How to Choose an Infant Carrier

Baby wearing is a popular trend due to the increasing number of mothers who nurse, growing popularity of attachment parenting and ease of use. Infant carriers allow new parents to hold the baby and still play with their other children, clean and do everyday activities. There are several types of carriers to choose from.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look at the carrier and decide if you would be comfortable inside. The easiest way to choose between two carriers is to decide if you would want to be held inside. The least favorable choices are carriers that don't have enough padding or support for a fragile neck.
2. Ensure that the infant carrier provides enough back support for the baby. One major concern for baby wearing is that the carrier may put too much stress on the infant's fragile spine. Choose an infant carrier that will support the baby. If the baby cannot hold his own neck, use a sling carrier that supports a baby like your own arms. Once the baby can support his head, choose a carrier that distributes the weight through the legs and hips. Do not place a baby in a backpack until he can sit alone.
3. Check for safety. Look over the product to ensure that the infant will be safe. Ensure that you can safely put on wraps yourself. For slings, check the fabric, seams, fasteners, rings and all other components to make sure there is no damage. Also make sure that the seams look tightly sewn. Finally, do a check for product recalls.
4. Determine if you need any special slings for your health. When you are baby wearing it is important that you are comfortable. If you have shoulder problems on both sides, get a wraparound carrier. This puts some weight on your shoulders, while putting some on your hips. If you have shoulder problems on one side, use an infant carrier that puts the weight on the opposite shoulder only.
5. Figure out how many infant carriers you need. If you plan to purchase one carrier, choose one that is adaptable like a sling, rebozo or wraparound carrier.
6. Make sure the carrier is practical for your baby wearing lifestyle. If you need something that is easy to transport, use a sling that fits in the diaper bag. If you need something easy to use, get a soft carrier.
7. Talk to friends who are baby wearers. The most useful information will come from people who have used infant carriers. They will tell you what worked for them and why.