Baby carriers (view report contents)
Baby issues
Very young babies
In the early months when a baby’s head has to be supported, a sling or a front carrier where the baby faces you are the only options. With a sling the baby’s head and body are supported in the cloth; parent facing front carriers have a firm head support that can be folded down when not needed. Both slings and some front carriers also allow a cradle or nursing position.
Bear in mind that slings are designed to be used in different ways as the baby grows, even to a toddler, whereas many front carriers are outgrown by about nine or ten months or around 9kg (20 lb).
Cradle position for young babies
Babies who can support their head
Once babies can support their head, they can still be carried in slings and front carriers, but either facing you or outwards. Most babies prefer to face out when they reach this stage, so it’s worth choosing a front carrier which allows you to do this too. Facing out, your baby can see the world and wave arms and legs, while still being held close to your chest.
Although many two-way front carriers are designed to carry babies up to about 9kg (20lb) and some will carry heavier weights, many disabled parents find their babies too heavy and uncomfortabled to carry this way after just a few months – see Ability issues.
Facing out when no head support needed
Babies who can sit up unsupported
The choice or carrier types widens once your baby can sit unaided – usually from about six months. Slings and outward facing front carriers can still be used on your chest, if you are both comfortable, but now you can think about hip or back carrying too, if you can manage them. Some slings can be used on the hip and some also on the back and there are front carriers that convert to soft back carriers. In addition there are framed back carriers.
Back carried in a sling
Toddlers
Toddlers are too big for front carrying to so consider the soft and framed back carriers. The babies in our testing team showed their preferences – see the baby comfort ratings in the summaries. Some back carriers claim to carry three year olds b ut your stature and strength will dictate whether and for how long you can carry this way – see Ability issues.
‘Baby cried if lifted up carrier to put it on’.
‘Baby felt comfortable and seemed happy … first gurgly smiley yelp in this carrier’.
Report Contents
About this guide
Baby issues
How to choose a carrier
Ability
issues
Types and what to look for
Buying guideGuide to summaries
Front carriers
Slings
Framed back carriers
Keeping safeHelpful Organisations
Suppliers list
