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Baby carriers, slings, backpacks, ‘over the shoulder’ baby holders are products that are basically designed to let you carry your baby (on the chest or back) for longer periods. leaving your hands free. Many parents like the convenience these offer in terms of not having to take along a stroller.
Advantages of Carrying the Baby
Carrying a baby for hours together can be exhausting. So, when it comes to carrying your baby (when outdoors), lot of parents prefer to use a stroller or a baby carrier.
Advantages of using a baby carrier
There are several advantages of using the baby carrier though, one being that the baby is closer to you in the sling around your chest.
An important reason why parents should carry infants whenever possible (instead of riding them in the stroller) is because babies like the feel and warmth of your skin, especially in the first 6 months; they like the cuddling and the snug feeling that comes from carrying the child.
Baby sling carriers have been used by parents for centuries. It helps parents bond with the child, and also keeps the baby in close contact with the parent (which is not possible when using a stroller).
With a stroller, you have the freedom to move around with the baby in the stroller and all you need to do is push it as you go, but with a baby carrier (over the shoulder baby holder) its all about having close contact with your child.
Health Benefits of Wearing Your Baby
Did you know, that if a baby spends too much time sitting in a car seat, bouncer or baby swing, they are prone to something called as plagiocephaly, or in other words, flattening of the back of baby’s head.
During a child’s first 6 months, many parents put their babies in a car seat and/or a stroller. While it is ok for a baby to spend 1.5-4 hours per day in a car seat, bouncer or swings, but anything more than that is not recommended.
The first few months of the baby is a phase where your baby’s skull is still soft, so get them off that car seat or stroller and use the baby carrier instead!
You can carry your baby with the baby facing your chest, which takes the pressure off from the babies head in the back and prevents flattening of the baby’s head.
Baby Carrier can be convenient to use compared to a stroller.
Using a baby carrier, you can hold the baby close to you, which leaves your hands free to use.
At times, it is also convenient to use (compared to the bulkiness of a stroller) apart from the fact that it is also much cheaper than a stroller.
Baby carriers also won’t strain your back. If you have a good carrier, the babies weight will get evenly distributed allowing you to carry your baby for longer periods.
Baby Carriers, Slings, Backpacks: Buying Guide
These are the products that are available for parents who wish to carry their little ones:
- Baby carrier: A soft padded carrier that one wear on the front.
- Baby sling: This looks more like a strip of fabric that is secured over the shoulder; the baby is held in the front in various positions.
- Baby backpacks: These have to be worn on the back and feature rigid frames; these are suitable for the older babies and toddlers.
Over the shoulder baby holder refers to a sling kind of mechanism that allows parents to place their babies in it while the parents sling it over the shoulder, carrying the baby with them.
Most baby carriers come in wrap, sling or soft-structured carrier designs, and can be a practical alternative to strollers in some situations.
5 Keys Things About Shoulder Baby Holders
It may look like a simple accessory at first but it does offer several advantages. Here are some.
- The most important part of the holder is that it allows close body contact between the baby and the parent, helping them bond with each other.
- Secondly, it is suitable for children from infancy up to the toddler stage. You can carry a new born in the holder just as easily as a toddler.
- With a variety of holders available with different designs, it is easy to use. The designs are simple and uncomplicated.
- The holders don’t take up much space. They are compact, easy to carry around and fold-able
- Don’t have to worry about maintaining it. It is easy to care for
Before buying a sling carrier, always keep the safety of your child as your number one priority (I know, as parents, it anyways comes foremost to the mind) and do not compromise on quality and reputation of the brand when you look for a sling or a wrap.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the safe way to carry an infant in a Baby sling is: Chin up, Face visible, Nose and Mouth free, Over the Shoulder Baby Holder.
Here’s an image that correctly depicts how to safely carry an infant in a baby sling.
There are several over the shoulder baby holders available in the market, made from varied fabrics (some rigid while others are made of fabrics with little or no supporting frame) and with attractive designs.
