What Are the Different Types of Baby Carriers?

Considering a baby carrier? Read the following to know precisely the different types of baby carriers and which situation they are most suitable.

Almost every baby carrier can be placed in one of those categories. It’s handy to know the difference when you are looking for a baby carrier.

Uncertain about which baby carrier to get? Take a look at this list of the best baby carriers. I have put lots of hours into this baby carrier buying guide, and you’ll find the ideal carrier for your child!

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The 5 mains categories of baby carrier

1. Wrap

The wrap is the most popular type of baby carrier in the world. Mothers have been carrying their children with such carrier since the beginning of time.

They consist of a large and long piece of fabric that wraps around you and your baby. After tying both ends, you create a cozy and safe little pouch to carry your baby.

Beginners might find it challenging to use at first, but after a few practices, it becomes easier.

The most important feature of the wraps is the versatility, as it allows you to wear your baby in the front, back or even on your hips. Moreover, you can carry a newborn or a toddler, depending on the way you wrap your kid.

Also, the almost unlimited color options are guaranteed to fit anyone style. Plus, the wraps are easy to clean, especially compare to the buckles and straps carrier.

For more information on baby wrap carriers, check out this list I created of the best baby wrap.

2. Ring sling

Similar to the wraps, the ring sling consist of a long piece of fabric used to wrap your baby around your body. The difference is you use the metal ring to attach the wrap instead of tying the end.

Such baby carriers are very adjustable and can accommodate any body size. They are also easy to use and suitable for breastfeeding.

However, since the ring sling wrap around one shoulder, it may be uncomfortable after wearing your baby for a while. Also, it’s not recommended for people with back pain.

3. Structured carrier (Buckles and straps carrier)

Today, when parents think about getting a baby carrier, the structured carrier is the first type of carrier they will look at. Sure, wraps have been around for a long time. However, major brands behind structured carriers (ex: Baby Bjorn, Ergo Baby, Boba, etc.) are putting the big bucks to advertise their product.

This type of carrier is called a soft structured carrier or a buckle carrier because they come with padded straps and buckles. The fabric is soft, and it creates a cozy pouch for your baby to sit in. Everythings is adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit and a balanced weight distribution. Such carriers are designed to be ergonomic, while also being safe for your baby and for your back.

The majority of the structured carriers are meant to carry children old enough to hold their neck and head properly without support. However, some baby carrier comes with an insert or extra support for your newborn. When your kid gets old enough (5-6 months), you can start to carry him on your back or facing forward.

The buckles and straps carrier is the easiest to use because of the adjustability. They can be adapted to any body type, and they come in various styles and colors. The extra padding is definitely a must when you plan on wearing your kid for an extended period during the day.

Sure, they are usually more expensive than the other carrier types, but they are incredibly durable, and you can use them for years. I had used the same carrier with both of my kids until they were 2 years old, and I have sold the carrier to a friend who uses it for an extra 4 years.

For more information on the structured baby carrier, check out this list I created of the best buckles and straps carriers.

4. Meh Dai Carrier (Mei Tai)

When you merge the structured carrier with the wrap, you get the Mei Tai carrier. This carrier looks like the usual buckles and straps carrier, but they have long pieces of fabric to fasten around your body (like the wrap) instead of the buckles.

The Mei Tai is exceptionally adjustable with his 2 shoulders straps and the other 2 that wrap around your waist. The straps are padded to provide you extra comfort. Plus, learning how to use the Mei Tai is not difficult.

They can be used with kids of different age, but some model might not be suitable for a newborn.

For more information on the Meh Dai carrier, check out this list I created of the best Mei Tai carriers.

5. Backpack carriers

When you plan on carrying your kid for an extended period, the backpack carrier is the ideal choice. Since they are designed for hiking, the backpack carriers have plenty of support, and they are very comfortable for you and your kid. In my experience, they are the ideal solution when you hit the trail or go sightseeing with your toddler.

You wear it like a standard backpack, and your kid is seated facing the back of your head. The weight is adequately distributed, and the padded shoulder greatly helps with comfort.

Sure they are bulkier than your every-day baby carrier, but the comfort and adjustability are what make it an essential for any active parents.

For more information, check out my list of the best backpack carrier to travel with your child.

The difference between a carrier for newborn and for a toddler

Your kid’s health and safety greatly depend on the following information.

Carrier for newborn

Not every baby carriers designed to carry your newborn. You must be very careful when choosing a baby carrier for newborn.

First, a newborn is always carried in the front, facing you, so you can interact with your kid easily. You must be able to look into your baby eyes at all time. Otherwise, the risk of suffocation is too high. Also, the carrier must be designed to provide an ergonomic position for your baby. Using the wrong type of carrier could lead to hips problem for your kid. Therefore you must check for a carrier that has proper support.

Secondly, the head and neck supports are critical. Newborn doesn’t have the needed muscles to hold their head, so the carrier must have extra support for these reasons.

Almost every type of baby carrier will have the newborn option. Some need an extra insert in the carrier to safely carry your new baby, while others already have this support built-in.

If you plan on using your baby carrier in the first weeks, make sure it has these proper features.

