Baby Stuff

Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. New baby carriers and baby slings give you travel options like never before. Where you plan to go and what activities you want to do will help determine the right style of baby carrier you need.

A standard baby carrier is a simple design that lets you do day-to-day activities around the house or outside. You carry your little one while keeping your hands free. The baby carrier proides back and neck support and gives you good mobility. You do need to be careful bending ovoer. Usually you’d want to squat down so you keep baby upright. You can use this regular baby carrier for up to 12 months. Many include adjustments to allow for your baby’s changing size.

A baby sling holds your small baby close to your body making her feel secure. Plus a baby sling is very comfortable to wear. It’s ideal if you are nursing your baby. The baby sling can be adjusted in a number of positions including hip, back and “kangaroo”. They are also handy as a light blanket.

Hiking baby carriers are great for taking baby on fun outdoor adventures. The standard carriers are generally not suited for more physical activity such as hiking so a special carrier is preferred. A hiking baby carrier is lightweight and comfortable for both you and your baby. Note that your baby needs to be at least 6 months old and able to sit up alone. Hiking carriers have pretty sophisticated designs including a suspension system that lets you and your baby enjoy long days on the trail.

Backpack carriers offer no head and neck support so your baby needs to be old enough to sit up and hold her head steady. With baby on your back you need to be careful of low hanging objects. Also as baby gets older and more active, she may throw you off balance when she shifts her weight. Ideally a good backback baby carier will have a safety harness, plenty of padding, stirrups, a sun/rain hood, collapsible frame with a kick stand and cargo space to store gear.

Filed under: Baby Gear on December 21st, 2007