How to choose a baby carrier

With the many baby carrier options, for the inexperienced mom, you may not know where to start when making a purchase. There are adjustable slings with rings, pouch slings, Asian-style carriers, and wraps that tie, among other options.

To help determine which one is best for you, Pop Sugar contributor Patricia-Anne Tom asked Circle of Moms members to weigh in and they came up with four questions to consider when selecting a baby carrier: Your answer to these questions can help lead you to the right carrier.

For example if your baby is heavy, “moms may want to seek out a baby carrier that can accommodate more weight,” says Tom. Members suggested using slings that distribute weight evenly and offer support.

A few carriers they suggested were: An Infantino front carrier ($27 at Target.com) and a Moby Wrap ($41 at thegreennursery.com).

Deirdre Bell of Boba Inc., shared some advice on The Bump on how to choose the right baby carrier. She says, “We understand carriers need to be designed with a baby’s unique physiological needs in mind. She advises moms to “look for a baby carrier that mimics the way a mother would hold her child at different stages of development.”

For example, you want a carrier that holds a newborn close. “As the baby grows, he’ll need something with a wide seat to take the weight off his spine and distribute it ergonomically. Then when your baby grows into a toddler, he will need some leg support to keep his long legs from dangling,” she adds.

Bell shares some baby-friendly features in baby carriers: In the end the right carrier will depend on what works best for you and your baby. Take time to do some research before jumping in and making a purchase (or adding it to your baby registry). It’s also helpful to go to the store to try them on and find one that suits you best. Using a baby carrier can free up your hands and help make life easier. You just need to find the right one.

• Do you need to breastfeed hands free?
• Is your baby heavy?
• Do you have a bad back?
• Do you plan to baby wear for a long time?

1. Age-appropriate conversions included. As babies grow, their needs change and a carrier is no exception. “The Boba 3G Baby Carrier easily converts to a newborn carrier without an insert. Once baby is a toddler, attach the included foot rests to keep her knees and hips supported,” says Bell.
2. Breastfeeding-friendly design. Side straps offer two things: You can pull your baby closer or create some space. “These quick and easy adjustments allow for spontaneous, no-fuss nursing while baby wearing,” says Bell.
3. Parent-friendly adjustments. Baby wearing needs to be comfortable for everyone: Baby and mom or dad. Look for a carrier with adjustable chest, back, and side straps. That way it fits your body and is comfortable. Plus both mom and dad can use it.
4. Head protection. Some carriers come with a removable, adjustable sleeping hood to not only support your baby’s head but also to shield them from the sun.