Buckles and Straps, Rings and Wraps: Which One for Me?

Choosing a baby carrier can be a difficult business. Not only are there plenty of brands, colours and features out there: there are so many types. Here’s a quick run-down!

Soft Structured Carriers:

These are carriers with buckles, they are easily adjustable and generally shareable between parents (one size fits most). Fit can be very personal and many people have strong preference for a particular brand. They are very easy to use and learn. Brands we stock are ERGObaby and Manduca.

Age Range: Depending on type, from newborn with an infant insert which may need to be purchased separately. Many can be worn comfortable until around 3 years old, especially those with sized, expandable or larger bodies.

Weight Range: Depending on type from about 3.5kg to 18 kg.

Positions: Front and back carrying (from approximately 6 months), sometimes hip carries, but not ideal for this.

Positive Aspects: Easy to Learn, easy to share, many different features and types easily available. Easy to follow the TICKS safe baby wearing guidelines. Two shouldered-support means they can be worn for long periods and with heavier children.

Negative Aspects: Fit can be quite individual and they are not the perfect carrier for a newborn as newborn positioning is not ideal. Adjusting the buckles and straps can take a little while until you’re used to it.

Mei Tais:

These are carriers with straps, they are tied rather than buckled so fit is good for every wearer. They are generally shareable between parents (one size fits most- XL straps can be ordered). Fit can be very personal and many people have strong preference for a particular brand. They are very easy to use and learn. Brand we stock is Maya Tie.

Age Range: Depending on type, from newborn. Many can be worn comfortably until around 2 years old.

Weight Range: Depending on type from about 3.5kg to 18 kg.

Positions: Front and back carrying (from approximately 6 months), sometimes hip carries, but not ideal for this.

Positive Aspects: Easy to Learn, easy to share, many different features and types easily available. Easy to follow the TICKS safe baby wearing guidelines. Two shouldered-support means they can be worn for long periods and with heavier children. Because they are tied rather than buckled with webbing, very petite wearers find them very comfortable and larger wearers can get a better fit with properly-sized straps. They are usually made of 100% natural fabrics throughout so are great for those with sensitive skin.

Ring Slings:

These are carriers with a long piece of fabric with two rings at one end. They are very easy to use and learn, cool and shareable between wearers. Brands we stock are Maya Wrap and Sakura Bloom.

Age Range: Depending on type, from newborn. Many can be worn comfortably until around 2 years old.

Weight Range: Depending on type from about 3 kg to 15 kg.

Positions: Front, hip and back carrying (from approximately 6 months).

Positive Aspects: Easy to Learn, easy to share, many different features and types easily available. Easy to follow the TICKS safe baby wearing guidelines. They are usually made of 100% natural fabrics throughout so are great for those with sensitive skin. They fold up very small and are easy to carry around. They are very quick to put on and adjust.

Negative Aspects: One-shouldered carrying can become too uncomfortable for long periods or with heavier children.

Wraps:

These are carriers with a long piece of fabric varying in size from 2 meters to more than 5 meters. They can be of a stretch or woven fabric. They are harder to learn than other carriers, but are the most versatile. Depending on the carry and type used, they are very cool. One wrap is shareable between wearers. Brands we stock are Hug-a-Bub (stretchy), Ellaroo (woven) and Natibaby (woven).

Age Range: Depending on type, from newborn. Many can be worn comfortably until over 5 years old! Stretch wraps are only suitable until around 6 months of age.

Weight Range: Depending on type from about 3 to 20 kg for wovens, 3 to 8kg for stretch wraps.

Positions: Front, hip and back carrying (back carrying with woven wraps only).

Positive Aspects: Easy to share, the most versatile carrier. Easy to follow the TICKS safe baby wearing guidelines. They are usually made of 100% natural fabrics throughout so are great for those with sensitive skin. They are very quick to put on and adjust once they are mastered.

Negative Aspects: They are harder to learn than most carriers, and to get the full use of them multiple carrying positions should ideally be learnt.

Whatever you choose...

Whichever type, brand or colour you choose, there are are a few important things to look out for:

The material of the carrier should hold your child's back so that the spine is well supported and at the same time held in it's natural slightly rounded posture.

The carrier should allow the legs to be in the squat-spread ('M') position, with the knees higher than the bottom (your baby's knees should be at about the height of their belly button). The material between your child's legs should spread from knee to knee. This will ensure that your child's legs, hips and spine are supported in the best position for their development and comfort.

The carrier should distribute your child's weight evenly across your body. This makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for you.
 

Need more help choosing?

We are more than happy to help! We offer individual consultations, Babywearing Parties, demonstrations and workshops, can direct you to local 'Sling Meets', and are also more than happy to answer your questions via email or phone. You can find contact details on our Contact Us page.

Article by Steph de Silva and Meredith McKay