For more information, check out my list of the best newborn baby carriers!

Carrier for toddler

The benefit of carrying your newborn baby is well known, but let me tell you a little secret. When your kid starts to walk, he will ask to go for a stroll, but halfway there, he’ll probably decide the walk is over. This is when the carrier for toddler becomes useful.

Instead of bringing an empty stroller, you simply pack the baby carrier and use it when the time comes. When I was grocery shopping or simply walking to the park, I always preferred the carrier instead of the stroller. While traveling, I always bring the carrier because the stroller takes a lot of space. Plus, you never know how inconvenient a stroller is until you visit a dense city or take a walk on the beach. Trust me!

Almost every baby carriers were designed to hold the weight of a toddler. Therefore, you won’t have any problem finding a carrier suitable for a toddler. I have personally used a structured carrier, but I notice plenty of parents using wraps.

Which baby carrier is best for me?

Different types of carrier are available. Some accommodate all body types and gender, while others are more activity-related. Here’s the most popular type of baby carrier.

Baby carrier for hiking

You still want to get outside when you have a baby. For us, going for a hike is probably our favorite activities with the kids.

The baby carrier for hiking looks like a giant backpack for your kids. However, It’s not every baby carrier for hiking who are extra hard and oversized. Now, there’s is a wide selection of safe hiking carrier that could fit your needs and let you enjoy the outdoor.

They are built on a sturdy metal frame that provides enough support for your kid. Also, the baby carriers for hiking are designed to be comfortable for both of you. Plus, they have enough storage for stashing everything you need to enjoy the ride (snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.).

Hiking with your little one means been exposed to natural elements such as the sun or rain. This is why some hiking carrier comes with sunshade and rain cover. It is definitely a must for any proper hiking baby carrier. Because the cute hat you bought at H&M is not enough to protect your kid during a long hike.

I have tried my every-day baby carrier for a hiking trip, and I can assure you that nothing comes close to the real baby carrier for hiking. What I particularly like is the metal frame stand that allows you to put down the carrier efficiently without it tipping over. This feature is handy when I hit the trail alone, and no one is there to help me set up the carrier. Moreover, the support and stability are what makes this type of carrier ideal for hiking.

For more information, check out my list of the top-rated hiking baby carriers! It contain also numerous tips for choosing the best one for you and your kid.

Baby carrier for plus size moms

It can be so frustrating when you try to find a baby carrier that fit your body type, and it can be depressing when the options seem nonexistent. Using a baby carrier that is too big or too small can put your baby’s safety at risk, plus you’ll feel very uncomfortable. The good news is some type of carriers and wraps can be comfortably adjusted to any body size.

First, if you’ll like to use the structured carrier, get the one with that can fit your waist size or get an extender to ensure a decent fit. The straps must be comfortable, long enough, and with enough padding, so the weight is correctly distributed. Moreover, make sure the straps and buckles are not digging into your skin, which will become very uncomfortable after a few minutes of carrying.

The structured carrier with the straps and buckles can be suitable, but they do not have the flexibility of the wraps. If you go for the wrap, simply get the one with enough length of fabric to wrap around yourself and your baby.

For more information on baby carriers for plus size moms, check out this list I created of the best plus-size baby carriers.

Baby carrier for short moms

Moms come in all shape and size, while some manufacturer seems to forget about this detail. Finding a suitable baby carrier when you have a small build can be daunting. Nevertheless, you should never sacrifice the safety of your kid or your comfort by purchasing the wrong size of baby carrier.

One of the best carriers for short moms are the structured carrier with buckles and straps. They are the most comfortable because of their shoulder padding and padded waistband.

However, the wraps are also very adjustable and can fit any size of mom or dad. If your wrap has too much material, you can simply wrap it around your waist.

Finally, the ring slings are very appreciated by petite moms because they are easily adjustable.

Therefore, the principal baby carrier features to look for when you are short is the adjustability and overall size. Because when the baby pouch is too big, you’ll still feel uncomfortable, even if it well adjusts to your body size.

For more information on baby carriers for short moms, check out this list I created of the best baby carriers for small moms.

Baby carrier for large breasts

Sometime, especially when you have a newborn, your breasts could be the issue when you can’t find a baby carrier that fits comfortably. Your baby might be pressing too much on your chest, or it’s the extra weight who’s causing your back to hurt.

Many women have the same issue, their breasts are too large. They would like to be able to carry their baby comfortably, but it just seems impossible. Some also find it way too tricky to nurse in public.

Women have found useful workarounds to be able to nurse in public by using rollup towel under their breasts or by using a scarf over their shoulder for more intimacy.

However, the only baby carrier that seems suitable for large breasts is the Mei Tai. With the Mei Tai, you can carry your baby higher on your body than the regular structured baby carrier (with straps and buckles), and this makes all the difference.

Baby carrier for obese mom

The plus-size moms don’t have a wide variety of options when it comes to baby carriers. This sometimes leads to sacrificing the safety and comfort of their child by choosing the wrong size of baby carrier. However, before you buy any kind of baby carrier, make sure to read the following. Because suitable baby carrier for obese moms must have following features.

