Undoubtedly, not all baby carriers are created equal to our needs. We all have individual wants and needs in a baby carrier so much so that what may be best for one parent may not necessarily be the best for you. As such, you must read more than just one baby carrier review in the course of choosing from among many types of baby carriers.
The Five Best Selling Baby Carriers 2017:
Bestseller No.1
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier, Light Grey
Infants 8-32 pounds
SaleSaved: $9.53
$20.46 Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No.2
Infantino Swift Classic Carrier, Black
8-25 pounds or 3.6 to 11.3 kgs
SaleSaved: $7.83
$10.16 Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No.3
Infantino Flip Front 2 Back Carrier, Black
3 Carrying positions grow with baby: 1- facing-in cozy time 2- facing-out cruising, 3- backpack exploring
SaleSaved: $13.49
$16.50 Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No.4
BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Original, Black, Cotton
Provides essential closeness and contact to help you bond with your new baby
SaleSaved: $34.47
$45.52 Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No.5
Ergobaby Easy Snug Infant Insert, Natural
Must use with infants 7-12 lbs. (3.2-5.5 kg) or babies more than 12 lbs. but younger than 4 months or without strong and consistent head and neck control
SaleSaved: $1.00
$24.00 Buy on Amazon
And speaking of styles, you have three basic choices namely, front carriers, slings and backpacks. As can be expected, each type has its own pros and cons that must be considered in turn. Doing otherwise may mean missing out on what could have been the better option for you and your baby.
The Sling Type
First, the sling type is the most traditional because its design comes from the age-old baby carriers made of cloth strung across the body. In the modern version, it is still made of soft fabric preferably of 100% cotton or a cotton blend, which can be with or without padding as well as with just one to two layers of fabric.
Basically, you drape the baby sling across one shoulder and, hence, creating a draping effect across your body. Your baby will then have a cocoon in which to sleep in either horizontally or vertically.
The major advantages of the sling type, as can be concluded from many a baby carrier review, are that: first, it allows for breastfeeding your baby in relative privacy and in one easy movement and, second, that it is very easy to put on and off. However, you will find that it is neither suitable for strenuous activities nor for larger babies past the stage of a newborn.
The Front Type
Second, the front carriers will only support your baby in a vertical position. It is relatively snug for your baby while allowing you to carry it like a front-facing backpack, which allows for greater range and intensity of movement than is possible with a sling.
You can choose to make your baby face inwards or outwards in relation to your chest, depending on the baby’s age. And speaking of age, babies less than 6 months old should not be placed in either front or backpack carriers for safety reasons – a sling is more suitable for the purpose.
The front carriers boast of many features over the sling type. You can place baby essentials in the many storage compartments, adjust the seat and the carrier itself to conform to individual dimensions, and provide protection for baby against the sun and light rain through its hood, to mention a few amenities.
The Backpack Type
Third the backpack type allows your baby to sit at your back. This is more suitable to spending time outdoors with a child more than 6 months of age because of the stronger construction and special design than the sling and the front carrier.
Its main advantages lie in the comfort provided over longer walks as well as in the compartments. But do keep in mind that you will have less access to your baby since he is behind you, after all.
All of these pros and cons should be discussed in a baby carrier review for a particular model. You should then have a general idea of which one will best answer your need for a carrier, notwithstanding its cost.
Snugli Baby Carriers – One Of The Best Soft Baby Carriers
Studies have proven that the human touch is very important in the physical and mental development of your baby. Thus, you should try to carry your baby as much as possible, to let him hear the comforting sound of your heartbeat, and to let him bask in your warmth. Well, all these benefits of touch can be yours with Snugli baby carriers from Evenflo.
You may ask why go for a baby carrier when you can always just hold your baby in your arms. There are many reasons for it, of course, but the most notable is that you cannot carry your baby at all times simply because you were not born with the eight arms of an octopus. You have to perform your daily tasks like cleaning the house, doing the groceries and even getting work done in your home office, to boot.
Your next question will be the reasons for buying a Snugli baby carrier over other brands. Again, there are many reasons for such a recommendation that, of course, focuses on the advantages of owning such a baby carrier.
First and foremost, you can carry your baby in three basic positions, namely, face-out, face-in and backpack. Although these positions are two less than the five positions offered by other brands, the fact is that you only need these three basic configurations.
