[2023] What baby carrier to choose? Types of baby carriers and their advantages and disadvantages

A baby carrier is one of the essential items for raising children. It will be used in many situations after the baby is born, so it is a must-have item.
There are many types and designs available from each brand, so you want to choose a baby carrier that suits you.

However, the gestation period seems long but it passes by in the blink of an eye.
Working moms who want to think carefully but don't have the time, or who are giving birth for the first time, don't know where to start! For those of you, we have put together some important points you should keep in mind, from basic knowledge about baby carriers to how to choose one that suits your lifestyle.

Is a baby carrier necessary at all? When do you use it?

What is a baby carrier? Is it really necessary?

First of all, when do you think you would use a baby carrier?

I agree! But that's not all!
We actually use it a lot at home, such as when putting the baby to bed or when the baby is fussy.
A baby carrier is an essential item for raising children.It's one of the.

Scenes when using a baby carrier - When should you use it?

A baby carrier is essential when going out with a baby who can't walk yet. We recommend something that will hold your baby firmly so that you have both hands free.

At amusement parks, aquariums, theme parks, etc., children can enjoy the same experience as adults if they can hold their child forward. We recommend something that won't get tiring even if you hold it for a long time.

Items that help the baby sleep in a side-hugging position are very effective in reducing the strain on the mother's arms. If you are the type that can carry your dog on your back, you can also do small household chores while putting your dog to sleep.

Even if you are thinking of using a stroller as your main option, be sure to prepare a baby carrier.
When going out by train or bus, a stroller will make it difficult to move around when it's crowded. Also, when you go to an unfamiliar place, you may have a hard time finding an elevator.
It is necessary to put a rain cover on the stroller on rainy days, but your baby may not like it if it becomes cloudy due to humidity. It can be difficult for mothers to push a stroller while holding an umbrella, so a baby carrier is recommended.

Why are baby carriers used?

It is possible to hold your baby without a carrier.
However, this can be a huge burden for mothers who have to hold their babies for long hours every day as they grow bigger.
Using a baby carrier will free up your hands, allowing you to take care of your child more smoothly.

Baby carriers reduce the burden on mothers' bodies and support childcare.
In addition, it is an item that makes ``holding'', which is an important physical contact with your baby, not a painful experience but a fun and wonderful one.

Let's know the basics! Types of baby carriers

There are various types of baby carriers. Here, we will briefly explain the types and characteristics of commonly used baby carriers.

Types of baby carriers

Convenient for holding sideways! There are many fashionable items
"Sling"

A large piece of cloth is hung from one shoulder like a hammock to hold the baby, and its unique feature is that it can be carried on the side. You can hold your baby in the same position as when you were in the womb, giving you a sense of security.
It can be used in place of a nursing cape and is lightweight and can be folded compactly, so some moms always keep it in their bags.
The baby's weight is supported on one shoulder, so as the baby gets heavier, the burden on the shoulder increases. The method and difficulty of putting it on differs depending on the product, so it may take some practice to get used to it.

No. 1 in adhesion! Popular in recent years
"Wrap type"

It is used by wrapping a large piece of cloth around the body and tying it tightly. There are also types that can be worn like T-shirts.
Since the cloth is wrapped around both shoulders and back, it puts less strain on the body than a sling. Some moms say that their babies sleep better when they hold them in a wrap type because they have a good bond with their babies. Types that can be worn like a T-shirt are popular because they are easy to put on.
Due to the high degree of adhesion, you are concerned about stuffiness and heat in the summer. If the size cannot be adjusted, you may not be able to use it as a daddy.

Easy to use even for new mothers
"Shoulder belt type"

This is a baby carrier that supports your baby on both shoulders.
It is relatively inexpensive among baby carriers and easy to use even for beginners, so it is easy to choose as a first baby carrier.
Since the baby's weight is supported only by the shoulders, it becomes a big burden as the child grows up, and it is inevitable to buy a new one.

Lots of variety! Easy to find the type that suits you
"Waist belt type"

The classic type of baby carrier that many moms own.
The baby's weight is distributed over the shoulders and waist, so it is less stressful and can be used for a relatively long time. This is the type that you want because it is easy to use and can be held in a variety of ways, such as facing forward or on your back. There is a wide variety of materials available, including mesh types that prevent stuffiness, baby-friendly materials, and stain-resistant materials.
Although the size can be finely adjusted to suit the child's growth, there are many parts and adjustment points that can be troublesome to put on, and may look bulky for petite mothers.

The next generation of ergonomic baby carriers
"Hip seat carrier"

A sitting-type baby carrier with a chair-like base (hip seat). It is said to be a next-generation waist belt type baby carrier, and the base supports the weight, further reducing the burden on your shoulders and lower back. The design is gentle on the baby's hip joints, making it easy to maintain a stable posture.
One of the reasons for its popularity is that the base part and the shoulder part are removable, so it can be used only as a hip seat.
Because of the base, it is bulkier than other baby carriers.

Tips on choosing a baby carrier taught by senior moms

When purchasing a baby carrier for the first time, there are many questions such as, ``What should I buy?'', ``When did I buy it?'', and ``How many does everyone have?'' There are endless worries when it comes to choosing the right baby carrier for your baby. Here, we will introduce the results of a survey of various concerns regarding baby carriers, answered by senior mothers.

When did you buy your first baby carrier?

According to the survey, most people purchase this product during their 6th to 10th month of pregnancy. It seems that many moms and dads start considering baby carriers around the fifth month of pregnancy and purchase them in the third trimester.

