Hi again Mommybites world! As I mentioned in my first post for this fabulous community, I love baby carriers. Here is a little dip into the world of carriers and hopefully it well help you choose a carrier, or decide to get one, or let you know that you are spot on with the carrier you’ve already got.
One of the main things people learn about me when I work with moms and expecting ladies is that I almost always encourage carrying your baby. This is otherwise known as “babywearing,” and in New York City, this is nearly impossible to avoid. Well, not really, but navigating the city with a stroller and navigating the city while wearing your baby can be very, very different experiences. Strollers help you carry other stuff and they leave you to be free and baby to rest or play as you stroll. I love a stroller. I love a lot of strollers, really. And if given the time, I’ll cover strollers here too, but that’s another day. Going on the subway, up and down stairs, getting in and out of stores – or down those narrow aisles, riding the bus, and using the bathroom. Those are just a few things that can be much easier in the city while wearing your babe in a carrier. (Btw, can we discuss using a public bathroom while your child sleeps in the stroller?? Unless the extra large stall is large enough, I’ve yet to find a reliable way to feel like I’ve got a safe eye on my child without leaving the door open – now that is just AWKWARD!!!)
There are a million and one carriers out there so it is important to make sure that you are using any carrier in the safest way possible – don’t worry, I will cover some tips on that too. But some of the most popular kinds of carriers are slings, ring slings, soft-structured carriers, mei tais, wraps – both stretchy and woven. I often recommend a wrap or a mei tai in the beginning and then graduating to a soft-structured carrier once the little toots really starts to pack on weight. These tend to be incredibly versatile and help distribute more weight in all the right places to relieve any sort of stress or pain.
But if someone says to me, “I only want one,” I recommend the Boba. It is one of my fave carriers these days as my daughter has grown and has been for quite some time now. I loved the previous model a lot and now they have really stepped it up with the 3G carrier.
It holds a newborn from 7 lbs or a child of 45 lbs all in the same carrier. No assembly needed.
The straps adjust for all heights and shapes and they added a pocket on the waistband.
It also has a genius clip that will hold a bag strap and keep it from falling off the shoulder.
Additionally, their coordinating bag will attach to the carrier or most other similar carriers.
It magically hugs the baby to you with adjusting straps at the middle and it really does make a difference.
Boba’s signature stirrups keep a larger child’s leg at a 90 degree angle which helps them ride more comfortably.
Benefits of carrier your child –
- People won’t touch your baby as much
- You can monitor them constantly
- They know you are close – aka Bonding Time!! The coveted thing for any working parent.
- Maneuverability
- Feeding on the go, soothing on the go, sleeping on the go
Also see my earlier post on getting around NYC with public transportation
Here are a few tips for safety when using a carrier – but check out the BCIA for a complete list.
- Use a carrier that is appropriate for your child’s size.
- Always make sure the baby can breathe. This seems obvious, but if their chin is to their chest, that is scary and in the early days they need help with that.
- Never Never Never use a carrier while riding in a car.
Hope this all helpful. If you still have questions or specific requests, feel free to hit me up at @BabyPlannerNYC.
Jennifer Link is the owner of Sweat Pea Baby Planners
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributors. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Guest writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.