A baby carrier is strapped to your body and the baby is positioned within it to allow you to move around with your arms free. It can be worn to carry a baby from birth and many newborn babies find them very comforting. Carriers are useful if you often walk a lot in areas unsuitable for pushchairs or if you have an older child still in a pushchair.
Baby carriers are either worn on the parents’ front or back – some are designed to do both and some can also be worn to secure the baby in a nursing position or on your hip. The baby either faces the parents’ body or looks outward – depending on the design. The most important thing to look for in a carrier is comfort and ease of use.
Check the parent harness for padding and the way it spreads baby’s weight across your body. Consider the baby’s seating area for support, comfort and how easy it is to get the baby on and off your body. Some harnesses will detach completely from the baby seat, which can be useful.
Back carriers should only be used once the baby can support its head and has quite a strong, sturdy back. They should secure the baby safely in place. Consider whether you will be able to get the carrier on and off alone, without help. For heavier babies a lumbar/hip strap can greatly ease the burden. Check how carriers adjust – ideally they should be able to adjust to suit the size and shape of the person carrying and the size of the baby being carried.
It’s essential to try on a carrier before buying, just to get an idea of the fit.
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