With the increasing popularity of slings, front carriers and baby backpacks, you might be wondering which model to buy, and what will be best for you and baby. With new models coming out all the time touting convenience and comfort, there are a few things to look for when shopping. After all, you want the safest infant carrier possible.
Slings
For newborns, these are definitely the best. They are the closest imitation of the womb, with baby tucked and curled into a hammock position, back slightly curved. Slings have been used by various cultures around the world for centuries, even while the provider performs strenuous manual labor. It does take some time getting used to, because you will instinctively feel that the baby will fall out.
There are two walls, or rails, of fabric around the baby, one up against the parent’s body and the other on the outside. Baby fits comfortably inside a pouch-like area, secure and snug. The only way for baby to fall out is if you lean dangerously forward. If you’re unsure, carefully follow the instructions that came with the sling and practice first with a doll. The Maya Wrap sling we bought came with a DVD showing real life examples of properly wearing and adjusting the sling.
For your own comfort and safety, make sure the sling is positioned on your upper body, above your stomach. Too low, and you will experience lower back pain. Also, high up on the body, baby can easily breastfeed. Unlike front carriers or backpacks, slings are very versatile, so if you feel pain in your back, adjust your infant in a different position. As baby grows older, you can carry them upright or on your hip.
Most slings are designed for the fabric to spread the baby’s weight evenly. At its simplest, a piece of cloth is wrapped around the parent and bunched over one shoulder. Ring slings, both metal and nylon are tested for several hundred pounds, and naturally lock together with the weight of the infant. Infants will outgrow their carrier before the sling show any stress with their weight.
Front and Back Carriers
There is some controversy with front carriers. As popular and comfortable as the Baby Bjorn is, some experts question how safe and comfortable it is for baby. Unlike the hammock effect of slings, a front carrier has baby sitting in an unnatural position on their crouch, legs and arms dangling out. Pressure is put on the spine, and if left for long periods, this may cause problems with spinal development.
That being said, I found the Baby Bjorn to be the easiest and most comfortable to use, which is probably why they are so popular. My baby loved it. I waited until she was about eleven pounds and could begin to hold her head up by herself, and we’d go on hour-long walks. She liked the front carrier because she could easily see the world, and as she got older and could hold her head up, she could face outward, which was a real joy.
Other carriers, such as the Ergo, has corrected this perceived spinal pressure by designing a pack whereby baby sits on the bum. Instead of legs hanging down, they are folded to a more natural position around the caregiver’s sides. The Ergo can be used from birth up to thirty or forty pounds. It is also more versatile than the Baby Bjorn, in that you can position baby in the front, the back, or on the hip. The learning curve is higher, though still easy to master.
Baby Backpacks
Backpacks allow infants to better see the world as you see it, over your shoulder. Great for day hiking, walking in the mall or even camping, these backpacks work just like regular outdoor backpacks but have a built-in seat for your child instead. Because they are designed for rugged, outdoor use, look for companies that specialize in camping gear, such as Kelty and Sherpani. Though more expensive, they are more reliable, comfortable and constructed better, as these manufacturers have had years of experience designing backpacks.
Because the backpack does have a seat, you should not use one until baby can comfortably sit up, usually after six months. A few good safety features to look for is a harness to secure your child in the seat, padding across the metal frame to protect baby’s face from any bumps while walking, sturdy materials with heavy-duty stitching, and an adjustable seat so baby fits in properly and stays comfortable and safe at different ages. Also, look for the ability to add attachments, such as a sun visor or rain canopy to keep baby comfortable.