The most important thing about these basic positions is that your baby is strapped in comfortably, safely and securely. Of course, you must also be comfortable with the fit of the baby carrier around your body especially around the hips, shoulders and back. So many people have been turned off by the likes of the Snugli baby carriers because of complaints of body aches when all along it was their fault.
To ensure that you have added support, the baby carrier also features a support panel for even distribution of weight, a sternum strap in case of backpack use, and a padded waits belt for lower back comfort. You may have to experiment a few times just to find the best position for you and your baby but once you get the hang of it, you should be just fine.
So, how is your baby’s comfort assured with the Snugli baby carrier aside from the snug fit? Well, the seat, backrest, head support and leg openings are all padded with high-quality foam, which complements the padded shoulder pads for the parent. The rest is up to you in terms of tightening or loosening the buckles.
But of course, babies are high-maintenance creatures even for just a day out on the town. And so, a Snugli baby carrier has many pockets to hold in baby’s essential things. At the very least, you need not be carrying such a bulky bag.
In conclusion, Snugli baby carriers are one of the best choices when it comes to soft carriers. Your baby will be comfortable and safe inside the carrier while you have peace of mind that your baby is as secure as can be inside it, like a baby in the womb.
Macpac Baby Carrier – A Picture Of Durability, Functionality and Beauty
Arguably, the Macpac baby carrier may very well represent the pinnacle of innovation in baby carriers. It is, after all, from the same company that manufactures the world-famous Rucksacks, which means that we can expect similar attention to details, craftsmanship and workmanship in both product lines.
In fact, we have family and friends who still have their Macpac carriers as usable as ever when it was used 3 to 4 babies ago! Now, that is the hallmark of a classic baby carrier with desirable qualities of durability, functionality and beauty.
But just like all types of rigid baby carriers, the Macpac brand is unsuitable for children under six months of age. This is because their necks have yet to develop the strong support muscles necessary to keep their head up by themselves, not to mention that their bodies require more support.
Even when your baby is already 6 months old, there are certain limitations innate to the Macpac baby carrier regardless if it is the strongest, safest and most secure product in its category. For one thing, you should never ever take your baby hiking up the mountains even when the rain and sun hood acts as protection. Keep in mind that babies are more vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and skin damage from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
For another thing, you must also avoid using the Macpac carrier when engaged in strenuous physical activities like skiing downhill. Not only is the carrier unsuitable for the activity, it is downright dangerous for you and your baby to do so. Besides, do you really want to run into trouble with the law?
Also, you should use the Macpac carrier as a highchair. Yes, even when it looks sufficiently sturdy to take your baby’s weight, it was and is not designed for that purpose. Needless to say, its main purpose is to carry your baby on your back, thus, leaving your hands free to do other things like performing errands for the household.
Now, when you have acknowledged the abovementioned limitations of the Macpac baby carrier, you can then proceed to use it. The important thing with a baby carrier is to always ensure that you and your baby are comfortable, which can be achieved in two ways.
First, you have to adjust the carrier to your height. The weight of the baby and the carrier must be evenly distributed along the shoulders, hips, waist and lower back. If you cannot walk a few steps without complaining about the uneven pressure of the weight on your body, then do not even dare to think that you can walk around the block with your lower back intact.
Second, you must check if your baby is snugly but comfortable placed inside the carrier. This is possible because of the adjustable child’s seat and safety harness, which you should play around as your baby grows.
Indeed, even the best Macpac baby carrier can only do so much for you and your baby. It is in your hands to use it according to instructions. And when you do, you will delightedly discover that it is truly worth the price you paid for it.
Baby Backpack Carriers – Now Your Baby Can Go Everywhere With You
For many parents, baby backpack carriers are very good news in so many ways. You can travel to many places especially the great outdoors with a backpack carrier to safely place your baby in. Or maybe it’s just to the mall, the zoo or even around the block. In short, it is one of the most versatile baby things that you can purchase as well as receive or give as a gift.
But first, there are a few things to remember about backpack carriers. For one thing, your baby must at least be 6 months old before he is suitable for the carrier. At this age, he has better neck control, can sit up independently and has sufficiently grown so as not to be drowned in the carrier, in a manner of speaking.
For another thing, unlike baby wraps and carriers made from soft materials, baby backpack carriers are heavy in and of themselves. Most models are between 4 to 7 pounds sans the baby so much so that it can be difficult having both baby and bag on your back. Still, its maximum weight limit of 40 pounds of baby and 10 pounds of baby gear is good news for parents who do not want the hassle of carrying diaper bags on hiking trips. You may assign the bigger and stronger of your group to carry the carrier.
