Baby Carriers

Unlike Skandi-style Montessori floor beds and vegan baby formula, babywearing has been around for nearly as long as babies have been. For as long as there have been parents, there have been busy parents who need to get things done with a baby in tow! Fair to say we have had plenty of time to work out the very best ways to carry our little ones with us, ensuring safety and comfort for both bubs and their parent.

Baby carriers are a wonderful way to build a strong bond and close, secure attachment with your baby, forming the foundation of their confidence, independence and outgoing spirit as they grow. It sees baby and parent close together, sharing experiences, building a deep connection, and falling in love.

We love babywearing, and want to make it as practical, comfortable and enjoyable as it can be with our selection of premium baby carriers laid out for you below.

The different types of baby carriers

Baby carriers can be divided into four main categories. While you may find a preference for one over another, some parents find they like to keep a few on hand for different circumstances. Let us explain what’s what for you to help you get a sense of which carrier will work best for you.

Baby Wraps

A wrap carrier is simply a long stretchy-ish piece of fabric that you tie around your body in the shape of a carrier before tucking your little one in. They are very comfy to wear, but take some time to learn to use. They are best for when your baby is very small, as wiggling a larger toddler into a wrap carrier is more challenging.

Ring Slings

A ring sling, or baby sling, is worn across your body like a messenger bag and is adjusted with two rings at the shoulder. Soft, light and comfy to wear and much easier to put on than a wrap, but your baby may not be quite as secure, and you’ll find yourself holding them lightly with one hand. They also look super stylish and are perfect for those going for the ‘earth mama’ aesthetic!

T-shirt Carriers

Not quite a T-shirt with a pocket for bubs, T-shirt carriers are actually pre-wrapped wraps that slip over your head and arms like a t-shirt. Easy to put on, comfy and secure, but they are not adjustable, so you’ll need exactly the right size for you and may need to upsize as your baby grows.

Buckle Carriers

Buckle carriers (also called soft structured carriers) are the ones you most commonly see - like backpacks for babies. BabyBjorn and Ergobaby are the two of our absolute faves here. They usually buckle around your waist and between your shoulder blades. They’re quick and easy to use, very adjustable, but as they are a little more firm, they are not as comfy to wear. These ones are great for taking out and about, but you might not choose them for, say a contact nap at home. With air-flow technology, these are often the coolest choice to use on a warm, humid Jakarta day.

For a more in-depth discussion of baby carriers and baby wearing, click over to our Baby Wearing Guide.

The most suitable carriers for newborns

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to baby wearing and the use of newborn baby carriers. Some parenting experts say it promotes connection, others worry it hampers independence, with a range of opinions and theories in between. Those of us who’ve cared for a newborn would fairly unanimously say that babies themselves are very much pro-baby wearing. It’s amazing how clearly a tiny newborn baby can make their wishes known, and lots of them will want you to know they want to be held, all day and all night!

As you’re less likely to be out in the heat as much in these precious few months, high-tech breathability solutions are not your major concern. A soft, unstructured carrier such as a t-shirt or wrap-style carrier is ideal. They are stretchy and comfortable enough to wear around the house, and cuddly enough for baby (and sometimes mum too!) to drift off to sleep in them.