Baby Carrier 101
Baby Carrier Safety
For parents of young children, it can be hard to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Between all the equipment you need and the uncertainty of what you can safely do with babies in their first year, you can feel overwhelmed. One practice that has stood the test of time is babywearing. This allows you to get outside, have your baby close, and allow for hands free parenting.
Baby carriers should be certified, durable and made of premium quality because there is no compromising your baby’s safety and comfort. Whether you’re out running errands, navigating the big city, or enjoying sometime in the country, utilizing a baby carrier will help you handle everything that comes your way. With so many different types of baby carriers on the market, it can get confusing navigating through all the choices. This post will attempt to walk you through the different types, and help you figure out which one is best for you.
Some Things To Know About Using A Baby Carrier
Baby Carriers allow you to carry your child on the front, side or back of your body. A benefit of this for the baby is a feeling of closeness, safety, and comfort. However, there are some things to consider before purchasing a baby carrier. Often consumers do not perform sufficient research and as a result, they may not select the best one to fit their needs.
- Babies should be able to hold their head upright unassisted before using a carrier
- Always double-check the closing mechanism and straps before using the carrier
- Always bend at your knees and not the waist
- Avoid lying down while your child is in the baby carrier
- Baby carriers have specific cleaning requirements to maintain fabric strength
Some Considerations For Buying A Baby Carrier
When looking to purchase a baby carrier, you should consider these important things:
Life Span
Many parents prefer a carrier that will last from newborn to toddler. If you need a carrier that lasts into the little child years, you will want one that can handle a higher load and has forward looking positions.
Ease Of Use
It should be comfortable for both you and your baby. If it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to want to wear it. The baby should be snug, but not too tight as breathing could be affected. As for you, it’s important that the carrier is comfortable for your back and shoulders, where you’re not feeling strain or discomfort. Carriers such as our JP CoPilot provide counterbalance which reduces forward lean.
Weather
When it’s hot out, no one wants the extra bulk to make them even hotter. So, lightweight textures and breathable materials are ideal for hotter climates. On the other hand, substantial sews and cushioning work best in colder environments.
Upkeep
It’s important to maintain the carrier so that it lasts as long as possible. Gentle washing and air drying periodically will help extend the life of your carrier of choice. But before washing, check marks/label for specific guidelines. Another thing to consider are teething pads for straps, as babies may start to chew on them as their teeth come in.
Types of Baby Carriers
There are several different types of baby carriers, but the 3 most popular are:
Sling
The sling carrier is a single piece of cloth that goes over one shoulder. It can be padded or unpadded, with rings or without rings, so you can adjust it to your desired level of comfort. Some parents choose this baby carrier as it offers a loose fit and creates privacy for breastfeeding.
Soft-Structured Baby Carrier
This is one of the most common types of babywearing. This type of baby carrier is great option for parents as it gives support and comfort to the child as well as parents. It allows you to evenly distribute your child’s weight across your body. The straps and waistbands are padded for extra comfort.
At JP Outdoor Co., we make the first front-side soft structured baby carrier that is built into a backpack. Called the Copilot, it is a 3-in-1 parenting solution, including the carrier, a backpack, and a discreet diaper bag all in one.
Framed Backpack Carriers
Baby backpack carriers are excellent for parents with somewhat older children who can sit upright. They’re also great for parents who need to carry their baby for longer stretches of time. These can be used while hiking or other outdoor activities. It is just like a seat for your baby that is attached to your back and has a frame. Straps go over the shoulders.