A Complete Baby Carrier Guide: Harnessing the Power of Babywearing

If you're just stepping into the world of baby-wearing, rest assured there's a wealth of support waiting to guide you along your journey.

Sling Libraries have become increasingly popular across the UK, with more than 150 now dotted across the country. These invaluable resources offer a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to explore what suits both them and their babies best. Think of them like a traditional book library, but instead of novels, they loan out baby slings, carriers, and wraps, accompanied by helpful advice on how to use them safely and effectively. Staffed by dedicated volunteers, these libraries convene anywhere from weekly to monthly in various venues. They're the perfect place to experiment with different slings and glean insights tailored to your needs.

Embracing awareness days can also foster a sense of community around baby-wearing. International Babywearing Week, celebrated in October, is an invitation to engage, share experiences, and uncover the many benefits firsthand. Whether you choose to attend workshops, explore the benefits for yourself, or connect with others via social media using designated hashtags, your involvement can ripple outwards, inspiring others to embark on their own baby-wearing journey. After all, the bond shared through baby-wearing knows no bounds.

For those seeking a more hands-on approach, baby-wearing groups and meetups offer a welcoming starting point. These gatherings unite like-minded individuals who share a passion for baby-wearing, fostering an environment ripe for exchanging experiences, recommendations, and guidance. Whether you envision wearing your baby round-the-clock or simply wish to dip your toes into the world of baby-wearing, these groups provide a supportive community eager to accompany you every step of the way.

For a safe and snug baby-wearing experience, remember the acronym T.I.C.K.S:

T - Tenderly Tight: Ensuring your sling is snug enough to embrace your baby and yourself, providing the utmost comfort. Loose fabric risks your baby slumping down, potentially compromising their breathing and straining your back.

I - In Sight, In Mind: Keep your baby in view at all times, effortlessly able to glance down and see their sweet face without needing to adjust the fabric. This constant visual connection offers peace of mind and strengthens your bond.

C - Close as Can Be: Aim to have your baby's head nestled close to your chin, allowing you to simply lean in and share a kiss whenever you desire.  

K - Keep Chin Off Chest: Make sure your baby's chin isn't resting on their chest, as this could obstruct their breathing. Ensure there's ample space beneath their chin by checking for at least a finger's width of clearance.

S - Supported Back: Maintain a snug embrace that supports your baby's back in a natural position, with their tummy and chest comfortably pressed against you. Loose slings risk your baby slumping and compromising their airway, so prioritise a secure fit for their safety and your peace of mind.

With an abundance of choices available, it can indeed be daunting to make a decision. The key is to tailor you choice based on your specific needs and how it aligns with your lifestyle. Each baby carrier boasts unique features, making it essential to choose one that caters to both your lifestyle and your baby's needs. Be sure to look at the baby wearing comparison chart in this blog to assess the various options and determine which one suits you best. Additionally, we've provided detailed explanations of our top picks of baby carriers below.

Regardless of the carrier you opt for, if you choose Ergobaby, you can rest assured that your child will be seated securely and comfortably, while also ensuring ergonomic support for your little one. This allows you to enjoy precious hands-free bonding time with your baby.

Here at Baby & Co, we wholeheartedly endorse Ergobaby for their exceptional range of carriers tailored to meet the diverse needs of every parent. It's even included in their name that Ergobaby prioritises ergonomic design, ensuring that you're investing in something that actively promotes your baby's development and provides optimal support.

What sets Ergobaby apart is their comprehensive selection of carriers suitable from newborn onwards. We firmly believe that this early stage is crucial for wearing your baby, fostering a profound bond, providing comfort, soothing them, and aiding in their development. With Ergobaby, you're not just buying a carrier; you're investing in moments that matter, ensuring both you and your baby thrive together.

The primary difference between a baby carrier and a wrap lies in how the baby is fastened. Baby carriers typically consist of rectangular pieces of fabric with padding and clips/buckles, whereas wraps are long pieces of fabric that you wrap around your body in various ways to secure and provide support for the baby. Many babies find comfort and security in wraps and often fall asleep quickly while using them. A soft carrier can be ideal for a newborn and small baby, whereas structured carriers are better suited for older babies, typically around 4 months or older. Some carriers are suitable for use from birth, which some people prefer due to their ease of use—you simply tighten buckles rather than having to wrap or tie. Carriers may not offer the same level of snugness as wraps, but they are quicker to put on, and carriers with padded straps and waistbands provide more support when carrying an older and heavier baby. Take a look at our full collection of Baby Carriers and Baby Wraps.

