New babywearers often ask me for recommendations for one carrier that can be used from birth to toddlerhood, that can be used in any situation for any length of time.They say they only want to buy one carrier, so it needs to last.
My answer?Baby carriers are like handbags.Yes, it’s entirely possible to own only one bag, which you use for every outing and any activity.But the chances are, you own at least one other handbag in addition to your daily purse (or diaper bag). Perhaps it’s an evening bag, that goes with your little black dress and is just big enough to hold your cell phone, lipstick and credit card.It might be a gym bag.Or a backpack for when you need to take a lot of gear and you want something big enough to hold all of it that won’t tire your shoulders out.Some of us own handbags in every possible shape and color, so we have the perfect bag for any outfit and any occasion.
Baby carriers are much the same way.It is entirely possible to own only one baby carrier and use it for every outing and occasion.For some people this is a pouch or ring sling, others prefer a two-shouldered carrier like a mei tai, buckle carrier or wrap.Which carrier is your go-to carrier varies so much from person to person, just like handbags do.
Say you start out with a pouch with your newborn.Pouches are easy to use and you like the simple, no-fuss aspect of them.This works great for you for the first several weeks, but you are finding that your little one needs to be held ALL THE TIME, and you are starting to get some soreness by the end of the day, especially as your little one gets heavier.So you get a Moby wrap, and it is heavenly!Super comfy and supportive and you can breastfeed in it hands free. Plus you can wear it for hours with no discomfort at all.
As your little one gets older and you move out of the honeymoon phase, you start getting antsy to get more things done. You’d like to be able to put him on your back, and plus, all the fabric of the Moby is driving you a little nuts in the parking lot at Target. So you get a Kozy carrier mei tai, so you can put little one in a high back carry as well as a front carry. The Kozy is super supportive and less futsy than the Moby.
As little one gets older and starts wanting to be up and down a lot, you go back to using your pouch more often, for the simple, fast hip carry it provides.Then you have a wedding to go to, your pouch doesn’t go with your dress, so you get a ring sling in a fabulous color to accessorize your outfit.
Then you take up hiking and don’t want the straps of your Kozy dragging on the ground, so you get an ERGO baby carrier.You love how fast it is to get on and off, and how it takes the weight off your shoulders and puts in on your hips.
And just like bags, it’s always nice to have a baby carrier just right for the beach and pool (water wrap or mesh pouch) and one that rolls up compactly that you can leave in the glove compartment just in case (Hotslings pouch). Not to mention one that doesn’t clash with your purple and yellow striped sweater!Coming soon: But seriously, how many carriers do I really need?
