Baby Carriers

Stretchy baby wrap carriers help your baby transition from womb to newborn life, and facilitate skin-to-skin contact whilst being soft and comfortable for your little one. Stretchy baby wrap carriers can be used from day one up to 12 months, and benefit from being lightweight, breathable and secure offering excellent weight distribution without pressure points.

To help you find the best baby carrier for you and your newborn take a look at our top five infant baby carrier recommendations here: https://www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk/blogs/b4baby/top-5-infant-carriers-for-2024

There's no upper limit to how long your baby can be in their baby carrier for, as long as both parent and baby are happy and comfortable.

There is also no fixed age limit for using a baby carrier, most models are designed to support children up to around two years old. However, some baby carriers are able to accommodate children beyond three years of age. At around the age of two, most parents stop carrying their children as they get more confident walking on their own but it is individual to each family how long they decide to use a baby carrier for.

When picking between a baby wrap carrier or a baby carrier, it's best to choose one that is most comfortable, and best suits the age, size and weight of your little one. Both baby wraps and baby carriers serve the same purpose, however the differences are in the design, structure, and placement of the baby against your body.

Baby carriers typically offer a more structured design with straps, buckles, or loops to secure your baby in place. Baby wrap carriers on the other hand, are made from one long piece of fabric that affixes your baby to your body by securely wrapping it around you both.

Due to baby carriers and buckle baby carriers being more structured, they are usually designed to hold little ones of a bigger weight or age, but both baby carriers and baby wrap carriers can be used well into the toddler years.

Carrying your baby in a supportive baby carrier provides the perfect way to keep them safe and secure while giving you peace of mind (and use of both hands). Studies have shown that parents who practice babywearing tend to be more in tune with their baby's needs due to the close contact.

Baby carriers, baby wrap carriers and slings are designed to adapt and mould to fit you and your little one together, comfortably. Cuddling up close to your little one has lots of benefits, helping them develop spinal and core muscles as well as promoting speech development for when your little one starts getting chatty.

Babywearing is safe while you're pregnant, but we always recommend checking with your GP or midwife first. Just remember to listen to your body and not over do it. As your bump grows, you may need to change your baby carrying position, you may find carrying on your back and using a baby carrier backpack more comfortable.

Absolutely! Babywearing is completely safe, you just need to take extra care your little one is being supported in the right areas. Following the frog leg rule and making sure to follow the TICKS method for babywearing will ensure you're using your baby carrier correctly:

1. Tight: Your baby carrier should be tight with no lose fabrics

2. In view at all times: You should always be able to see your baby's face when you look down

3. Close enough to kiss: Your baby's head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable

4. Keep off the chest: Your baby should never be curled up so their chin is on their chest

5. Supported back: In an upright baby carrier, your baby should be close to you so their back is supported in its natural position

Before deciding what your little one should wear in the baby carrier, we suggest choosing a baby carrier made from a breathable material such as organic cotton, natural viscose or Tencel to help regulate their temperature.

If you're using a baby carrier in warmer weather, make sure to dress your little one in lightweight and breathable clothes as that will also help prevent them from overheating. If you’re worried about your baby overheating in a baby carrier, you can look at the soft structured carrier options like baby wrap carriers that are made from mesh-like materials for added breathability to help keep you and your little one cool.

All of the baby carriers from the well known brands will be designed ergonomically for you and your baby. Baby carriers should position your child in a natural position that supports their spine, pelvis and hips correctly.

An ergonomic baby carrier comes with a wide, comfortable base that supports their weight and holds their hips and legs in a frog leg or M shape. In this position, your baby’s bottom is lower than their knees, while their knees and hips are level with one another and hips are spread open. Keep an eye out for the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) logo for extra peace of mind.

Facing forward in a baby carrier helps your baby get a better view on your daily adventures together, but it’s important to ensure that your baby is ready to face forward in a baby carrier. Babies can face forward in a baby carrier as soon as they can support their head and hold it up steadily, normally this happens between four to six months but it does vary.

Your baby should be in a frog leg or M shape position in their baby carrier. In this position, your baby’s bottom is lower than their knees, while their knees and hips are level with one another and hips are spread open. This position will help your child support their spine, pelvis and hips correctly and ensure they are comfortable and secure.