Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is baby wearing for me?
A: To sum up, if you have a baby, yes. I wasn't fully aware of baby wearing until my third daughter was on the way, and I cannot imagine life without my carriers. My stroller hasn't been used in over two years. Just trust me on this one. Take a leap of faith. If you carry them safe and correctly it's comfortable, and can benefit you and your baby physically AND mentally.
Q: How do I know what type of carrier will work for me?
A: Fortunately there is a huge variety of carriers available. The downside is that it can be a little overwhelming at first. I am happy to try to help you find the right carrier for you. Please feel free to contact me. Also, there is a wealth of information (and really sweet mamas, too) on my FAVE baby wearing web site, TheBabyWearer.com. In addition, I strongly suggest finding a local group and attending a meeting. You can easily search for groups in your area on TheBabyWearer.com. I've learned so much from other mamas in my local group, and it's great because I've been able to see, feel and try on such a wonderful variety of carriers without spending a dime!
Q:What's the difference between the different types of carriers?
A:Here is a brief description of the different types of carriers:
Stretchy/Gauze wraps
These are made of a t-shirt or gauze type material, and are very comfortable and soft. Perfect for the newborn stage! They are ideal for up to 20 pounds. They are usually not as expensive as woven wraps. With stretchy and gauze wraps there are many options available in color, and how to carry your baby.
Woven Wraps
These are made with a special weave that is designed to offer support and flexibility. They will be able to carry a child up in the range of 50 pounds. Woven wraps offer the greatest versatility when it comes to babywearing. Your baby can be worn on the front, side or back in many different carrying styles and from birth to toddler age. Woven wraps come in hundreds of different colorways, and many different brands. My personal suggestion in deciding on a woven wrap is to choose a colorway that you LOVE, as you will be more apt to wear it.
Mei Tais (pronounced May Tie) and Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs)
Mei tais have a panel of fabric that holds the torso of the baby and four straps. The two shorter straps are used to tie around your waist, and the two longer straps wrap in various ways over your shoulders and across your back or chest to secure the baby. Some mei tais can be used from birth, but it important to have the baby's head properly supported (true with any baby carrier) and to have the body secure within the straps.
Pouches and Ring Slings
These are the easiest and most convenient to use. Pouches and ring slings can be used with newborns holding the baby in a cradle position. **Use care and be sure baby has a clear breathing airway!** Pouches and Ring Slings can also be used in a hip carry once baby has steady head control and sitting skills.
Q: Is it hard to learn the different ways to wrap my baby?
A: I think using the woven and stretchy wraps is definitely a steeper learning curve than mei tais, pouches, ring slings and soft structured carriers. However, it can be done! (This is where joining a local baby wearing group is VERY helpful!) Also, check out this page on TheBabywearer.com for fantastic descriptions, pictures and videos on various ways to wrap your baby.
Q: I only need one carrier. Which one should I get?
A: Yes, I said this at one time, also. And now I'm a retailer! Seriously, if I had to choose between all my carriers I think I'd choose a woven wrap because of the versatility. However, I know people that prefer their mei tai over anything else. There are so many variants. Cost, comfort, age of your child and your family lifestyle all play a role in choosing the "one" perfect carrier. If you are confused about which carrier will work best for you please contact me, and I'll be happy to help you find a carrier that will suit you perfectly.
Q: You keep mentioning the age of the baby. What carriers can I use at different ages?
A: I've broken this down into three categories, Newborn, Infant/Baby and Toddler. Infant/Baby refers to babies with head control up to crawling/walking skills.
NEWBORN
For a newborn I highly recommend a stretchy wrap or pouch. My daughter, Anna (Pickle) lived in her Moby for the first few months. We even went bowling in it! Woven wraps can also be used, but if you are new to wrapping I suggest starting out with a stretchy wrap to see if that's the right road for you. If it's not, then you've saved some money! If it is you are well on your way to a world of woven goodness. :) Pouches are wonderful at this age as they are easy on/easy off, and your baby can "pop" in and out easily. My little Pickle loved her pouch naps the first month or so of her life! Some mei tais can also be used at this age, but it is very important to be sure the baby has good head support and that the straps are secure around the baby's body.
INFANT/BABY
This is the age where almost any carrier can be used, and it's mostly just personal preference and/or budget. For infants you can still use stretchy wraps, although around 15-20 pounds stretchy wraps will have too much give, and will not support the baby as well as a gauze or woven wrap. Mei tais are great during this age, and can be used easily for nursing! Pouches and ring slings are also great for hip carries once your baby has good head control.
TODDLER
At the toddler age it is important to have a carrier strong enough to hold the weight of your child. Mei tais and Soft Structured Carriers are a favorite among many baby wearers. Woven wraps, pouches and ring slings can also be used well until the child is grown from the carriers and is running beside you.
