How to Find Which Infant Carrier is Your Best Choice

Several pediatric studies have found that wearing your baby offers important benefits to your baby's mental, emotional, and physical development. Parents can realize the best possible developmental benefits for their children using any type of baby carrier. Selecting a baby carrier can be a daunting task for many parents. Depending upon your body type and your personal requirements, the best type of baby carrier for you will be different than for other families.

The pouch sling is a traditional type of baby carrier. Draping over one shoulder, this type of baby carrier holds baby in the fabric carrier. A popular brand of sling is HotSlings. Slings offer the benefit of newborn use - making them a great choice for expecting parents. Additionally, slings tend to work well with particular body types and are not adjustable, making it difficult or not possible for sharing between parents or use if your body does not return to it's prepregnancy shape. Also, some parents find that one shoulder bearing all the weight is uncomfortable.

A variation of the traditional sling is a ring sling. Ring slings provide you an adjustable alternative to the traditional pouch sling as well as a great choice for those who want to share between parents of very different sizes. It's also a very popular option for plus size moms.
An alternative to traditional or ring-style slings are baby wrap carriers, or wraps. Versatile but challenging, the wrap style baby carrier is an excellent option for parents. A popular brand of wraps is the Ellaroo. The wrap is essentially a large, rectangular piece of cloth that you would wrap around yourself in a way that supports your baby. The baby wrap can be tied in a wide variety of ways which makes it the most versatile carrier to use but can be the most daunting to parents.

An emerging carrier on the market which originated in China is the mei tai. A mei tai carrier is a rectangular piece of cloth with parallel straps emerging from each corner. The baby is held against your chest, back or side using the rectangular cloth while the straps criss-cross behind you and wrap back around below your baby's bottom or on the back to secure the baby. Mei tai's can hold newborns up to toddlers, and because the straps can be made at any length is great for sharing and for plus size moms.

And do not forget the most commonly used baby carriers found today. These are almost like backpacks that you strap to your front or back and your baby sits in it like a seat. Popular brands include Baby Bjorn, Ergo and Eddie Bauer. These types of carriers are preferred by active parents who like to take their children on long walks or hiking. This carrier keeps your baby securely held in place while offering the parent a lot of mobility.

No matter which baby carrier you prefer, baby wearing provides both you and your baby many benefits. When you wear your baby it is easier to care for your other children. You no longer need to worry about the constraints of large strollers. The relationship and bond you have with your child can be strengthened and encouraged by wearing him close to you during your day to day tasks.