Keeping your baby close while doing all kinds of chores can be a dream come true, right? Nowadays, you don’t have to choose between doing one or the other thing when you have a baby carrier. This type of baby equipment does all the work. 

It keeps your baby next to you while allowing you to have free hands and do all kinds of everyday tasks. But, selecting the right baby carrier can be a bit challenging, especially if you are a first-time parent.

That’s why we decided to compile a brief baby carriers buying guide, which will help you navigate this whole process. 

Do you really need a baby carrier? 

Many parents list baby carriers as the most important iteam, and that’s because they provide plenty of benefits. 

• Your hands are free, and they get a break from all the baby-holding work. 
• You can do other things while keeping your baby close.
• You get to increase the production of the love hormone, also known as oxytocin, when you have physical contact with your baby. 
• You get to avoid loading the stroller in and out of your trunk. 
• With the help of a baby carrier, it’s easier to go through crowds. 
• Your baby will cry less. 

How to choose a baby carrier? 

Since so many models are available on the market, narrowing it down to one is nearly impossible. However, we have a couple of things you should pay attention to:

1. Longevity: if you want your baby carrier to last you a couple of years, you need to choose one that can accommodate the higher weight and features a front-facing position. On the other hand, if you need it just for the infancy phase, consider one that creates a cozy environment. 
2. Comfort: this applies to both your baby and you. Keep in mind that the seat should allow the baby to make an “M” position with their hips. When it comes to your comfort, consider how much shoulder and back support you will require. For example, if you consider carrying your baby for hours, look for a carrier that features lumbar support and shoulder straps. 
3. Fit: while some carriers can be easily adjusted to parents’ bodies, others have to match one individual. This is important to consider, especially if you plan to share your carrier with other people, like your spouse or parents. 
4. User-friendly: you don’t need a carrier that takes hours to set up. For instance, wrap needs a bit of time, while ring slip can be ready in a couple of minutes. You can also tuck in slings and wraps into a diaper bag. 
5. Climate: if you live in a warmer climate, you will need breathable mesh or lightweight fabric, while paddings and heavy knits are ideal for colder temperatures. 
6. Cleaning: newborns tend to be messy, and you need a carrier that can be easily cleaned. However, not all carriers are machine washable, so make sure to check the instructions on the label. 

Types of baby carriers

Choosing a baby carrier isn’t an easy task, but there are three main styles. Also, when shopping, keep in mind that older babies and newborns have different needs. 

Wraps 

These are long, rectangular pieces of fabric you get to wrap around yourself and your baby to create a sort of a carrier. Wraps are ideal for newborns because they mimic the feel of the womb. 

Structured carrier 

Structured carrier is designed to accommodate older babies, although it can be customized to fit newborns. This carrier isn’t as snuggly as wraps, but it’s much faster to put on. 

Ring slip 

Ring slips are made of one piece of fabric you wear across your torso, while two loops on your shoulders look like two rings. This design creates a pouch for your newborn to sit in.