Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of baby carriers and babywearing!
Here is some information that hopefully can help.
Newborn carrier videos- Angelpack, Beco Butterfly, Beco Gemini, Stretch wraps, nursing in a wrap and Mei tais with newborns.
**Remember when babywearing a newborn listen to your body mamas and don't overdo it:)
Here are some carrier comparison videos
Click Here to see our Beco Butterfly vs Gemini comparison Beco, Angelpack, and Pikkolo Oh Snap and Boba
Beco, Angelpack and Oh Snap part 1 Part 2 Beco Gemini
Video comparing the Freehand and Babyhawk mei tais here.
Gemini vs pikkolo
Not sure if a certain carrier will fit around the waist?- here are some of the smallest and largest waist settings for a few carriers. (all in inches)
Beco Butterfly 30-61
Beco Gemini 30-59
Angelpack 28-50
Babyhawk Oh Snap 27-66
Boba 28-60
Olives and Applesauce Hybrid 25-60
There are 6 main types of carriers
Ring Slings-
Ring Slings are basically a piece of cloth with 2 rings attached to one end making it adjustable to many different sizes, so it is easy for both men and women to use the same sling. I find them great for newborn through the toddler years. They are wonderful for nursing moms because the baby can easily lay down in them and the tail of the sling can be used as a cover up. The baby can be worn in the tummy to tummy upright position, on the hip, facing out and reclined as for nursing. There are many great brands available. The only downside is that for bigger toddlers and heavier babies they are just over 1 shoulder so they will tend to pull on your shoulder after a while of wearing them. But for smaller babies or quick trips they are great. They are also nice for toddlers that want up and down a lot.
Wraps
Mei Tai's (Asian Baby Carriers)
Mei Tais or Asian baby carriers are basically a square or rectangular piece of fabric with a long strap coming from each corner of the carrier. One set ties around the waist and the other set over the shoulders in a few different ways. These straps help to make this a very adjustable carrier similar to the wrap that will fit a variety of sizes with just one carrier. Mei Tai's can be worn on the front, back or hip and are great for newborns through the toddler years.
Buckle Carriers / Soft Structured Carriers (SSC)
Buckle Carriers/Soft Structured Carriers or SSC's are a newer concept. They are a combination front pack and backpack and some brands can be worn on the hip as well. Most brands are good for newborns through the toddler years, but these carriers really shine the best for back carries with older babies. Most are similar in basic concept to a mei tai, but instead of straps that tie they have buckles. They also have a padded waistband to better distribute the babies weight between your shoulders and your hips. The shoulder straps are padded as well. SSC's fit most average sized wearers without a problem. If you are on the petite size or on the plus size there are some that fit better than others. Think you want a buckle carrier, but having trouble choosing which one? Click here for more details
Pouch Slings
Pouch carriers are similar in some respects to the ring slings, but most of them are not adjustable so they are sized according to the wearers measurements. They are very quick and easy to use as once you find the right size, no adjustments are necessary. They can be used for newborns through the toddler years. Depending on the size of the baby the positions available will change. I found it difficult to wear a newborn in a pouch sling in the tummy to tummy position, but the cradle carry was very east to use. Also as they have head support you can use the facing out or hip carry positions.
Other carriers:
This catagory is where I place most of the carriers that can be found at your local big box retailer. Most of them are mass produced and less expensive. The drawbacks to many of these carriers is that most have a very short life span of use, becoming uncomfortable as a baby gets heavier. Another problem with these carriers bought at large retail stores is if you have trouble using them or questions about which would work the best for you, most employees don't have much experience with determining these things, if you can find someone to help you at all.
And that's kind of where I come in. I have tried out all these types of carriers myself with my children and am happy to try to help you find one that will work out for you in the long haul. One of the most common questions I get is "which carrier is the best?" I have heard of someone else answering this question by asking "well which shoes are the best?" There are obviously lots of variables to take into account. Your size, your babies age, what you plan to use it for, quick trips or long hikes, what fabrics you like, will you want to breastfeed in it and more. Most carriers I sell will work well for most people. I will also be glad to help you try to find a good fit, but like a good shoe many times you just need to try it out and break it in to get it to work well for you. Click here to email me now. Also check out the link at the bottom of the page for details on our recycle your carrier return policy. Thanks!
Click here for some great articles on the benefits of babywearing and why infant car seats should stay in the car.
Feeling Adventurous and crafty and want to save some money-
Click here for Details on Making your own carrier
