On, Easy Off
Generally speaking, slings take this category. Soft-framed carriers like the BabyBjorn and the Ergo Baby Carrier are great for their adjustablility, and when they are adjusted prior to wearing, they are easy to put on a take off too. Since these two carriers have a soft frame, it’s easy to see how baby fits into them. On the other hand, the unstructured scoop of a sling may require a couple tries to get baby comfortably situated.
Baby wraps (swaths of cloth that are folded, draped, and tied) get props for comfortable wear, but the fact that many come with DVDs to teach parents how to tie them is its own warning. I know a lot of mom friends who would hotly debate this one. They’d argue that once you learn to put on a wrap, it beats the sling for comfort, versatility, and hands-free wear. I learned to put on my red Moby wrap at home, wearing it like a sweater until I needed to put my daughter in it.
But putting on a sling is as easy as putting on a messenger bag. The padded shoulder strap rests on one shoulder while the other shoulder is free. Baby can be cradled in front for sleep or feeding, or can sit on the hip when older to look around. A simple O-ring adjusts for multiple wearers and for your growing baby.
Easy on the Wallet
Although not mentioned earlier, this is probably one of the most important of the “Easies.” Most carriers are good to go from birth until baby weighs 35 pounds, though your back will probably protest ten or so pounds before that. You want a carrier for the first twelve months that will allow front carrying with baby facing in or out. Getting one that provides hip-carrying is an added plus.
Infantino makes the Triple Comfort Rider ($60) which does all three, something only wraps and slings can approximate. These softies are more stylish, but the TCR surpasses them in its solid construction. It’s sturdy enough for you to carry your baby comfortably up to 18 months and 25 pounds (Thirty-six pounds is the official weight limit).
The Easiest of them All
While the sling and the Moby got my kids and I through their first six months, if I could have afforded only one carrier, the BabyBjorn would have been it. It’s comfortable lumbar support and generally feeling of security and closeness were relaxing for my baby and me as we shopped, walked, or took in the sights.
The best part about finding a baby carrier that truly meets your “easy criteria” is that you’ll wear it more than the one that gets great product reviews from strangers. And when you wear it more, bonding with your baby is easy too.
