Baby carriers buying guide

Buying a carrier is a bit like buying jeans, they fit everyone differently. Consider which adults will be wearing the carrier and whether it can be easily adjusted between them. Ideally all adults would try the carrier on before purchase.

There is no New Zealand or Australian safety standard for baby carriers and slings. Look for the US standard ASTM F2236 or EU standard EN 13209-2.

Retailers (including online) should offer advice before purchase and provide after sales service to help ensure you use your carrier safely. If you are buying a carrier online, make sure you can return it for an exchange or refund if it doesn’t fit you and your baby comfortably.

Some carrier retailers offer fittings or carrier rental before you purchase.

Types of carriers

Ergonomic soft structured carrier

A soft structured carrier (also known as a buckle carrier) has a soft fabric body panel and four straps that attach with buckles. All soft structured carriers can be worn on the front and back, some can also be worn on the hip or with baby facing outwards. Many carriers are adjustable for a range of ages, others are size specific or need an infant insert to use with a newborn. These carriers offer an ergonomic hip position, are simple to use and are comfortable for you and your child.

Meh Dai (tie-on)

A soft panel with four long straps that you tie. These are great for going between adults as you can tie them to the size you need. They can be worn with your baby facing inwards, on the hip or on the back. Meh Dai carriers are ergonomic for baby and adult. You can also buy a “Half Buckle” version with a buckle waist and tie up shoulder straps.

Stretchy or woven wrap

A wrap is a piece of cloth that’s wrapped around the body and shoulders. Stretchy fabric wraps are suitable for front carrying for around six to nine months. A woven wrap is suitable from newborn to preschool and can be worn in different ways including on your front or back.

Ring sling

A ring sling wraps over one shoulder with baby carried either on your front or hip. The size and fit of a ring sling is adjusted by the fabric threaded through two rings. These are suitable from newborn to toddlerhood. It’s easy to get a snug and comfortable fit for your baby. Slings should only be worn in the upright position. Slings are a one-size-fits-all for both babies and adults.

Front pack

The term “front pack” refers to the older carrier style with straps over both shoulders, two leg holes and a crotch piece to support the baby. Baby can be worn in the facing-inwards position (some models offer outwards positions).

Bag sling

Don’t use a bag sling. These bag-shaped slings with a narrow strap are banned in some countries and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has advised against using them. The baby can’t be placed in a safe position and can suffocate. The ministry also warns against using a sling that places the baby in a foetal position or lets the baby lie with a curved spine with their chin tucked against their chest: these positions block the baby’s airways.

What to look for

When you're choosing a baby carrier, here's what to consider.

• Make sure the carrier is suitable for your child — check the recommended age and weight. Some carriers need additional infant inserts, so take this into account when purchasing a baby carrier. While some carriers are advertised as one size fits all, they are often a better fit from about six months old.
• Safety standard – there is no New Zealand or Australian safety standard for baby carriers and slings. Look for the US standard ASTM F2236 or EU standard EN 13209-2.
• Supportive padded shoulder straps help distribute the baby’s weight. Many parents find crossable straps more comfortable. The straps shouldn’t pull on your neck or shoulders. A supportive waistband will take some weight off your shoulders and limit sideways movement of the carrier, which adds stability.
• Shoulder straps should be easily adjustable and shouldn’t obscure a baby’s vision or cut into their face. The top of the panel shouldn’t go above the bottom of their ears or cover their face. If the baby is positioned correctly, they will not need head support.
• Clips and buckles are usually easier to do up and release than straps that tie up. That said, ties give more adjustment options so it’s easier to swap between users.
• Check the size of leg holes. If holes are too big, baby can slip through.
• The carrier should support a baby without overly restricting their head, leg and arm movement. Neck support is particularly important for younger babies (who have little or no head and neck control). Construction and materials should be comfortable for the baby. Inside seams should be well-finished so they don’t rub or chafe. Breathable fabrics and gaps will help keep baby cool in summer (but you’ll need to dress baby warmly in cooler weather).
• Make sure there are no points, sharp edges, choking hazards, small loops, clips or buckles to trap small fingers and toes.
• Instructions should be clear and concise — especially if you haven’t used a baby carrier before. Pictures or a DVD are helpful. YouTube is great for demonstrations too.
• A machine washable carrier will be easier to clean.
• Storage pockets can help store small items.

Support groups and consultants

In New Zealand there are babywearing groups. They meet regularly and you can get advice on how to use carriers correctly and which type is appropriate for you. Groups also have a carrier “library” so you can borrow one for a fee. Babywearing Aotearoa has a list of all active babywearing groups. If you don’t have a group in your area, you can hire an ergonomic baby carrier through some stores or the New Zealand National Baby Carrier Library.

If you need one-on-one support to choose the right sling or wear it safely, you can get help from a babywearing consultant.

This can be in person or via zoom. You can find a list of babywearing consultants here.

You’ll need to pay for this service (approximately $30 for a 30 minute consult) and some consultants are affiliated with a retail store.

Wearing your carrier safely

Babywearing consultant Coralie Archer says it’s crucial any baby carrier is worn correctly to keep your baby safe. The most important factors are to ensure baby is positioned so their airways are always clear, there is no suffocation risk, and the carrier position ensures baby can’t fall out.

Coralie recommends following the TICKS checklist to keep your baby safe.

Tight – slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close. This will be the most comfortable position for you and baby. Any slack/loose fabric will allow baby to slump in the carrier which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.

In view at all times – you should always be able to see your baby’s face when glancing down. In a cradle position your baby should face upwards, not be turned in towards your body.

Close enough to kiss – your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable.

Keep chin off the chest – a baby should never be curled so their chin is forced on to their chest. This can restrict their breathing.

Supported back – in an upright carrier a baby should be comfortably close so their back is supported in its natural position and their tummy and chest against you. A baby in a cradle carry in a pouch or ring sling should be positioned with their bottom in the deepest part so the sling doesn’t press their chin to their chest.

It’s a good idea to hold your baby over something soft — like a bed — when you are learning to put them in a carrier. A carrier is not designed for bending over. If you are bending over a baby must always be supported by your hand.

Some carriers come with hoods – these should only be used with older babies on the back to support their head while sleeping. Care must always be taken if using a hood with a small baby – use the hood done up on one side only, ensure airways are not compromised and that you can monitor your baby at all times.

Sling safety - babies have suffocated while being carried in slings. They’re at risk if they’re placed incorrectly — they can’t move out of dangerous positions which block their airways. Babies who are low birthweight, born prematurely or have breathing problems, such as a cold, appear to be at most risk.