Baby Carrier

From LoveToKnow Baby

The baby carrier has continued to gain popularity in the last few years. Many parents find it essential to own at least one type of carrier, and they use them when they are more inconvenient than strollers. There are basically three types of baby carriers, and they are available for a variety of prices.

Reasons for Using a Baby Carrier

There are several reasons that parents choose to use a baby carrier. They are great to use when strollers would be an inconvenience, and they are much simpler to carry and store. Parents also love baby carriers to help foster a closeness and secure feeling in their baby. If your baby is extremely fussy, or if he suffers from colic, you may find that using some type of baby carrier will help to calm your infant. In fact, many parents clean house, go for walks, and do their shopping while using an infant carrier. If you already have another small child that will be in a stroller, baby carriers will enable you to still be mobile as you push your older child in the stroller.

Types of Carriers

There are basically three types of strollers. These include front carriers, back carriers, and slings.

Front Carriers

Front carriers are great for infants and small babies. They enable you to carry your child close to your body. There are several options available in front carriers, and of course, a wide variety of prices.

Your front carrier should allow you to carry your baby facing towards you and away from you. If you are carrying an infant, you will need to face her towards you, but as her head and neck muscles become stronger, you can face her away from you.
A good front carrier should offer plenty of head and neck support. You should be able to adjust it to fit your baby's size.
The front carrier you choose should be machine washable, with extra, removable material that your infant's face can rest against.
The leg holes in the front carrier should have extra padding, and they shouldn't pinch baby's legs.
The straps should be wide and well-padded, also. Make sure you check the fit before you buy. If the carrier doesn't offer you good support, you'll find that you won't use it very often.
You can buy front carriers which can actually be adjusted to carry your baby across the front of your body or more to your side.

Back Carriers

Once your baby has grown, you may find that a back carrier will be much more comfortable for you both. A sturdy back carrier will support even a large toddler. There are several features you can look for when searching for a good back carrier.

If you plan on hiking with your baby, you will need a good back carrier that offers plenty of support for you and baby. Look for wide straps with lots of extra padding.
When searching for a back carrier, be sure that it has a fixed harness inside for more support.
Many parents prefer freestanding back carriers, which are wonderful to use if you will be placing your child into a carrier for a longer period of time.

Slings

Slings have been used in other cultures for years, but they are only recently becoming more popular with parents in the United States today. Slings can be made from thick or thin material, but they need to be made from breathable, cotton that is washable. There are a variety of sling styles and features to choose from.

Many slings use rings or buckles that you can adjust to loosen or tighten.
Slings allow you to carry your baby in a variety of positions. If your child is an infant, you can carry her in a cradle position, snuggled close to your body. As she grows, you can carry her in a sitting position either on your front, side, or even back.
Slings are light-weight and easy to carry.
Many slings have extra material which can be draped over your baby to shade him or to offer you the opportunity to nurse your child in private.