The myriad of baby carriers on the market can be daunting when trying to make a decision about 'Which carrier is right for you?'. Whether you are planning to wear your babe for the first time, disappointed with a previous carrier or adding to your existing collection of baby carriers, there's no denying that each carrier is unique in its Baby Wearing offerings. You are most likely being driven by a number of decision making factors such as:

• what carrier will best suit you and/or your partner's size
• level of comfort for wearer and babe
• most suited to your lifestyle
• wearing needs (where? when? how? why?) 
• babe's age/size
• ease of use
• budget

In hope of assisting you in your research, I have briefly detailed the main premise of each carrier so that you are able to compare and contrast the features of each style. If you are still undecided after reading my summary of BABY CARRIER STYLES below, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer any of your questions on enquiries@flippityskip.com.au. I aim to respond to all emails in a speedy manner.

BABY CARRIER STYLES:

Mei Tai

These baby carriers are Asian inspired and appear like a cross between a pack and a wrap. They are made of fabric and tie on the wearer with a soft, pack like pouch for the babe. There are no buckles, rings or clips and the mei tai are relatively compact to fold away into a shoulder/nappy bag. The babe can be worn on the back or front. Suitable for newborns to toddler. Newborns need to establish neck control before being worn in back position.

Example of a mei tai: Kozy

  Pouches

These baby carriers are a wide tube of fabric worn across the body from shoulder to hip. They come in a range of sizes and its imperative for the wearer's comfort that they are fitted for the correct size. The pouch can come with or without padding in the 'rails' (edges of fabric) where the babe sits. There are no buckles, rings or clips. It is compact and folds easily into a shoulder/nappy bag. Some come with a pocket to store phone, keys etc. Suitable for newborns to toddlers. Babe can be worn facing out, facing in, sleeping (peapod) and hip carry.

 Example of a pouch: Peanut shell

Ring Slings

These baby carriers are a piece of fabric with metal rings near the shoulder in which the 'tail' is threaded. They are worn across the body from shoulder to hip. The tail allows the sling to be adjusted to the position of the wearer and babe simultaneously. The tail can also be used for discreet breastfeeding or as a change mat or play mat when outdoors. The ring sling can come with or without shoulder padding and with or without padded 'rails' (edges of fabric) where the babe sits. The rails on some slings are open and can also be adjusted to further refine fit and comfort of wear. It is relatively compact and can be folded or rolled up into a shoulder/nappy bag. Some come with a pocket to store phone, keys etc. Some slings are made with plastic clips rather than metal rings. Suitable for newborns to toddlers. Babe can be worn in a variety of positions including facing out, facing in, sleeping (peapod) and hip carry.

Examples of ring slings: Maya, Bubbalugga

Soft Structured Carriers

These baby carriers are loosely based on the Asian style of carriers. They are worn similar to a pack in a front or back position and some can also be worn in side carry/hip position. They have no rigid framework, but usually have padding on the shoulder straps and waist/hip belt. The soft structured carrier is adjusted to fit babe and wearer size/comfort by a number of clips, buckles or extension straps. Some come with a pocket to store phone, keys etc and also may have the hood feature to support the babe's head when sleeping. Suitable for newborns to toddler. Newborns need to establish neck control before being worn in back position.

Example of a soft structured carrier: Ergo

Wraps

These baby carriers are made from one continuous piece of fabric that ordinarily has a certain amount of give in the fabric, like that of a knit or hand weave. The capacity of the fabric to 'stretch' allows it to mould snuggly to the contours of the wearer and babe's bodies. There are no buckles, rings or clips. A wrap offers a variety of ways to be worn including front, back and hip carry. Some wraps come with a pocket for phone, keys etc. Suitable for newborn to toddler.

Example of a wrap: Hug-a-bub

Take a look at my 'Photo Gallery' which shows a cross section of BABY CARRIER STYLES being worn by Mum's and Dad's in a variety of ways.