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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

How To Choose the Best Baby Carrier For You


Image : http://www.flickr.com


The baby carrier is coming back into popularity and there are now a lot of styles available on the market. From traditional styled baby slings with a modern twist, front carriers, back carriers and ergonomic carriers that do it all, there is now a baby carrier to suit every need.

So what are the main characteristics that you should be considering when you choose which carrier will meet your needs and what extra features will make your baby carrier more comfortable and have good ease of use over others?

The first thing to consider is the ease of use. If a baby carrier is comfortable and affordable, there is still no point using one if it is not easy to use. This is because you will be taking your precious baby in and out of the baby carrier numerous times a day and at times there may not be anyone to assist you. If it is not easy to use then you will find that you do not use it and it will be collecting dust in the corner and it will be a wasted purchase. So what makes a carrier easy to use? We find that easy to clip buckles and one hand release buckles are the best. You want to be able to take your baby in and out even if you have something else in your hand, like your nappy bag when you may go into the public parent rooms when you change your baby's nappy.

The second most important thing to consider when buying your baby carrier is comfort. If you intend to use one for your baby past 3-4 months old, you will soon realise how important comfort is when your baby gets heavier and heavier. The key features of a comfortable baby carrier are wide shoulder straps so they do not dig into the shoulders and they will also distribute the weight more evenly. The hip or waist straps should also be wide and fit low and snugly around the kips and not on the waist. And of course the carrier has to be comfortable for your baby. Avoid carriers that have rough edges and stitching that could rub the baby's skin. If the carrier is for a newborn, make sure it has a feature to support the head and neck.

Another feature of a baby carrier that you may like to consider is how much it can be adjusted and how easy it is to adjust. Will your carrier be suitable for a baby of all sizes and could your partner who is a different size and build be able to wear it too? There are now some baby carriers that have inserts which make it suitable for a newborn but when removed, makes it also suitable for an older baby right through to a toddler. This makes the carrier more versatile and better value as you will be able to use it for longer. This carrier may be more expensive but you will also get more use out of them.

The last feature to consider is of course price. This will vary upon your own circumstances and also to how often you see yourself using a carrier. Parents who would like to carry their baby close to them more often and for longer will place more emphasis on a better quality made product and will choose to have a higher budget than those who may only wish to wear it on occasion. Keeping your baby close to you, especially in the early months, is very important for both you and your baby. Not only does it help bonding but it also provides developmental benefits. A good supportive baby carrier is a great investment for you and your baby and is a great way to start an enriching parenting experience.

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