Question Time!

1. Who will use the carrier?
   • Some carriers come in different sizes so if you and your partner both intend to use it, you will either have to purchase two carriers or buy one that is completely (and easily!) adjustable.
   • A design that is comfortable for you may not be for your partner. So if you both intend to use it, make sure that you are both comfortable, as well as the baby of course!
   • Equally, you may really like the floral design of one carrier but will daddy? Look at designs that are more unisex if you want daddy to carry the baby too. Or get one each! The Rose and Rebellion Carrier is completely reversible so that may be an option for you too!
2. Where will you use the carrier?
   • Hot climates will dictate that you get a carrier that has breathable mesh and is lightweight without too much padding.e.g. Bushbaby Cocoon.
   • On the other hand if you are going to be out in colder or wetter weather, look for warmer fabric and a raincover.
3. How do you look?
   • You may be conscious of what you look like using the baby carrier so consider different styles to get something that suits you. But at the end of the day, you and your baby's comfort are the most important factors.
4. How long will you use it for?
   • Some carriers are for younger babies (front carrier) while others are more suitable for older ones (backpack). This means you may need to buy more than one type as your baby gets older.
   • Many carriers offer different carrying positions meaning you can use it from newborn through to toddlerdom – or until they are just too heavy to carry! e.g. AngelPack
5. How versatile do you want it to be?
   • The most popular form of carrier is the front style but this will only last you until they are about 9 months old. If you want to continue to carry your baby then look for a type that is more versatile, converting to back or hip carrier as they get older. e.g. Wilkinet
6. Do you want to breastfeed while the baby is in the carrier?
   • A sling or pouch is great if you want to breastfeed, as you can easily get the baby into the right position and the carrier offers discretion too. e.g. The BabaSling.
7. Do you have any back or hip problems?
   • If you do, always look for a type of carrier that allows the weight of the baby to be distributed on the hips and across both shoulders. This means the least amount of pressure on any one area.
   • A sling or pouch puts the weight onto one shoulder only so this may not be suitable for you.
   • Front carriers generally put the weight across the shoulders which may be all right for a small baby but as they get bigger may put too much strain on you.
   • The best type is a Soft Structured Carrier or Mei Tai as weight is distributed more evenly.
8. How old is the baby?
   • Age will dictate what kind of baby carrier is suitable and what positions they can be carried in.
   • Each make and model will have its own recommendations.

Carrier Speak!

Pouch

• This is a single piece of fabric which is sewn together at the ends to form a loop. It is worn over one shoulder like a sash and the fabric is folded in on itself lengthways to form a pocket for the baby.
• It is generally very versatile allowing for full recline supporting a newborn's head and back up to carrying a toddler in the piggyback position.
• A pouch will normally come in different sizes depending on the adult's size.
• Available in many colours and fabric designs and weights to suit all.
• Folds up really small to fit into your changing bag or luggage.

Wrap / Sling

• A wrap-around baby carrier or sling (also known as a 'wrap') is basically a long piece of fabric. Most are around 5m in length and between 60cm and 90cm wide. They can be wrapped and tied in various ways to provide a secure and comfortable carrying position for any age of baby.
• The stretch fabric type is better for younger babies. As it gives, as the baby gets bigger it provides less support. It also allows you to tie the wrap first and then put the baby in.
• The woven fabric type is better for older and heavier babies as it gives better back support to the parent. However you will probably have to tie this type around the baby making it slightly trickier to put on.
• A ring sling is made from a single length of fabric which is then fed through a double ring to secure it in place. They are adjustable for you and your partner, getting the fit just right.
• Folds up really small to fit into your changing bag or luggage.

Front Carrier

• As the name suggests this is a structured carrier designed to carry the baby on the front either facing in or out. Baby's head is supported with a padded headrest which is folded down for an older baby.
• This design is suitable for a baby up to about 9 months old.
• Generally the weight of the baby is carried on the shoulders although some designs do feature a lumbar support to distribute the weight onto the hips.

Soft Structure

• Soft structured carriers are more conventional looking than ring slings and wraparound carriers.
• They have a rectangular section which holds your baby securely against your body and straps to attach the carrier to you.
• Depending on style, some designs tie on and some fasten with clips.
• They can generally be used in either front or back positions.

Hip

• As the name suggests, a hip carrier allows the baby to be carried on the hip either in a soft structured carrier or directly on a hip seat.
• In the case of a hip seat the baby is held in place by your arm as you would do without a carrier but with the advantage of being able to stand straight putting far less strain on your back.

Lumbar Support

• If you have a back problem you should definitely look for a carrier that offers lumbar support, that is either a strap that goes round your waist or across your lower back. This allows for more even weight distribution and less strain on your back.

Backpack

• Much like a rucksack, a backpack allows the baby to be carried on the back facing forward looking over your shoulder.
• Backpacks are a popular choice for longer walking trips and for older babies.
• These baby carriers often have sturdy metal frames, extra-padded straps, sunshades, comfortable seats for baby and more.
• While backpacks are very nice for long trips, they are less convenient if you need to get baby in and out of the carrier a lot.
• Most backpack carriers can't be used for newborns. The weight limit is usually around 18kg.

Asian style / Mei Tai

• A Mei Tai carrier is a lightweight carrier that can be used for both babies and toddlers and it doesn't have any complicated buckles or straps.
• A basic Mei Tai consists of a square panel of fabric with four straps attached to it at the four corners. The top straps are rather long and are designed to be crossed across your chest or used like backpack straps. The bottom straps are shorter and are for tying around your waist.
• The Mei Tai offers custom fit to all sizes of baby and adult.
• You can carry your child from birth through the toddler years, on the front, hip or back in a variety of carrying positions.
• Folds up really small to fit into your changing bag or luggage.

Quick Guide To Carriers

Type	Positions	Age suitability	Easy to adjust to wearer
Front	Front – facing in Front – facing out	From birth to 9 months	Straps need to be tightened, loosened
Backpack	Back only	From 6 months	Many straps to adjust
Pouch	Front in several positions Hip Back	From birth to toddler	Not adjustable
Wrap / Sling	Front in several positions Hip Back	From birth to toddler	No adjustment required
Soft Structure	Front – Facing in Front – facing out Hip Back	From birth to toddler	Straps need to be tightened, loosened
Hip	Hip	From 6 months	Straps need to be tightened, loosened
Mei Tai	Front in several positions Hip Back	From birth to toddler	No adjustment required