Babies love to be held and carried but carrying them all day can be tiring. Thankfully with the convenience of wearing your baby in a baby carrier, you can bond with your baby while getting things done. But which baby carrier to right for your family? From ring slings to hip seat baby carriers, there are countless babywearing options from just as many brands, and picking the right carrier for your family can surely be overwhelming!
Cecilia Tsai, CEO of MiaMily and a mom of 3, is the creator of the HIPSTER hip seat baby carrier (www.miamily.com), an innovative carrier with a built in 3D hipseat that is revolutionizing how parents all over the world are carrying their babies.
As a mom who has “been there, done that” in the world of babywearing, Cecilia shares 5 important things to consider when picking the right carrier that will grow with your baby.
TIP #1: Ergonomic for Baby:
The safest and healthiest position for a child’s hip development is for the thighs to be supported at hip level, which ensures that their thigh bones stay inside the hip socket. Even if a carrier boasts an ergonomic position while facing inward, it doesn’t always mean it’s ergonomic to face outward. As baby gets older and develops the neck strength to safely face forward, it is important to consider whether or not the carrier maintains a healthy hip position. Letting your child face forward will not only allow them to entertain themselves by observing the world around them, but it also allows you to have extra time and free hands to get things done. Having a carrier that maintains a healthy posture in all carrying positions will also give you the peace of mind knowing that baby is comfortable and safe.
TIP #2: Ergonomic for Wearer:
While all carriers are designed with the child’s posture in mind, not every carrier is created with the wearer’s comfort in mind. Traditional baby carriers and slings put all of baby’s weight on the wearer’s shoulders and upper back, causing a lot of stress on the lower back. This often results in chronic back pain over time. Always look for a carrier that has a high waist belt that supports your lower back and provides proper lumbar support in all positions. It is important to consider not just baby’s comfort, but the wearer’s comfort as well. If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!
Tip #3: Storage Space:
Does the baby carrier you’re considering have the potential to nix your necessity to carry a diaper bag and a purse? Think about it! You’ve got your kid strapped to you, but if you also have to carry your purse and a diaper bag, it kind of defeats the idea of going hands free, right? While most carriers might have a pocket here or there, the things you need most are often not as accessible as you might like them to be. MiaMily’s carriers have a giant under seat storage space where diapers, pacis, toys and keys can be kept. You literally can leave the house without a purse or diaper bag and be truly hands free!
TIP #4 : Safety Standards:
Not all carriers are created the same. Always make sure to check that the carrier has met all the necessary safety standards (it’s required by law to mention the safety standard tests in the instruction manual). Safety standards and material chemical tests are expensive and every country requires different safety standard testing. Not only have MiaMily carriers pass all the safety standards, we use only baby safe fabrics and hardware too.
TIP # 5: Versatility:
How many carriers are you planning to buy? Many people end up buying several carriers over the span of their kids’ infancy and toddlerhood because baby outgrows the carrier, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead of buying a new carrier every time your baby hits a growth spurt, pick a carrier that will grow with your baby. Miamily carriers can be used from the newborn stage (with an infant insert) and they grow with your child until they are 48 months old. MiaMily carriers are fully adjustable to suit different body types so that they can be used by moms, dads, grandparents, and even older siblings.
From the sleepless nights of infancy to the times of chasing tots around the store, parenthood is crazy and demanding. Buying a baby carrier doesn’t have to be. Follow these 5 easy tips, and you will surely be able to find a carrier that will be loved by you and your baby!