Why use a baby carrier?

Can you imagine being carried around safely by the one who loves you most in the word? What could be nicer?
Baby carriers or Baby Slings do exactly what they say. They allow you to babywear with the utmost comfort in a position which suits both you and baby. Baby carriers are mostly made of comfortable fabric which wrap around the body for optimum security and safety. There is a confusing selection of baby-carriers on the market. Too confusing! That’s why we’re here to help you find the perfect carrier.

Why use a baby carrier at all?
Well, obviously, carrying baby in a sling allows a busy mum or dad to be hands-free and more active. Popping into town babywearing is so much easier without having all that bother manoeuvring a buggy. It has been found that baby-carrying in a sling is good for mum and good for baby. Listening to mum’s familiar heartbeat makes baby feel safe; carried babies cry less and are more content. Smell is also very important to a new-born; being close to mum reassures baby straight away. Sitting upright also helps to soothe colicky babies and sends them to sleep. Getting enough sleep is so, so important in the first few weeks as all new parents know. Carrying in a baby sling with face-to-face contact has been found to lead to more alert and happier babies. And don’t forget about the dads! How could we? They can help reduce the stress for mums as well. Babywearing can be an excellent way to help fathers bond with their new babies. Do you want the closeness and intimacy that only babywearing brings? We can help! We will help you decide what brand or type is right for you. We will also advise on wearing a baby carrier and help to iron out any problems that arise.

Which baby carrier to choose?

Now we get around to the important question of which baby carrier to choose. There are so many slings, carriers, mei teis, ring slings and soft structured slings out there. And which position do you prefer? There are front carriers, back carriers or hip carriers. Which is best for you? We know that it can be bewildering for a first time parent who wishes to babywear. We’re going to give you some pointers on how to choose the perfect baby carrier or sling for you and your precious little one.

First of all – will you be using your baby carrier a lot? Do you want to breastfeed baby in it or wear it walking in the woods? If you’re taking it out a lot in the car, make sure you get one that folds up easily!

Best for baby: choose a baby carrier which spreads the baby’s legs wide – this is best for baby’s development. Also make sure baby is supported against your body securely. A sling in a cradle position is really good for newborns, but not so much for older toddlers.

Best for you: While babywearing keep baby high up and tucked against your body, this gives the little one back support. Choosing a baby carrier with broad straps which distributes baby’s weight evenly also makes them easier to carry. Make sure that there are no fiddly bits on the sling. This can be very awkward when you’re trying to manage a wriggling baby on your own. Perhaps a buckle sling or soft structured carrier would be a better choice if you prefer to fasten rather than tie.

As for front carrying or back carrying carriers – which is for you? Front carrying can be very good for breastfeeding mums who wish to be discreet. However they are not suitable for older babies. On the other hand, back carrying is recommended for older babies who can sit up. Of course, the ideal one to buy is the versatile carrier which adapts to both positions. Some of the soft structured carriers would be the best choice as they adjust to both positions. We hope these tips will be some help when you come to make your decision on buying your baby carrier. Just enjoy babywearing – it’s a unique experience!

Types of baby carriers

Now to talk about the most popular baby-slings and carriers on the market. We researched those with quality guaranteed which are easiest on your back and on your pocket. We concentrated on safety first, of course. Here are a few we found to make life easier for you.

Ring Sling

Uses one shoulder so might get a bit tiring, but it is one of the easiest to use. It consists of a piece of fabric which ingeniously uses a hoop to draw the ends through. Can also be a bit bulky but it is very handy!

Soft Wrap

Made from a soft jersey-type fabric, this wraparound baby carrier keeps baby safe and secure. Said to be the most comfortable of all wraps as baby's weight is evenly distributed throughout.

Soft structured Carrier (SSC)

This looks a little like a rucksack with straps. It distributes baby's weight so it's very comfortable to wear for a long time. There is a huge range of SSCs available at the moment but all are of a very high quality. Some carriers are front-wearing for younger babies, while others are back-carriers for older babies and toddlers.

Mei Tai

This Asian-inspired baby sling is tied around Mum or dad's waist with long straps. Again very comfortable and very fashionable, with gorgeous fabrics available! Baby can also be carried to the front or back.

Buckle Carrier

Unlike the Mai Tai, Buckle baby Carriers have a sleeping/sun hood. True to their name, they have easily adjustable buckles and straps which tie around the waist. Like the Mai Tai they are also available in beautiful fabrics and are very fashionable.

Hip Carrier (only suitable for 5mnths to toddler size)

The hip was always the natural and traditional way to carry baby and this carrier is supremely comfortable. Made from stretchy padded fabric, it can be adjusted very easily if your toddler wants to walk. A really great way to carry baby!

Benefits of babywearing

Research has shown that babies who are carried:

• Cry less
• Are calmer due to the rhythmic effect of the parent walking
• Have better stimulation and social interaction as they are carried at face level.

Mums who use slings:

• Are less hassled as they have two hands free
• Can breastfeed easier and on the go in a sling
• Easier on mum’s back than carrying a baby in a car seat
• Makes travelling, trips to supermarket etc easier

As well as this, using a sling can also be a fashion statement as our range allows you to pick a fabric, design and colour to suit you and your baby’s needs.

Keep Close Keep Safe

Keep Close Keep Safe

We all know how important safety is when buying any equipment for your baby. This is doubly so when buying a baby sling or carrier. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a general safety warning on the dos and don’ts of babywearing. This is especially for babies under 4 months.

The most important thing is to make sure that you can see baby’s face at all times. Make sure that baby’s chin is up and his mouth is free. It’s so important to read the makers instructions carefully and learn how to babywear safely.

Follow the T.I.C.K.S. rule at all times and your baby should be safe and sound in the carrier.

• TIGHT – keep baby close and hold tight to you – but not too tight!
• IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES – you should be able to view baby at all times. If baby is in the cradle position keep his face turned up, never turned in against you.
• CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS – Keep baby’s head up and as close to your chin as possible, so you can kiss him easily.
• KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST – make sure baby’s breathing is never restricted. Keep the space of a finger width under baby’s chin.
• SUPPORTED STRAIGHT BACK – Baby’s chest and tummy should always be pressed close to you when in an upright position. This keeps baby’s back supported correctly and prevents slumping. Avoid letting the sling get too loose.

Above all – Enjoy wearing your baby safely! It really is the most satisfying and worthwhile experience and makes the most of your baby’s first few precious years.