The Best Baby Carrier

Um, what's a Baby Carrier?

A baby carrier is a contraption designed to allow you to carry your baby strapped to your body, generally on your front, back, or hip. This is known as babywearing. 

What's so important about babywearing?

The benefits to both baby and parent are many. In short, it promotes attachment and therefore better adjusted and happier babies and parents. Read more about the benefits of babywearing.

What's so great about the Ergo Baby Carrier?

Simply put, the Ergo Baby Carrier is the best baby carrier out there. Bold statement? Sure. But true, I assure you. I have been babywearing for nearly seven years and have spoken to thousands of babywearers online and in person. The Ergo Baby Carrier combines the best features of the best baby carriers into a comfortable and easy to use baby carrier. The Ergo can be worn front, hip, or back. Because the weight is supported on your hips and on two shoulder straps, the baby's weight is spread out. Because the straps are padded, the straps never dig in. Because the Ergo is structured, it is simple to put on and adjust for a perfect fit every time.

Experienced Baby Wearers Choose the Ergo Baby Carrier

I have been babywearing for almost 7 years and teaching babywearing for 2 years. I have owned and used all of the styles of baby carriers. I can choose from any of the more than 20 baby carriers I own. Guess which baby carrier I choose each day? The Ergo, of course!  I bought my first Ergo when my younger baby was around 7 months old and I haven't looked back!

This chart compares all the leading baby carriers.

	Infant	Toddler	Heavy babies	Can nurse baby	Supports sleeping baby's head	Can  adjust easily	Fits larger adults	Baby can be on Front	Baby can be on Back	Baby can be on Hip
Ergo Baby Carrier	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes with attached sleep hood	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mei Tai	Yes	Yes	On back	Yes but must undo knots	Not always	Must retie	Yes	Yes	Yes	Tricky
	Infant	Toddler	Heavy babies	Can nurse baby	Supports sleeping baby's head	Can  adjust easily	Fits larger adults	Baby can be on Front	Baby can be on Back	Baby can be on Hip
Sling	Yes	Yes	Not easily	Yes	Some positions	Tricky to learn	Yes	Yes	After 18 mo. Tricky	Yes
Pouch	Yes	Yes	Not comfy	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Frame Backpack	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
	Infant	Toddler	Heavy babies	Can nurse baby	Supports sleeping baby's head	Can  adjust easily	Fits larger adults	Baby can be on Front	Baby can be on Back	Baby can be on Hip
Front baby carrier	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not most	No
Hip Carrier	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Depends on whether it has buckles	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wrap	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes but must untie and loosen	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Infant	Toddler	Heavy babies	Can nurse baby	Supports sleeping baby's head	Can  adjust easily	Fits larger adults	Baby can be on Front	Baby can be on Back	Baby can be on Hip

Here are the most common baby carriers and their descriptions.

Mei Tai

A Mei Tai, or Asian Baby Carrier, is a variant on a basic theme: a rectangular piece of cloth with straps attached at the waist and shoulders. It can be worn front or back.

Sling

A sling is a baby carrier that goes over one shoulder and is adjusted with rings. This is not a good choice if you have back, neck or hip issues.

Pouch

A pouch is similar to a sling but it cannot be adjusted. It is worn over one shoulder. This is not a good choice if you have back, neck or hip issues. Because a pouch is not adjustable, it is important to get one that fits you well. Most people use too large a pouch and wear the baby too low.

Frame Back Pack

A frame backpack baby carrier can only be worn on the back. It can be cumbersome when worn indoors or around people. Also, it supports the baby by the crotch, which is considered a risk to developing bones.

Front Carrier

A front carrier is a baby carrier that allows the baby to be worn facing in or out on the front. It supports the baby's weight by the crotch, which is considered a risk to developing bones. Many people find that there is too much back strain when wearing this style of carrier. Further, the facing out position that is so popular has been argued to be overly stimulating to babies who can not turn away when overwhelmed.

Hip Carrier

A hip carrier is a baby carrier designed to support the baby's weight on one shoulder and the hips. It is an improvement over a sling or pouch in that some of the weight is supported by the hips but it is still asymmetrical and therefore not recommended for people with back issues.

Wrap

A wrap or wraparound baby carrier is simply a long piece of cloth. This is the most versatile baby carrier, allowing you to wear baby front, back or hip in a variety of positions. It does take practice and is not for everyone.

Ellen Sandoval is a babywearing educator and small business owner who who lives in South Florida with her beautiful children and husband.  For information about her classes call 954.455.8486 or visit SoBeBabies.com or TheErgoLady.com.