There are so many varieties and choices, so, to make it simpler, I’ve put up this review of the most popular over the shoulder holder designs. You can evaluate and choose the one that best suits you and your baby.
Top Baby Carriers, Slings, Backpacks: Reviews
While reviewing the holders, the quality of the fabric, safety of the product and customer satisfaction rating have been kept in mind.
The top recommended baby carriers, slings, backpacks:
- BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini: Buy on Amazon
- Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Slings: Buy on Amazon | Buy on Mayawrap.com
- RosyBaby Lite On Shoulder Baby Sling: Buy on Amazon | Buy on Slingcarrier.com
- Baby K’tan ORIGINAL Baby Carrier: Buy on Amazon | Buy on Babyktan.com
- Boba Wrap Baby Carrier: Buy on Amazon | Buy on Boba.com
Here’s a detailed review of these products.
Colugo Baby Carrier
The ergonomically designed Colugo Baby Carrier is suited for babies 7 to 33 pounds. Tennis champion Serena Williams was spotted wearing this baby carrier while exercising, after all.
This versatile carrier is a perfect mix of aesthetic and practical features. It is easy to adjust, has ample storage space and is comfortable for both the parent and the baby. The baby carrier supports three carrying positions: facing in and out in the front, and facing in on the back.
The Colugo Baby Carrier is also available in a variety of stylish colors and patterns such as leopard print and Oxford stripe. The product however is priced on the higher side.
BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini
The carrier is fully adjustable to fit your growing baby, and has an ergonomic design. This baby carrier is actually available in wide a range of colors and styles.
Use this carrier until your child is one year old or until they reach a weight of 24 lbs (11 kg) and/or a height of 29.5 in (75 cm).
#1 Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Slings
The Maya Lightly Padded Ring Slings are the most popular among the rest of the brands. It would be my number 1 choice if I had to choose a sling for my baby. It comes in a variety of colors (Plum, Bright Strips, Olive, Olive Green, Twilight Blue), so you can mix and match or coordinate it with what you are wearing. It is also available in different sizes, namely – Small, Medium, Large and Extra large (all sizes differ in length but not in width). So you can choose according to your size.
The carrier can carry children weighing between 8lbs and 35lbs. It provides nice cushioning for parents due to the slight padding in the shoulder. The un-padded rings help hold the sling firm and keeps the baby safe. You can also choose the sling with a longer tail if you would want to use it as a discreet cover for nursing.
The carrier is made from 100% hand loomed cotton, you can wash it in machine in cool water and hang it to dry
You can easily change carrying positions that accommodate your child’s growth. The baby holder comes with built in pockets for keys, diaper, and cell phone. It is easy to carry, can fit it into your carry bag or diaper bag.
The pack includes complete instructions on how to get the best out of your Maya Over the Shoulder Baby Carrier.
Deciding on the right Size of Maya Lightly Padded Baby Sling Wrap
The sizing instructions could be confusing to some parents, so, check out this size guide as recommended by the manufacturer:
The right size of the Maya Baby sling would depend on your body build or the build of whoever will wear the sling. The length of the sling differ however, the width remains the same in all sizes. Most of the buyers prefer the medium size but no matter what size you pick, ensure that the sling has a tail that extends to the top of your legs. Don’t worry if the length of the tail extends further than the top of your leg, any excess tail can be easily tucked. It is always better to buy a longer sling than a shorter one.
The table below should help you figure the right size:
Sizing Suggestions for Maya Lightly Padded Sling Baby Wrap
| Size | Small | Medium | Large | X Large |
| Your Height | Below 5’ 2” & Slender | 5’ 2” to 5’ 9” | Above 5’ 9” | Large Frame |
| Sling Length | 67” or 170cm | 73” or 185cm | 79” or 201cm | 85” or 216cm |
Any negative points to watch out for?
