Are questions and unknown words unfolding in front of you?

Don't worry! In this shopping guide we will answer your basic questions and give you tips to help you make the right choice.

The choice

The type of baby carrier you choose plays an important role, as it should meet both your needs and those of the baby (age, weight, and any health issues).

Before making a purchase, we recommend consulting your pediatrician, especially if there are reasons why you should avoid using it.

There are 4 basic types of baby carriers

1. Classic Baby Carrier

It has shoulder straps and a comfortable “seat” for the baby. It can be worn either on the front of the chest or on the back. When the baby is small, it should face your chest, and once it can support its head, around 6 months old, it can be positioned facing the other way as well.

Advantages

• It has a bag-like shape, which is convenient when you are out for many hours, and it can be worn both in front and on the back!

• By loosening the straps a little and lowering the baby to chest level, you can breastfeed easily.

• It is relatively easy to put on, since once the baby is seated, you simply need to fasten the buckles.

• Some of these carriers have small pockets for a pacifier or other small items.

Disadvantages

• If it is used by both parents, you will need to adjust the straps to fit each time.

• If the baby has grown heavier and sits in front, there is a chance that the weight and straps may strain your back and shoulders.

• They are usually made of thick synthetic material, which does not make them ideal for summer.

Baby weight: Up to, mainly, 9 kilos (there are some for up to 20 kilos).

2. Ring Sling

A versatile fabric baby carrier with special rings that allow it to adjust, without restriction, to the baby's size. It is ideal for breastfeeding!

Advantages

• It is easy to tie and only needs minor adjustments each time you wear it.
• The way it adjusts is quite simple, while there are various convenient positions for the baby (front, back, or hip).
• It is extremely convenient if you choose it for breastfeeding. Just loosen it a little and turn it toward your breast.
• It is easy to wash in the washing machine.

Disadvantages

• If you wear it for many hours, it may tire you out, as the weight falls on one shoulder.
• It is not particularly convenient as the baby grows and gets heavier.

Baby weight: Up to 15 kg

3. Wrap

It consists of a single piece of soft fabric. It is suitable for use from the very first day, as it adjusts to the baby’s size and can be tied in many different ways.

Advantages

• You can easily breastfeed in all positions with it.
• You can adjust how tightly it is tied and find the position that works best for you!
• If worn correctly, it distributes the weight across both shoulders, making it very comfortable for long walks!

Disadvantage

• It takes time and practice to learn how to tie it correctly in a way that is comfortable for both you and the baby, while always keeping the baby in a safe position. You will find many videos online with tips and tying methods that will help you.

Baby weight: Up to 15 kg

4. Mei Tai

The Mei Tai baby carrier has a design inspired by the traditional way of carrying children in the countries of the Far East.

Advantages

Thanks to its ergonomic design, the baby is in the correct position, ensuring support and healthy development of the spine and hips. The specially designed cushion of the carrier supports and protects the baby's head. It features reinforced shoulder straps, so it can be tied easily and securely, either in front on the chest or on the back like a backpack.

Disadvantage

It takes many tries until you find the right position that will suit both your baby and you at the same time.

Baby weight: Up to 15 kg

Proper use

With the proper use & placement of the carrier, you will feel more comfortable and will not get tired as easily!

Read the instructions for use carefully and pay attention to the advice of the pediatrician or babywearing experts.

If the baby is a newborn, you should make sure that you have chosen a carrier that will properly support the head and body. This is very important for its safety and development.

The Application

The UK Sling Manufacturers & Retailers Consortium (T.I.C.K.S), describes the important points to check when buying and using a sling.

T.I.C.K.S

T: Tight. A tight and secure tie that "hugs" without squeezing the baby. It should be tied to you in such a way that you move as one unit. If the fabric is loose, the baby does not have the correct position and may not breathe well.

I: In View at All Times. You should have direct visual contact with the baby's face, just by looking down. The baby's face should not be covered with fabric.

C: Close Enough to Kiss. The baby's head should be so close to yours that with a slight bend of your neck, you can kiss it on the forehead or the top of its head.

K: Keep Chin off the Chest. The baby's chin should not be pressed against its chest, limiting its breathing. This indicates that it has been placed incorrectly in the sling or not tied properly. Make sure there is always at least one finger's space under its chin.

S: Supported Back. The baby should be comfortably and closely positioned to the parent, so that its back is in its natural position. If the sling is worn too loosely, it forces the baby to slouch and may partially close its airway. To check that the back is properly supported, place a hand on the baby's back while it is in the sling and gently press. The back should not lose its curvature or come closer.

The advantages

A baby carrier will make your daily life easier, since you’ll have your hands free. But that’s not all!

It soothes the baby

It feels the warmth of your body, your heartbeat, and your movement when you walk.

It contributes to its development

The baby observes the environment, sees the world as you do, and is filled with images and stimuli!

It helps with breastfeeding

The right carrier will bring you to the proper height. After research, scientists concluded that the use of a baby carrier in healthy full-term infants during the first month of life is associated with increased frequency and total duration of breastfeeding.

More contact, more “together” ❤️

A baby carrier brings you closer, creating a stronger bond between you, which will help you recognize the signs of hunger and tiredness early!

A baby carrier will literally free your hands, giving you the ability to do many things together with your baby! Also, you will create strong bonds with them. Bonds that will benefit their development.

Take a little extra time to find the right one and from us, happy walks!