Best Baby Shower Gifts: Cool things for on the go (Part 1 - Slings/baby carriers)

Babywearing is one of the best ways to stay active when you have little ones. From wraps to slings and other carriers, one of these is a must have in the arsenal of all new parents. I love carriers. They maximize my time and have made for happy babies - both at home and on the go. Here's a look at some of the best out there... For more cool things for on the go, check out part two of this story.

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Belle Baby Carriers are among the very best of any type of baby wearing device for everything from hiking to running errands. My husband actually likes this one so much that he offered to wear our one year old all around Disneyland in this carrier last year. He said it actually made his back feel BETTER. I love it too. The Belle folds up really small adding to its greatness for on the go families. The drawbacks... this is a front-only carrier and is made for babies under 25 pounds. Read about the dad who invented the Belle HERE.

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ERGO Baby Carriers are so versitle. You can wear your baby on your back, side or front. Once you figure out how to put the straps on with baby on your back by yourself (or if you have an assistant), it's so easy to use and even easy to turn baby from the back to the front and vice versa. It only takes a few tries to get comfortable with holding your baby with one hand while putting the straps on your shoulders for back carriers. In the front, baby can snuggle right in. You can even use the ERGO with a newborn baby in the front position! You do need to buy the added infant insert for that though. But that's a big bonus! ERGOs can be used as long as you want to carry your baby. They're recommended for up to 40 pounds, but their website says they've been tested to hold up to 90 pounds. I have worn my 31 pound toddler on my back in it with no problems (pre-preggo, of course). There's a ton of padding on the straps and waist of this carrier. It's really comfortable and I love the special tuck away sun shade -slash- sleeping hood to cover baby while she's sleeping... and she will sleep in this easily. ERGO's drawback, in the front position, baby can't face forward.

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Kokopax is the ultimate in framed backpack carriers. Pregnancy magazine named the Kokopax the best all around carrier in their March 2009 issue. And for good reason. While it's a framed carrier - it is uber lightweight and comfy. It is easy to load baby into and out of this carrier and comfy no matter if you're going on walks through the forest or downtown. It's so cool looking that people always ask me about this one. The Kokopax has a great pocket for storing keys and such and a cool toy ring so baby can play and be happy as a clam in his private chariot. This one accomadates babies for a long time too - 6 months to two years (or 35 pounds). The other big thing that stands out and seperates Kokopax from the pack - the easy loading kick stand feature. No need to juggle baby about trying to manuever everything just right. You put your little one in before loading this pack on your back. It's not recommended, but this feature allows you to take baby off and allow him to play happily in the pack as you, say, wait to be seated at a restaurant or wait at the airport. Total bonus!

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Scootababy is the most comfortable side carrier I've worn. I was actually surprised by its softness and cushiness on my shoulder. The Scootababy is made with microfiber lining and a polar fleece shoulder strap. It is really easy to put on and both my girls liked being carried in it. This is a great carrier for getting stuff done around the house or shopping trips because you tot isn't right in front of you. That makes it easier to type on the computer and hold baby as I'm doing right now. Scootababys are recommended for babies five months old and up with a maximum weight limit of 40 pounds.

Sidekick Diaper Bag by Kemby is the most unique diaper bag I've ever come across. It is fantastic for shopping! It is a little odd to put on at first but once you get the hang of it, goes on super fast. Among the reasons I like the Sidekick: it's a diaper bag and a carrier in one, complete with a matching changing pad, wipes case, and insulated snack/bottle bag; it has lots of pockets for cell phones, keys, a wallet, and anything else you could need but it's not big and bulky! The Kemby website says its carriers are best for children who can sit up unaided with good head control through 35 pounds.

A great wrap-type carrier that's Mom-made in the USA is Ball Baby Carriers. This kind is known as a mei tei style carrier. It's very comfortable and easy to use. I love to use this one while doing chores and both my girls enjoy being in it. Read more about Ball Baby Carriers and the mom who makes them in my story HERE.

