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It is arguable that having a baby is one of the most monumental and transformational milestones in a person’s life. And rightfully so. All of a sudden you’re responsible for a tiny life that fully relies on you for safety, comfort, and nourishment. While this is a huge blessing, it also means your hands are often filled with a little one. My first baby did not want to be put down, at all, for the first 6 months of her life. For me, this made everything from brushing my teeth to cleaning my house feel impossible, until I discovered babywearing. Today, I’m really excited to share with you a bit about my favorite baby carriers that helped me have my hands free while also caring for and comforting my little one.
There are so many different kinds of baby carriers out there. It is a truly overwhelming rabbit trail to go down. I hope that in sharing this information, I can simplify your search and save you some time. There are four basic categories of carriers: ring slings, woven wraps, soft carriers, and structured carriers. I, personally, have utilized ring slings as well as soft and structured carriers. Keep reading to hear the pros and cons of these.
Soft Carriers
Soft carriers are usually long, soft pieces of fabric that you wrap around your shoulders and torso to create a kangaroo-like space for your little one to rest in. Due to the length of the fabric and the DIY assembly that’s required, a soft carrier can have a bit of a learning curve. That being said, they are my absolute favorite for the newborn stage. They distribute the weight of my baby evenly over my back and shoulders. They are cozy and soft. And they work well for stages of infancy where the baby is lighter and cuddlier.
There are many brands of stretchy, soft carriers on the market today but the Moby is my favorite. It works well for our Colorado winters as it is a bit thicker. If you live in a warmer climate, you might find that the Solly wrap is a better wrap for you. It is a bit thinner making it perfect for summer or sunny places.
Ring Slings
I didn’t try a ring sling until I had my second baby. Initially, I was drawn to them because of how quickly I could put one on as well as how simple it is to nurse in one. I wanted the option to nurse my baby discreetly at a park while my toddler played or at home in our kitchen while getting dishes done. Once you master how to thread the fabric through the rings and put your baby inside, they are quick and simple. There are many brands out there that offer great options. The fabrics come in a wide variety such as woven cottons, linen, and silk.
Additionally, there are two types of layers to choose from: single and double. The single layer ring slings have one layer of fabric. These work well for learning how to use slings and offer significant support for the earlier days. Double layer ring slings are heftier due to their multiple layers of fabric. This can make threading them through the rings a bit more complex, but it also provides more weight distribution and support for older or bigger babies. I enjoyed Wildbird’s linen single layer ring slings as well as LoveHeld’s double ring slings. Wildbird’s ring slings require a bit of time and use to break in while LoveHeld’s ring slings come pre-softened and immediately ready for a soft use. I love my single layer Wildbird and my double layer LoveHeld.
Structured Carriers
These are perhaps the most well-known type of carrier out there (think Ergo). Usually they consist of padded shoulder straps and buckles that either go around the waist or hips. Many people prefer these due to their ease of use and minimal learning curve. I turn to structured carriers when my babies are able to sit up because I LOVE to wear them on my back. They get to see the world from a different perspective, and I get to freely do things in front of me without worrying about them.
My favorite structured carrier is the Happy Baby carrier. It buckles around the waist and rib cage which differs from the Ergo or Tula that buckle around the hips. This allows me to do things like use the restroom while my baby is napping (please tell me I’m not the only one that thinks about this). The Happy Baby carrier has worked well for me, and I continue to use it often with my baby these days.
Babywearing has been a life saver for me. Do you have a favorite that I didn’t share here? I would love to hear in the comments below.
Cindy
Such an informative blog and so helpful. 💜
April
For my first kiddo, I used a Baby Bjorn which was helpful in freeing up my hands but unfortunately hurt my back. Six years later with my second kiddo, I discovered the Moby and loved it. I used it constantly with him during his fussy months when he needed a nap but was refusing to fall asleep. I wore it countless times at Legoland and the Zoo where we had passes to allow me to still do fun activities with his older sister while still meeting the needs of a baby. Even though he has just turned 10 years old, that “baby” that I was wearing still loves to snuggle up with me for bedtime reading and at other times too and I truly believe it was because of the closeness that was fostered during his first couple of years when was baby wearing.
Melyssa
Oh April! I love this. The Moby was so life changing for me and it sounds like it was for you as well. How incredible that you were able to have your hands free to help your daughter and enjoy the day together but also meet your baby’s needs. I absolutely agree that babywearing helps foster closeness and helps us bond with our babies. Thanks so much for sharing!!