At Born, we believe that physical closeness between a parent and their child is incredibly beneficial. According to experts human contact is essential to a baby’s development, and we have seen this when working with parents, as well as in our own parenting experiences. Physical closeness comforts your baby, encourages interaction, and it helps you develop a close and loving relationship - all of which is good news for your baby, and for you! Being close to your baby tells your body to produce Oxytocin, widely recognized as the love hormone, and this creates a sense of bliss and oneness.
Let’s be realistic, though, it’s not practical – or indeed possible – to spend all day holding your baby in your arms. Lovely as it is to cuddle your baby, trying to get on with daily tasks while doing so only leaves you with one hand free, and can often result in a sore back and aching arms. That’s where baby carriers come in. A baby carrier allows you to stay close to your child, while freeing up your arms to carry out everyday tasks. As you clean the house, cook, walk the dog and go to the shops, your baby can smell you, feel you and listen to your heartbeat. For your baby, this is soothing and reassuring, and it makes your baby feel safe.
Whether you’re expecting a baby, you're a new parent or you simply fancy a change to your existing 'get out of the house with the baby' options, let us guide you through choosing the perfect baby carrier for your family.
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| The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier |
Soft Baby Carriers
These are structured carrier made from soft fabrics, worn buckled or tied around your shoulders, back and hips, usually with padded, adjustable straps. Your baby sits in an upright position against your chest or on your back. This promotes healthy hip, pelvis and spine growth, and can help ease the discomfort of colic or wind. It also helps to prevent flat head syndrome.
Soft carriers are usually machine washable, and easy to pack away.
Suitable for: All babies from birth depending on the style of carrier you opt for. Some soft carriers come with infant inserts, to support the head of your younger baby. Can be used until your baby is around three years old.
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| Scootababy V3 Baby Hip Carrier |
Hip Carriers
A hip carrier allows you to carry your child as you would naturally. You wear the carrier over your shoulder, with your baby sitting on your hip. This type of carrier promotes face to face interaction with your baby or toddler.
The Hippychick Hipseat offers hip support and although it is not a hands-free option, is great for when your little one wants to alternate between walking and carrying.
Suitable for: Babies who can sit unaided, and support their own head and neck.
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| Boba 4G Baby Carrier |
Back Carriers
This is worn like a rucksack. It usually has padded adjustable straps and a waist belt, to distribute your child’s weight evenly. Back carriers are typically made from tougher fabrics, and some are supported by a metal frame. Great for trekking or long walks.
Suitable for: Your older baby or toddler, when they can sit unaided and support their head and neck.
The good news is that many soft Baby Carriers are now multi-position, for front inward-facing, back and hip carrying. The Ergobaby 360 Carrier offers an ergonomic four positions, with the outward-facing front carry position too.
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| Moby Wrap Original Baby Sling |
Baby Wraps (Wraparound Fabric Slings)
This is a long, wide piece of fabric (often slightly stretchy) that wraps around you and your baby. It enables you to carry your baby in a reclined or upright position, and distribute your baby’s weight evenly across your waist and shoulders. Great for breastfeeding as a wrap facilitates quick and easy access, and can be used to cover baby from crowds and keep them focused on feeding.
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| Je Porte Mon Bebe Ring Sling |
Ring Sling or Pouch Sling
A ring or pouch is worn diagonally across one shoulder. Your baby sits against your chest or hip in an upright position, or lies in a reclined position for sleeping or breastfeeding. These slings are simple to use, and easy to put on and take off. With a ring sling you can tighten and secure the fabric by pulling it through two rings to form a loop. These are ideal for when children want to be carried and the next minute want to walk as they can be lifted in and out in seconds.
Suitable for: Newborns through to toddlers.
More Information
For more information about choosing a carrier and identifying which one is right for you and your family, read our full Guide to Choosing a Baby Carrier or Sling
All the carriers we sell at Born adhere to T.I.C.K.S guide – a guide to baby carrying co-written by our MD Becky Ward and now widely recognized as the minimum standard for all baby carriers worldwide. To see our full range, visit Baby Carriers at Borndirect.com
If you are local to the Bristol area, you can find out how to carry your baby or toddler safely and securely and try before you buy! The Avon & Bristol Sling Library is now meeting each month at Born in Bristol. Have a free one-to-one sling and safety demonstration where you can ask qualified and insured sling consultants and questions about wraps, slings and carriers and find out which might be the best for you and your baby. Find out more on our Events page, or ask at Born in Bristol (Tel: 0117 924 5080).
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