A lot of people tell you that once you have a baby your whole life is going to change, and they are not wrong. I’ve had people come up to me and tell me to kiss my travel goodbye! It is impossible to move around with a baby. I refused to believe that. I agree that it gets more difficult but impossible? That isn’t a word that I would associate with it.
One of the travel accessories that I found to be a lifesaver was the different types of baby carriers for travel that were available on the market. Since this was my first time as a mom, I found that I went through quite a few types of baby carriers till I found the perfect one.
Since I struggled a lot to find the perfect baby carrier for travel, I thought that I would write a guide to selecting one. That way you could learn from my struggles, failures and successes. Before we head on to discussing the different types of baby carriers for travel and their merits, let’s spend a bit of time talking about why you should consider getting one if you travel a lot.
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Table of Contents
Baby Carriers For Travel: Why Should You Own One?
The concept of using a baby carrier is not a new one. In fact, you will find loads of pics on the internet of tribes from across the world, who roam with their baby/infant strapped to their body. There are a number of reasons why. One thing is sure, no matter what type of baby carrier you pick, once you get used to it, you will find that there is no going back!
Ease Of Movement
Baby carriers for travel are largely popular in places where you can’t use strollers. Take India for example. Try pushing a baby in a stroller and you will find yourself carrying the baby and the stroller due to the lack of paved pathways. You will find that this is true for a lot of countries.
But it isn’t just the country that you should consider, think about the activity that you are going to be doing. Hiking, trekking, heading to the beach, hopping on a boat/ferry … These are just a couple of examples.
Your Hands Are Free
Strapping your baby to your body helps keep your hands free to do other stuff. So, you can carry your bags or work on something while still carrying your baby. I find that this is one of the largest selling points when it comes to choosing and using a baby carrier. I also find it easier to carry my baby this way especially as she grew heavier.
It Provides Safety And Security
There are many theories that talk about a human’s need for safety and security. In fact, if you look at preterm babies, mothers are encouraged to hold them close in a technique that is called Kangaroo mother care. The term comes from the way that Kangaroos carry their young in their pouch.
It is said that holding your child near to you helps ensure that your body warmth is passed to the child which makes him/her feel secure. It also helps them thrive and develop better. I have found that my baby loves this, and she is the happiest when she is strapped into her wrap and on her walk.
Your Baby Gets To See The World From Your Perspective
There are different types of baby carriers for travel and there are different positions that you can carry your baby in depending on the baby carrier, the age of your baby, the size of the baby and your personal preference.
One thing that I noticed as my baby girl grew up was that she loved looking around. I think she really began to enjoy it immensely when she was stuck at that point where she wanted to move around but couldn’t crawl yet.
Types Of Baby Carriers For Travel
Let’s get to the crux of the matter. What are the different types of baby carriers available in the market? I have to admit that this really had me stumped when I started out. As a new mum, I did not know where to look. Everything looked nice to me and for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out which among the different types of baby carriers for travel was best suited for me.
In the end, I landed up buying a couple of them and seeing which worked. This does become an expensive proposition since many of the carriers are expensive. That’s another reason why I thought I would pen this down. So that you don’t have to go through the same rigmarole that I did and hopefully, the information will help you save some money.
In order to pick the right type of baby carrier, you really need to understand the different categories that these carriers fall into you. Let’s look at that before we head on to choosing one that suits you.
Sling Baby Carriers For Travel
You may or may not have heard about the slings that are used as a baby carrier. These slings comprise of a long rectangular shaped cloth that you bind around yourself. The cost of the sling depends on the kind of fabric used and the brand. Most of these are lightweight and easy to carry. They do take some getting used to though as they require a learning curve.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Great array of fabric
- One size fits all.
- Allows you to use a number of different positions depending on the style of tying it.
Cons
- Requires some practice to get used to, fabric is long and may drop on the ground when draping if you are short like me.
Ring Sling Baby Carriers For Travel
A subset of these slings called ring slings use a ring to hold the sling in place. These are supposed to be relatively easier to use. One thing that I have learned however is that once you get the hang of wrapping any baby carrier, it becomes second nature.
