It’s a shocking transition for a baby to move from the coziness of the womb to the cold, harsh, overwhelming world on the outside of their mother’s body. More and more mothers are discovering babywearing as a great way to keep baby close, secure, and comfortable through the fourth trimester – and well beyond.
If you’ve never tried babywearing, the options can be overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of carriers!
Wraps
- One long continuous piece of fabric with no buckles or straps
- Great for newborns but also usable with toddlers
- Front, back, and hip carries possible (check with manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm)
- Biggest drawback is the length of time it can take to wrap and tie the carrier, but online tutorial videos abound!
- Popular brands include Moby, Boba Wrap, Baby K’tan
Slings
- Worn over one shoulder
- Many have rings to adjust size (“ring slings”), while others are made in pre-fitted unadjustable sizes to fit the parent
- Great for newborns but also usable with toddlers
- Side and hip carry
- Popular brands include Maya Wrap, Balboa Baby, Comfy Joey (if you’re handy with the sewing machine, slings are also the easiest to DIY if you find a good pattern online)
Tie Carriers/Mei Tai Carriers
- Inspired by traditional Chinese carriers
- Flexibility of a wrap with the ease of a buckle carrier
- Appropriate for up to preschool-aged children
- Front, back, and hip carries possible (check with manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm)
- Popular brands include Mei Tai Baby, Babyhawk, and Infantino
Buckle Carriers/Soft Structured Carriers
- Many adjustments available for personalized fit
- Designed for ease of use/secure and release baby quickly
- Front and back carries primarily available
- Often usable for up to preschool-aged children (but you may need to buy an insert to use it with an infant)
- Popular brands include Ergo, Baby Bjorn, and TULA
Need a little more help trying to navigate the confusing world of babywearing? Come to the Baby Bump Expo on October 8th at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center and attend the presentation by Jennifer Green, babywearing educator with Babywearing International. Jennifer will walk you through the different types of carriers and show you how they work. After the class Jennifer and volunteers from Babywearing International South Puget Sound Group will be available for hands on help and questions at the Babywearing Station!
If you are planning for pregnancy, currently expecting, or recently had a baby join us at the Baby Bump Expo NW on Saturday, October 8th. Come to shop, come to learn, come to celebrate! Early bird tickets on sale now!
Enter to win a pair of tickets here!
