Slings, Wraps and Carriers

By the TMoM Team

When it comes to baby gear, we know the options can be overwhelming! Today on Fox 8’s Mommy Matters segment we are featuring our top picks for ways to carry your baby. (Aside from in your arms of course!) We are also including a write-up below in case you miss the news today!

Each of the items below come highly recommended by other moms. Be sure to read thoroughly about each product when you purchase it. There are specific ways to wear your baby to ensure support and proper growth. We also suggest reaching out to a local baby wearing group for tips! (Babies should always face inward until their bodies are strong enough to face outward. Read each instruction manual for details on these requirements!)

We hope this helps with your search for the best products for you little ones!

1. The Moby Wrap – As with most brands, there are numerous variations to the style of this product. We were partial to the original Moby Wrap, which will carry babies up to 35 pounds. The baby faces forward on a mother’s front. As you can see from the photo, it tightens securely and also has a lot of shoulder support. It may look complicated, but after speaking to moms who have used this, they all agree that once you get the hang of it, it is simple! They did say it can take some time to put on though, so if you are in a hurry, this may not be the best choice. A plus is that it is easy to clean – machine washable! One mom even claimed that it was a life-saver when it came to her daughter’s colic.

2. Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling – This sling has become known as the “Dr. Sears sling” because he developed andtested it. Most moms like it because it grows with your baby and can also be used when breastfeeding. This is also machine washable and comes in adorable styles and colors! A few moms said it was the easiest carrier when it came to taking their baby in and out. One downfall I heard is that the directions that come with the product are not the best. Many people suggested watching the You Tube videos to teach yourself the proper way to use the sling and position your baby. Other than that, most feedback was very positive and many moms recommended it for comfort and ease.

3. Ergo Baby Carrier – This carrier can hold your baby in three positions – frontward, facing you, or on your hip. Most parents found it very comfortable and it can hold babies up to 45 pounds. The one shown here is a classic fit and comes in a variety of patterns and colors. It is also machine washable. you can also buy belt extenders if you are in need of a larger size. The reviews on this product were almost all positive. The comfort for the baby and the mom were two of the things that everyone liked best.  The only negative comments I heard were that the carrier itself was somewhat hard (as in, not soft padding) so that the baby’s head is next to material that is not as soft as mom would have liked. There was also one person who said she did not like this as much for infants.

4. Infantino Carrier – Again, there are numerous variations to this carrier, but the this brand (Infantino) was recommended because of its affordability and quality. If you click the link above you will see the different styles for this brand – sash, support, capped sleeve, wrap & tie, front and back backpack, convertible 5 in 1, and even more! My advice would be to drop by a local store that carries this brand and try these on to see which one is most comfortable for you. Your decision will probably depend a lot on the size of your baby. The classic seemed to be the most popular, but I did hear a few negative comments about it becoming uncomfortable after a while. Many moms liked the Mei Tai style best!

5. Baby Bjorn – This brand has been around for years and years, so they must be doing something right! The two styles that were most recommended were the Active and the Miracle. You will see both of these through the link above. Honestly, the reviews were all over the place – some said comfortable, some said uncomfortable. Some said the baby was snug and happy while others said they felt like the baby was dangling. (Remember to follow instructions for proper use to avoid this!) The plus is that you know it is a highly recommended brand, so the durability and quality were always praised!

6. Chicco Smart Support Backpack – Backpacks are amazing when it comes to a day outdoors. These are fabulous for hiking, parks, zoos, you name it. Although the backpack may look like it weighs a lot with the aluminum frame, this one is only six pounds. It can stand up on its own, which makes it easy to slide baby into his seat before placing it on your back. It can be used for babies up to 40 pounds. It also has a canopy that can shield baby from rain or cold weather. Everyone raved about the quality of this product. The only negative comment I heard was shoulder pain for mom or dad when carrying.

If you have used one of the carriers we featured today, please share your comments below!

*Photos taken from corresponding websites.