Baby Carrier Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right One
Published on September 2, 2022 at 6:19:03 PM PDT September 2, 2022 at 6:19:03 PM PDTnd, September 2, 2022 at 6:19:03 PM PDT
Baby Carrier Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right One
Congratulations on being blessed with your little bundle of joy! However, with them being in your lives now, you’ll most likely spend a lot of time going about your daily chores one-handed in the next few months. Despite the advantage of becoming a pro at it, there is a solution for you to reclaim both hands while staying close to your baby – a baby carrier.
Babywearing offers your little one a safe, secure, and comfortable way of staying close to their caregiver, especially when they’re newborns. Research has also shown that prolonged skin-to-skin contact also lowers mothers' risks of postpartum depression. A baby carrier also helps your baby to fall asleep faster, giving them the quality rest they need for their age. Furthermore, a baby carrier provides the added convenience of moving around easily and navigating through crowded spaces compared to a stroller.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no “best baby carrier”. There are many options; however, that will work best for you and your baby. There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a baby carrier. For instance, in Singapore, where the weather is hot and humid throughout the year, you may want to consider baby carriers with mesh, single layers of fabric, or sling options with lighter fabric. Parents looking for the quickest way to learn and use a carrier can consider buckle-type ones; stretchy wraps or slings might take a little more getting used to, but it helps to improve your skills and boost confidence. Some baby carriers are designed to be very adaptable as your baby grows and can even be used as a toddler carrier.
However, choosing something you love is more important since you are much more likely to use it and enjoy all the benefits of your chosen baby carrier. As such, we have put together some things for your consideration before you make your baby carrier purchase decision.
Types of baby carriers available in Singapore
Three main types of baby carriers available that many parents often use in Singapore:
1. Baby wrap (For newborns up to 18 months)
A baby wrap is a simpler version of your conventional baby carrier – a very long piece of soft, stretchy fabric that can be tied around your body to create a pouch for holding your baby. Thanks to its design, baby wraps are ideal for newborns until they are about 18 months old.
Unlike a structured carrier, baby wraps have no buckles or clips; thus, there will be nothing digging into your baby’s soft skin. But, one of the main pros of using a baby wrap is that it is lightweight and blankets around your baby to give you the most skin-to-skin contact. In turn, this fosters the most attachment and intimacy between the caregiver and baby.
Baby wraps like the Moby Evolution Wrap are also lighter than regular carriers. While the wrapping may take a little time and practice to get right, once you have a favourite style, you’ll be a pro in no time! On the other hand, there are also ready-wraps available from Baby K’tan that are easier to use. So, instead of wrapping and knotting, it has a double-loop design that you can slip on like a t-shirt, even weight distribution across your back and shoulders, as well as ergonomic positioning for healthy infant development. Plus, some of the wraps come with a half jersey knit and a half mesh knit for optimal comfort against the heat in Singapore.
2. Baby slings (4 to 8 months)
Like a baby wrap, baby slings are a soft fabric you can wrap around your body. The main difference is that this fabric is secured with a buckle or sometimes rings. This variation of baby carriers offers breathability compared to other babywearing options. In addition, you can also put the baby up in an ergonomic position with their back in their natural curve alignment.
Despite being ergonomically designed for the baby, the weight isn’t distributed evenly for the mother, and as such, you may feel all of the pressure and stress on your shoulder. Hence, if you have a heavy baby, toddler, or active child, you may want to consider a more secure option that minimises stress on your body.
3. Structured baby carriers (18 months to 4 years of age)
A structured baby carrier is the most common type of baby carrier in Singapore. Essentially, it works like a backpack with straps that you can put over your shoulders. It also comes with a waistband, buckles that you can tie to your body, and a padded carry pack to place your baby. But, the biggest benefit of using a structured carrier is that it is a lot sturdier, more ergonomic, and more even weight distribution. All of these factors contribute to you being able to carry your baby for extended periods.
Unlike baby wraps and slings, you can easily adjust the strap of your baby carrier to fit your little one on the go. Additionally, it provides more room for your baby to grow. For instance, baby carriers from brands like Ergo Baby, Mimosa, and Joie are designed to last you through the years as your baby transitions to a toddler.
