Types of Baby Carrier

Pouch Slings

Pouch slings are simple, easy to use and quick to get on and off – great for quick trips and errands. They are constructed from a long piece of fabric sewn into a loop and are generally non-adjustable. Pouch slings are worn over one shoulder diagonally across the chest and back like a ‘Miss World’ sash. This type of baby carriers are good value for money and can be used from newborn in a cradle or tummy to tummy position to older babies/toddlers in kangaroo or tummy to tummy positions or on the hip. The baby’s weight is however distributed across one shoulder so for some parents may not be as comfortable as a baby carrier distributing weight across both shoulders and the back. It is essential that pouch slings are well fitting, so for most parents a pouch sling can usually be used only for one carer and each babywearer will need to purchase a separate carrier.

Example of pouch slings: Coorie Slings

Stretchy Wraps

Stretchy baby carriers are wrap around carriers made from either a single piece of fabric or fabric with a ring mechanism for adjustment. These slings are wrapped around your body keeping your baby close to you. The wraps are usually of one size and can in various positions dependant on the age of your baby.  Stretchy wraps are generally very comfortable to wear distributing the weight evenly across shoulders and back. They are well suited to carrying newborn babies but can be tied in a variety of ways to carry older babies and toddlers - many have the option to carry your child on the parent’s front or back. It takes some practice in learning to tie the wraps and they are not as quick as other slings to put on but are very secure when worn. With practice it is possible to breastfeed using a stretchy baby wrap.

Examples of stretchy wraps are: Kari Me Wraps, Moby Wraps, Close Baby Carrier

Woven Wraps

Woven baby slings are traditional wrap around carriers made from a single piece of strong fabric (usually cotton with some ‘give’ in it) which can be tied in a number of ways making them extremely versatile. The woven slings are wrapped around your body giving good weight distribution and back support. The wraps are available in several sizes to fit the parent however a 4.6m wrap is generally suitable for most parents (or 5.2m for larger adults). Woven baby wraps can be used for newborn babies to toddlers in a range of positions and give firmer support for larger children than stretchy wraps. Woven wraps take some practice to put on but are probably the most adaptable type of wrap you can buy. Once mastered these baby carriers give a very comfortable carry keeping your baby close to you on your front, back or hip and can be used when breast feeding.

Example of Woven Wraps: Hoppediz

Mei Tai Baby Carriers

These are traditional stylish Asian Style carriers which have no buckles or rings and tie around the body distributing weight evenly keeping your baby secure. Modern Mei Tai carriers are adjustable, and with a little practice easy to use and comfortable. Babies are supported across the crotch or bottom allowing for safe development of the baby on the front, back or hip with no need to support the baby using your hands.   Mei Tais are available in both baby and slightly larger toddler versions and one size fits the majority of wearers. A regular Mei Tai can be used from newborn to toddler and toddler version from around 18 months.

Examples of Mei Tais: Baby Hawk and Toddler Hawk

Soft Structured Carriers

Soft structured carriers are available in a number of styles. They are generally more conventional looking padded soft carriers with or without buckles and one size generally fits all. They are supportive, comfortable and easy to wear with babies carried on the front, back and sometimes hip. Carriers with ties generally take longer to put on than buckle carriers but are very secure once mastered. An additional infant insert may be necessary for some carriers for newborn babies.

Examples of soft structured carriers: Ergo, Wilkinet