Types of Carriers: Part 1

When starting out babywearing, navigating the sea of information is very overwhelming. I am sure new members to any local babywearing group’s Facebook page feel lost and confused when they first visit the page. They are welcomed with a smattering of acronyms, videos of complicated ties, and geeky conversations about highly sought after expensive wraps. So I feel that just a brief (or as brief as possible) rundown on the options of carriers out there would be helpful to start out with. Because there is so much out there, over the next couple days I will post overviews of different types of carriers and their uses.

So, there are many types of carriers broken down into categories and in those categories there are sub-categories. There really is so much choice out there that there is definitely something for everyone.

I will start with what has gained popularity in the mainstream and go from there.

Soft Structured Carriers/SSC:

Miles and I in an Ergobaby Carrier: Front Position

This is a carrier that is made out of different types of sturdy fabric (looks very similar to a backpack).

 They have buckle fasteners for the waist and shoulders, and most come with a chest belt. 

These types of carriers are very quick to use, the baby pops in, is buckled up and you are ready to go. Most Soft Structured Carriers(SSC) can be used in a front, hip and back position, so they are very versatile. 

Miles and I in an Ergobaby Carrier: Back Position

Infant use: due to the fact that these carriers are less moldable, a lot of them do need a special infant insert or adjustment to use with a very small baby. Even then, they might not be as comfy-cozy as when you are using a SSC with a slightly older baby.

Some Brands:

http://www.babybjorn.com/

The big player in this category comes with some controversy. In babywearing communities there has been movement away from these types of carriers that have the baby suspended from the pelvic area. Some sources say that it can have links to hip dysplasia. But I am not a doctor and I truly have not read much about, so I will not recommend or condemn these carriers. It is my belief, that any form of babywearing is better than not babywearing, there are more ideal ways and more comfortable ways and I will leave it at that. 

Other more ergonomic types: 
http://store.ergobaby.com/
http://www.babytula.com/
http://www.bobafamily.com/
http://www.becobabycarrier.com/
http://www.kindercarry.com/

Here is a link to thebabywearer.com’s list of brands and their ratings

http://www.thebabywearer.com/cgi-bin/reviews/reviews.pl?softstructuredcarriers

In this category you might also come across the abbreviation WCFB, which means Wrap Conversion Full Buckle. So essentially this would be an SSC made out of a woven wrap (more on woven wraps in a post to come!). These are made by several conversion companies. 

Mei Tai/MT:

Miles and I in a DIY Mei Tai: Front Position

This is a brother to the SSC, the body is very similar, with a piece of sturdy fabric and then a waist band with two long straps for the shoulders. A Mei Tai (MT) can be used for front, hip and back carries.

Miles and I in a DIY Mei Tai: Back Position

To use an MT you tie on the waist strap, pop your baby in and pull the body fabric up your babies back, you then (for front carry) would cross the long straps across your back, bring to the front, bring the straps over one leg and under the other, tie in back.

Infant use: MT tend to be more moldable so the fabric can be cinched in to accommodate a smaller baby.

Brands:
http://www.babyhawk.com/
http://kozycarrier.homestead.com/
https://www.togetherbe.com/freehand-mei-tai-2
The link for thebabywearer.com’s list of MT
http://www.thebabywearer.com/cgi-bin/reviews/reviews.pl?meitais

Some other abbreviations you will find in this category are WCMT and WCHB. WCMT, which as you might have guessed is, Wrap Conversion Mei Tai. Some big wrap companies make these types of carriers, but there are also a lot of smaller conversion companies out there that do custom work.

WCHB, means Wrap Conversion Half Buckle. This would be a woven wrap converted into a Mei Tai, but instead of a tie waist band you would have a buckle, with wide Mei Tai Straps. 

Please note there are a few other Asian inspired carriers, that I really have no experience with, for more information please visit.

http://www.thebabywearer.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?product

Structured Carriers:

Photo Courtesy of Natalie Harper  

These types of carriers have a frame support and are very much like old hiking backpacks. The child is placed in the seat and strapped in, then you put the pack on and clip the provided belts. These carriers are only for back carries and not suitable for newborns.
Personally I have never used one, so I am not a wealth of knowledge, just know they are out there and some people really like them.

Brands:
http://www.kelty.com/default.aspx
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MemberPicks/Kids/PRD~4011-890/mec-happytrails-child-carrier-backpack.jsp
For more information on babywearing there is a wealth of knowledge found at:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/

*Please note that I am not an expert, I am just someone who loves babywearing. If you find any of my information wrong or misleading, please feel free to let me know in a constructive way :)