Things to consider when purchasing a baby carrier
When choosing a baby carrier, it is crucial to pick one that fits you and your baby’s lifestyle. Some questions that can help you come to a decision include:
- Are you constantly on the go and need a baby carrier that is easy to wear?
- Do you or your baby perspire a lot?
- Are you a busy stay-at-home mum who prefers a very soft wrap that can keep your baby snug?
These questions help you to identify your needs, helping you shortlist a baby carrier that would complement your lifestyle. Other factors can include:
1. The structure of your baby carrier
As mentioned earlier, baby carriers have different kinds of structures, such as wraps, slings, and ones with a firm body frame. A baby wrap offers the most intimate way to carry your baby and thus is useful for infants, whereas soft, structured carriers like a sling are ideal for when your baby can sit or have more neck support on their own. Hard, structured carriers are usually sturdier and have more rigid fabrics making them perfect for toddlers. They are also great for taking your bubs out on treks or more strenuous adventures.
2. Comfort for both mother and baby
Choose wide, well-padded straps or sturdy fabric so your baby’s weight can be distributed evenly, preventing your shoulders, neck, and upper back from strain. If you are purchasing a front carrier, we recommend looking for padded leg holes that are loose enough to prevent constriction around your baby’s thighs. Since your baby will most likely fall asleep in the carrier, you may want one that comes with a padded headrest like the Mimosa Airplush 6-Way Hipseat Carrier to support their head and neck.
Many structured carriers like Ergobaby, Mimosa, and Joie have adjustable straps that accommodate the different sizes of parents. They are also flexible enough to carry your baby in front or on your back. The straps also allow you to get your baby into the best position and can be adjusted as your baby grows. When purchasing a structured carrier, you should also consider how long it can be used – is it only suitable for newborns or toddlers? Or is there an option for you to use it from birth until they ease into toddlerhood?
3. Ease of use
Unless you have set your mind to learning the ropes of using a baby wrap, it’s best to make sure that your carrier is easy to navigate on your own, preferably with one hand, since you will need the other to support your baby. You should also be able to take it on and off and get your baby in and out without much help so that you will not be restricted and can still head out to run errands. Some structured carriers have designs that can be easily unbuckled so that you can move your sleeping baby into their cots, cribs, or strollers without waking them up.
4. Weather-appropriate
Some carriers may be too warm for Singapore’s hot and humid climate, and darker colours absorb heat quickly. Hence, you can opt for baby carriers with mesh fabrics so that your baby stays relaxed and comfortable on their adventures with you. Some baby carriers, like the Ergobaby Hip Seat Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier, come with a tuck-away baby hood to protect your bub from the sun's harsh rays.
Choosing between baby wraps and baby carriers
Baby wraps are lightweight and foster a higher level of intimacy as well as skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. In addition, since you get to hold your baby closer to you, baby wraps are more useful for breastfeeding on the go. While stretchy wraps tend to come with a one-size-fits-all design and your baby will be snug, they cannot be adjusted nor carried for long distances.
Baby carriers, on the other hand, are better for first-time parents because they are easier to wear. The padding and adjustable straps make it even more comfortable for you to carry your baby in. Not to mention, some designs allow you to carry your baby in multiple positions.
Most structured baby carriers can last until your baby reaches toddlerhood (48 months), whereas baby wraps are best for up to 18 months. Structured baby carriers also come with many styles and options to choose from, but some of the main cons are that they tend to be pricier and are slightly bulkier, so you may find it hard to carry them around.
Buying a baby carrier in Singapore
Regardless of your budget, you can find high-quality structured baby carriers or wraps at Mothercare Singapore. Hence, if you are in the market for a baby carrier, we recommend checking out Mothercare Singapore’s selection. You used to be able to buy baby carriers in stores, but now you can also purchase them online, such as free next-day delivery on orders above $60. Mothercare offers only high-quality baby carriers from renowned brands.
If you are still unsure of the right baby carrier to buy, you can always reach out to our Digital Nursery Advisors (DNA) on WhatsApp for any enquiries. Parents can also approach our staff at any Mothercare stores in Singapore to ask for advice and more information.