Front carriers, slings, hip carriers and backpacks: What do they have in common? They are all baby carriers or devices that parents can use to carry their young baby in. These devices offer parents closeness, comfort and convenience, which are all necessities parents are in constant search for. A baby carrier will allow a parent to enjoy the comfort of having the baby close to them, while freeing their hands to do other tasks, and, as most parents know, you pretty much have to be an octopus with eight hands and arms when a baby comes into your life.
The baby-carrier phenomenon is not a new concept, though it has seen a recent revival. All one has to do is look at ancient illustrations and artifacts to see that many cultures have utilized some form of a baby carrier to allow them the freedom to carry out the daily living tasks and activities, while enabling them to comfortably tend and watch over their baby.
What to Look for
Baby carriers come in different styles and designs with the one common factor being a way to carry a baby close to the body. It is important for the mother and father to think about which device suits their personal need. Maybe the mother likes the comfort and discretion she gets with a sling carrier because it allows her to discretely breastfeed anytime and anywhere conveniently, while the father may like the backpack or front carrier.
No matter which style or design, it is important to make sure that the baby carrier chosen has proper support for the baby and is durable. Check the weight allowance and try it on to see how well it fits. Some are adjustable and take into account the different shapes and sizes parents come in, while others may incorporate a "one size fits most", which may not include you. Other carriers are great for newborns and infants, but not as suitable for an older baby that has become inquisitive and needs to look around and see the world more. Still, other carriers allow for the newborn to grow, and the baby carrier grows and changes with them. However, the important features to keep in mind when looking for a baby carrier are sturdy, durable support, proper fit for parents and the baby, easy to clean and the realistic comfort it brings to both the parent and baby.
A good way to learn about the specific brand of baby carrier is to research the product. Check for possible recalls on a specific brand, and learn about the level of safety the product offers. Make sure the baby carrier is made with material that is not unsafe for babies or can cause a potential hazard to the child. It is important to examine how the baby fits into the baby carrier and ensure that it is impossible for the baby to slip out through leg holes. Also, make sure the baby has adequate breathing room with the chosen baby carrier.
Common Pitfalls
With any product that offers the convenience of being able to hold a baby all the time, there will of course be some negatives. For instance, the baby becomes use to being held all the time in the comfort of their baby carrier, and then does not settle down easily when they are placed in their crib or out of contact with the parent's body. This may create stress for a mother or father that needs a little bit of a break from holding the baby. Also, for mothers and fathers that have back problems, it may become unrealistic and unsafe to carry the baby in one of these devices. The idea behind a baby carrier is to allow the parent comfort to freely go about their daily tasks, while still maintaining contact with the baby. If comfort isn't felt, then a baby carrier may not be the best choice. Last, there have been product recalls on baby carriers due to leg holes being to big for the baby, causing babies to fall out of the carrier, as well as incidents of suffocation due to inadequate breathing space.
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