Different Types of Baby Carriers
The best baby carrier is one that safely and ergonomically holds your baby, is comfortable for you and your baby, is simple to use and offers the functionality your lifestyle requires. But after years of caregivers trying different babywearing methods, coupled with today’s technology, you’re presented with more carrier choices than ever. How do you choose which infant carrier to get?
The four most popular types of baby carriers include:
- Wraps / Mei Tais
- Ring Slings
- Soft-structured Carriers
- Woven Wraps
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Watching leaves rustle, hearing birds chirp, and feeling the texture of a tree bark can all contribute to their learning and development.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
When it comes to selecting the best baby carrier for summer adventures, there are several options to consider.
Types of Baby Carriers:
- Wraps: Perfect for newborns, providing a snug and secure fit.
- Slings: Ideal for quick and easy use, offering good ventilation.
- Soft Structured Carriers: Versatile and comfortable for both parent and baby, suitable for longer trips.
Stretchy Wraps
Newborn to 4-6 months
Pros:
- Can be left on so you don’t have to retie it multiple times throughout the day -
- Front carry positions
- Affordable
- Compact, fits nicely in a diaper bag
Cons:
- Learning curve if you’ve never used a wrap
Hybrid Wraps
Newborn to 1 year
Pros:
- Front carry positions
- Compact and cozy
- Soft like a wrap with less of a learning curve
Cons:
- Only useable up to about 1 year of age
- Front carry positions only
Woven Wraps
Newborn to Toddlers
Pros:
- Designed not to stretch, so it’ll hold your babies even as they grow
- Front, hip, and back carry positions
- Compact, fits nicely in a diaper bag
Cons:
- Can be hard to learn and get the right fit
- Not the most comfortable or supportive option if long-term wearing
Ring Slings
Newborn to Toddler
Pros:
- Lightweight, breathable material
- Compact, great for traveling
- Front, hip, and back carry options
- Easy to get on and off once you get the hang of it
Cons:
- Can be restricting around the neck and bulky at the shoulders
- Not much back support for the wearer
Soft Structured Carriers
Newborn to toddler (dependent on the type of SSC)
Pros:
- Versatile and adjustable
- Front, hip, and back carry positions
- Can work in combination with other types of baby carriers
- Quick to learn, fast to put on
Cons:
- Can be difficult to put on and adjust with multiple buckles and straps
Factors to Consider:
- Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
- Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
- Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
- Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.
Aura Wrap
Stretchy wraps, like our Aura Wrap, are popular because they are incredible soft and incredibly easy to pack in a diaper bag for any adventure the day might bring. Once you get used to tying the baby carrier wrap, it becomes like second nature and some people choose to leave it on for the day instead of retying multiple times. Stretchy wraps only offer the front inward carry position and you'll typically need to graduate to a more supportive carrier once your little one hits about 1 year old.
Hybrid Wrap
Our hybrid wrap, Embrace, gives you the coziness of a stretchy wrap with the ease and support of a soft structured carrier. We might be partial, but it's one of our favorites. With this hybrid wrap you can use front inward carry and front outward carry (when developmentally appropriate) and it's just as compact as a wrap so you can take it with you everywhere! Easy to take on an off, even easier to make newborn snuggles a breeze, Embrace Newborn baby carrier comes in two different fabrics, a variety of colors, and supports you and your newborn through their first year.
Benefits of Bringing a Stroller
- Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
- Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
- Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.
Safety Tips for Strollers
- Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
- Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
- Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.
Ring Sling
Ring slings are a really fun fashion statement and another type of carrier that, although the learning curve is initially tricky, once you get the hang of it, it's very easy to use. Baby sling carriers are lightweight and breathable, and another compact option for traveling. You can wear babies with a front inward carry, hip carry, and even a back carry! Many of the common complaints are regarding the bulkiness around the shoulders and the lack of back support, which is why we recommend using ring slings for short amounts of time to protect you and your little one.
Soft Structured Carriers
Soft structured carriers (SSCs) are probably the most widely known baby carrier in the western world and our SSCs are what has made Ergobaby one of the most highly recommended carriers on the market! These types of carriers are the most versatile with front, hip, and back carry positions. These carriers give support in all the right places for both parent and baby, protecting developing hips and parents' packs. These carriers are the easiest to learn and quick to put on. We offer a variety of soft structured carriers because your carrier should be as unique as you are! Whether you love to adventure and need something more breathable, or you're concerned about using sustainable goods, there is something for everyone.
Looking for carriers that will support bigger kids? We got you! Alta Hip Seat baby carrier is great for quick ups and downs for growing little ones that want to be a part of all the action.
Our sister brand, Baby Tula, makes Toddler and Preschool Carriers so the snuggles and adventures don't have to stop as your little ones grow.
Honoring the Heritage of Babywearing
Babywearing is not a new concept even though it's relatively new to the Western world. Learn more about the history of babywearing and honor its heritage! Read More