When there are SO many options, how do you choose a baby carrier? It’s a lot like choosing shoes: it’s about a good fit and personal preference. It’s great to try before you buy if you can. So what are the dos and don’ts of buying a baby carrier?
DON’T RELY ON GOOGLE AND AMAZON
Search engines and Amazon will steer you towards the biggest and priciest brands with the largest marketing budgets. Likewise for reviews and awards, many of which are paid for.
DON’T JUST RELY ON BIG BRAND NAMES
We’ve all heard of BabyBjorn and Ergobaby. Does that mean they’re definitely the best for you? Not necessarily. Some of the best are from lesser-known names like Manduca, Izmi Baby, Isara ….. there are heaps of others on the market.
DON’T PUT UP WITH SHOULDER OR BACK PAIN
A sling that is fitted correctly should not hurt, even if you are carrying a heavy toddler. If in doubt, book a video consultation with our team (£10/30mins) rather than causing yourself long term discomfort.
DO GET EXPERT ADVICE
Make sure you check out the independent reviews and buying guides here at Wear My Baby. We only sell slings that are tried, tested and loved by our expert team. If you can, visit us at our London Boutique or just call us for advice (0345 222 9004).
We have a team of 10 babywearing consultants who offer video consultations and a postal sling hire service, so you can test carriers before you buy. Plus we offer a free video fitting service with every purchase. Contact us at [email protected] if you need help.
There may also be a sling library near you.
DON’T ASSUME FABRIC BABY WRAPS ARE TOO COMPLICATED
Stretchy fabric wraps, which are IDEAL for newborns, can be pre-tied so you can just pop baby in and out through the day. Genius.
DON’T BUY A SUSPICIOUSLY CHEAP BABY CARRIER FROM THE LIKES OF EBAY OR AMAZON MARKETPLACE
It may not have been thoroughly safety tested. The fabric dyes used may not be safe for baby to suck on. There are fakes around, imitating – in some cases very well – well known brands like Ergobaby. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
DON’T WORRY IF YOUR FRIEND LENDS YOU ‘THE COMFIEST SLING EVER’ AND YOU HATE IT
Just like shoes or jeans, what works for one person may not work for another.
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOUR FRIEND LENDS YOU A PRACTICALLY NEW SLING AND YOU DON’T LIKE THAT EITHER
If it’s practically new they probably never used it themselves. That might tell you something about how useful it was.
DO STICK TO THE TICKS GUIDELINES FOR SAFE BABYWEARING
These are very important: always wear your baby upright, with their tummy against your chest (when front carrying), with the whole length of their back supported, ensuring their airways are open.
The whole of the carrier needs to be fitted snugly around you both so baby can’t slump down inside it.
Never let baby’s chin slump onto their chest. Baby’s face should always be uncovered, with baby positioned high enough that you can easily kiss the top of their head. You can read the full babywearing TICKS safety guidelines here.
DO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SNUGGLES
You will not spoil a baby by carrying them. When they are good and ready they’ll happily wander off across the playground. And probably make a dash for it across Tesco’s car park.
Need help? Get in touch!
You can book a video consultation here. Live chat with us below, call 0345 222 9004, DM us on Instagram or [email protected].
Always follow the TICKS guidelines for safe babywearing.
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- Latest Posts
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