Choosing a baby carrier can be a bit daunting as there are so many options when it comes to fabrics, styles and types of carriers - it can be hard to know where to start!
We often get asked 'What is the best carrier you sell?' however there is no simple answer, as it will depend on what you are looking for in a carrier and the needs of your family.
All of our carriers have been hand-picked by our team of qualified baby-wearing consultants to offer the best in style, support and comfort for the wearer and one-on-one support is available free of charge after purchase, with zoom or in person fittings.
We believe we have Australasia's best selection of carriers and in our collection, you'll find well-known styles from Beco, Boba, Ergobaby, Wildride and Carifit alongside specialised options from Neko, Hoppediz and Lenny Lamb. We stock many other well-respected brands, limited editions and exclusive designs.
Our baby carriers will all take you through at least one full year of your baby's life and depending on the style some will do the second year too! They also all provide vital support for your little one's spine and neck, as well as great knee to knee support which is important for both hip socket development AND comfort - for both you and your baby.
The best carrier?
There are lots of different styles of carriers, however we think you'll find the 'best carrier' is one you love and that achieves these baby carrying essentials:
- Carrier allows for baby's back to be supported in its natural position.
- Carrier allows for the relaxed baby's legs to be in the spread-squat position.
- Carrier allows the wearer to distribute the baby's weight comfortably across their own body.
Top reasons for using a baby carrier
- Hands free around the house - it's much easier to hang the washing, play with a toddler, cook the dinner...
- Practical for trips into shops or other places like airports, where using a buggy might be cumbersome, but you need to safely and comfortably carry your baby or toddler
- Helping unsettled newborns sleep, especially in the "fourth trimester" when they need to be held or comforted
- Helping older babies or toddlers sleep when out and about
- Curing exhausted little legs! - e.g. family walks when toddlers and preschoolers run out of steam
In this article, we'll give you an overview of the different styles we stock, and what some of the reasons for choosing them might be as well as general safety tips. If you are choosing a carrier for a newborn make sure you check out our newborn babywearing article here too.
Introduction to Baby Carriers
Most Suitable Carriers for Newborn Babies
Stretchy Wraps
Stretchy wraps, like Boba or Moby are lovely for newborn babies. They're made from soft, stretchy cotton that you wrap around yourself (or your partner!) and tuck your new bundle into for a hands-free cuddle or some skin-to-skin bonding where they can hear your heartbeat. Particularly in the first few months they are comfy enough that you can sit down and relax once your baby has fallen asleep safely on your chest.
As this is a full fabric option and a very stretchy fabric, most people will find that by 8-9kgs their little one will be getting quite heavy in this type of carrier, and it may be time to move on to something with a bit more structure and support for continued babywearing.
The Boba Stretchy Wrap
So why choose a stretchy wrap?
- A soft, gentle option that's also ideal for sitting
- Keep your newborn close to your heartbeat
- Comfy enough to wear all day and just pop baby in and out as needed
Soft Structured or Buckle carriers - SSC
Soft Structured (SSC's) or Buckle Carriers are a very versatile choice and are commonly referred to as front packs, although many can also be worn on the hip or back once baby grows and has good neck control. This style covers brands like Ergobaby, Boba, Beco and Carifit.
The reason for their popularity is that they are super quick to put on and very supportive, adapting and growing with you and your baby on your babywearing journey. Each brand will have its own fitting advice, however buckle carriers usually do not require any learning or technique in the way traditional carriers like woven wraps or ring slings do.
This style of carrier is very popular with Dads and those who like a carrier that's quick to put on and take off and simpler to learn. Buckle carriers will generally cover a wider age and weight range of children, from between 3-20kgs, depending on the carrier. To suit the needs of newborns right up to toddlers, many carriers have adjustments available to reduce or extend the back panel length and also the hip spread at the base of the carrier. Check the age and weight information for each carrier, as well as any adjustable features before making your choice.
Buckle carriers are very popular for active families that enjoy hiking and provide fantastic support for long-term wearing, including specific toddler carrier options from Beco and Lenny Lamb. The Lenny Lamb preschool carrier can be used up till around age 6.
Unless specified, buckle carriers are only to be used on your front with baby facing inwards towards the adult (this is the most ergonomic and comfortable for both baby and caregiver) or for back carrying an older infant in a piggyback position. Some carriers offer a 'world facing' or outward position for babies while being worn on their caregivers' front, however we recommend only using this feature for 30 minutes maximum at a time to avoid overstimulation and for comfort and safety. Do not allow your baby to sleep in a world-facing position as this could compromise their airways.
We have extensive Soft Structured Carrier comparison charts and details here.
So why choose a Soft Structured (or buckle) carrier?
- Versatile choice to suit front, hip or back babywearing
- Highly comfortable & supportive
- Longevity - a carrier that's ideal for newborns to toddlers (generally from 4kg to 20kg)
The Carifit Core Demo with Babywearing Consultant Coralie
Ergobaby Buckle Carrier Demo with Coralie
Hybrid Carriers
Want the comfort & softness of a wrap, but the ease of a soft structured carrier? Choose a Hybrid carrier such as the Boba Bliss or Ergobaby Embrace.
