Basic Types of Carriers & the Pros and Cons of each.


There are 5 basic types of baby carriers:

Baby Wraps, Baby Slings, Mei-Tais, Soft Structured Carriers and Front-Facing Carriers.
Scroll down for details about each one. Quick Comparison chart is at the bottom.

1.   Baby Wrap - a baby wrap has no clasps, buckles or rings. It is a simple piece of long cloth wrapped around your body and your baby. Wrap baby carriers offer many different positions for holding your baby at various ages.

pros:

• optimal head/neck support, essential for when baby falls asleep
• complete back support
• correct leg support, fabric can be stretched to the back of the knees to ensure proper sitting position
• legs flexed and abducted (froglike positon)
• naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets, and aligns the spine
• clings to wearers body and to the contours of the baby
• fine tuning possible without retying in stretchy wraps
• no pressure points on carrier or on baby
• a true hands free carrier
• the easiest way to carry newborn twins

cons:

• may have a slightly longer learning curve
• may not be as fast to throw on
• may be difficult to keep off the ground when tying outside
• back wearing is possible, but takes a while to master

2.   Ring Sling or Pouch Sling - uses rings to form an adjustable pouch or a one size pouch that goes over your shoulder to hold your baby.

pros:

• easy on and off
• ideal for quick errands
• your baby has your scent, your movement, and is close to your heart
• can be worn in horizontal or upright position
• spine is supported in convex position
• provides the most discreet nursing especially if the sling has a tail (ring sling)

cons:

• only goes over one shoulder, can give you lopsided feeling or exacerbate back or shoulder problems
• fitted styles do not grow with your baby
• may not fit your partner
• rings can be unpleasant and sometimes break
• when you bend forward baby moves away from your body
• when baby gets bigger the bottom rail of fabric is sometimes unforgiving on little hamstrings
• no back carry

 

3.  Mei-Tai Baby Carrier - a mei-tai baby carrier has four straps coming off the body of the carrier, which can be tied to wear your baby on your front, back or hip.

pros:

• it is not bulky and can fit into a smaller purse
• simple design
• fits infant to toddler
• pulls baby close to you
• front and back holds possible
• easy to learn
• bilateral, goes over both shoulders

cons:

• usually no padding on shoulder straps or waist causes digging and pinching
• no chest strap, although some straps are long enough so you can tie your own
• not ideal for newborns or smaller infants because of the open sides
• usually doesn't provide adequate head support for sleeping infants

 

4. Soft Structured Baby Carrier - these carriers are more like a backpack and are generally designed for older babies and toddlers to be worn on your body’s front, back
or hip.

pros:

• easy on, easy off
• easy to learn
• back and hip support
• adjustable
• foam in shoulders and in waistband
• baby held close
• proper sitting position
• supports legs in flexed abducted (froglike) positon
• naturally aligns hips, pelvis, and spine

cons:

• weight distribution mainly on waist and shoulders of carrier
• shoulder straps may dig
• may not adequately support legs of toddler
• doesn't provide clinging contoured support for a newborn or infant
• nursing may not be as discreet as in a wrap or sling

 

5.  Front facing carrier - these carriers are like front packs that go over the carrying individuals shoulders.  Baby's legs are placed through leg holes.  Baby is worn facing out.

pros:

• baby is in contact with your body
• straps go over both shoulders
• easy on/easy off
• male friendly design
• Perfect for larger babies

cons:

• no head/neck support for sleeping infants
• all of the baby's weight is placed on the shoulders of the carrying individual
• fits infants only up to fifteen pounds
• legs are not supported at all
• pelvis and hips are not supported
• baby is not in a seated position, pressure at base of spine
• weak infant abdominals and front facing position can hyperextend baby's spine
• pressure of every step the carrying individual takes is absorbed by compromised infant spine
• baby's own weight placed on spine when the natural back curves have not even developed
• thermoregulation more difficult
• fabric can dig into thighs of infant
• throws off the carrying individual's center of gravity
• baby is fixed facing forward and cannot turn away if overstimulated

Baby Carrier Quick Comparison Chart

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	Baby Sling	Baby Wrap	Mei-Tai Front	Mei-Tai Back	Soft- Structure Front	Soft- Structure Back
Infant - (0-4 mo.) can't hold head	Excellent	Excellent	Poor	Poor	Poor	Poor
Baby - (4-9 mo.) holds head up	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Fair	Fair
Older Baby - (9-14 mo.)	Good	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent	Good
Toddler - (14+ mo.) walks, but needs breaks	Fair	Good	Fair	Good	Good	Excellent

 

Excellent = Best option for mother and baby comfort
Good = Good option for baby and okay comfort for mother
Fair = Good option for baby but short carry time for mother
Poor = least desirable for baby and mother comfort

 

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