faqs
Which is the best type of baby carrier (pouch, ring sling, wrap, mei tai or soft-structured)? TOP
This is a frequent question that people have but the truth is, they are all equally great! Choosing the right type (or types) of carrier for you is mostly a matter of personal preference and the age of your baby. Which is the best baby carrier for the newborn stage? TOP
Again, this comes down to personal preference but the types of baby carriers that work the best for the newborn stage are pouches, ring slings, wraps (especially the stretchy ones), adjustable mei tais (like CatBird Baby) and the new Pikkolo.
All of these carriers allow you to carry the newborn in the cradle position or in the tummy to tummy position.
What is a pouch baby carrier? TOP
A pouch baby carrier is a baby carrier made out of a loop of fabric that is worn across your body and one shoulder like a sash. The baby is carried in the "pouch" created by the fabric. Pouches are simple to use because there is nothing to adjust. Just pop your baby in and go! Babies can be carried in the cradle carry, the tummy to tummy carry, the kangaroo carry (facing out-leaning back on parent), or the hip carry. But because they are not adjustable, it is important to get the correct size for the wearer's body.
Pouches will last from the newborn stage through toddlerhood.
What is a ring sling baby carrier? TOP
A ring sling is similar to a pouch in that it is a loop of fabric that is worn on one shoulder like a sash. They are different from pouches, however, in that they are adjustable. You simply pull the fabric through the rings located just below the shoulder to either tighten or loosen the sling.
You can wear your little one in the cradle position, the tummy to tummy position, the kangaroo position (facing out-leaning back on parent's chest) or in the hip carry position.
Ring slings are great carriers from the newborn stage through toddlerhood!
What is a wrap baby carrier? TOP
A wrap is a long strip of fabric that ties onto the wearer's body. Wraps are very versitile carriers. Children can be worn in the cradle position, the tummy to tummy position, facing out, in the hip carry position, or even on your back!
Wraps sometimes look intimidating at first but often they are easier to learn to use than ring slings!
What is a mei tai baby carrier? TOP
Mei tai baby carriers are based on traditional Chinese baby carriers. They have 2 sets of straps connected to a body panel. You tie one set of straps around your waist, hold baby and pull up the body panel and then cross the shoulder straps in an X behind your back and tie.
Mei tais are very supportive, comfortable carriers because the weight is evenly distributed across both shoulders, your back and your hips. Babies and toddlers can be carried comfortably on your front or back!
Mei tais work best for babies that are at least 3-4 months old. However, adjustable mei tais (such as the CatBird Baby Mei Tai) have an adjustable body and work very well even for newborns.
What is a soft structured baby carrier? TOP
A soft structured carrier is similar to a mei tai except that it has buckles on the straps. The straps are closed by buckling instead of tying. They also have sleeping hoods.
Soft structured carriers can be used to carry babies or toddlers comfortably on the front or back. The new Pikkolo carrier by CatBird Baby can be used with newborns.
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