The best carrying position with the ring adjustment was difficult to figure out initially. Despite the instruction manual, it can be a bit confusing for some. The fabric is not as light weight when compared with other brands of baby slings that are relatively lighter. Some parents felt it was a bit expensive
- Buy on Amazon | Buy on Mayawrap.com
#2 Lite On Shoulder Baby Sling (RosyBaby)
Lite On Shoulder Baby Sling would be my 2nd choice of baby sling after Maya Baby Sling. It is just as widely popular as as the Maya Sling Baby carriers. The best part about Lite On Shoulder Baby sling is that it is so light in weight, only about 10 oz and very stylish. The fabric material of the sling is 100 percent silky cotton. Despite it weighing so less, it is very strong and durable. It can easily fit into a diaper bag.
Parents use the Lite-on-Shoulder Baby Sling carrier mostly to wear babies and snuggle, nurse or rock them to sleep. It is also used for carrying heavy toddlers in a hip position and some parents even use it as a toddler leash or a mini walker.
The Lite On Shoulder Baby Sling is also very fashionably designed and many parents prefer it over other brands because of this. It is available in a huge variety of color patterns.
The sling is 28 inches wide which is wide enough to hold the baby in different positions without bundling up. It has a Long open end tail that provides flexible adjustment to safely secure babies as you wear them, and comfortably fit their changing sizes as they grow. The buckle ring is made of cast copper zinc alloy and is smooth without any wielding points which makes it more secure and strong.
The fabric used is breathable, and so you and your baby won’t feel too hot while using the sling. You can even comfortably use the sling in hot weather. It also has a curved pouch seat that provides deep pockets and allows the baby to fit in comfortably providing better grip on their legs. Your baby’s thighs get the right amount of cushioning due to the railings that are lightly padded.
The Lightly padded Shoulder portion of the baby sling prevents strain on your neck by distributing the weight through the torso.
Size / Weight Guide : The Lite on shoulder baby sling size guide is less confusing than the Maya baby sling carrier. It fits any mom up to size 22 and is a one size fits all over the shoulder baby holder. You will get 4 sizes in lite on shoulder baby sling.
The holder can easily carry weight up-to 35lbs. If your child weights over 35lbs , you can carry your baby in the hip position to distribute their weight evenly.
Unlike the Maya baby sling, the lite on shoulder holder is relatively cheaper and offers great value for money.
Any negative points to watch out for?
The material feels lighter so some parents may worry about the strength of the material (however its quite strong, just follow the instructions and you should be fine). Every sling requires practice. Some parents struggle with finding a suitable baby wearing position for their child
#3 – Baby K’tan Breeze Baby Carrier
Baby Ktan Breeze Baby Carrier is no #3 on the list of baby carriers. The most attractive feature of a Baby K’tan Breeze Baby Carrier is the innovative design which you won’t find in the previous 2 choices. It has a double loop that will help you wear it over both your shoulders, almost similar to putting on your T-Shirt.
The Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is a mix of a typical Baby Sling, Wrap or Carrier and very comfortable for both the baby and the parent.
It is designed to carry a child from new born to a child of the age of preschool weighing upto 35lbs. It allows 6 different positions to carry a child as per the age.
The material is very light in weight, compact, evenly distributed over both shoulders unlike maya baby sling and lite on shoulder holder that can be hung over one shoulder only. It is made of 50% soft cotton and breathable 50% mesh and reduces heat and moisture, making it very comfortable to use for baby and the parent. No wrapping or hardware makes it easy to wear.
The Baby K’tan Breeze has a back support band that can be adjusted to prevent any strain on your back and it also distributes the weight of the baby evenly. The unique design is such that it is ready to use and has no buckles or rings or snaps, so it is easier to use. It is compact and comes with a carrying bag. It is also easy to put on and take off. It provides extra security for your baby due the double sling with quick and easy adjustments for maximum comfort.
The sling is available in gender neutral colors that can be worn by either mom or dad. You can wash and dry it in the machine.
The Baby K’tan is easy to use, just in 3 simple steps, as illustrated below in the diagram. It also comes with an instruction manual.
