Your baby’s age is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a carrier.
Your newborn needs a carrier that will support his head, neck and spine while keeping him close to your chest. You will need a carrier that will be comfortable and easy for you to use during the postpartum period. For this age group, we recommend Ring Slings, Stretch Wraps and Woven Wraps.
Ring slings allow for easy nursing and quick adjustability, while wraps allow for two shouldered support while you are babywearing. If you are doing kangaroo care with your baby, a ring sling or a wrap is ideal. Both ring slings and wraps can continue to be used past this stage as well.
Recommended Baby Carrier Styles for Age 0-2 Months
Ring Sling Wrap
Recommended wearing positions for Age 0-2 Months
*Front Facing In
Your baby’s size is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a carrier.
Your premature baby needs special care to help him continue to grow. Kangaroo care is optimal for premature babies and the right carrier can facilitate that skin to skin care. Your baby needs a soft carrier that will provide him with support for his head, neck and spine. For this age group, we recommend Stretch Wraps and Ring Slings.
Stretch wraps can be tied before you place your baby in the wrap, minimizing any stress on your premature baby during the time it can take to adjust some carriers. You can wear a stretch wrap instead of a shirt so you are kept covered and warm while your baby is in kangaroo care. Ring slings are easily and quickly adjustable and can be used for breastfeeding as well. Stretch wraps and ring slings can continue to be used past the premature stage.
Recommended Baby Carrier Styles for Premature babies
Wrap Ring Sling
Recommended wearing positions for Premature babies
*Front Facing In
Your baby’s age is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a carrier.
From 7-12 months, your baby continues to develop strength in his spine as he increases in his ability to support himself. As he gains weight, you will require good weight distribution from your carrier in order to keep yourself comfortable. As most carriers are appropriate for this age, we recommend Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs), Mei Tais, Woven Wraps and Hip Carriers, plus Ring Slings and Pouches for shorter carries.
SSCs, mei tais and woven wraps provide excellent, even weight distribution as you carry your heavier baby for longer periods. They offer versatility of positions which is helpful when you are ready to transition to back carries. Ring Slings and pouches are great to use for hip carries; if you only want to carry on the hip, you might prefer the extra support of a hip carrier. All of these carriers will continue to be useful past this age.
Recommended Baby Carrier Styles for Age 7-12 Months
Soft Structured Carrier, Mei Tai, Woven Wrap, Hip Carrier, Ring Sling, Pouch
Recommended wearing positions for Age 7-12 Months
*Front Facing In *Hip *Back
Your baby’s age is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a carrier.
From 3-6 months, your infant grows and develops rapidly. By this age, he will have developed control of his head and neck and may even be able to sit on his own. He still requires spinal support, especially while he his sleeping in a carrier. For this age, we recommend a Ring Sling, Woven Wrap or Mei Tai.
Ring slings continue to be useful for infants of this age, as they are easy to breastfeed in and highly adjustable, so you can quickly settle a fussing baby. A woven wrap gives you excellent 2 shouldered support for longer carries as your baby grows. A mei tai can be quickly put on and taken off, while still providing the comfort of a 2 shouldered carrier. Ring slings, mei tais and woven wraps can all continue to be used past this age.
Recommended Baby Carrier Styles for Age 3-6 Months
Ring Sling Woven Wrap Mei Tai
Recommended wearing positions for Age 3-6 Months
*Front Facing In *Hip
Your baby’s age is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a carrier
From 2 to 3 years of age, your toddler will walk independently when he can but will still enjoy being worn when he needs a rest or some snuggle time with you. You will need a supportive carrier with a higher weight limit to distribute your child’s weight evenly. Sturdy materials and construction will keep you both comfortable so you can continue to enjoy babywearing.
Woven wraps, SSCs and Frame Backpacks provide the support you need for carrying your older toddler. Woven wraps and SSCs are useful in and out of the house, anywhere you might want to go. For outdoor activities only, a frame backpack is the right choice.
Recommended Baby Carrier Styles for Age 24-36 Months
SSC, Woven Wrap, Frame Backpack
Recommended wearing positions for Age 24-36 Months
*Back
Your baby’s size is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a carrier
Your toddler can walk independently some of the time, but still loves to be carried when he needs a cuddle or a break. He will be getting heavier as well as taller, so excellent weight distribution and support will be essential for you to keep carrying him as much as you would like to. When he falls asleep, he will still need support for his head and neck. For this age, we recommend Woven Wraps, Mei Tais, Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs) as well Frame Backpacks. Hip Carriers, Ring Slings and Pouches are recommended for short carries with this age.
Woven wraps, mei tais and SSCs all provide the right support for long carriers with heavier toddlers. They are ideal for indoor as well as outdoor use. For hiking or outdoor activities where you are packing other gear along as well, back packs or frame backpacks are the perfect solution. For quick up and down carries, hip carriers, ring slings and pouches are easy to use.
Recommended Baby Carrier Styles for Age 12-24 Months
SSC, Mei Tai, Woven Wrap, Frame Backpack, Hip Carrier, Ring Sling, Pouch
Recommended wearing positions for Age 12-24 Months
*Front Facing In *Back *Hip