Baby Carriers & Slings

Why Are Baby Carriers Important?

Baby carriers are hugely important, vital even, for your baby or child. Carrying your baby in a carrier or sling is perfectly normal, but it’s the shared emotions that make it special.

Babywearing is less about the sling, and more about what happens when baby is carried. Your baby is physically connected to you, sharing each moment, each breath, every heartbeat. It is a deep connection, filled with love. It makes complete sense then, that carried babies fuss and cry less. They know you are there, so they feel secure, bonded, and connected.

When your baby is carried, you are also connected to them. You are bonding with them, laying the foundations of the relationship you will have together. It also allows you to make breakfast (eat it too!), step out for a walk, or help care for other members of the family.

We hand-pick each baby carrier brand and our expert team tests each design. So we know they work well, and can best advise each family based on their individual needs. We carry an amazing selection of baby carriers - we appreciate the choice can seem overwhelming. The easiest place to start is by looking at the types available and asking us if you have any questions or if we can help.

Which Is The Best Baby Carrier?

Ultimately the best baby sling carrier for you is one that your little one and you both find comfortable, one that will work for you and your family. There are a few things to take into account though, and a few things to think about. You can help to narrow your choice down by checking out our latest selection of the Best Baby Carriers for 2024.

Fundamentally, the types are broken down into the following types:

1. stretchy wraps
2. ring slings
3. buckle carriers
4. woven wraps
5. meh dais

Buckle carriers tend to be the most popular and there are many popular brands such as the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier and the Ergobaby Omni Baby Carrier or the 360 baby carrier, which are all types of buckle carrier. And there are variations within each of these styles that include cool air mesh baby carriers, lite baby carriers, and air carriers. There is no -one-size-fits all style or brand, so we always advise to buy one you love the look of. Different carriers offer different types of waist belt and different carrying positions.

All of the baby carriers we sell are all award winning from brands that are at the top of their game; some brands such as Didymos, have been making baby carriers for over 50 years. So you can have peace of mind that any baby carrier you choose from us is perfectly suited to your baby. You have enough to think about with a baby; you don't need to be worrying about wether or not the baby carrier you've bought is up to the job or not.

Can You Use a Baby Carrier With a Newborn?

Yes, there are many baby carriers that you can use with a newborn. and that are suitable from birth. Many buckle carriers are suitable from newborn such as the Ergobaby embrace newborn. Stretchy wraps are specifically designed to be used from newborn, and ring slings and woven wraps can be used from newborn.

What Are The Best Baby Carriers for Newborns?

You can find our full list of the best baby carriers for newborns in our post here - The Best Baby Carriers for Newborns. Stretchy wraps are particularly popular for newborns, and you don't need to take it off to transfer your baby to a car seats.

How Long Can a Newborn Be in a Baby Carrier?

There is no exact maximum time for a baby in a newborn carrier, and in fact it will likely change as your baby grows and develops. It's unlikely baby will spend more than a few hours in a carrier but in reality it will depend on the situation, the carrier used, your baby's age, and how comfortable you are.

Are Carriers Safe for Newborns?

Carrying your newborn baby is perfectly safe when practiced with common sense and understanding. As with all things in life a cupful of knowledge and a sprinkling of common sense is the best recipe to ensure happy carrying for you and your little one. Use a quality carrier and ensure you read the instructions on its use, and always be aware of your baby in the sling. You can learn more about babywearing safety by checking out the T.I.C.K.S. Rules for Safe Babywearing or check out our guide to safe babywearing.

Can You Carry Your Baby Too Much?

Not at all! Babies absolutely love to be held. It's just not possible to spoil an infant by holding them too much, although remember - you can't use a forward facing baby carrier for too long. Since babywearing can reduce crying, this means less stress for everyone.

What age do baby carriers go up to?

Babies can be carried in a carrier from newborn up to toddlerhood and beyond. Indeed there are even preschool carriers that allow you to you carry big kids up to 5 or 6 years old.

Which Baby Carrier Should You Choose?

Choose a baby carrier that you like - you're far more likely to use a sling or carrier that you love the look of. Whether it's a certain style like a baby bjorn (BabyBjörn) carrier, or a newborn baby carrier such as a stretchy wrap or ring sling, or a certain colour or pattern, choose the one you really love! Check out each style for the specifics of each: Stretchy Wraps, Ring Slings, Buckle Carriers, Woven Wraps and Mei Dais. If you'd like more detailed advice, or you have a specific query, just contact us. We have 15 years experience helping families to both start or continue their babywearing journeys.

Remember, a baby carrier is an excellent way to securely hold your baby close to you while keeping your hands free. Unlike baby slings and wraps that are made of fabric and tied around the body, baby carriers are more structured and typically fastened with buckles and clips, just like a rucksack.

There are many types of baby carriers available.

You can use them to carry your baby on your front, side, or back. Some carriers can be used from the moment your baby is born, while others have a minimum weight limit. Although most parents find them useful in the first 18 months, some carriers can be used for children aged three years or more. In fact, there are carriers in our store that can be used up to 6 years old.

Using a baby carrier has many advantages, including keeping your baby close to you, promoting bonding, and allowing you to perform other tasks while keeping an eye on your little one. Furthermore, baby carriers can help distribute your baby's weight evenly, reducing the strain on your back, shoulders, and arms.

When choosing a baby carrier, it is essential to consider the type of activities you will be doing while wearing it, the age and weight of your baby, and your own body size and shape. Comfort and safety are also critical factors to keep in mind.

We don't stock brands such as Phil & Teds (and their carriers such as the Parade or Escape) or the framed Deuter baby carriers. They're too over the top and big and bulky for what is actually required and not made from great materials - you can do the same thing much better with a buckle carrier, meh dai, ring sling or woven wrap. These are much easier to use, take with you on holiday, or to simply put into a bag or suitcase. They're much more ethical too (compare a Phil and Teds to an organic, handwoven sling, for example).

Last updated 10 April 2024