Pros
- Easier to use than traditional slings
- One size fits all.
- Great array of fabric.
- Has a multitude of different positions that you can use.
Cons
- Requires some practice to get used to, fabric is long and may drop on the ground when draping.
Pre-made Sling Baby Carriers For Travel
For those of you who struggle with wrapping the fabric round you and handling a baby like I do, don’t fret. There is an alternative. Pre-made slings are available on the market and this was the first sling that I actually fell in love with.
These slings come in two parts. One part is a sort of an X that you wear across your chest like a vest. The baby sits comfortably in here and you don’t have to balance too much. Next part is a long sash that holds the baby in position. Since the sling/wrap is divided in two parts it isn’t nearly as long as the traditional wrap. It is easier to use. My baby loved this wrap as much as me.
Pros
- Light weight, easy to use and comfortable. Great for small babies.
- You can carry a small baby in it very easily.
- Unlike many of the soft structured and Mei tai carriers, this enables your baby to look out.
- You can also ensure that the baby has neck support for those wee little ones that haven’t developed their neck muscles yet.
- These carriers allow you to place the baby in both a forward-facing position and one that faces you.
Cons
- The downside to this is the wrap is usually made of a stretchy fabric.
- As the baby grows, this fabric tends to stretch and after a certain weight, it no longer remains comfortable.
- Another con of this wrap is that it comes in different sizes. This meant that the size that I used would not fit my husband. (I am a teeny tiny short human!!)
Mei Tai Baby Carriers For Travel
I found myself graduating from the sling into the Mei Tai. In fact, here in India, the Mei Tai isn’t all that popular. I was introduced to it by a friend who absolutely raved about it. She uses the Oscha range but that is a bit too expensive for my budget. Needless to say, ever since I saw her Mei Tai, I wanted to try one myself.
So, what is a Mei Tai? I guess you could call it another subset of slings, but it is a little different. This type of baby carrier has a large rectangular fabric will four long tails at the corners. The rectangular fabric is used to support the babies back while the long tails are used to fasten it to your body. You can take a look at the picture above to understand what I am saying.
Pros
- The Mei Tai is great because it is made of more durable non stretchy fabric than the premade slings. This means that you can carry bigger babies in it easily.
- Size isn’t an issue as one size fits all. Both hubby and I were able to use the same Mei Tai. That meant that we had to carry just one type of baby carrier when travelling. It saves so much space!
Cons
- I found that most of the Mei Tai baby carriers are very expensive.
- The one that we bought was the Infantino Sash and Wrap. It was the only one that was available in India (but is available worldwide). It worked great but the material is thick and a starchy. This means that it doesn’t fold very well. But it is durable, and the starch comes out of it after a few washes. Once we wore it in, we were happy. Interestingly enough, it is also one of the cheapest Mei Tai carriers available.
Recommendations: If you are on a budget then the Infantino Sash and Wrap is a great choice. If you don’t mind splurging on a great wrap, then consider the Oscha series or try the Didymos range. I haven’t bought either of them, but I do have my eye on their range in case they go on sale.
Soft Structured Baby Carriers For Travel
The soft structured baby carriers are probably the most popular of all the types of baby carriers. There are so many brands and varieties of these carriers out there which shows just how high the demand is. What are soft structured baby carriers? Well, these carriers unlike the wraps have a form.
They come with a series of clasps and buckles. You hook the carrier on to your body and then place the baby in it. Among all the types of baby carriers, this one has the smallest learning curve.
There are a number of different types of soft structured baby carriers though and we shall take a look at some of them just to be thorough. I’ve tried a couple of them out at the store and I also own one. It isn’t my favourite type of baby carrier but that is largely due to my small frame. I will talk about that in just a bit when we get to how to choose a baby carrier that is perfect for you.
