 |
| The Boba Classic Baby Carrier |
"What's the best baby carrier?" I hear this question a lot, and the truth is, there isn't just one perfect baby carrier for everyone. We are all different, built with our own unique body shape, with our own special preferences, and our babies are special and unique too. So, the question should be "What is the best baby carrier for me and my baby"?
Unfortunately, that question is not easily answered. But what I can do, is offer a little education, and hopefully help you decide which soft structured baby carrier is best for you. First of all, let's examine some of the most common features you'll find with a soft structured baby carrier.
As far as comfort is concerned, most baby carriers offer lumbar support, specifically designed to transfer the weight of your baby to your hips, more so than your back and shoulders. You want to make sure it comes with an adjustable waist belt, that's the key to balancing the weight. You also want to look for wide padded shoulder straps, the wider the better. Don't go overboard on the padding, if they're too padded then the carrier will feel bulky.
Unfortunately, that question is not easily answered. But what I can do, is offer a little education, and hopefully help you decide which soft structured baby carrier is best for you. First of all, let's examine some of the most common features you'll find with a soft structured baby carrier.
As far as comfort is concerned, most baby carriers offer lumbar support, specifically designed to transfer the weight of your baby to your hips, more so than your back and shoulders. You want to make sure it comes with an adjustable waist belt, that's the key to balancing the weight. You also want to look for wide padded shoulder straps, the wider the better. Don't go overboard on the padding, if they're too padded then the carrier will feel bulky.
 |
| The Pikkolo Soft Structured Carrier |
Your baby's comfort is obviously your priority, so make sure the carrier offers an ergonomic sitting position verses a hanging position. Some baby carriers position the baby hanging from their crotch, this can actually cause damage to their developing spine if used over a long period of time.
Another baby comfort, and parent comfort, are multiple carrying positions. Most baby carriers offer at least two positions, front and back carry. However, there are a few with front carry only, like the Babybjorn's. They are meant to be more of an infant carrier, and only go up to 26 pounds, but they do offer 2 positions, front facing in, and front facing out. The back carry position is important when the baby gets older and heavier. Trying to wear a 25 pound baby on your chest can get quite tiresome, so if you plan on carrying your baby for a while, find one that offers the back carry position, as well as the front carry. There are even some carriers, like the Lillebaby, that actually offer 5 positions, front facing in, front facing out, cradle, hip, and back. The importance of carrying positions has a lot to do with your baby too. For instance, my daughter didn't really like front facing in, except for when she was a newborn. As she got older, she wanted to be able to see what was going on, so front facing out was an important position to me.
Another baby comfort, and parent comfort, are multiple carrying positions. Most baby carriers offer at least two positions, front and back carry. However, there are a few with front carry only, like the Babybjorn's. They are meant to be more of an infant carrier, and only go up to 26 pounds, but they do offer 2 positions, front facing in, and front facing out. The back carry position is important when the baby gets older and heavier. Trying to wear a 25 pound baby on your chest can get quite tiresome, so if you plan on carrying your baby for a while, find one that offers the back carry position, as well as the front carry. There are even some carriers, like the Lillebaby, that actually offer 5 positions, front facing in, front facing out, cradle, hip, and back. The importance of carrying positions has a lot to do with your baby too. For instance, my daughter didn't really like front facing in, except for when she was a newborn. As she got older, she wanted to be able to see what was going on, so front facing out was an important position to me.
 |
| Lillebaby 5 Position Everywear Baby Carrier |
Additional features to look for are removable sleeping hoods. These can be very handy if you're out for walk and your baby goes to sleep, or even if you're at the grocery store. It can shield them from the sun on a warm day, or act as a barrier against curious gazes. I never really minded when people looked at my daughter, but the sleeping hood did seem to give her a bit more peace.
Also, check weight limits as well. Most soft structured carriers will support a baby from 7 or 8 pounds up to about 40 pounds. Some carriers, like the Beco Butterfly II, go from 15 - 40 pounds but they also include an infant insert that's rated from 7 - 15 pounds. Some carriers don't offer the infant insert, and you have to purchase it separately.
Also, check weight limits as well. Most soft structured carriers will support a baby from 7 or 8 pounds up to about 40 pounds. Some carriers, like the Beco Butterfly II, go from 15 - 40 pounds but they also include an infant insert that's rated from 7 - 15 pounds. Some carriers don't offer the infant insert, and you have to purchase it separately.
As for prices, a good quality soft structured baby carrier can be anywhere between $100.00 to $180.00. I don't recommend buying used carriers, mainly because you don't know what kind of stress it's been put through, but if you do choose to, verify that the buckles are still strong, and look for tears in the material. I recommend reading my Baby Wearing Safety checklist, better safe than sorry.
If you need someone to point you in the right direction, check out this link for a list of some of the Best Soft Structured Baby Carriers.
