My daughter is a Navy wife, living in Hawaii, and writes articles for a local magazine there. The following is an excerp from an article she wrote on babywear:
Be sure to ask questions of yourself, too. Summer-Lee Faria, a local Moby wrap distributor, counsels, “Go in knowing what you want from your carrier.” Consider the following to save time narrowing down your search for the perfect babywearing carrier:
Support – Your child’s weight can be distributed over one or two shoulders, with or without lower back support. When baby is little it might not matter, but it’s a proven fact that babies grow. If you want just one carrier to take you from birth through preschool, it pays to think ahead.
Comfort – Cindy Urbanc, owner of Baby aWEARness in Manoa frequently fields questions about the heat factor. “In Hawaii, everyone wants to know what won’t be hot. Carrying a baby is hot,” she warns. Some carriers, like slings and some soft structured carriers, allow you to take them on and off easily. Others, such as wraps, can become part of your outfit, allowing you to wear less underneath. Also, think about your fashion comfort zone when faced with a choice between a designer silk print or utilitarian style.
Child’s preferences – Keep your little one in mind, especially if he vocally shares his opinions. Does he prefer to look around or curl up and shut his eyes? Will she need to breastfeed frequently or get up and down endlessly? Consider body type as well. Leg holes can be tight on chunky legs, while short-bodied infants may be buried in long carriers.
Adjustability – If you’re the only one who will wear your child, then fitted carriers are fine. If you want to share the load, look for a carrier that’s easily adjustable for different body types.
Learning curve – Some carriers have a steep learning curve. Consider how patient you (and baby) will be while practicing. Attending a meeting or finding a helpful store clerk can be a boon, but you can also find plenty of helpful videos online. (Tip: Search YouTube for babywearing.)
Other features – If there’s something you want, chances are, a carrier somewhere offers it: pockets to go purse-free; rings for attaching toys or keys; support for a sleepy head; breastfeeding privacy; compactness for travel. These features vary by type and brand. Attend a babywearing meeting or ask other babywearing parents what features they find valuable.
As you start your search for your perfect carrier, this list of basic carrier types will get you started.
Slings and pouches – The premise of a sling is simple: a circle of fabric worn diagonally across your torso, over one shoulder like you might sling a purse. Spread the fabric in front to form a “pouch” and place your baby’s bottom in it. Slings are fairly easy to learn to use, but place most of the weight on one shoulder. Ring slings are adjustable, but pouches are generally fitted.
Front and back carriers – There is a large selection of front and back carriers which distribute the weight over both shoulders. Most are familiar with the vertical-style carriers, such as BabyBjorn or Snugli. These packs carry your child in a vertical position, supporting them through the crotch. Similar to the vertical carriers are the soft structured carriers, such as Beco and ERGObaby, which can be worn on your front and back. These distribute part of the load through your hips and generally provide more support for your child than vertical carriers. Both have straps and buckles and often resemble a backpack.
Another type popular with baby wearers, similar to the soft structured carriers, is the mei tai, a type of Asian baby carrier. The mei tai has a square or rectangular fabric body with straps from each of the corners. The bottom straps tie around your waist while the top straps go over your shoulders to wrap around you and your baby.
Wraps – Wraps are long pieces of fabric, which make them both the simplest and most complex of baby carriers. Complex, because trying to wrap five yards of fabric around you and a baby can be overwhelming at first. If you persevere – and get help through a hands-on demonstration or video – the pay off can be worth the effort. The wrap provides a lot of support, going over both shoulders and around your upper body. Wraps are the most versatile carrier, allowing you to wear your baby in nearly any position.
Babywearing is now a major part of my parenting experience. Although you only need one carrier to enjoy babywearing, it can be addicting. I currently own over half a dozen. Some I bought new, some used and some were sewn at home. I have two beautiful kids now, but it’s still our carriers that garner attention.
SIDEBAR: From babies to preschoolers: A carry for everyone
As your child grows, learning new carries can adapt babywearing to your needs. Examples of carries for different ages:
For small babies:
· Cradle hold – lying on his back, as if cradled in your arms
· Tummy-to-tummy – vertical hold, like holding her to your chest, with support for her bottom and back
For babies with head control:
· Sitting in front – with legs either hanging out or tucked Buddha-like in the carrier, facing you or facing out
For babies who can sit up and toddlers:
· Hip hold – with legs straddling your hip
· Back carries – like a low piggy-back ride
For safety, make sure baby is well supported and not just held in by friction. Speltz recommends keeping baby close to your center of gravity, around your navel in front and your natural waist in back. For small babies, make sure their airway is unobstructed by keeping finger's width of space between the chin and chest.