Let's be honest, there are hundreds of baby carriers on the market. How are you supposed to know which one is right for you? There are so many aspects to consider when buying a baby carrier, but how do we know what's REALLY important and what we should avoid?
Avoid the following mistakes:
1. Baby carriers pose a danger to your baby's health.
Ergonomic adjustments are settings on the baby carrier that ensure you and your baby are carried safely and comfortably. The most important thing is that your baby sits in a hip-friendly position.
Your baby's legs should form a natural M-shape. This supports your baby's physical posture and helps prevent conditions such as hip dysplasia (when the bones of the hip joint are not properly aligned).
Make sure the baby carrier you choose has international certification for hip dysplasia. If your baby carrier cannot be adjusted for your own comfort or your baby's growth, for example by adjusting the straps or the seat width, it may not be the healthiest choice for either of you.
2. The carrier causes you back pain or other discomfort.
Of course, you want the best for your baby. But what happens if your baby likes the baby carrier, but your back doesn't? A baby carrier is an everyday lifesaver that is used regularly and often for hours at a time.
If your baby carrier doesn't distribute your child's weight evenly across your shoulders and you experience back or neck pain, you most likely won't be getting the most out of it. It's therefore important that both you and your baby are comfortable.
3. The baby carrier has too many functions.
Many expectant parents compare the number of different functions a baby carrier has. However, they often forget that it's primarily about quality, i.e., how well a function works, rather than quantity, i.e., how many different functions a carrier has.
For example, if you choose a baby carrier that has several different carrying positions and is suitable for newborns up to the age of 4, the carrier will most likely not excel in any of its individual functions.
4. The carrier is too complicated.
Of course, you should be able to put on a baby carrier easily and without any hassle. If putting on a baby carrier takes longer than a few minutes, or if you have difficulty putting it on yourself, it doesn't really make your life any easier, does it?
It's difficult to switch baby carriers from mom to dad (or vice versa). With many baby carriers, you often find that your partner ends up holding the child instead of taking turns, because there are too many straps and buckles that need adjusting.
5. You underestimate the value that the baby carrier will play in your life.
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? With a baby, you'll probably be using your baby carrier for several hours a day. There's hardly any other item of clothing you'll wear more often. ;)
That's precisely why it makes sense to wholeheartedly choose the product you want, as you will be spending a large part of your day with it.
Babywearing was designed to make babies safe and happy and to make parents' lives easier. You should feel relieved of back and arm strain, have extra time to get things done, and simplify your daily activities.
If a baby carrier doesn't offer this, it could be that you haven't chosen the best option or that you're not wearing the carrier correctly.
