Babywearing: Choosing the right carrier

Choosing the Right Carrier

Choosing a baby carrier can be overwhelming due to the vast array of options available from different brands. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve put together a list of the most common types of baby carriers, including their style, fabric composition, size, weight range, and types of carrying positions. Please note that details such as weight range, fabric composition, and carrying position may vary from brand to brand.

At The Infant Boutique, we stock the most commonly used carriers, such as stretchy wraps, ring slings, and soft structured carriers. If you’re in Adelaide, you can take advantage of our baby carrier fitting service to try on different carrier options before making a purchase.

If you’re not in Adelaide, don’t worry. You can reach out to your local babywearing group, many of which are active on Facebook, or find a babywearing consultant in your area.

Remember, choosing the right carrier for you and your baby is important for comfort, safety, and ease of use. Don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals or experienced babywearers if you have any questions or concerns.

Stretchy Wrap

Length of fabric that is wrapped around the body
Typically made from bamboo or jersey cotton
One size fits most
Suitable from newborn to 6-8 months (3.2kg-10kg approx)
Front carry

T-Shirt Carrier

All-in-one style carrier
No wrapping, buckles or clips
Typically made from bamboo or jersey cotton
Sized to fit wearer
Suitable for newborns up to 6 months (3.2kg to 8kg approx)
Front carry

Ring Sling

Length of fabric made with a pair of rings sewn into one end
Made from cotton, linen or wool
Suitable from newborn to toddler depending on brand
Good for use with smaller/low birth weight babies
One shouldered carry on front or hip

Woven Wrap

Length of fabric that is wrapped around the body
Can be made from cotton, bamboo, wool, silk or hemp
One size fits most
Suitable from newborn to toddlerhood depending on fabric composition
Front, hip and back carry

Soft Structured (SSC)

Body panel with straps like a backpack and waist belt.
Typically made from cotton or linen
One size fits most
Available in a range of sizes including baby, toddler and preschool
Front, hip, outward and back carry

Hip Seat

A back supporting belt with a built in seat for a child to perch on the parents hip
Some designs also have a removable body panel with straps like a backpack
Typically made from cotton and polyester
One size fits most
Suitable from 4 months to toddler (5.5kg to 20kg approx)
Front, hip, outward and back carry

Half Buckle

A cross between a meh dai carrier and a soft structered carrier
Padded waistband with buckle closure and shoulder straps that tie around the body
Typically made from cotton or linen
One size fits most
Suitable from newborn to toddler (3.2kg to 20kg approx)
Front, hip and back carry

Meh Dai

Body panel with four fabric straps that are tied around the body
Typically made from woven wrap fabric
One size fits most
Available in a range of sizes including baby, toddler and preschool
Front, hip and back carry

Onbuhimo

Straps like a backpack but no waistband
Typically made from cotton or linen
One size fits most
Suitable for older babies and kids (5kg – 20kg approx)
Front and back carry

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