Although its origins are ancestral, in recent times we have seen emerge different types of baby carriers, novel ways of bringing the baby in permanent contact with the body heat of the mother or father.
Unlike carrying it in the cart, carrying the baby is a way to wrap it and provide security while we take it for a walk. Taking him "in tow" favors contact with dad or mom reinforcing the emotional bond between them.
At the same time, baby carriers allow the newborn to be close to the breast to breastfeed on demand more comfortably. There are parents who have directly replaced the cart with a baby carrier. For others, it is a complement that is undoubtedly part of the list of essential items for the baby.
Surely you will have heard of different types of baby carriers such as backpacks, slings, mei tai, shoulder bags, scarves ... There is no one better than another, it all depends on which is more comfortable for you and your baby.
Know them different types of baby carriers that we can find It will help you choose the most suitable:
Backpack
The backpack is the system to carry the most extended baby. There are many kinds, but it is advisable to look for ergonomic backpacks that respect the baby's natural position.
It is also essential that it is light, that it distributes the baby's weight properly and that it is easy to place so as not to bundle us with strips and hooks.
Today there are many brands. They are carried in front or on the back and some allow the option of carrying it on the hips. They also incorporate, for the most part, a support for the baby's head so that it can be used from birth, although I have used it and the baby seemed lost there in addition to the fact that his legs were very separated and it did not seem natural. There are some that incorporate a special reducer for newborns.
Another thing to consider before buying a backpack is to find one in which the baby is sitting and not with the legs hanging.
The advantage of the backpack is that it is one of the carriers that are used the longest and that are usually the most accepted by parents. Thanks to its adjustable straps the same backpack can be used by dad or mom.
The disadvantage, which takes up too much space and is sometimes very cumbersome to place without help.
Mei Tai
Mei Tai is a traditional Asian method to carry the baby inspired by Chinese mothers who work the field with their babies loaded behind their backs.
Consists in a rectangle of fabric with four strips at its ends that pass through the mother's shoulders and waist and that can be tied in different ways depending on the age of the child and how we want to carry it.
It can be placed on the mother's chest, on the back or on the side on the hips. The key is to learn the technique to place it and tie it correctly to prevent the baby from sliding while we walk.
Today there are beautiful prints of oriental designs, some with quilted fabrics to make the baby more comfortable.
It is indicated from birth (if the mei tai incorporates a head support) or from more or less than three months, when the baby has control over his head, up to 16 kilos of weight.
One of its advantages is that Mei Tai itself can be used by mom and dad. There are no sizes, it is simply regulated with knots.
Pouch or sling
Pouch means bag in English and is the term used to call the abdominal bag of the kangaroo.
Consists in a band of cooked tube-shaped fabric No hooks, no rings, no knots to hold. It is, therefore, one of the easiest systems to place for those who are not friends with knotting techniques.
It is placed on one shoulder and allows the baby to be taken in the fetal position when it is newborn and then semi-sitting or sitting, depending on the age of the child, both in the front, on the back and on a hip.
He pouch or sling It can be used from birth to 15 kilos or the weight that the manufacturer indicates according to the composition of the fabric.
The advantage is that it takes up very little space, it is very easy to put on and take off and it allows you to breastfeed the baby without anyone knowing. The disadvantage is that the size depends on the measurements of each person and possibly mom and dad can not use the same pouch.
Bandolier
The shoulder bag is inspired by the way mothers of different cultures carry their babies.
Is a long piece of cloth at the end of which incorporates a ring that allows to adjust it to the measure that we want. It is placed on one shoulder and allows the baby to be carried in up to six different positions from birth to around three years.
The child can go to bed when he is little and sitting when he is somewhat older because thanks to the adjustment of the ring the fabric adapts perfectly providing support to the baby's spine and comfort to the carrier.
You can also carry the baby in front as on the back or hips.
As an advantage, it can be used by both mom and dad since it is regulated by adjusting the ring. As a disadvantage, although it is very simple to place, the ring can be inconvenient when putting it on and taking it off.
Scarf
The scarf mimics the traditional system used in Peru and Bolivia to carry the baby. It consists of a long piece of cloth approximately four and a half meters long and one meter wide that knots to carry the baby in countless positions and possible positions. It is the most versatile baby carrier.
It is essential to learn the different knotting techniques of the scarf. This can be used on the front, on the back or on the side. It is woven diagonally so that when the fabric is stretched the knot does not move.
It is suitable for babies since they are newborns, it is even ideal for premature babies because they are perfectly attached to the body of mom or dad, to children up to approximately 18 kilos.
The advantage is that it adapts to multiple positions to carry the baby as both of them feel more comfortable. In addition, it is the cheapest baby carrier to make.
The disadvantage is that you have to learn the different knotting techniques until you hold your hand, but it can also be a lot of fun.
Whatever the type of baby carrier chosen, the most important thing is that both you and your baby feel comfortable and find in him a pleasant way to be in mutual contact.
