Carried Away - A Guide to Choosing Your First Baby Carrier
Thursday, March 01, 2018
For new parents, choosing a baby carrier can be a daunting task, especially with so many brands and configurations available on the market. In today’s blog, we’ve broken down your options into the main features that baby carriers offer, so you can cut down on your research time and focus on reading the next baby book in your pile!
For new parents, choosing a baby carrier can be a daunting task, especially with so many brands and configurations available on the market. In today’s blog, we’ve broken down your options into the main features that baby carriers offer, so you can cut down on your research time and focus on reading the next baby book in your pile!
Baby Age
All baby carriers are not created equal. So, it’s important to consider what age range the model of carrier you’re looking at caters for. Some, like the original BabyBjorn Baby Carrier, which is considered a classic in the market and designed in collaboration with paediatricians, are only appropriate for newborn babies and shouldn’t be used beyond 12 months old, or 11 kgs. While others, such as the Ergobaby Original Carrier, are great for newborns and toddlers up to 20kgs.
Baby Weight
New parents know all too well that their baby’s weight doesn’t necessarily align with expected percentiles for their age, so most baby carriers specify the weight ranges they support (pun intended). For example, the Ergo Omni 360 carrier has a weight range of 3.2 - 15.kgs, so you don’t always need to get the calculator out when buying a carrier.
Positions Offered
Another key function to consider is the variety of ways the carrier allows you to carry your baby. A BabyWrap, which is popular with hipster mums who are keen to bond with their babies by having them as close to their bodies as possible, offers only one carry position. Alternatively, the Hipster Plus, as the name suggests, offers more, with an extra eight ways to carry your baby. Front carry, side carry and back carry are all available as options.
Keeping Mum and Dad in Mind
When it comes to baby carriers, many models also offer lumbar support for sore backs; ensuring that you can wear the carrier for long periods of time. Padded shoulder straps are also an option, as are buckles that are colour coded so bleary-eyed parents aren’t stuck messing around with buckles that all look the same at 6am before coffee.
Storage Space
Wearing a baby carrier usually means you’ll have to leave your regular bag behind, so for many parents, storage space is an important addition to their baby carrier. Some models offer space for your mobile phone on the side, storage pockets under the babies hips and even detachable pouches.
Innovation Inclusions
Every year baby stores see innovative products enter the market. The inclusion of an SPF 50+ hood to protect your baby from the sun when you’re out and about is our pick when it comes to design innovation in baby carriers.
Add ons: Bibs, teething pads and size adapters
Once you’ve got your baby carrier on and you’re strutting down the street, proudly showing off both your baby and your new gear, you’ll quickly realise that you need a wide array of other items. This can include a bib, a way to change the size of your carrier if your baby grows and your carrier can’t, and teething pads while going through the aptly-named teething stage. These are all available as additions for specific carriers too if you don’t want to BYO. ~ Whatever you need when it comes to baby carriers and accessories, Baby Train has you covered. As a family owned and operated Australian company, we have 4 stores across Victoria that you can visit to shop and get advice from parents just like you. You can also order from our online store if that’s more your style. For more information, feel free to contact us today!
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