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Baby Wrap V Baby Carrier: How To Choose Which Is For You
As if new parents don't already have an incredibly long list of decisions to make before their baby is born, choosing a hands-free mode of transportation for your little one can be mind-boggling, to say the least. As soon as you share your pregnancy news, you'll likely hear from other parents you know that some sort of hands-free baby carrier is an absolute must - if you ever want to get anything done ever again.
We wholeheartedly agree. Babies can be clingy little critters for the first year of their lives, which means putting them down to tend to the dishes, put clothes away - or do anything, really - becomes near impossible. A good quality wrap or carrier is the key to overcoming this parenting hurdle. Mainly because your baby just wants to be close to you, and a carrier is a way of achieving this while leaving you mobile to do what you need to do. You are wearing your baby, and they love nothing more. The question is, should you go for a baby wrap or baby carrier? Let us help you decide which option is right for you.
What to look for in a baby wrap and baby carrier:
Though a baby carrier differs from a baby wrap, you'll want to look for similar qualities in either option: Read more...
Good quality:
As you're literally 'wearing' your baby when using a baby wrap or baby carrier, you'll be hands-free, not holding them. This means that the baby carrier you choose needs to be made from high-quality materials that won't rip, tear or break while holding your baby.
Safety:
Similarly, when looking at the quality of your baby carrier or baby wrap, the design safety features should be top of mind. Are there adequate buckles and clips or tether straps in place to ensure your baby won't be able to fall out? Without any safety standards for carriers of wraps sold in Australia, you'll want to look for compliance with international standards, including the ASTM F2236-16a for carriers and CEN/TR 16512:2015 for wraps – this will give you the peace of mind you're choosing a safe carrier.
Breathable:
Ideally, you'll want to choose a baby wrap or baby carrier designed with the Australian climate in mind. That is, made with breathable materials that won't make your baby feel too hot when they're bundled close to you while also providing protection for windy or cool days or as the temperature changes.
Comfortable to wear:
This element is important for both parent and child, as good baby wraps and baby carriers are designed to be comfortable on the wearer's hips, shoulders and back for parents to wear for extended periods. For your child's comfort and development, it's important that you check your carrier is designed to support healthy hip development. The best carriers are approved as being hip-healthy by a third party like Healthy Hips Australia.
Easy to put on, take off and position your baby in:
This element is important for both parent and child, as good baby wraps and baby carriers are designed to be comfortable on the wearer's hips, shoulders and back for parents to wear for extended periods. For your child's comfort and development, it's important that you check your carrier is designed to support healthy hip development. The best carriers are approved as being hip-healthy by a third party like Healthy Hips Australia.
Now, let's look at a close up of a baby carrier and a baby wrap so that you can choose which option suits you and your family best.
Everything you need to know about baby carriers:
Baby carriers are a practical and comfortable way to transport your baby around, hands-free. Parents love this option as they can get on with their tasks, and babies love carriers, as they get to remain close to mum or dad. They're also fantastic when you can't, or it's hard to use a pram like on a plane or public transport.
Our top recommendation:
Redsbaby CONNECT Plus Carrier, from $209
How old should a baby be to use a baby carrier?
Many baby carriers are suitable for newborn babies through to toddler age. Often with the assistance of a newborn support for the first few months. The Redsbaby CONNECT Plus Carrier provides four positions from newborn to 20kg, including front and back-carry options, with flexible adjustment options for putting the carrier on and adjusting and removing your baby in multiple ways.
How long can you use a baby carrier?
Most baby carriers work by weight rather than by baby's age. The weight limit for the Redsbaby CONNECT Plus Carrier is 20kg. Depending on the size of your baby, this could be the beginning of or well into toddlerhood. The CONNECT Plus' four positions (newborn configuration, inward-facing, outward-facing, and back carry) means that you can comfortably accommodate your child as they grow.
Key features of a baby carrier:
A baby carrier is widely considered an essential purchase for many parents, as it allows parents to get on with their tasks and keep their baby close to them. Key features of a good baby carrier include compliance with international safety standards, breathable fabrics, hip-friendly positioning for your baby, and an ergonomic design that provides comfort and support for both parent and child. The Redsbaby CONNECT Plus is designed for comfortable all-day wearing and distributes weight evenly across your hips and shoulders, which means no more heavy arms from carrying! A sturdy carrier means not only will your child be content because they're close to you while you do what you need to do, but they may also have a sleep. Praise be!