What exactly is a hybrid carrier? Well, it's a combination of a buckle carrier and a stretchy wrap. They have a softer fabric and tend to have a more supple waistband which moulds around you and your baby, making it easier to sit and more comfortable for the wearer and baby. There's no need to learn to tie a wrap and they're generally small enough to easily place in a bag to have on hand when you're out and about.
So why choose a Hybrid carrier?
- The ease and convenience of a buckle carrier
- The softness and suppleness of a stretchy wrap
Ring Slings
Ring slings are made from lengths of woven wrap fabric with two rings sewn in one end and are generously sized to fit most caregivers and babies of all stages. They distribute the weight over one shoulder and will take you from newborn through toddlerhood by changing the position they are worn on your body. Ring Slings are a comfortable, supportive option for newborns as when correctly tightened, they support the "C-shape" curve babies are born with.
Ring slings are also fabulous with toddlers as you can pop them in and out easily once they're starting to want to walk on their own, but inevitably end up tired halfway along! They fold up easily and can be carried in a nappy bag.
There is a small learning curve with feeding the fabric through the rings and how to correctly tighten a ring sling to ensure adequate support across all parts of the infant's body however, with practice, this will become second nature very quickly.
Ring slings are available in a wide range of designs and fabrics to suit different climates, including mesh options for very hot countries. Our top picks include the classic and stylish linen ring slings by Boba and the beautiful, bold prints in Lenny Lamb ring slings.
So why choose a Ring Sling?
- It's quick and easy to put on
- Quick to learn and adjust correctly
- Versatility - perfect for men and women as well as babies of all ages (check maximum weight limits on the product information)
Ring Sling Carrier Demo with a Newborn
Mei Tai (or Meh-Dai) and Half Buckle Carriers
Mei Tai (or Meh-Dai) and half Buckles are based on the traditional Asian style carrier. They are more structured than a woven wrap but without the buckles of a structured carrier.
Mei Tai are very versatile and are tied to fit the wearer, so fit a wide range of sizes. A Mei Tai has four straps (one at each corner, and the top two straps are longer). Tie the shorter straps round your waist, like an apron, then position baby and lift up the back panel. Then wrap the longer straps over your shoulders and across to secure in front of your baby.
Half Buckle Carriers have the same adjustable tie straps but a buckle waist (some have padded firm waist) and tie straps.
These carriers are often available in beautiful designs and are made by small boutique businesses. They offer a middle ground between the learning of a woven wrap and the simplicity of a soft-structured carrier. They are much more size adjustable than a buckle carrier and also great for anyone who finds the shoulder strap buckles uncomfortable on their breasts or underarms.
So why choose a Mei Tai carrier?
- The carrier to fit anyone, including petite wearers, plus size, broad-shouldered and more
- A carrier that's the middle ground between a woven wrap and a soft structured carrier
So why choose a Half Buckle?
- The carrier to fit anyone, including petite wearers, plus size, broad-shouldered and more
- A carrier that's the middle ground between a woven wrap and a soft structured carrier
- Easy buckle waist with adjustability of tie straps.
Baby Carrier Safety
Baby-carrying done properly is very safe! Always follow the carrier instructions exactly and/or learn how to safely use your carrier from a qualified baby-carrying consultant who has had expert training in babywearing safety. You can book a baby carrier consultation with any of our experts for any carrier purchased at The Sleep Store. Book a carrier consultation here.
In particular, pay special attention to ensuring your baby's airways are always clear and your baby is fully and safely supported by the carrier.
All carriers we sell are designed to hold the baby securely and firmly in an upright position. Never use the cradle or lying down position with a baby carrier, as this can compromise your baby's airways.
What are the essential carrier safety checks?
While there are numerous different ways of describing how to carry safely, all the different points come down to 3 simple factors:
- High - Your baby should be seated high on your body so that their head is close enough for you to kiss the top of their head easily. This ensures that their face is easy to see, it is easy to monitor their breathing, and ensures that they are not resting on the soft part of your chest (breasts).
- Tight - Your baby should feel secure in your carrier once it is on. This is to prevent them from sliding down your body, slouching or falling out of the carrier. A simple check is to support your little one's head and lean forward - if their body falls away from yours, then it means it is too loose.
- In Sight - Your baby's face should always be visible and not covered by fabric. This ensures that their airways are not compromised, and that you can easily monitor their breathing and cues when in the carrier.
Book a Baby Carrier Consultation
Do you have carrier questions, need help with a fitting, or just can't choose which carrier would be best for you and your baby?
We offer FREE 30 minute consultations with Linda at our warehouse in Henderson or with Coralie over Zoom. Both Linda and Coralie are Certified Babywearing Consultants who have been formally trained with the Center for Babywearing Studies New York.
