Many parents enjoy taking their babies out, and a baby stroller is usually the first choice for outings. However, a friend of mine has a unique situation: her baby is 3 months old and they live on the 4th floor without an elevator. Every time they go out, she has to carry the baby up and down the stairs, sometimes with a stroller as well, which is exhausting and dangerous. In comparison, a baby carrier is much more convenient. It allows the baby to feel safe, while freeing up the parents’ hands to do more things.
When it comes to baby carriers, I always stick to one point: a baby carrier is not a high-tech product! You just need to know a few key points to choose the right one.
For babies under 3 months: A waist stool is suitable. It’s recommended to use the horizontal holding position, especially when soothing or feeding the baby.
For babies under 3 years: A front-facing carrier is ideal. Parents can easily observe and soothe their baby.
1. Does it meet the needs of babies of different ages?
For babies with unstable head control (typically under 3 months), their spines are fragile. Forcefully applying pressure can lead to spinal damage. Therefore, soft fabric carriers or wraps are recommended. However, wraps are more complex to use, which may not be ideal for first-time parents.
Whether using a wrap or soft fabric carrier, make sure the baby’s face is turned inward, so the carrier can properly support the baby’s neck and head, avoiding blockage of the mouth and nose.
Once the baby gains head control and the spine transitions from a C-shape to an S-shape, attention should be paid to two things: hip joints and the spine. Ensure that the baby’s legs are spread like a frog, with the knees bent, forming an “M” shape.
2. High-quality materials and safety
Baby carriers are typically made of surface fabric and seat cores. Since babies have delicate skin, it’s important to select soft and safe materials.
The materials also affect the carrier’s weight, so it should be lightweight without compromising comfort.
3. Anti-slip and breathable seat pad
For babies, it’s crucial that the seat pad is anti-slip and breathable. For parents, the ease of adjusting the buckles and wearing the carrier should also be considered.
The waist stool should support the baby properly while ensuring breathable design to prevent the baby from sweating.
4. Multifunctional and practical
Storage space for essentials like phones, bottles, or snacks is important for parents on the go.
A good baby carrier or waist stool should have the following qualities:
Meet the needs of babies of different ages
High-quality materials and safety
Anti-slip and breathable seat pad
Multifunctional and practical features
Based on these principles, here are a few baby carriers with excellent performance and value.
Recommendation 1: Hagaday Baby Waist Stool
Reasons for recommendation: Meets the needs of babies of different ages; Fitgo rotating adjustment buckle for easy one-handed adjustment; 3D silicone bead seat; breathable; breathable waist pad and EPP material for durability and lightweight; ergonomic design for easier carrying.
This carrier is great because it meets the needs of babies from 0-3 months in a horizontal position, all the way to independent sitting, allowing parents to fully free their hands. Its Fitgo rotating adjustment buckle makes tightening and loosening quick and easy. Additionally, it has a magnetic buckle for easy one-handed operation, making it convenient for parents to wear.
This carrier also includes practical designs, such as a bottle holder for water cups, bottles, or small snacks, making it perfect for daily errands or shopping. Finally, it’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and save energy.
Recommendation 2: Ergobaby Omni Breeze
Reasons for recommendation: Suitable from newborn to 2-3 years; breathable; ergonomic design for easy carrying; multi-scene use.
Though it’s a bit expensive, it’s a solid choice for parents who don’t mind the price.
Recommendation 3: BabyBjorn Harmony Baby Carrier
Reasons for recommendation: Suitable from newborn to 3 years; breathable; ergonomic design for easy carrying.
Similar to Ergobaby, this carrier is suitable for babies from newborn to 3 years old and features breathable fabric for multi-scene use.
Baby carriers are indeed a convenient and hands-free solution for parents! When buying, consider the material, structural safety, adaptability for different age groups, functionality, and ease of use.
In terms of cost-performance and functionality, I personally recommend the Hagaday baby carrier!