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Baby Bjorn's Synergy carrier is an an upgraded version to the classic Baby Bjorn original carrier. I used the original caririer for a good year or two, almost daily and it still looks new. I love that kid of quality. The Synergy has that same quality plus is more comfortable on the back and is made of a breathable mesh material, which is great for hot summer days. The Synergy can be used for a newborn a minimum size of 8 pounds and 21 inches on up. It adjusts size as your baby grows, which makes for a great fit.

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Munchkin's Jelly Bean Reversible Sling is a good one to try if you want a sling-style carrier. It is reversible, so it's like getting too cool loking slings in one. Slings are among the simplist of all carriers. There are no buckes or hooks or any kind to figure out or strap on. Just slide across your body and insert baby. The downside for the Jelly Bean and all other slings, they're pretty much for one person and not for mom or dad to share the wearing - unless mom and dad are the same height and weight. The Jelly Bean is made of soft fabric in cool designs and works for babies newborn -who would lay down cuddled up in the sling- on up to 35 pounds who would sit up in the sling, like in the photo right.

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Best Baby Shower Gifts: Cool things for on the go (Part 1 - Slings/baby carriers)

Guide to Carriers and Breastfeeding

This booklet discusses the benefits of carrying and holding your baby, the correct ways to do this and how a baby carrier can help. It can be used as basic information for questions for and discussions with your midwife and other health professionals. The booklet will show you the importance of bonding with your baby, how exercise with a baby does not have to be difficult, how baby carriers can help with breast feeding, the correct ways to carry your baby, and tips for taking your baby out in both summer and winter. There’s a useful check-list for you to keep for when you’re packing for a day out with your baby, and the booklet also explains the safety issues that need to be considered when using a baby carrier.

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Bonding
GETTING TO KNOW your baby is part of the bonding process. Nature has planned that your newborn is dependant on others for feeding and care so that you spend a lot of time with your newborn during the first few weeks / months to get to know each other. Forming a relationship with your newborn baby is essential for baby’s development and important for other health outcomes. Getting up in the night when baby cries may feel like a chore sometimes but it makes you learn about the wide range of cries your baby has and how your baby communicates. This is all part of the bonding process. Strong ties between baby and parents will enable the child to develop future relationships and interact better.

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Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding also aids the bonding process - holding a baby at breast level is the perfect location for baby’s vision. By cradling baby in your arms connecting visually is easy. Eye contact helps you to interact with your baby. It’s important to remember that bonding is a process; it doesn’t happen instantly and is not something that has to be limited to happening within a certain period of time. It’s also a process that involves both mother and father. Using a carrier aids the bonding process through vital body or skin-to-skin contact with your baby. A parent’s closeness and warmth makes baby feel protected and safe and you will learn how his / her body tension can communicate how he / she feels.

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Breastfeeding and carriers
BREASTFEEDING is the best start for your baby, particularly when mobile baby carriers can provide easy access and a secure position for baby to suckle on demand. They have been designed to be functional for breastfeeding – it is easy to un-clip one side of the carrier in order to nurse your baby, without having to remove them from the carrier.

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Read on for more information……..

Eight Questions To Ask Before Buying A Baby Carrier - Get Your Hands Back

A Baby Carrier is such a satisfying way of transporting your child around, lightweight and practical, easier to fit in the boot than a stroller, and very importantly, it is a great comfort for babies and toddlers alike, easing colic in newborns, soothing fretting babies and providing closeness.

1. Who will use the carrier?
Some carriers come in different sizes so if you and your partner both intend to use it, you will either have to purchase two carriers or buy one that is completely (and easily!) adjustable.

A design that is comfortable for you may not be for your partner. So if you both intend to use it, make sure that you are both comfortable, as well as the baby of course!

Equally, you may really like the floral design of one carrier but will daddy? Look at designs that are more unisex if you want daddy to carry the baby too. Or get one each!
 
2. Where will you use the carrier? Hot climates will dictate that you get a carrier that has breathable mesh and is lightweight without too much padding.
On the other hand if you are going to be out in colder or wetter weather, look for warmer fabric and a rain cover.