The trick is in making sure that the backpack carrier is securely, safely and evenly strapped to your body before you and your baby go off on your outdoor adventures. You have to make sure that the safety harnesses on the back, shoulders, hip and waist are strapped securely in place; the aluminum alloy frame “sits” comfortably on your back without anything poking at any point of your body; and your baby is comfortable in his cocoon. Your partner can help you in this aspect.
Keep in mind, however, that the built-in stands of a backpack carrier was never designed to act as a baby seat on the ground. Of course, said stand makes it easy for loading and mounting your baby onto the carrier but its function stops at that point. If you must put your baby to the ground while still inside the carrier, be sure to provide support at all times.
And speaking of support, most baby backpack carriers provide for densely padded shoulder and seat harnesses that protect various points of the body from strain, stress and pressure brought by the added weight. You will also appreciate it that backpack carriers usually have sufficient storage compartments for various odds and ends that comes with being a parent. Indeed, if you are the type of parent who must be ready like a Boy Scout at all times, a backpack carrier is the best investment possible for a baby thingamajig.
As an investment, you will be paying more for a backpack carrier than for other types. Prices can start as high as $150 for the simplest model although you can find cheaper varieties in online auction sites. Or you can go for the lighter babybackpack carriers with less structured materials that are more suitable for everyday use.
Native Baby Carrier – The Only Carriers Made From 100% Organic Fabric
Baby carriers have been around for years especially among women who must work the fields to support their families. Indeed, you might say that these brave women were the first career women in the loosest sense of the word in that they had to balance between working for their families and caring for their babies. Well, it is for this reason that a Native baby carrier is good for modern mothers who have the same concerns as their predecessors.
The main selling point of the New Native baby products is that these are made of100% organic cotton fabrics without the often unnecessary buckles, foam padding and metal rings found in other brands of baby carriers. As such, you will find that it suits the no-frills, no-hassles lifestyle desired by already harried mothers.
Even putting on the Native baby sling is very easy. Just sling it over your shoulders to achieve three possible configurations – front, side and back. You need not worry about complicated harnesses, buckles and rings that, more often than not, dig into your body in the most uncomfortable of places.
For this precise absence of hardware, it is also possible to just throw the baby sling into the washing machine and let it do its work on the poo, milk and other stains that comes with the territory. Think of it as truly going back to your roots, in a manner of speaking.
But don’t worry about the safety and security of your baby while he is inside theNative baby carrier. Its materials and construction is such that your baby is secure against your bosom while you go about your business. Plus, even when your baby falls asleep, you need not change disturb his sleep at all – just slide the sling to change from the vertical to the horizontal position. As the official website says, you can think of it as the human equivalent of a kangaroo pouch.
But unlike the kangaroo pouch, you can choose from more colors and sizes. You have royal blue, purple, teal and navy to choose from, which means that you can be as girly as you want while your husband can be as, well, as manly as he wants with your color choices.
As for size, you can choose from extra small to sizes 2XL and up. You may have to add extra dollars for larger sizes starting at 2XL, which is a very good bargain considering the benefits of the baby sling.
Despite the various sizes, however, it must be emphasized that the Native baby sling is most suitable for newborns and babies with a maximum weight of 35 kilograms. You may think of it as a severe limitation but come to think of it, you will not want to be carrying around a 40-kilogram baby for even 30 minutes at a time. Strollers and the big, brawny arms of a husband (or a boyfriend, for that matter) are more suitable for that purpose.
Indeed, the Native baby carrier is your best choice when it comes to organic, natural and simple life as a mother. It serves its purpose well while still ensuring that you are saving the environment. In many ways, it is going back to the basics of being a mother.
Kelty Baby Carrier – The Right Baby Carrier That Will Work For You
Admittedly, the market for baby carriers can seem saturated especially with the many brands and models available in numerous stores and sites. One of these brands is the Kelty baby carrier, which offers five models, namely, the FC 1.0 to3.0 and the TC 2.2 and 3.0 units. Of course, each model has its own specifications, features and price tags.
For this article, we shall discuss the Kelty TC 3.8 baby carrier since it is the latest in line and, hence, we can expect better things from it than in previous editions. Plus, at just a $30 difference from the older TC 2.0 model, you will get more features with values exceeding the additional cost.
