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Most parents find a baby carrier to be invaluable during the
first year of their baby’s life. There are many types and styles to choose from.
The different types of baby carriers fall into three main categories: slings,
front packs and backpacks.
Slings
These are made of fabric and are available in a wide variety
of styles. They “sling” sash-style over your shoulder to hold baby in front of
you. Slings offer many benefits to both baby and parent. Here are some of the
most commonly cited by experienced sling-users:
A
sling is perfect for the newborn months, when Baby needs to be held often
in your arms, as opposed to being pushed at arm’s length in a stroller.
- A
sling is an excellent way to carry your baby around the house because it
keeps your baby happy while leaving your two arms free to go about your
daily tasks.
- Sling
carriers are multi-purpose. You can use them to carry your baby, to create
privacy for breastfeeding, and to cover your sleeping baby. Some feature a
tail that can double as a blanket or coverup.
- Putting
your baby into (and getting him back out of) a sling is a breeze. You can
even get a sleeping baby in and out of one of these soft carriers without
waking her.
- You
can carry your baby in a variety of positions.
- Slings
are small, lightweight and easy to transport.
- Slings
are wonderful to use when a stroller would be inconvenient, such as up
stairs, through large crowds or narrow aisle ways, or over rough terrain ¾
or when you’ll be going in and out of the car frequently.
- Slings
put your baby at the height of people’s faces instead of at their knees.
- You
can use a sling right up through toddlerhood, when little legs get tired
of walking.
An important note about baby slings: They can be confusing
to use at first, and your baby can slide out of the bottom if not positioned
correctly. Try to find an experienced sling-user, a how-to video, or a
knowledgeable sales clerk to help you master the art of baby slinging. Your local
La Leche League leader may be able to offer pointers, too.
Slings are very much worth the effort. I bought a sling when
my second baby, Vanessa, was born. I couldn’t figure it out, so I left it in
the closet. When my third baby, David, was born, I attended a mother-baby
class, learned how to use my sling ¾ and was immediately hooked! I used slings extensively
with my third and fourth babies and found them to be a marvelous baby care
tool.
PARENT TIP
“I put my newborn in the sling so I could sit in bed at night with my
toddler and read books. It kept us all together, my hands free and gave reading
time to BOTH boys!”
Amy, mother of AJ (4) and
Ryder (2)
Front packs
Front pack carriers are similar to slings in use but are
more complex in their structure. They have a seat that attaches to the front of
you with straps that crisscross behind you; these straps secure the carrier to
your body. Here’s what you need to know about front packs:
- The
benefits of front packs are similar to many of those of slings, such as
their light weight and portability, and the fact that you can carry your
baby while keeping your arms and hands free.
- Some
allow you to choose between carrying your baby facing inward toward you or
outward, facing the world – which is often fun for older babies.
- Settling
the baby into and out of the carrier require more steps than a sling does.
- Moving
a sleeping baby into or out of the carrier is difficult, unless the seat
unbuckles separately from the harness.
- Front
packs are better suited to a baby who is strong enough to hold his head
upright.
Backpacks
A back carrier is similar to a camping backpack. It has a
seat for your baby that attaches to your back with a frame and straps that
cross over your shoulders. A few things to know about backpacks:
They’re
perfect for an older baby who loves to look around and be carried high on
your shoulders.
- Many
backpacks have pouches for holding supplies.
- Some
models have a canopy for inclement weather or sun protection.
- Getting
a backpack off (and putting it on) are typically two-person tasks.
- Backpacks
are best for an older baby who can sit up well.
- They’re
great for an all-day trip, such as hiking, shopping or visiting an
amusement park
How do you decide which carrier to use?
No single baby carrier is perfect for all parents. Every
parent has different needs, preferences and proportions. Many people actually
begin with one type of carrier and move on to another when their babies get
older.
First, think about how you plan to use a carrier. Will you
use it primarily at home, instead of a stroller while away from home, or both?
Do you already have a stroller, or must your carrier fill all your
baby-carrying needs? Defining its purpose will help you choose which carrier is
best for you. Read the package information (or talk to other parents who own a
similar carrier) to learn which purposes it serves best and to determine if it
matches your needs.
The very best way to decide? Try carriers on ¾
either at the store or with a friend who owns one. Actually putting your baby
in the carrier will give you the best idea as to fit, but if you are shopping
without your baby (or don’t have your baby yet!) try using a stuffed animal
from the toy department. PARENT TIP
“A baby carrier can help new adoptive parents to decline politely those
who want to hold your baby while he still needs exclusive Mommy or Daddy
contact. The carrier can be especially helpful in difficult situations such as
visits to your child's orphanage or former foster parents.”*
¾ Laurel, mother of 16-month-old Crystal
* This is also an excellent idea for parents who blanch at the thought
of their tiny newborn being passed around the room from person to person!
Points to consider when purchasing a carrier:
Comfort. Does the carrier feel good
to you?
- Fit
for your baby. Does it seem to suit your baby well?
- Fit
for you. Does it fit your size and body type? Can you carry the baby
without strain?
- Safety. Will the baby be secure and
well supported?
- Features.
Does it meet your needs?
- Usability.
Can you easily get your baby in and out of the carrier? How about putting
it on and taking it off? Keep in mind that some models require practice.
- Construction.
Does the fabric suit your wardrobe, climate and needs (i.e., lightweight
for summer, weatherproof for outdoor use)?
- Care.
Is it machine-washable or easy to wipe clean?
- Flexibility.
Can you carry your baby in various positions?
- Adjustability.
Can it be tightened or adjusted to fit you when you are at home in indoor
clothing or outside wearing a coat? Can you adjust it easily for use by
others?
- Adaptability.
Will it work for your baby now as well as six months from now?
- Appearance.
Do you like the style? Will you enjoy wearing it?
This article is
an excerpt from Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley. (McGraw-Hill,
2003)
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