Doctors and parents alike recommend baby carriers for increasing interaction and closeness. They can be especially great for dads, who may find baby carriers extremely handy for running errands — or just giving mom a break!
When deciding on a carrier, you should factor in who’s going to use it (mom? dad? both?) and for what purpose (long walks? doing household tasks?).
Slings are simpler in design — they’re literally a folded or tied piece of cloth — whereas carriers can be quite complex, with lumbar support systems and weight-distribution technology.
Slings are generally size-specific, whereas carriers often come with adjustable straps to accommodate different proportions of different parents.
Baby sling and carrier buying tips:
• Baby carriers should be comfortable for the caregiver to wear — otherwise they’ll be a pain in the neck (literally) or just sit around collecting dust. A good carrier should distribute baby’s weight evenly, without straining shoulders or upper back.
• Look for a carrier with adjustable straps.
• All baby carriers should support baby’s neck and head.
• Make sure your sling or carrier is easy to keep clean. You’ll thank yourself later if you find a carrier that’s (at least in part) machine-washable.
• Consider a convertible carrier that allows baby to face both toward you and away from you. For the first few months, your baby should face toward you with her head and neck supported from behind; once she can hold her head up on her own, she’ll probably love facing outward and watching the world go by.
• Consult the carrier’s instructions to see how long you can use it. This is usually determined by your baby’s weight and length. Some carriers are only suitable for the first few months, while others also work for bigger babies.
• Check that all straps, buckles and locking mechanisms are secure and simple enough to do while simultaneously handling a potentially squirmy baby.
• Think about weather and temperature. If you have a winter baby, look for a carrier that comes with a cover or is made of a warm material. If you have a summer baby, you’ll want one made of a lighter material that breathes.
And once you have your baby carrier:
• It’s important to thoroughly read the instructions that come with your sling or carrier (even if you’re generally not into instructions, you’ll be glad you did — each is different, and this is a case where it really does matter which buckle you clip first and how to adjust each strap).
• Always make sure baby doesn’t get too hot when she’s in the carrier; remember that your body heat will warm her, so both of you should dress accordingly.