Better yet, the Redsbaby CONNECT Plus is designed specifically for our Australian climate and is a complete all-seasons carrier with its three-layer design (mesh, removable thermal layer and retractable windbreaker). It's the only carrier available to keep you and baby cool in summer, warm in winter and protection for windy days. Gone is the question 'should I get a mesh or a solid carrier?', as now you have both in one.
One last beautiful feature exclusive to the CONNECT Plus Carrier is the openings at the front of the carrier, which allow you to slide your hands through and cradle your baby directly with your hands *hearts melt*.
Benefits of a baby carrier:
- Baby stays close to mum and dad:
This is a special time for connection and bonding. The fact that your baby can stay close to you is generally a sure-fire way to ensure their happiness, especially in the first few months after birth - as babies crave a true connection!
- Freedom:
A carrier allows parents to stop feeling 'pinned down' by a baby who only wants to be held and helps your baby to feel safe and secure.
- More space:
A baby carrier also takes up far less space in the car and on public transport than a pram
- Supportive:
Approved by Healthy Hips Australia, the Redsbaby CONNECT Plus promotes healthy hip development and prevents hip dysplasia.
- Safe and easy to wear:
Put the carrier on, adjust and remove your baby in multiple ways using a range of soft-close, magnetic and heavy-duty buckles.
Everything you need to know about baby wraps:
Baby wraps have come a very long way from the piece of material slung over your shoulder that your grandmother used to wear. Baby wraps are now an integral part of many parents' artillery when it comes to caring for their baby each day.
Our top recommendation:
Redsbaby CONNECT Wrap, $79.00
How old should a baby be to use a baby wrap?
Baby wraps are a must-have for new parents, especially during the newborn stage. The Redsbaby CONNECT wrap, with its beautifully soft, stretchy and OEKO-TEX® certified materials that mimic the snug feeling babies experience in the womb and allows them to feel secure as they're held close against mum or dad's chest. While perfect for newborns, the Redsbaby CONNECT Wrap bears a weight of up to 11kg!
How long can you use a baby wrap?
Baby wraps are the preferred option for newborns, as they are made using stretchier and less rigid materials. Babies feel wrapped instead of 'strapped in', and while this is a vast difference between most general baby carriers and baby wraps, the Redsbaby CONNECT collection features carriers and a wrap that is equally comfortable and supportive for babies, all the way up to the toddler years. It's common for parents to buy a wrap for the first six months of their baby's life and move to a structured carrier afterwards.
Key features of a baby wrap:
Traditionally, a baby wrap was made from a piece of material slung around one shoulder and fastened using tension between two rings. Boy, have they come a long way! The Redsbaby CONNECT Wrap is made from beautifully soft, machine-washable cotton and includes a thoughtfully crafted cross-back design and wide sturdy shoulder straps for even weight distribution. The pull-forward straps allow parents to secure the right fit, pulling baby close so that both parent and child are comfortable. It's also designed to support healthy hip development.
The Redsbaby CONNECT Wrap also features thoughtful pockets above the waistband, just underneath your baby's bottom, so that you can hold them - or store your phone and keys!
Benefits of a baby wrap:
- Soothing:
Many children fall straight to sleep in a baby wrap as the movement mimics the rocking of mum's walk that they experienced in the womb.
- Comfortable all-day wearing:
Weight is distributed evenly across hips and shoulders by wide, sturdy shoulder straps and cross-back design.
- Supportive:
The CONNECT Wrap design promotes healthy hip development and prevents hip dysplasia.
Shop the range of Redsbaby Wraps and Carriers below:
Click here to learn more about the Redsbaby CONNECT Collection.
Disclaimer:
The One Fine Baby team are first and foremost mums - between us we have 14 children, and decades of experience in all things bump, baby and beyond. We regularly bring together our tried, researched and recommended products in a review style format such as this post. The articles include some paid inclusions which goes to helping us keep our audiences informed on the top products happening right here, right now in the parenting space. Please be sure that no product will ever be included in our articles, paid or otherwise, if it doesn’t deserve to be there.
