As most of my friends, family, and probably followers know, I like to wear my babies. For me, it’s just easier than any other option when out and about–and with little babes, easy is what I want.

When I was pregnant with Everett, Aspen wasn’t even two yet, she wasn’t the greatest listener in public and my ErgoBaby carrier wasn’t comfortable around my stomach anymore. I started searching for the best babywearing carrier during pregnancy, and the idea for this blog post was born. I wanted one place, one post, that would break down the four main types of carriers, what they’re best for, and how easy or difficult they are to use. From all the people who’ve asked my advice on what carriers to use, I know I am not the only one who wants a post like this, so here it is! It’s been almost a year since these photos were taken, so it’s about time I post it. First and foremost, whenever babywearing, make sure to read and follow the safety guidelines for your carrier and familiarize yourself with safe carrying positions for the age and size of your child. Practice holds ahead of time, make sure baby’s airway is always open, they’re close enough to kiss, and well supported and comfortable. Read more on safety here, and for the love of all infants everywhere, please DO NOT put your infant in a bag sling.

The  Stretch Wrap

It’s soft, light and stretchy. You can put it on at home, and pop baby in and out without taking it off or retying it while running around. This wrap is from Solly Baby, they come in many gorgeous colors and patterns and are nice and breathable. I used it a lot the first few months because it was comfortable for moderate lengths of time and I could use it for a nursing cover. It folds into itself and easily fits in a diaper bag. Depending on the carry used, this carrier distributes weight evenly across the back and shoulders. An affordable option at less than $100.

great for

• newborn-25 lbs
• nursing
• warm climates
• moderate lengths of time (2+ hours without breaks)
• popping baby in and out easily
• post c-section babywearing
• mamas who may only baby wear for the first few months/before returning to work

not ideal for

• all day (uninterrupted) carrying
• heavier or older babies
• back carry

The Ring Sling

Easy to use, easy to learn, lightweight and safe. This is a Sakura Bloom linen sling, but like all of the carriers discussed, there are many brands out there and many options. I bought this one while pregnant, and could use it to help carry Aspen around on my hip while out shopping. Then, I used it with Everett as a newborn and still use it with him today. This carrier distributes weight across one shoulder and partial back in correspondence with how it is being worn. These slings come in many weights, fabrics and styles, with options from less than $100 to more than $500.

great for

• newborns-toddlerhood, as long as is comfortable
• warm climates
• nursing
• dressing up (wedding attire etc.)
• post c-section babywearing
• short trips and errands
• babywearing while pregnant
• front, hip and back carry
• mamas who may only babywear for the first few months/before returning to work
• wrangling an uncooperative toddler while babywearing (evidence below)

not ideal for

• long periods of wearing

The Soft Structured Carrier

My beloved ErgoBaby. I had borrowed one when Aspen was a baby, and forgot it on our road trip up the pacific coast when she was 8 months. By the time we hit San Francisco, I needed one, so we found a shop downtown that had two in stock and ended up with this one. There are so many more options now, much prettier than mine, and last year they came out with the 360 that allows for an ergonomic forward facing carry. It’s a little utility looking, but the comfort is worth it. This carrier distributes weight evenly to the hips, so back strain is minimal. Still affordable at $120-$160 especially if you do extended babywearing or have more than one child. I didn’t have an infant insert when taking these images, so Aspen modeled for me.

great for

• all day carrying
• short trips, quickly puttingv  on and off
• newborns with the infant insert
• babies with head control-45lbs
• nursing in carrier
• front, hip and back carry

not ideal for

• babywearing while pregnant
• post c-section wearing
• newborns without the infant insert
• newborns with insert during summer heat

The Woven Wrap

One of the oldest ways to babywear, the woven wrap has been around for centuries. It comes is countless weights, lengths and patterns, and are beautiful works of art, like this Double Rainbow Rojo Girasol from PaxBaby. There are more ways to carry baby in a woven wrap than any other baby carrier, but there is a learning curve with knowing how to tie it snugly and efficiently, which many find as a deterrent. However, woven wraps offer a bit of “buyer’s insurance” so to speak, because if the wrapping style doesn’t suit you, many companies exist to convert wovens into ring slings, mei teis or soft structured carriers. Win, win, win. Prices vary depending on fabric, weight and design, starting at less than $100.

great for

• newborn-toddlerhood
• all day carrying
• front, hip and back carry
• warm or cool climates, depending on wrap weight
• post c-section babywearing
• babywearing while pregnant
• all in one, versatility

not ideal for

• several short trips or errands, repeatedly taking baby in and out of the wrap
• impatient babywearers
• mamas who may only baby wear for the first few months/before returning to work

I obviously have all four of these carriers, and I like them all for different reasons. I think there is a right choice for each individual, so weigh what’s important to you, and the reality of how often you’ll babywear, and make your choice from there. Good luck, and feel free to ask me any questions you like! Happy Babywearing!