Baby Carriers – 8 of the best
Friday 31st August 2007
Why would I need a baby carrier?
- When you're out and about, carriers save you the hassle of taking a pram or buggy and some are designed so you can also breastfeed discreetly.
- As your baby grows he'll enjoy looking outwards so check that your carrier has that option available.
- Carriers are useful for giving your newborn the reassurance of being held close to you or your partner. You can carry your baby around at home, and after feeds it'll keep him upright for winding.
What's the difference between a carrier and a sling?
Carriers are usually fitted and padded, and have straps, poppers, buckles or zips.
Slings are adapted from African and Far Eastern cultures, where babies are carried for most of the day. They're usually made from one large piece of material, with a fastening device such as cloth straps or buckles.
What to look for in a baby carrier:
- Make sure it's comfortable for you and your baby. Look for well-padded shoulder and waist straps and good lower back support.
- Check how easy it is to get your baby in and out, and if you can do this by yourself.
- Newborns need good neck and back support, so look for a head-hugger or choose a sling that allows your baby to lie down.
- Check the carrier is easy to clean or wash.
For all the latest products for your baby, toddler and child, tested by mums and dads, don't miss Practical Parenting magazine each month.
Red Castle Sport Baby Carrier, £45.99.
What you get: An innovative design that allows you to carry your baby facing in or out and either centrally on your body or on the hip; mesh-lined; suitable from birth to 12kg.
Amanda, mum to Ella, 6 months, says: “I liked the fact I can carry Ella on my hip and still see my feet, which feels much safer on stairs. I can also put her in a position for discreet breastfeeding, too. My husband loves it, as he can carry Ella on his hip without risking being kicked ‘where it hurts!’”
Stockists: 01293 851896; www.bettacare.co.uk.
Comfort for parent: 7.5;
Comfort for baby: 8;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 8;
Quality: 8.5;
Value for money: 8;
Total: 40.
Tomy Freestyle Premier Carrier, £39.99.
What you get: Fabric carrier with padding and lumbar support to spread the baby’s weight across the body; seat designed to support the baby; size adjustable with clips; head-hugger; detachable dribble bib; suitable from birth to 9kg.
Tara, mum to Lucy, 5 months, says: “An amazing carrier for the money, although it only lasts until approximately one year. Both my partner and I found it very easy to use and extremely comfortable – Lucy’s already quite heavy but she felt lighter in this carrier, if that’s possible. Dribble bib’s an excellent idea, too.”
Stockists: 023 8066 2600; www.tomy.co.uk.
Comfort for parent: 9;
Comfort for baby: 8.5;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 8.5;
Quality: 9;
Value for money: 9;
Total: 44.
Moffii Sling, £42.50.
What you get: A sling that adapts from baby to toddler use by converting to an upright carrier; padded sides; suitable from birth to 20kg.
Vicky, mum to Elizabeth, 8 months, says: “Very comfy for both my baby and me. It’s simple and uncomplicated to use and Elizabeth felt very secure. I used it a lot for discreet breastfeeding – great when you’re out and about. I especially liked the padded sides on the sling which, I felt, offered extra protection.
Stockists: 0845 257 7648; www.moffii.com.
Comfort for parent: ;
Comfort for baby: 8;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 9;
Quality: 7;
Value for money: 8;
Total: 41.
Premaxx Baby Sling, £34.99.
What you get: A baby sling that can be used as a hip seat from 4 months with back support for baby; adjustable shoulder straps; head support; two storage pockets; machine washable; 100% cotton; suitable from birth to 15kg.
Suzanne, mum to Lydia, 8 months, says: “I love the hip look to this sling, and it’s not too ‘earth mothery’. It’s also comfortable and secure, although when Lydia was tiny I found the drawstrings a little bit fiddly.”
Stockists: 0845 786 9778; www.toysrus.co.uk.
Comfort for parent: 7.5;
Comfort for baby: 8;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 8;
Quality: 8.5;
Value for money: 8;
Total: 40.
Wilkinet Baby Carrier, £47.95.
What you get: A cross between a sling and a carrier; wrap-around method of tying; no buckles or clips; wide, padded shoulder straps; suitable from birth to 12kg.
Mary, mum to Oliver, 4 months, says: “Unlike some other carriers I’ve tried, this one doesn’t make your shoulders or back ache. It’s so comfy the way it wraps around your body, and the baby’s weight doesn’t drag down on your shoulders. Oliver obviously finds it comfy, too – he often falls asleep.”
Stockists: www.wilkinet.co.uk.
Comfort for parent: 8.5;
Comfort for baby: 8;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 8;
Quality: 9;
Value for money: 8;
Total: 41.5.
Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Active, £72.50.
What you get: Sturdy baby carrier; back support; wide, padded shoulder straps; fold-down neck rest for small babies; suitable from birth to 12kg.
Sophie, mum to Patrick, 4 months, says: “A very well-made and comfy carrier that you can tell will last a long time. The good back support is obviously a real plus. Patrick seems very happy and comfy in it – it’s well- padded and soft. Although quite pricey, I think it’s worth it.”
Stockists: 0870 120 0543; www.babybjorn.com.
Comfort for parent: 9;
Comfort for baby: 8;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 8;
Quality: 9;
Value for money: 8;
Total: 42.
Kari Me Baby Sling, £39.95
What you get: Fabric baby carrier made from 90% cotton; no buckles or straps; can be worn in different configurations; suitable from birth up to 15kg.
Angela, mum to George, 5 months, says: “There are simple instructions included with this sling and easy-to-follow illustrations – there’s one tying method for various carrying positions. I could move around the house carrying George and accomplish all sorts of tasks that I wouldn’t be able to do with a baby in my arms.”
Stockists: 01271 314422; www.glowmaternity andbaby.co.uk.
Comfort for parent: 8;
Comfort for baby: 9;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 7.5;
Quality: 8.5;
Value for money: 8;
Total: 41.
Hippychick Hipseat, £34.95.
What you get: Adjustable back-supporting waist belt with removable seat; secure inner pockets; suitable from 6 months to 3 years.
Carolyn, mum to Alexandra, 2 years, says: “Alex is happy with this and it’s a far better way of carrying your toddler around than jutting out your hip, which really takes its toll on your back. With this seat the weight is redistributed from the back
and shoulders, and you can really feel the difference.”
Stockists: 01278 434440; www.hippychick.com.
Comfort for parent: 8.5;
Comfort for baby: 7.5;
Ease of taking baby in and out: 8.5;
Quality: 7.5;
Value for money: 8;
Total: 40.