Before we head on to the next bit let’s take a look at the different types of soft structured baby carriers
The Soft Baby Carriers For Travel
I find it hard to give each of these names but when I say soft baby carrier, I am talking largely about the material that is used to make this type of baby carrier. In fact, if you look at it closely, you will realize that it is a more refined version of the Mei Tai baby carrier. These however come in sizes, have clips and are more well defined. You will find that the carriers come in various types of soft cloth which are great for your baby’s back and they fold very easily.
Pros
- Easily available.
- There are various different models
- Folds easily.
- Is easy to travel with.
Cons
- Not always available in a free size.
Baby Carriers For Travel With A Hip Seat
Pros
- It gives the baby a proper spot to sit on which may be more comfortable, but I can’t say for sure without actually trying it out.
Cons
- It is definitely bulky and is something that I probably would not take on a long trip.
Baby Carriers For Travel With An External Frame
Among all the different types of carriers, I think this one is my favourite even though I haven’t tried it yet. In fact, this carrier is meant more for toddlers than babies, but my list just wouldn’t be complete without it.
The reason why I love the external frame baby carriers for travel so much is because it has a frame (duh!) that helps carry the weight of a toddler. I don’t have to tell you how difficult that can be when you are walking for a long while. These carriers sit on your back like a backpack and are designed for trekking and hiking.
Pros
- Perfect for long distance walking, gives your child a view and enables you to balance better on uneven terrain.
Cons
- May be bulky to carry when not in use. (I’m not sure as I haven’t used one yet. Will keep this post updated when I get one.)
How To Know Which Types Of Baby Carriers For Travel Best Suit You And Your Child
When we first set out to buy a carrier, we had not considered the different types of baby carriers that are available in the market. We just thought that it would be useful to have our hands free.
Our first two buys were secondhand carriers which suited us well because it helped us dip our toes in the water. Plus, the baby hadn’t made her way into the world yet. We did not know which of the types of the baby carriers would suit us best.
1. The Width Of Your Shoulders
This may sound really odd to you, but your frame is very important when buying any of the above types of baby carriers. I have a small stature and narrow shoulders. This means that most of the straps of the carriers balance half off them.
As you can imagine, this isn’t a very comfortable proposition. The easiest and best solution that I found was to choose a wrap or Mei Tai over the soft carriers. This meant that I could adjust the shoulder straps to fit my frame and I could also adjust the way they crisscrossed across my back for better support.
2. How Big Is Your Baby?
There are two ways of looking at this. I could ask you how old your baby is because that would tell me about how well your baby holds his or her head. Take a look at the different types of baby carriers you are considering. If your baby hasn’t started holding his/her head upright yet, make sure that the carrier has neck support.
The second question that I could ask you is how big or how much your baby weighs. This is irrespective of what age they are.
Asian babies tend to have smaller builds compared to their western counterparts. In fact, at 2.3 kgs, my little one was not comfortable in any of the carriers at first. She would howl as soon as she was put in. Plus, it was obviously ill matched for her size. The wraps however do provide a solution to this.
3. What Positions Do You Want To Carry Your Baby In?
As I mentioned earlier, each of the different types of baby carriers come with their own restrictions. These include (but are not limited to) the different positions that you can carry the baby in. The most common position is with the baby facing you. I find this the most comfortable position too.
The reason is because the baby fits naturally on your chest. As babies grow, they are more and more curious about their surroundings. It is then that you may want to change the position to forward facing or place them on your back etc.
4. Will More Than One Person Be Using The Carrier?
It is important to understand who will be using the carrier. Different types of baby carriers suit different people. Many of them come in different sizes. You want to feel comfortable in the carrier that you choose.
Shawn and I quickly realized that since there was a really large build difference between the two of us, we needed a carrier that would suit both our needs. That is how we landed up buying a sling and a Mei Tai.
Safety Considerations With Baby Carriers For Travel
There are a couple of things that I should add about safety when it comes to using and buying different types of baby carriers for travel. Safety should always come first. Both for you and your child.
1. Backache
Remember that baby carriers help you keep your hands free and they displace the weight of the baby onto your back. I would advise stopping and resting intermittently if your back starts hurting. I also found it difficult to start using the wrap immediately after delivery.