What baby carrier did you buy?

When you search on social media such as Instagram or the Internet, you tend to see a lot of things that you like or that you have visited once, so you tend to think that these are the norm, but what do you think? According to the survey, the waist belt type accounted for a significant percentage of 85%. The waist belt type is followed by the wrap type, shoulder belt type, hip seat carrier, and sling.
Well, both moms who carefully considered the product when purchasing it and moms who didn't seem to have their own pros and cons when they actually use it.

Good thing about buying a baby carrier

(From BABY&Me survey)

It's part of the reason I'm glad I bought it. Many people say they are glad they bought it because it reduces the burden on moms and dads when they go out or at home, and it is good for the baby because it allows the baby to sleep with peace of mind.

Things I regret buying a baby carrier

(From BABY&Me survey)

There are surprisingly many mothers who own two or more baby carriers for reasons such as ``I tried using them and they weren't good enough'' or ``I use them differently.'' In one survey, 54% of mothers owned multiple baby carriers.

Why are you using multiple baby carriers?

Many people who own multiple baby carriers use them for use at home and when going out, or buy more depending on the age of their child. You'll want to do thorough research so you don't need more baby carriers unnecessarily.

Also, the weight that the baby carrier is suitable for differs depending on the product, so you may be wondering how long you can actually use it.

How long did you use the baby carrier?

Generally speaking, a baby carrier is best used between the ages of 2 and 2 and a half.
The most common reason why they decided to stop using a baby carrier was because their child was getting bigger/heavier, and more than half of the mothers stopped using it because their body was screaming at them.
Although it varies from person to person, some children even over the age of 3 love to be held. As the child grows, the physical strain placed on the mother by carrying the child increases, so it is important to replace the baby carrier as the baby grows, and to choose a baby carrier that will last for a long time.

3 major points you can't miss when choosing a baby carrier

What is important when choosing a baby carrier?

In a survey of senior mothers, the most common answer regarding what they felt was important when choosing a baby carrier was ``less burden on the shoulders and lower back.''

Since this is a baby carrier that carries your precious baby, safety is important. Make sure to check to see if it's made from reliable materials and if it's designed to put your baby in a comfortable position.
Obtaining safety certifications can also be helpful when choosing.

 It may be difficult for pregnant women, especially, to imagine how many kilograms they will have to carry their baby.
Children grow surprisingly quickly, reaching around 10 kg in just one year.
Considering that you will be using a baby carrier until around 2 years old, it is wise to choose one that will not put a strain on your baby's body even if you hold it for a long time.
There are individual differences depending on body shape, etc., so it's a good idea to try it on in advance and choose the one that fits your body best.

One of the most frequently asked concerns about baby carriers is that they are difficult and troublesome to put on. No matter how functional it is, if it is difficult to put it on by yourself, you will gradually stop using it.

Other points to consider when choosing are ease of care such as washing, and whether the design and size can be worn by both parents.

How to choose a baby carrier

Up to this point, I think you have understood the importance of baby carriers based on the characteristics and types of baby carriers, as well as a survey of senior mothers. From here, we will tell you how to choose a baby carrier based on your child's age, lifestyle, and type.

Choose a baby carrier based on your child's age

When choosing a baby carrier for your newborn baby, the most important thing to consider is the fit.
For babies before they can sit upright, you need to choose one that fits snugly. The baby also feels safe by clinging tightly to the mother.
Also, for mothers new to baby carriers, it is important that they are easy to put on.

By this time, your baby will get used to wearing a carrier and you will have more opportunities to go out. We recommend a type that comes with a waist belt in case you want to hold it for a long time. Check out the different ways to hold your baby, such as being able to hold your baby facing forward.

At about 7 to 8 months old, some people's shoulders and lower back may start to scream. Choose one that puts less strain on your shoulders and lower back.
If you want to make it compact, we recommend a waist belt type, and if you value comfort, we recommend a hip seat carrier.
If you only occasionally carry your baby and are looking for a second baby carrier, the Hip Seat is also convenient.

Choose by lifestyle

The best baby carrier will vary depending on your daily lifestyle and what kind of occasion you want to use it for.
If you often use public transportation such as trains or buses, a baby carrier that allows you to hold your baby vertically and frees both hands is easy to use, and if you often travel by car, a hip seat that can be quickly installed is convenient.
For moms who sometimes work at home, or moms who want to use it for housework and putting their baby to bed, something that can be carried on their back is a must. Especially when it's your second child, you'll need to carry them on your back much more often.

Select by type

As mentioned above, each type of baby carrier has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's compare and see which one is right for you.

sling

I want a stylish baby carrier that is compact and portable. This sling is perfect for those people. Many of them are reasonably priced, so they are useful as a sub.

wrap type

The wrap type is recommended for mothers with newborn babies because it fits snugly with the baby. The baby can feel the mother's body temperature and feel safe.

shoulder belt type

It is relatively easy to install among baby carriers, so it is recommended as a first baby carrier. They come in a variety of designs and are easy to share with dads.

waist belt type

It is a type that you will want to have on hand as it can be held in a variety of ways and can be used even when your child grows up.

hip seat carrier

A versatile type that can be used as a baby carrier or a hip seat. As children grow older, they become more powerful. For those who are concerned about bulk, we recommend an all-in-one type that can be switched and used.

Summary

The best baby carrier will change depending on the occasion and lifestyle, such as when you want to use it and how you want to use it. Please think carefully and find the baby carrier that is "my best"!