Babycarriers can usually split into a few different categories:
1. Pouches
2. Ringslings
3. Asian Style Carriers
4. Wraps
5 NOS
Pouches
Essentially a "ring" of fabric, folded in half lengthwise to create a pocket for the baby. Worn over one shoulder like a ring sling. Can be used for the same carries as ring slings. Can be made of woven or slightly stretchy fabrics. Some have a certain amount of adjustability allowing two people of different sizes to use the pouch, usually achieved with zippers or rows of snaps.
Pros:
Very easy to use
Okay for nursing
Excellent for quick trips/errands and versatile – can be used for newborn carry, upright carry, hip carry
Cons:
Weight distributed to only one shoulder – not as comfortable for a heavier baby/toddler
Accurate size is important – sometimes tricky to determine correct size
Parents/caregivers cannot share pouch if they are different sizes
Wraps
A wrap carrier consists of a long piece of cloth (2 to 6m) that is wrapped around the wearer and baby and then tied. There are many different ways to tie a wrap, enabling your baby to be positioned almost any way you choose. Most of the wraps go over both of the wearer's shoulders and around the waist, giving very good support, great security, and spreading the baby's weight. However there are also ways of wrapping that go over only one shoulder and these generally use less fabric.
Pros:
Very versatile, you can wear your baby in almost any position
Most people find them extremely comfortable to wear, even with a heavy baby/toddler, as the baby's weight can be spread widely over both shoulders and the waist/hips
Great for nursing
Very secure
Can be used for newborns, toddlers and even preschoolers
Cons:
Some learning curve, especially for back carries
Long piece of fabric can be intimidating. It can also be hot, depending on the fabric.
Can be tricky to avoid dragging the fabric on the ground, which makes wrapping problematic on wet or muddy surfaces.
Wraps come in many different fabrics from interlock cotton, linen, gauze, woven cotton and even organic cotton. There is a huge variety and depending on your child's size and the type of carry you would like to use it for.Wraps generally can be divided into 3 categories
*Woven Wraps
*Stretchy wraps
*Gauze wrapsStretchy wraps are great for smaller babies and especially newborns. When your child gets heavier parents usually move on to a woven or gauze wrap. Some prefer one over the other but it is really a personal choice. There are so many different wrap styles currently on the market in varying length, textures, colors and thickness so we cannot cover the whole spectrum in this little guide. One more thing we want to mention: A wrap is so versatile it can be used as a blanket, hammock, belt, nursing cover-up and I am sure you can even think of more uses
Buckle Carriers
So you like the Baby Bjorn ? You found it easy to put on and you like the idea of a more main stream look and buckles but your shoulders are starting to ache after carrying your baby a few minutes. What to do? Are your babywearing days over? Of course not! And you are in luck: There are quite a few carriers on the market that have been constructed in a way so you can wear your kiddo that weighs up to 60lbs. Very popular here in NYC are buckle carriers. They easy to use, easy to adjust and affordable. Pros:
Weight distributed over both shoulders - good for heavier babies/toddlers, Easy to use amd The look appeals to daddies and as well mamas, Straps do not drag on the floor
Cons:
Some are not recommended for newborns but it really depends on the model ( eg. Ergo has newborn insert)
Usually padded so not as compact as other carriers
Sometimes very petite woman have difficulties with waist belt being too big.
Asian Style Carriers
The simplest form of two shoulder carriers is essentially a square of fabric with straps at each corner. Two straps tie around the wearer's waist. The other two straps go over the wearer's shoulders (they may or may not cross over) then attach to the carrier or tie to themselves. The Chinese Mei Tai is an example. There are also other Asian style carriers like the Onbuhimo (uses rings on the waist) and the Podeagi that only have the shoulder straps attached.
Pros:
Weight distributed over both shoulders - good for heavier babies/toddlers
Easy to use
One size fits most – (some may need XL straps)
Great for back carries and front carries
Wide variety of styles, fabrics and body lengths
Cons:
Not as good for a newborn, but can be done by rolling the body of the carrier to make it shorter ( note some mei tais have short bodies or infant option)
Straps drag on the floor and need to be tied around wearer’s body when not in use.
Ring Slings
Rings are used for adjusting the size and fit of the sling. The rings can be made of metal, nylon, plastic or wood. Metal and nylon are the strongest and the most common. Ring sizes vary according to the type and width of the fabric used - small enough to offer traction and large enough to be able to adjust the sling easily.
Pros:
Good for quick trips/errands
Excellent for discreet nursing and quick adjustment
Versatile – can be used for newborn carry, upright carry, hip carry – good with toddlers
Adjustable – can be used by parents/caretakers of different sizes
Cons:
Weight distributed to only one shoulder
Some learning curve; must get used to adjusting fabric through the rings
