Before You Choose a Baby Carrier

One of the first decisions you need to make when buying a baby carrier is whether you need baby's weight to be balanced over both shoulders or whether you would be comfortable with a one-shoulder design. For parents with back or hip problems, a backpack or frontpack carrier may be more comfortable since it distributes weight evenly over the body. Many parents love the flexibility that one-shoulder carriers offer, though, so don't count them out entirely unless you need to for physical reasons.

Obviously, it's important to choose a baby carrier that will fit the baby who will ride in it, whether it's a tiny, newborns-only pouch or an adjustable carrier that will last through toddlerhood. It's also important to consider which adults will be using the baby carrier, because sizing is important for parents, too. While some slings and carriers are adjustable for many sizes, others come in small/medium/large sizes, which could be challenging if two parents of very different body shapes will share a baby carrier. You may need to look for an adjustable carrier or buy a different one for each parent.

Baby carriers can be found with padded straps, padded seats, and padded back supports, or with little to no padding at all. It may take some trial and error to decide what level of padding suits you best. While padding can add comfort, it also can make the baby carrier warmer for you and baby. The extra warmth is nice in cold climates, but when summer arrives, an unpadded baby carrier may be more comfortable for everyone. Padding is also bulky, which can feel uncomfortable, and the bulk makes it harder to stash a baby carrier in a diaper bag for travel.

If you know you'll need a baby carrier that performs well in both warm and cold weather, look for a front-pack carrier with ventilation mesh and an extra winter layer, or consider buying two different sling-type carriers - a cotton summer weight and a winter fleece - to carry baby comfortably all year long. If you want to use the baby carrier in a rainy climate, or at the pool or beach, look for waterproof fabrics or a quick-dry mesh carrier designed for use in the water. If you travel a lot, choose a compact, frameless baby carrier that folds easily so you can stash it in a diaper bag or suitcase.

Having a small baby gear budget doesn't mean you can have a great baby carrier. Simple ring slings and basic front-pack baby carriers can be found at discount stores and baby products stores for about $20. If your budget allows a little more, you can choose from hundreds of styles of slings, pouches, hip carriers and traditional front-packs in the $30-$50 price range. Rugged frame carriers, specialty ergonomic slings and baby carriers in beautiful luxury fabrics can be found for $75-$100.

Most parents have strong opinions on what they like when it comes to baby gear, especially the gear they'll be wearing. Baby carriers are available today in a wide range of styles, colors and patterns, so you can probably find one that one or both parents can proudly wear. Try on a few different baby carriers and see whether you like the look of a sling or a more traditional front-pack carrier. Don't forget that you can customize your baby carrier by choosing a sling in a great fabric or color or buying a custom cover for your front-pack carrier.

Just how versatile does your baby carrier need to be? That's up to you. Many parents are happy with a baby carrier that works in just one position, such as a front-pack that positions baby on the parent's chest. Most front-packs allow the wearer to place the baby facing the wearer or facing out. Other types of baby carriers may allow you to snuggle a newborn on your chest or in the cradle hold, carry an older baby on your hip, or even carry the baby on your back. If you think you'll use the baby carrier through the toddler years, you may want to look at carriers that work in several positions.