How To Choose a Baby Carrier

DON’T RELY ON GOOGLE AND AMAZON

Search engines and Amazon will steer you towards the biggest brands with the largest marketing budgets. Likewise for reviews and awards, many of which are paid for.

DON’T JUST RELY ON BIG BRAND NAMES

You may have heard of BabyBjorn and Ergobaby. Does that mean they’re definitely the best for you? Not necessarily. Some of the comfiest, easiest baby carriers are from lesser-known names like Manduca, Izmi Baby, Lenny Lamb ….. there are heaps of others on the market.

DO READ OUR HONEST, INDEPENDENT GUIDE TO THE BEST BABY CARRIERS

My team and I have worked with many thousands of families over the last 10 years. Between us, we’ve carried our own babies for more than 100 years. So we really are the experts.

We’re totally independent – and we only recommend products we love and that we have tried and tested. Here’s our complete guide to the best baby carriers.

DON’T PUT UP WITH SHOULDER OR BACK PAIN

A well-fitted baby carrier that suits you and your baby, and is adjusted correctly, WILL NOT HURT. Even if you are carrying a heavy toddler. If your current carrier is hurting, book a video consultation with our team (£15/30mins) – rather than causing yourself long-term discomfort.

There may also be a sling library near you.

DON’T ASSUME BABY WRAPS ARE TOO COMPLICATED

Stretchy fabric wraps, which are IDEAL for newborns, can be pre-tied so you can just pop baby in and out through the day. Genius.

DO BEWARE OF FAKE ERGOBABY CARRIERS ON EBAY AND AMAZON

If you see a brand new, boxed, unused Ergobaby Omni baby carrier for sale on eBay or Amazon for under or close to £100 – it’s probably a fake. There are a huge number of them. Always ensure you buy from an authorised retailer.

DON’T WORRY IF YOUR FRIEND LENDS YOU ‘THE COMFIEST SLING EVER’ AND YOU HATE IT

Just like shoes or jeans, what works for one person may not work for another. It’s all about personal preference and getting a good fit.

DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOUR FRIEND LENDS YOU A PRACTICALLY NEW SLING AND YOU DON’T LIKE THAT EITHER

If it’s practically new they probably never used it themselves. That might tell you something about how useful it was.

DO STICK TO THE TICKS GUIDELINES FOR SAFE BABYWEARING

These are very important: always wear your baby upright, with their tummy against your chest (when front carrying), with the whole length of their back supported. The whole of the carrier needs to be fitted snugly around you both so baby can’t slump down inside it.

Never let baby’s chin slump onto their chest. Baby’s face should always be uncovered, with baby positioned high enough that you can easily kiss the top of their head. You can read the full babywearing TICKS safety guidelines here.

DO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SNUGGLES

You will not spoil a baby by carrying them. When they are good and ready they’ll happily wander off across the playground. And probably make a dash for it across Tesco’s car park.