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Before the more sophisticated baby carriers were invented, parents had to make do with makeshift slings to carry their kids around. But through the centuries, these slings managed to evolve into more advanced versions of themselves.
Now, baby carriers have become so sophisticated and have many features that enhance their efficiency and safety. But the main benefit of keeping your child close to you persists.
If you are going to purchase a baby carrier of your own, you will need to know what to look for. Here are 7 Tips for choosing your very own baby carrier.
It should be lightweight
Baby carriers have evolved a great deal, and new features have been added to them throughout the years. But no matter how advanced these features may be, baby carriers should always be as lightweight as possible.
Remember that aside from the baby carrier, you will also have the baby’s weight to support. If you are going to carry the baby around for an hour or two, it would be quite tiring.
When choosing a baby carrier, make sure that it is made of sturdy but light materials.
Comfort is key
A baby carrier should always provide a comfortable ride for the baby.
The baby carrier should help ease the difficulty of carrying the baby. However, the biggest factor in buying a baby carrier should be to make the baby as comfortable as possible.
It should also be snug and compact enough to allow the baby to sleep without interruption.
But most of all, the baby carrier should have sturdy straps and harnesses to provide optimal safety for the baby.
It should be easy to use
Ease of use should be another feature you should look for in a baby carrier. You should be able to put it on and take it off with minimal effort.
When you put the baby into the carrier, the baby should be able to slip into the straps without any entangling or complications involved.
Baby carriers are usually designed to be worn in two ways.
One way is to wear them across the chest. This design allows the parent to keep a constant eye on the baby. It also allows the baby to be within arm’s length in case the baby is hungry, or an emergency occurs.
The other design enables the parent to wear the baby carrier like a backpack. This design gives the parent more maneuverability and use of their hands.
Remember that babies can get impatient very fast. If you take too long to get them in the baby carrier, they might throw a tantrum.
When looking for a baby carrier, make sure to test it out. Try to put it on with and without your baby. If you could put it on without any trouble at all, then you have a baby carrier worth investing in.
It should fit you perfectly
When choosing a baby carrier, you must look for one that is not only comfortable for the baby, but for you as well.
The baby carrier should be well-balanced, and the weight should be well-distributed.
If the load is poorly distributed, it will make it difficult for you to carry your baby. It can even lead to chronic back problems in the long run.
Overall, when you’re researching on which baby carrier to purchase, fit should be a significant factor.
It should be as adaptable as possible
Remember that your baby is going to get bigger as time passes. If you are going to invest money in a baby carrier, you should buy one that can last through the years.
This means you should purchase one that can handle the added size and weight of your baby as he or she grows up.
Luckily, you could choose from a vast selection of baby carriers online market. These baby carriers are highly adaptable and can even handle toddler-sized children.
Choose an easy-to-wash
It is a foregone conclusion that babies will vomit, spit, and poop. Babies won’t choose where they do it. They will just let loose and let you handle the consequences.
So you should choose a baby carrier that is easy to wash. They should also be easy-to dry and resistant against staining too.
If it is possible, you should buy baby carriers that have a plastic coating. This will help prevent stains and damage.
Safety-first
All the other features mentioned are important, but when it comes to choosing a baby carrier, safety should always be the first priority.
Remember that you are carrying your child around with you. A baby is a fragile creature. Their bones have yet to form fully. Any type of damage could be long-lasting and even hamper their physical development.
So make sure that you choose a baby carrier that offers extra padding and head support. The carrier should also fit the baby in a snug and form-fitting manner.
But it should not be too snug, that it can constrict airflow. All in all, you should always test out any potential baby carrier before purchasing it.
Baby carriers are an essential part of any parent’s arsenal. They make transporting the baby much safer and convenient. With these great tips, you’ll be able to choose the right one for your child. Good luck!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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These are great tips. Perfect for new parents!
Yes, being a new parent is a fun but nerve-racking time. Thankfully, with help from friends and family, we make it through.