What’s important to think about when choosing a baby carrier?

One of parentings most posed questions is how to continue life while having a baby. One answer is to try babywearing. In that way, you can have both hands free, bond with your baby and at the same time do whatever you want.  When choosing a baby carrier you need to think about a few different things.

What do I need to know when choosing a baby carrier?

The list of different baby carriers on the market is endless. It's important to choose the one that suits you and your family's life and that makes life as a parent easier. Here's a few bullet points to think about when choosing a baby carrier.

1. Usage

The baby’s age and weight

Who will carry the baby the most?

When and how long will you use the carrier?

2. Fit, ergonomy and comfort

How many carrying positions the baby carrier offers

Ease of use

Adjustability

Comfort for you and the baby

3. Functions, quality and maintenance

Weather, temperature and climate

Style, fabric and material

Safety

Read on for a more detailed description of each part.

Usage

First, it’s important to think about when you’re planning to use the baby carrier. For how long do you want to be able to use the carrier? How old will the child be? Who will be the “main carrier”? 

For active families that are out on the move a lot, or are using the baby carrier for longer periods of time, it’s important to look into the ergonomic support. For those who are more of a stay at home parent, the cozyness of the carriers might be of more importance. Maybe you need a cozy baby wrap for the first months at home, and a baby carrier when you’re starting to go on adventures together.

The age of the child is also a key thing to keep in mind. A baby wrap is usually recommended as a great carrying option for newborns, due to all positive effects it has on both the parents and the child. A baby carrier - or a soft structured carrier - is usually made out of stronger material and offers more support than a baby wrap. Therefore it's usually more suitable for older children.

Fit, ergonomy and comfort

The carrier should be comfortable for you and the baby. Otherwise, it will end up in a drawer somewhere. We don’t want that. 

To make sure you want to use the carrier all day every day, think about how you want to be able to carry your child. For some, it’s important to have that soft cosy feeling of having the baby close when cuddling at home. Others believe it’s more valuable to be able to carry the child for several hours without hurting the back (or mood). Different carriers offer different type of support for you and your child. Always make sure that the baby carrier is ergonomically tested by experts.

Also check how easy the carrier is to use and adjust. If it comes with an endless list of instructions, complicated adjustments and settings, maybe you should think twice before buying.

Functions, quality and maintenance

All carriers on the market have different strengths and weaknesses, functions and settings and design and choices of material. 

For the baby’s safety, you need to examine the production and manufacturing of the product. Are the textiles safe? Does the product contain animal products? Is it safety tested and approved as a hip-healthy product? Is the carrier washable and easy to maintain?

A safe baby carrier

Najell's products are developed to fit both the parents and the baby's needs. A baby carrier from Najell grows with the child and is made to be able to use from day one.

The baby carriers undergo an extensive medical examination and we have been in dialogue with medical experts during our product development.

Babycarrying in a Najell product helps the baby to sit in the correct c-shaped position and is good for the physical development of the body. That’s why our baby carriers are recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a safe product.