Today we can find all kinds of baby carrier models. Mei-tai, scarf, sling, pouch, shoulder bag, various backpacks ... But choosing the most appropriate according to the age of the baby and the use we are going to give it is not an easy task. Therefore, we will make an analysis of What to consider before buying a baby carrier.
Before entering fully into the subject, we will briefly talk about why to use a baby carrier. It is a comfortable way to transport the baby, it allows us to have our hands free, and fundamentally because the close contact established with dad or mom is very beneficial for its development.
It gives you a pleasant feeling, feels safe and secure, so the little one sleeps better, reduces anxiety and reduces episodes of crying and cramping.
Carrying the baby “in tow” is a very beautiful experience for both the child and the parents, therefore, find an appropriate baby carrier It is essential to enjoy it fully. There are certain things to keep in mind If you are thinking of buying a baby carrier, either as the only way to transport it or as a complement to the stroller.
Types of baby carriers
There is no ideal baby carrier model that works well for everyone. Each one may be the most appropriate according to the use we are going to give or the age of the baby. Some find a sling more comfortable, while others do a knotted scarf better. Sometimes it is a matter of trying, but we will give some guidelines to make the choice as successful as possible.
When choosing it is important to be clear when are we going to use the baby carrier: excursions, urban walks, at home, a long time, in a little while, as well as the age of the child, for his needs according to the stage of development and of course, for the weight.
Let's see the main features of each type of baby carrier:
- Scarf:
Is the most versatile baby carrier it allows infinite positions. It is easy to carry out, there is no need to buy it, and you will surely find a form of use that is suitable for you.
It consists of a piece of fabric one meter wide and of different lengths (from 3.20 meters to 5 meters) depending on the size of the wearer, the age of the child and the knotting techniques that we will use.
There are a lot of knotting techniques that you can learn. At first it can be complicated, but once learned a couple of techniques, it is very easily placed.
The choice of fabric is important. It has to be a non-elastic fabric, which yields only diagonally without yielding transversely or vertically, because when the baby has a certain weight we do not want it to stretch or move the knots.
- Ergonomic backpack:
She is respectful of the baby's physiology, since she is sitting on her buttocks, and the wearer's, when distributing the weight between shoulders and hips. It allows children to be transported from birth to 15 kg-20 kg of weight, although it is more advisable from 5-6 months, when they can sit by themselves.
It allows the baby to be carried in several positions: in front, on the back, looking in, looking out, and some can even be carried on the hips.
The backpack is the baby carrier model best accepted by parents and the most durable, it can be used for many years.
- Mei tai:
It is a baby carrier of oriental origin, similar to a backpack but held with knots. Consists in a rectangle of fabric with four strips at its ends that pass through the mother's shoulders and waist. It can be carried in front, on the back or on the hips.
It can be used from birth but it is more recommended from 5 or 6 months of age, when the baby can sit by itself, although some have a reducing system for use with smaller babies.
- Sling, pouch or shoulder strap:
It is a band of cooked cloth without hooks that is placed on one shoulder. They are suitable for newborn babies because they allow it to be carried in a cradle position or with the belly attached to the mother's body. It is also ideal for breastfeeding.
When it is bigger, it allows the baby to be carried on the back or sitting on the side of the hip, a very comfortable position for the wearer because it is like carrying it in the arms, but with the hands free. However, when the child's weight is considerable, it is not advisable to use it for too long.
- Scarf with rings:
The system is similar to that of the shoulder strap, but instead of being sewn it is a piece of cloth that fits through a ring. It allows to better control the tension of the fabric so that the baby is well attached to the body of the carrier.
Baby's position
When the baby is newborn, he should sit on his buttocks, but not with his legs hanging. Your legs should form an M, like a frog, with the legs open approximately 45º with respect to the body axis and the knees slightly higher than the culete. This posture is ideal to help solve cases of mild hip dysplasia.
The back should form a C (kyphosis of the spine), with the curved spine, as close as possible to the posture inside the mother's womb.
The baby's body should be attached to the body of the carrier.
Fular, sling or shoulder strap systems with or without rings are more suitable for the first stage.
When the baby can already sit by himself, he can use baby carrier in which he is sitting backpack or mei tai type.
The child has to stay tall enough for us to kiss him practically without bending down. If it is too low, the weight is not distributed properly by loading the wearer's lumbar too much.
In summary, what you need to keep in mind before buying a baby carrier is that it respects the natural posture of the baby according to its stage of development (that does not adopt a forced posture), that is appropriate for its weight and size, that is comfortable for the carrier and to be clear about the use that we will give it.
