How to Choose the Best Baby Carrier for Moms

Just like babies, moms come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find a carrier that is comfortable without compromising support when wearing your baby. With so many carriers on the market — from wraps to backpacks to slings and everything between — it might take a minute to find the one that’s perfect for your lifestyle.

By now, you probably know that babywearing provides all kinds of benefits: eye contact, sensory stimulation, social interaction, bonding, the list goes on. So it’s not necessarily a question of why get a baby carrier, but rather, which baby carrier to get. Keep reading for some tips on how to choose the best baby carrier for moms.

Choosing a Carrier

Before taking the plunge and purchasing a carrier, take a trip to your local retailer to try some on or see if a trusted friend or relative will let you test drive their favorite to see if it might work for you. With so many different kinds of carriers on the market, it’s easy to get confused, so start with what’s comfortable, and let’s face it, stylish. You’ll likely be spending lots of time wearing your baby, and you’ll not only want to feel good while doing it, but you’ll want to feel like yourself. Finding a color, pattern and style that you like will be a good thing in the long run.

Also, go to the company’s website (or even YouTube) and watch their tutorials — this will help give you the confidence you need to make sure that you’re using the carrier properly. Even better? Read the reviews! Insight from fellow parents can really help inform your decision.

Which Baby Carrier is Right For You?

It's likely that the carrier will be used at different times and places, so it’s ideal to look for a carrier that will work at home and on the go. Keep in mind that depending on the type of carrier you choose, you’ll have to consider baby’s age and weight as well. You may find that the best carrier for a young infant isn't as suitable for when they're older. A newborn infant without head control will need more support, while a toddler will probably protest if you don't have an easy way to put them down and pick them up again. Many families utilize more than one carrier through the years. Remember, these can always be used again for future siblings.

Consider that you’ll likely want to use the carrier in the following ways:

•   at home when multitasking
•   to help calm a crying baby or help them sleep
•   to hip-carry an older baby or toddler who wants to be held
•   when out and about on errands

Beyond considering when and how you'll want to carry your baby, these are other features to look for:

Ease of Use

This may be the number one feature you'll want to look for in a baby carrier. Some carriers may look darling in a photo, but then you realize they're a giant pain to put on correctly. A baby carrier should not make your life more difficult. If you choose one that's impossible to figure out, you're not going to use it. This can also compromise safety. Be sure to choose a carrier that's simple to use.

Versatility

Since you'll likely want to carry your baby in more than one way, you'll want to look for a carrier that can accommodate different positions. The more versatile the carrier, the more likely you’ll be able to use it during different stages of your baby's life.

Versatility also comes into play when discussing baby carriers for pregnant moms. It is absolutely possible to wear your current baby while expecting your next; just pay attention to your body and make sure it’s still comfortable. Some pregnant moms swear by wrap style carriers and Meh Dais due to the variety of ways they can be secured, avoiding your pregnant belly altogether.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk to your health care practitioner when it comes to your changing body and continued baby wearing throughout your pregnancy.

Comfort

Does the carrier feel good when you wear it? Does your baby look cozy and comfortable in it? The answers to these questions should be a resounding "YES." No part of your body should hurt when you're carrying your baby. And clearly if your baby is uncomfortable in any way, it negates all the benefits.  

That’s why when it comes to baby carriers for small moms as well as baby carriers for plus-size moms, it’s great to find carriers that come in standard sizes from extra-small to extra-large and the variety of options in between. Baby K’tan is a parent fave thanks to its double-loop design that functions as a sling, wrap and baby carrier, yet there is no wrapping, no buckling, and no adjusting any rings. Worn like a T-shirt, the Baby K’tan baby carrier is recognized as a hip-healthy product by the Hip Dysplasia Institute when used as directed. It also has a sizing calculator to ensure the most accurate fit for moms of all sizes.

Hipseat Carriers

For parents who want to keep their baby close but may have issues with their back, neck or shoulders, a hipseat carrier could be life changing. A hipseat is a simple seat for your baby to sit on that evenly distributes their weight, so you can carry them longer and more comfortably. Hipseats alleviate pressure sometimes associated with more traditional babywearing devices by fastening just above your hips, allowing your hips and legs to do most of the work. Most hipseats require that you have one arm wrapped around baby at all times, so they’re not totally hands-free, but they still offer the benefit of skin to skin contact while keeping your baby close against your body.

Benefits of a Hipseat Carrier

• Takes pressure off your back and shoulders
• Puts your baby’s hips in the pediatric-recommended “M” position — a natural position for baby which keeps their knees slightly higher than their tush while supporting their thighs
• Allows for close contact with baby without complicated straps or instructions
• Acts as a shelf for feeding and nursing in infancy
• Promotes independence in toddlerhood

The Tushbaby hipseat carrier doubles as a fanny pack with plenty of storage built in so you can carry your kid, stash your stuff and save your back. It’s the perfect place for your little one to hang out while you hold on. The Tushbaby hipseat can also be used as breastfeeding support starting from infancy, making it the perfect carrier for not just mom, but dad, grandma, and anyone else who cares for your baby.