By Katie Kelly, former babywearing educator with Babywearing International of Central Iowa.

So you’re interested in babywearing?

It’s a long tradition in much of the world to wear your baby close and visible at all times. But sometimes the terms and carriers used can be overwhelming! Below, I’ve broken down the basic types of carriers you’ll encounter, as well as some well known carries you might want to try! Please always remember to practice safe babywearing techniques by practicing on a bed, over some pillows, or with a buddy! Don’t try back carries until you feel comfortable with your front carries and until you’re sure you can safely keep your baby’s airway clear. As a former babywearing educator, I’ll try to break down and highlight some safety steps for each carrier below as well.

How to carry your baby in a wrap –

This is a big catch-all term. Wraps are just long pieces of fabric you can use to wrap around yourself and your baby and tie with a secure knot. There are literally hundreds of different carries, from very simple to very complicated. Wraps range in size from 1.6 meters all the way up over 6 meters. Generally the rule of thumb is it’s better to start with a longer wrap than a shorter wrap. Most people start with a wrap that’s size 6 – or 4.6 meters – so they have enough length for multi-pass carries. You can use a wrap from birth until they’re too big for you to carry. I’ve even been wrapped to my sister’s back as an adult so they are stronger than they look!

Some basic carries you can easily try are the front wrap cross carry or the front cross carry. They sound very similar, but they’re just a little bit different.

The front wrap cross carry involves several passes over baby and you start by making a pouch then placing baby in. The front cross carry involves wrapping the wrap around the baby you are holding to your chest. I’ve linked some great youtube videos below on just how to do those carries!

Front wrap cross carry.

Front cross carry.

You can also try back carries once you’ve mastered your front carries if your baby is at minimum 2 months old and you feel you can safely protect their airway. I always recommend you wait until closer to 6 months if you’re a new babywearer; kiddos tend to tolerate it a little better once they’re older and can look around more as well!

How to carry your baby in a Meh dai/Bei dai –

This meh dai or bei dai is a traditional carrier originating from China with four straps, one at each corner of a generally squarish or rectangular body panel, worn by seating the baby in the body panel and tying the straps around the wearer. It’s an extremely versatile carrier and can be used from newborn size all the way up to preschooler age! Below I’ve attached a great video about how to wear a baby in a meh dai/bei dai.

How to carry your baby in a ring sling –

A rectangular piece of cloth with two rings sewn to one end, used by threading the free end through the rings and wearing the sling looped around the wearer, generally from shoulder to hip is referred to as a ring sling. I like to classify ring slings as traditionally having a slightly larger learning curve than the previously two mentions carries. They are absolutely fantastic for newborns until toddlerhood. They are used on only one shoulder so they can cause more fatigue over a long period of time and can put extra strain on your joints and ligaments, so I encourage you to learn to wear it on both shoulders and switch frequently or take breaks while using it! Below I’ve attached a great video about how to use a ring sling for a basic hip carry.

Threading a ring sling.

How to carry your baby in a soft structured carrier –

This is the carrier most people are familiar with, even before they begin wearing their babies! Think of brands like Ergo, or Bjorn. Some brands are going to be more ergonomic for both the user and the baby. I like to recommend brands like Ergo, Beco, Lillebaby, or Tula as great options to start out with. Sky’s the limit, it’s going to be personal preference as well as your budget that determines which carrier you might choose. Generally soft structured carriers, unless they are explicitly made for newborns, can’t be used until baby fits in the carrier or you buy an accessory such as a newborn pillow or insert, to make it safe for baby. Soft structured carriers are also unique in that you shouldn’t use them for back carries until your baby is sitting unsupported because it’s very easy for your baby to lose their airway. I really like soft structured carriers for their ease, and that you can generally set it to the way you like it and just undo the buckles! It takes very little time to put on a soft structured carrier and to get baby secure and happy. Below I’ve attached a basic video on how to use a soft structured carrier.

There are tons more that the basic 4 types I’ve listed above, but they generally are the best ones to start your babywearing journey! I always recommend you go to a local babywearing meeting, if you can. In Central Iowa, we have a fantastic chapter of Babywearing International. They are going to be hosting the International Babywearing Conference on July 19-22. If you’d like some hands on help, they also have several meetings a month as well as a Facebook page! It’s free to attend the meetings and they even have a lending library where you can check our carriers.

Find out about the exciting and educational International Babywearing Conference here.

Finally, always remember to keep your baby high and kissable at all times! Keep on babywearing!