It is important to listen to your body and not stress it out. Even now, almost six months post, I find that if I carry my little one in the baby carrier for too long, I get a backache.
2. Always Practice First
If you remember, I have mentioned that every single of one of the different types of baby carriers has a learning curve when it comes to its use. Some are simpler than others and yet even those can seem like a Rubik’s cube when you have a wriggling, crying baby in your hands.
I always recommend practicing without the baby first. Get the clips and knots down perfectly before you decide t add the baby to the mix. Once you have figured out where everything goes, it is time to try with the baby.
If you have someone around to help you the first few times, it is so much easier! I know I found a leg stuck in the wrong place or a hand that wouldn’t go through just right. It is also great to have an extra pair of hands in case you mess up. You really don’t want to let your baby take a tumble.
3. Secure The Knots Well
This particular safety tip isn’t true of all the different types of baby carriers out there. In fact, it is solely to do with the wraps and slings. These are the baby carriers that are manually adjusted and the ones that you secure by tying knots. These knots generally do not slip but they may.
The rule of thumb is to always double tie a knot. As in, one knot on top of the other. This ensures that the baby is secure. Also check and see that the wrap or sling has been tied properly.
One thing that many people forget is that sometimes the wrap/sling may appear to be secure while you are standing straight. When you bend, you will find that the baby slips forward. Make sure that you check this too.
4. Risk Of Suffocation
Did you know that there is a risk of suffocation that is associated with baby carriers? This isn’t a usual problem because it is easily mitigated. Make sure that your baby rests his/her head well and that her nose isn’t crushed.
Some people also like to cover the baby’s head with a cloth. Make sure that there is adequate ventilation. I for one, try not to cover my baby’s head because of this risk.
5. Watch The Extremities
One thing that many of us tend not to realize when we start out is the baby’s extremities. Especially the legs. They can get caught in things as you move about. Try not to squeeze through small spaces.
As the baby grows, he/she will start to reach out for things. This is something that you may want to pay attention to too because the child could pick up things that are a choking hazard when you aren’t watching.
6. Keep The Baby Carrier Clean
I don’t know about you, but I have realized that the baby carriers tend to get dirty easily. When my little one started teething, she took it on herself to chew on every edge that was in reach. Wash the baby carrier according to the instructions provided and make sure that it is kept clean and dry.
Why Would I Recommend Baby Carriers For Travellers
Before we wind off with the article, I want to tackle two questions. Why would I recommend choosing one of the many types of baby carriers when you travel, and which countries would be perfect to use a carrier in. As we travel, we learn the need to be flexible. That means you would want to have your hands free, be mobile, not carry around things that are bulky etc.
Yet you want what you buy to be practical. Over time, you will find that among the numerous accessories that you buy, you will have to make compromises on one thing or the other.
So, where does that leave us when it comes to the different types of baby carriers for travellers? Luckily there isn’t too much of compromise when it comes to buying one. You will however find that the lighter more durable fabrics from the better-known brands come with a higher price tag. At the end of the day, it is all about how much you are willing to pay.
Which Countries Would I Prefer A Baby Carrier Over A Stroller?
I think the choice between a baby carrier and a stroller is multifold. The country that you visit is one part of the whole equation. South East Asia for example does not have great paved roads everywhere. Trying to push a stroller in these locations would be tedious.
Or imagine trying to hop from one island to the next with a local ferry. A stroller would just get in the way. European countries on the other hand are better suited for this kind of travel.
Another question that you need to ask your self is what king of traveler are you? Are you going to rent a car and drive around or would you rather take the public transport. And if you choose the latter, will you be comfortable pushing a baby stroller in and out of whatever more you choose? Will you be heading to Natural parks or staying in the cities?
As you can see, a large part of making the decision depends on what you do and what you enjoy.
Which of the above types of baby carriers for travel do you like best? We would love to hear about your experiences when it comes to choosing the right one. Do you have any additional tips that you could offer to other people who are trying to make a selection? Let us know in the comments below.
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