Let’s start with the 5-point adjustable safety harness. Basically, this means that you can adjust your child’s position for greater comfort, safety and security at five points – truly a boon when two partners of unequal size will take turns carrying the baby.
Even the child’s seat is padded for extra comfort. You may also adjust the seat so as to ensure that your child will still be able to appreciate his surroundings instead of being drowned amongst all the fabric of the Kelty baby carrier.
And speaking of padding, you will also appreciate that the waist belt, shoulder straps and back panels are all padded with moisture-absorbent foam for added comfort. Add in the sternum strap and you have assurance that your back will not kill you after an hour’s hike in the great outdoors or in the mall.
Just remember, however, that the weight limit is just as 40 pounds. More than this weight and you are pushing the carrier to its limits, not to mention the limit that your back can take during the day. Keep in mind, too, that the 40-pound weight limit will also include the various odds and ends placed in the baby carrier from the baby’s diapers to the food supplies. For larger children, you might want to consider s stroller or just your good old brawn power.
You will also appreciate that there is a foot-step bracing on the Kelty baby carrier. It definitely allows for easier loading and unloading of your baby especially when there are no available hip-high surfaces on which to place the carrier, baby and all. But remember not to use the bracing as a substitute for a seat – it is definitely nothing of the sort.
If you are the outdoorsy type of parent, you will also love the sun/rain hood included in the carrier. Besides, you never know when the weather changes so it is good to know that your baby will have protection from the elements while you find a more permanent shelter from the sun or rain.
To be on the fair side, we have to note a few disadvantages to the TC 3.0 that you should be aware of. It does not have the mirror-on-lanyard and zip-off-daypack that other Kelty baby carriers offer, both of which make for convenience especially on checking up on the baby without having to take off the carrier.
All in all, the Kelty baby carrier is good value for your money. You may have to pay more but for the additional benefits, the extra cost is well worth it.
Ultimate Baby Wrap – The Most Comfortable Way To Carry Your Baby
Nowadays, mothers must balance being a career woman and a wife with kids to look after. It makes for a juggling act that even the great Victor Kee would be hard-pressed to top. So, what is a mother with a small child, diaper bag and shopping cart in tow to do? Well, get an Ultimate baby wrap, that’s what!
Just as its name implies, it wraps around the body of both mother and child to form a safe cocoon for the latter and a secure way of carrying baby around for the former. Unlike other baby carriers, it is made of a soft material that conforms to the body’s shape no matter the configuration used. Now, you can contrast that with the rigid materials from which other baby carriers are made to know that the Ultimate wrap is a great investment.
Speaking of configurations, there are five to choose from depending on what works best for you and your baby. These configurations are face-to-face, tummy-to-tummy, baby’s back-to-mommy’s chest, side-to-hip and baby’s-front-to-mommy’s back. You can just readjust the material to accommodate the chosen configuration, which should be easy considering that there are no buckles to deal with in the Ultimate baby wrap.
Be warned, however, that you may find a couple of configurations to be more difficult to accomplish, almost requiring the skills of Houdini himself. Fortunately, the instructional video makes the job easier especially after 2-3 practice attempts.
As a mommy, you want your baby to be secure inside the baby wrap while your hands perform other tasks. You can rest your mind on that point because the Ultimate wrap has a 3-point security harness hidden within its folds. It’s safe and comfortable for you and your baby as well as fashionable.
Speaking of fashion, the colors available are fashionable in their own right. Your choices are navy, black and gray, all of which blend in well with whatever top you may be wearing. Then again, you will also hear of complaints regarding the lack of bright colors in the line so let’s keep our fingers crossed that the manufacturer will think of it, too.
Since your baby’s comfort is always the most important consideration in buying a carrier, you will find that the Ultimate baby wrap is one of the best in the market on that aspect. Not only does it provide a safe cocoon for the baby’s body but it also has built-in head and feet coverings for nippy and rainy days.
Next on the list is your comfort, of course, particularly when you will be carrying your baby for hours at a time. When used properly, the Ultimate wrap prevents backaches by spreading the weight evenly. Keep in mind that while you want to save your hands from carrying your baby, you also want to spare your back from the pain of a baby carrier with uneven weight distribution.
In the end, just as in other baby carriers, the Ultimate baby wrap will work best when you know how to use it. Watch the instructional video first – it will take little of your time at just 5 minutes – before trying it on your baby.
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