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3. How do you look?
You may be conscious of what you look like using the baby carrier so consider different styles to get something that suits you. But at the end of the day, you and your baby’s comfort are the most important factors.


4. How long will you use it for?
Some carriers are for younger babies (front carrier) while others are more suitable for older ones (backpack). This means you may need to buy more than one type as your baby gets older.

Many carriers offer different carrying positions meaning you can use it from newborn through to toddlerdom - or until they are just too heavy to carry!

5. How versatile do you want it to be?
The most popular form of carrier is the front style but this will only last you until they are about 9 months old. If you want to continue to carry your baby then look for a type that is more versatile, converting to back or hip carrier as they get older.

6. Do you want to breastfeed while the baby is in the carrier?
A sling or pouch is great if you want to breastfeed, as you can easily get the baby into the right position and the carrier offers discretion too.
 

7. Do you have any back or hip problems?If you do, always look for a type of carrier that allows the weight of the baby to be distributed on the hips and across both shoulders. This means the least amount of pressure on any one area.

A sling or pouch puts the weight onto one shoulder only so this may not be suitable for you.

Front carriers generally put the weight across the shoulders which may be all right for a small baby but as they get bigger may put too much strain on you.

The best type is a soft structured carrier or Mei Tai as weight is distributed more evenly.

8. How old is the baby?
Age will dictate what kind of baby carrier is suitable and what positions they can be carried in.  Each make and model will have its own recommendations.

The most important factor of all is to ensure that both you and your baby are comfortable at all times. If it doesn’t feel right, then that carrier isn’t right for you. But critically enjoy the freedom that a carrier gives you and the comfort it gives to your child.

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Best Child Carriers for Travel

Buying tips for travelers: As you travel with your child, having a comfortable carrier, wrap or sling can make a tremendous difference in your ability to sightsee and explore a variety of changing terrain. As well, wearing your child close to you can give you both confidence as you explore unfamiliar territory, like crowded markets, busy train stations, and subway systems. Yet which child carrier, wrap, or sling is right for you at home and as you travel may change by the destination--and by the pound as your child grows. Truth is, there are not very many carriers that work well for newborns and very small infants, and aside from the framed backpack carriers, there are few that will be comfortable to wear for long periods once your child reaches 20 lbs. Your size and stature, and your partner's who might be sharing the carrier with you, can also make a difference in what works best for you. With all of these points in mind, here are some of Shelly's top-recommended child carriers for traveling parents. (More coming soon!)

Why Shelly Rivoli recommends it:
While the Ergo carrier costs more than most other soft child carriers and slings, it may be one of your most travel-friendly options overall. You may also be able to use it far longer than other models since you can start using it with your infant and most parents can continue to use it comfortably through 2 years. Use the Ergo to wear your child on your front or back (or side, but we found front or back preferable). Many parents who hoped to use it right away with the infant insert weren't happy with it for their newborns (be aware), but most parents find it quite comfortable to use from babyhood through toddlerhood, and some even use it beyond as a backpack carrier. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt, combined with a chest strap, give the support you would want carrying a 20 lb. or 25 lb. pack on a hike, and the "kid compartment" is snug against the parent whether on the front or back (or side), with no fabric between the two. This makes it easy to gage your child's temperature--and even breastfeed on the go. We also really appreciate the straps adjusting fairly easily to accommodate two parents of very different sizes, and the extra pockets and hidden sun hood / head holder come in very handy, too. The Ergo does not allow you to wear your child facing out, however, though many children seem to enjoy seeing the world from a "hug" position as when worn on the front or a piggy back position on the back--however, a precious few will tire of turning their necks to see everything from the side and may not ride as contently in the Ergo for extended periods of hiking and sightseeing. Getting your child onto your back also requires a little practice and is definitely easier as your child gets bigger and sturdier (and can stand on a chair while you load her), but it is doable with a baby as the video will show you. For no internal frame, it is surprisingly supportive, and it folds up small enough to travel in most diaper bags.

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