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Step 1
Use a structured carrier if you are new to baby carrying, or if you fear dropping your infant. Although some baby-wearing purists sneer at carriers, such as the Snugli and Baby Bjorn, chances are your baby will enjoy the ride, and you will love the hands-free carrying.
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Step 2
Try a Mei Tai or ABC-type of carrier if you want something lighter and less structured but still capable of securing the baby. This style consists of a cloth rectangle with four sewn-on straps by which you can secure the baby. It can be worn on your back or on the front of your body.
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Step 3
Use a sling if you want something lightweight, versatile and stylish. These long rectangles of cloth feature rings that you loop the cloth through to secure it and the baby. These can be difficult to use, but many people swear by them.
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Step 4
Graduate to a shawl, pareo or wrap if you're already good at baby-wearing. These are just pieces of cloth in which you secure the baby by various methods of wrapping and tying. The technique may seem scary to the uninitiated - no straps, buckles or even strings - but these simple devices have safely carried millions (perhaps billions) of babies for thousands of years.
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Step 5
Try a hip carrier for an older, heavier child. This carrier takes the weight off your neck and lets you easily carry your baby on your side, as opposed to your front or back. You can combine a hip carry with a sling or a shawl, but there are special hip carriers designed to make this type of carry safe and simple even for beginners.