Some carriers are suitable for immediate use with newborns, while others have a minimum weight requirement. Although most parents find them beneficial during the initial 18 months, certain carriers can accommodate children aged up to three years or older. Your child's age and developmental milestones will dictate which baby carrier is appropriate for you, with some carriers being suitable from birth.

The front-structured carrier is ideal for newborns as it offers the necessary head and neck support. Given the variety of front-structured carriers available, selecting one specifically designed for newborns or equipped with inserts to accommodate small babies is essential.

It is safe for babies to face forward between 4 and 6 months, or as soon as your baby can hold their head up steadily. By 6 months babies are nearly double their birth size and their hips and ligaments have strengthened reducing their their risk of developing hip dysplasia. This is completely dependent on the baby too as some babies can't wait to get a view of the world whereas others prefer to snuggle up to their parent's chest for a little bit longer.

Certain types of baby carriers and other equipment have the potential to interfere with healthy hip positioning. These items include, but are not restricted to, baby carriers, slings, and wraps. Prolonged use of such carriers or wraps may inadvertently cause hip misalignment, especially over extended durations. Therefore it is strongly advised to invest in a carrier approved as hip-healthy by international hip dysplasia standards to ensure your baby's hips receive the necessary comfort and support.

We’ve compiled a list of baby carriers and wraps, keep scrolling for more information, and to hear what Baby & Co have to say about some of your favourite carriers!

The Ergobaby Aura Wrap is perfect for keeping your little one close and snug throughout those precious newborn days. Crafted with love and care, this sling is specially designed for babies weighing between 3.6kg to 11.3kg, making it an ideal choice for cherishing every moment of your little one's first year.

Picture those slow, tender days of the fourth trimester—now imagine them even sweeter, with your baby cradled in the snugness of the Aura Wrap. Soft to the touch and expertly supportive, it ensures your baby is cocooned in comfort, promoting closeness and security that's second to none. And let's not forget about you, the parent! With its ergonomic design, this wrap evenly distributes your baby's weight, offering relief from pesky back pains while nurturing that precious bond. Crafted from sustainably sourced materials, including 93% recycled polyester and Tencel from responsibly managed forests, the Aura Wrap is also a choice that is as kind to the planet as it is to your baby's delicate skin.

The Aura Wrap isn't just about snuggles and support—it's about convenience too, once you have tied the wrap it is super simple to take baby in and out, so you dont have to add tying a wrap into the multitasking adgenda. And versatility? We've got you covered. Whether you're hiking through rugged terrain or enjoying a leisurely family stroll, our Aura Wrap adapts to your lifestyle. With breathable mesh options available, it is perfect for active adventures and knit versions for cosy cuddles at home, there's a style to suit every parent and baby duo.

Now, we understand that the thought of tying up a babywearing wrap might seem daunting at first. But fear not! With easy-to-follow video tutorials and colour-coded seams for foolproof tying, you'll be a wrapping pro in no time. Plus, once it's tied, there's no need to fuss—simply lift your baby in and out as needed, hassle-free.

The Ergobaby Aerloom—a beacon of sustainability in the world of baby carriers, where eco-consciousness meets comfort and safety. With every sustainable choice, you're not just making a difference for the planet; you're laying the foundation for a brighter future for your little one.

Crafted with care, the Aerloom embodies sustainability at its core. Each carrier is crafted with post-consumer, recycled polyester thread—equivalent to 26 plastic bottles, including their lids—transforming waste into a precious resource. What's more, our innovative production process ensures that even the buckles and sliders are created with minimal emissions, contributing to a healthier planet for generations to come. And with every Aerloom packaged in a recyclable box, they’re closing the loop on sustainability from start to finish.

But sustainability is just the beginning. Designed to accompany your journey from birth (3.2kg) to toddlerhood (15.9kg), the Aerloom ensures an ergonomic fit at every stage of your baby's growth. Its ultra-lightweight design and built-in airflow guarantee both you and your baby stay cool and comfortable, even on the warmest of days. Plus, with added lumbar support on the waistbelt and shoulder straps, the Aerloom provides unparalleled carrying comfort for parents, adapting to your body with ease.

And let's not forget about breastfeeding—another breeze with the Ergobaby Aerloom. With its thoughtful design and intuitive features, nourishing your little one on the go has never been easier or more convenient.