Babywearing and the Best Baby Carriers Reviewed

If you haven’t heard the term babywearing, it’s the practice of carrying your baby or toddler in a hands free carrier. It’s such a common practice in a lot of other cultures but is really starting to gain popularity here in the states as well.

I’m a huge fan of babywearing and both of my children really enjoyed it. It’s so convenient when your baby wants to be held and cuddled 24/7 (I’m two for two in this department). Babywearing allows you to hold your baby while still having two free hands for getting things done. Both of my babies have napped great when worn, so I love that it’s a guaranteed way to get a good nap out of them. There’s also research that shows that babies that are worn cry less (can I get an amen).

There are an endless amount of different styles and brands of baby carriers. It can almost seem a bit daunting when you first start looking into babywearing. How do you know if you want a structured carrier, a sling, or a wrap? I’ve tried out the majority of the carriers that are out there and there are a few that I truly love and find myself reaching for over and over again. I am going to share the baby carriers that I love, the pros and cons of each, and what age I prefer each one for.

Babywearing: Soft Wraps

A soft wrap is a long piece of fabric that you wrap around your torso and then over both shoulders before you tie it at the waist. I have tried two different types of wraps, the Solly and the Moby. The wrap can be a bit cumbersome to get on at first, so I’d suggest watching youtube videos and trying it a few times before you decide that a wrap isn’t for you. Wraps are really great for little babies as it keeps them nice and snug to your body. Babies love confined spaces because the womb is not particularly spacious, so a wrap should be very comfortable for them as long as it’s put on correctly. I also like that wraps go over both shoulders so that the weight is evenly distributed.

I had the Moby wrap with Theo and I loved it and wore him all the time. The only downfall I saw with it was that it was a bit thick. I got the Solly baby wrap with Archer and it’s been amazing. It’s thin and lightweight so you don’t get too hot while babywearing. Despite the thin breathable material, it still feels really sturdy and comfortable. I reach for my wrap if I’m going to be babywearing for a longer period of time as I find it to be a really comfortable option.

Pros: comfortable, evenly distributes weight, keeps babies cozy, folds up small and travels well

Cons: there’s an art to getting a wrap on correctly and some people don’t like that. Specific to the Moby, it is a bit thick and not as ideal in warmer weather.

Age for use: I prefer the wraps for younger babies. It keeps them really confined and cozy and I enjoy having my babies nice and close when they are brand new.

Babywearing: Ring Slings

I didn’t discover the ring sling until Theo was 9 months old and I was so sad I didn’t find it sooner. My ring sling might be one of my favorite baby related purchases. It’s so incredibly convenient to put on and get your baby into. This is my go-to for quicker carries like if I’m going to the grocery store or if I will be getting the baby in and out more frequently (at the airport for example when you have to go through security, get on the plane, etc). I have a Wild Bird ring sling and I absolutely love it. They can be a bit pricey though so hereis a more affordable option.

Pros: easy to use, quick and convenient to put baby in and out of, folds up small and travels well

Cons: after long periods of using I get a bit tired because it only goes over one shoulder

Age for use: I enjoy this carrier for pretty much all ages, from newborn to small toddler

Babywearing: Structured Carrier

The structured carrier is probably the carrier that I was most recommended before I had Theo. Structured carriers have multiple carrying positions and usually allow your baby to face in or out. They offer a lot of support which is why it is my go-to if I know I will have my baby in the carrier for long periods. The structure these carriers provide give a lot of shoulder support, making them very comfortable. I have the Lillebaby Complete Airflow and it is really supportive and also very breathable which I love.

Pros: supportive, variety of carrying positions

Cons: bulky which makes it not a convenient option for traveling as it won’t fit into a diaper bag

Age for use: I prefer to wait on this carrier until around 4-6 months. The structured carrier is just bulkier and seems like a lot of fabric for tiny babies, but that’s just my personal opinion. The support it offers makes it a good choice for toddlers as well.

If you’re not sure which carrier is for you, I’d suggest looking into a local babywearing group. They can be a great way to try out different carriers so you can decide which one you like without having to buy them first.

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