Sizing Guide for Baby K’tan Breeze
Care should be taken to pick the right size before buying the Baby K’tan Breeze baby sling carrier. It is available in 5 sizes, and choosing the right size can sometimes be confusing for parents. The sizes
are extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. For women, it is advised to refer to your pre pregnancy size and if you are between 5’2 i.e. 157cm or shorter, it is best to choose a small size. Since Baby K’tan has a stretch fabric, so it will fit well.
Any negative points to watch out for?
Just like other slings, Baby K’tan may be a bit challenging to use for parents. With a little bit of practice however, it should become easier. Some parents who like to match the color of the sling with their outfit may find the gender neutral plain colors disappointing. Unlike the Maya Baby sling Wrap, Baby K’tan Breeze does not offer lots of variety in terms of colors and patterns
Brica By-My-Side Safety Harness Backpack
Brica By-My-Side Safety Harness Backpack reviewed here. A good product with clever design and features, the harness is adjustable and kids love to wear it.
Give your kids some independence with this cute backpack with useful features. Reflective strips provide added nighttime visibility, and if required, just clip on the optional tether and your child will stay safely by your side.
Here are the top Features of the Brica By-My-Side Safety Harness Backpack:
- Zippered main compartment, front mesh pocket and two side pockets, makes it perfect for toys, clothes, trinkets or snacks. There is even a handy spot for a sippy cup.
- Ultra Comfort Design with padded shoulder straps (adjustable) and back panel makes it comfortable for kids to carry
- Kids are more likely to carry it and its less likely that you’ll end up carrying it.
- Swivel clip helps keep the tether strap from tangling
- Toy loop lets you keep your child’s favorite small toy or trinket close at hand
- Optional tether is removable
Infantino Breathe Baby Carrier
Infantino Breathe Baby Carrier is a comfortable carrier made with tailored padding and sleek look that adjusts to accommodate the baby perfectly. Its very easy to get the baby in and out of the carrier, and its very comfortable for the baby as well, it includes a head support for the baby.
Look at the main features before you decide to buy the Infantino Breathe Baby Carrier:
- Suitable for children who’re 8-25 lbs / 3.6-11.3 kgs
- Allow 2 carrying positions: face-in and face-out
- Side openings for easy access
- The carrier is washable and wipeable
- Padded straps keep you comfortable while carrying the baby
- Available in pink and grey colours
- Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.3 x 4.3 inches, Weight: 1.2 pounds
ERGO Baby Carrier Bundle of Joy
Here’s a complete review of the ERGO Baby Carrier Bundle of Joy, a comfortable baby carrier that includes an ultra comfortable Ergobaby Carrier with a matched Infant Insert. Its made of hundred percent cotton to provide comfort to your little one, and is sturdily crafted so that you can carry your baby with confidence. Its also cleverly designed and distributes most of the weight to your hips/legs. Babies just love the Ergo with the infant insert.
- PROS: Comfortable, versatile, good design
- CONS: Does not allow the baby to be forward facing
Look at the main features before you decide to buy the ERGO Baby Carrier Bundle of Joy:
- Can be used from the first day you bring your newborn home
- Supports babies up to 45 lbs. (20 kg), which means practically this is the only carrier you’ll ever need
- Because the baby’s weight is evenly distributed between the hips and shoulders, its extremely comfortable for parents
- Ergonomic for Baby: Baby is cradled in a natural sitting position
- Allows 3 Carry Positions: Front, back and hip
- Stitching: Reinforced at all fabric intersections for extra durability and safety
- Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 0.2 inches, Weight: 1.6 ounces
To sum it up, both the stroller and the sling complement each other however. In fact, despite the many advantages of the sling, sometimes you cannot beat the stroller for carrying you child around. It seems much convenient especially for longer duration. But at the end of it, using a sling or a stroller is a personal choice parents make. Both are good in their own way however, your choice depends on your comfort and the comfort of your baby.
There are many sling carriers available in the market today so there is no dearth of choice. The reviews should help you decide on what is best for you and your child.
StrollerBoards is a family managed website with me (Ben) and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing baby travel gear. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical solutions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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