When choosing a baby carrier, the size and comfort of the straps are what you want to pay attention to. They must be long enough and with sufficient padding so they won’t dig into your skin.

Also, the waistband is essential to distribute the weight and avoid putting too much strain on your back. Therefore, you must choose a baby carrier with a large enough waistband that can be comfortably clipped around your waist.

The size is also something you want to pay attention to. Baby carriers come in different sizes, and some model has an XL version. However, make sure to check the exact size, as it can be different from one manufacturer to another.

Finally, the adjustability is the key features for any baby carrier. You need to feel comfortable while also safely carrying your kid. The baby must be well position, without too much pressure on the hips. Plus, you must be able to reach all pockets easily and put the hood over your baby’s head.

Baby carrier for bad back

Back pain is the most widespread conditions affecting many moms and dads carrying their kid during an extended period. Sure, most manufacturers advertise their baby carrier as safe for the back, but sometimes it won’t be enough to carry your baby without back pain.

The best baby carrier for the bad back is designed to distribute the weight away from your back (waist, front, side). They should help you avoid the aggravation of the problem. Plus they make babywearing more comfortable.

Moreover, when using a baby carrier while you have back pain, you should consider the following tips. First, be careful when putting your kid in the carrier, and bend your knees to lift your child. Also, take it easy at the beginning and don’t carry your baby for too long. Moreover, avoid unnecessary movement while wearing your child.

Baby carrier for dad

I have personally carry both of my kids until they become toddlers. Sure, I enjoy every minute carrying my little monkeys, and it was the perfect moment to connect with them. However, I was sharing the same carrier with my wife and the re-adjusting part before (almost) every walk around the neighborhood were a little bit frustrating.

I’m almost one foot taller than my wife, and I’m bigger too. This means we had to re-adjust the straps and buckles every time.

I wish I have bought my own baby carrier.

Plus, some baby carrier has been designed especially for the dad. My favorite is the Tactical baby carrier. What a cool looking baby carrier, designed especially for the dad life!

How many time I have used the baby carrier to take my kid for a nap outside… With such a carrier, I would have walked into any parks, pharmacy, or grocery store, without feeling less than the dad of the year.

If you are looking for a cool gift idea for your friends who became a dad, this is the greatest baby related gift you could get.

For more information on baby carriers for dad, check out this list I created of the best baby carriers for dads.

Baby carrier for pool

You might be thinking, why do I need a particular baby carrier for the pool, and your doubts are probably right. You don’t absolutely need a baby carrier designed for the pool. However, if you like going to the pool or the beach with your baby, you’ll find that the regular carrier won’t dry as quickly. You’ll end up walking around with a wet baby carrier all day.

A baby carrier for the pool is made of lightweight fabric, and they don’t have the usual padding. All of which makes them dry way more faster than your every-day carrier. Plus, the material as a UV protection, protecting the skin of your baby while you enjoy the freshwater of the pool.

One of the significant benefits of such a baby carrier is the extra level of safety it provides when you go into the water with your baby. You simply don’t have to worry about your baby slipping off in the pool or at the beach. It’s also much helpful when you travel with a baby because it allows for showering with your kid without having to bring a portable bath or such bulky accessories.

Baby carrier for baby hips

The hips of a growing child are very fragile, especially for the newborn. The joint and tissues are still quite soft, and if you place your baby in a non-ergonomic position for long periods, this may affect the health of his hips.

Therefore, it is crucial to get a baby carrier that is safe for your baby’s hips. You need a baby carrier that provides natural hips and legs positon. The carrier should hold your baby weight by his behind and not by the hips. The knees should be higher than the hips and form an M-like shape. This position is called the frog position, and it’s the one recommended by every parents and expert.

For more information on the safety of your baby hips, I recommend reading this article, I wrote about the safest baby carrier for hips.

Baby carrier for travel

When traveling, especially in the airport, I prefer to use a baby carrier instead of the stroller. It free my arms and hands, so I’m able to carry luggage, take care of my other kid, or to simply read a book while waiting for the plane. Also, another significant advantage is my baby falling asleep easily in the carrier (and in the flight).

The ideal baby carrier for travel has to be lightweight, made of breathable fabric and with enough support. While traveling, you’ll probably do lots of walking around, and therefore, it’s imperative to have enough support and padding to be more comfortable.

Imagine being in the airport with both hands free, or your baby sleeping in the plane, moreover not having to deal with a bulky stroller while sightseeing! Every parent who got a baby carrier for travel didn’t regret it, and I’m sure you’ll love it too.

You’ll thank me later!

Takeaway

Every parent should be able to find the right kind of baby carrier for them. Today, you can find an option for every type of bodies or activities. Doesn’t matter if you are short, tall or large, one of those baby carriers will fit.

Before you choose you must know which kind of activities you plan on doing with the carrier and for how long you are going to use it. Because if you are planning on getting out if the hospital with your newborn in the carrier, you must get the proper one. On the other hand, if you like the outdoor and planing on taking long walks in the wood, you should consider the hiking carrier.

I have used so many time the baby carrier, and it’s one of those things that I couldn’t do without.

It’s money well spent!