These are my picks to cover every possible age and size. All carriers are two-shouldered and distribute your child's weight to your hips, sparing your shoulders from the stress and strain caused by other carriers.
If you are wondering why the Ergo didn't make my list...it's a good carrier, but the company doesn't deserve your hard-earned money. See my blog, or one of many threads on this subject at The Babywearer. If you already have an Ergo and want to beautify/refresh it, I am now offering Ergo Dye Kits! |
Beco Baby Carriers SALE!
Best for: Babies 8-35 lbs
Easy front and back carries
Stylish prints and design
The ultra-stylish new Beco Butterfly has an innovative and unique internal sling to buckle your baby securely into the carrier. Back carries with babies as young as 3 months are now as easy as slipping on a backpack.
Gorgeous high-end fabrics, combined with soft structured support at shoulders and hips, make the Beco fantastic for wearing your baby on front or back. The tall carrier body means more support for your child and less strain on your shoulders. Slim and trim, not bulky under the arms. Buckles on inner sling allow you to adjust the closeness of your child to your body separately from the overall shoulder strap tightness, and make nursing in the carrier easy.
The baby can also be passed from one wearer to another without taking him/her out of the carrier.
More information...
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Pikkolo Baby Carrier
Best for: Babies 15-35 lbs
Front (facing in OR out), back
AND hip carries. Versatile!
The versatile Pikkolo has a winning combination of features. This carrier boasts deluxe heat-sensitive memory foam padding in the shoulder straps, ultra-durable fabric that only gets better with each wearing, plus the ability to wear your baby on your hip or in a front-facing carry, in addition to standard front and back carries. Shoulder staps can be crossed or worn backpack-style.
The waistband comes unpadded apron-style, whcih allows for maximum range of fit among body types, from short to tall-waisted wearers. An optional padded waistband sleeve will soon be available (best estimate: mid-July?), so that you can customize your Pikkolo even further, and add a padded waistband to it as your baby grows.
All buckles are dual-adjustable, which means that you can pull from either side of the buckle to adjust the length of the waist and shoulder straps, as well as relocate buckles in uncomfortable locations.
More information...
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Patapum Toddler Carrier
Best for: > 12 months up to 65 lbs!
Thick, supportive padding
Long straps fit tall & large
This Italian carrier is specially designed to distribute weight evenly for maximum comfort:
- extra-thick padding on the shoulder straps
- a heavy-duty structured waistband that provides firm support where you need it
- a set of side straps (not found in the other carriers) that pull your child's body in nice and close for a streamlined, fabulous fit.
You'll be endlessly thankful that you have your Patapum along on a walk/hike/outing/vacation when your normally capable child suddenly can't go one step further without meltdown. (Been there, done that!) Also great for calming and physically reconnecting with an older child. Wear your toddler/preschooler out on a calming walk when upset or sick, or around the house. Older children love the closeness that being carried provides.
Available in three standard colors (black, blue, khaki), as well as various custom dyed shades.
More information... |
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Patapum Waist Pouch
 Included free with each Patapum Toddler, or buy one separately for another carrier. Durable fabric, nice design, roomy, good pockets and zippers.
Attaches to carrier waist belt by means of Velcro flap OR two heavy-duty snaps OR a pass-though belt loop, plus has a detachable shoulder strap, a keyring, and all the necessary amenities. Will carry a wallet, sunglasses, keys...all your essentials.
Plus, did I mention that it comes FREE with each Toddler Patapum? Yeah, I thought so. ;-)
If you want one for your Beco, or for use with another carrier (or just on its own), you are welcome to buy one a la carte for $19.
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Babywearing Advantages
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No need to lug around an awkward & heavy carseat, or drag a bulky stroller up stairs, in/out of your car, through large crowds, narrow aisleways, or over rough terrain. Wearing your baby is an easy and fun alternative...with endless benefits for both of you! Try taking your stroller to the beach, down a cobblestone street, or on the bus/subway. All of these are a breeze with a good carrier. |
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Frees you to accomplish daily activities, chores, and errands while still caring for your children. Keep your baby close, safe and happy, or give a fussy/tired toddler downtime in busy environments. |
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Helps your baby fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Excellent for difficult nappers and allows for sleeping under almost any circumstances. |
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Prevents flat heads and bald spots, minimizes external pressure to the baby's skull. Encourages neck and torso development, balance and coordination. Baby is upright, free to move the head and upper body, moves in all directions with the wearer's movements, and is not strapped into an immobilizing device. |
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Encourages mental development -- since worn babies spend less time crying and trying to soothe themselves, they are freed (in their state of quiet alertness) to observe more and to positively interact more. Carried babies are more intimately involved in their parent's world and are more engaged in what is going on around them. They socialize better since they are carried at eye level instead of sitting parked at knee level, like in a stroller. The brain is stimulated by the inclusion provided by babywearing and therefore is encouraged to grow and develop. Scientific evidence shows that carried babies demonstrate advanced speech development and enhanced visual and auditory alertness. |
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Soothes crying and colic -- babies worn at least 3 hours a day cry 43% less overall, and 54% less during the evening hours. (1) |
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Reduces incidence of post-partum depression -- studies shows that post-partum depression is much less common among mothers who frequently wear their infants. The reason is not entirely known, but many speculate that it may be because of the hormonal stimulation baby-wearing provides, and because worn babies cry much less. |
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Better bonding = easier discipline? -- the deeper the connection between a parent and child, the easier discipline may be in the future. Wearing your infant in a sling is a bonding investment that enhances the connection between you and your baby. Credible research comparing well-connected children with poorly-connected children brings to light that connected children are more secure, settled, trusting, sociable, positive, adaptable, confident, considerate, co-operative, willing to share, empathetic, sensitive, affectionate, persistent, and eager to learn. |
(1) Hunziker, U. A. and Barr, R, G. (1986). Increased carrying reduces infant crying: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 77, 641-8.
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