Baby carriers come in varying shapes and sizes. They represent the newest in cutting edge baby care technology and construction to the lowest of the low tech. But choosing the right baby carrier among all the options you have can be a daunting task; you may have to experiment with more than one of the many baby carriers on the market in order to find the one that is most comfortable and convenient for you. There are three styles that are most generally used. Each has own pros and cons from which you must determine which one (or more) will best fit your lifestyle.



Baby slings or pouches are the most simple and the hottest of carriers available in the marketplace. Unlike other baby carriers, the baby sling is a one piece, ultra low tech baby carrier that re-imagines an old concept of caring for babies. The pouch is a single, broad piece of cloth that can either be tied at the parent's back or is one piece sewn together. The parent's primary arm and head are fit through the cloth so that the baby sling runs diagonally along the body of the adult. The baby fits inside the widest part of the cloth and is secured by its own weight, bringing tension to bear on the outer edges of the cloth. This ensures that the adult has a reasonable amount of mobility, and some child development experts suggest that there may be psychological benefits to the child and parent by selecting this type of baby carrier. The downside of the baby sling is that usually infants or low-mobility babies are best suited for this kind of carrier. As babies get larger, more aware and curious and more mobile, these kinds of baby carriers can become burdensome and less effective at carrying your baby around.

A second type of baby carrier is the ring sling. Baby ring slings use similar concepts as the baby sling or pouch to keep baby secured but instead of being tied or sewn together, dual rings are used to create the ‘loop' needed to keep baby safely tucked in with her mother or father. Baby carriers in this style are better adaptable for older babies to toddlers since baby ring slings can be used in several different configurations. And the extra “tail” can be used as a modesty cover if baby needs to nurse.

Finally, a third type of baby carriers is based in Asian tradition. Mei Tais are a usually square or rectangular piece of fabric with long straps attached at all of the four corners which is then tied around the wearer's body. Parents can carry baby either on their backs or on the front facing mom or facing away from mom, so this style of baby carrier is quite versatile. Babies can be infants to toddlers as the way baby is wrapped in the Mei Tai will help provide support for little heads and necks or will allow baby to see his surroundings as well. Baby carriers of this style are best worn after a bit of practice, unlike the ring slings or pouches which require very little practice getting accustomed to their use.

No matter which of the baby carriers you choose, you will be happy you selected to wear your baby, because babies who are worn tend to be happy and well adjusted. And that makes for happy and well adjusted parents too!