7 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Baby Carrier
In honor of our collaboration print Wander, Baby Tula has written a guide on what you should consider when purchasing a baby carrier!
Whether you’re welcoming your first or your tenth baby to your family, deciding what baby carrier you will be getting might be a tough choice for you. There isn't one perfect choice for everyone and it’s important to find a carrier that fits you, your baby, and your family’s needs! With so many options, we wanted to share a list of questions to ask yourself when deciding which baby carrier to buy. Ask yourself these seven questions...
1: What is my budget?
Price range is an important factor to consider when comparing baby carriers. There are a variety of carriers at different price points so don't be discouraged if your budget isn't very big. There is no need to over-extend your budget; however, be sure to consider the quality of the carrier and the amount of time you’ll be using the carrier. For instance, an adjustable carrier like our Explore Baby Carrier or our Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier can be used from the newborn stage through toddlerhood. So, rather than buying a carrier that will only be comfortable for a few months, the Explore or Free-To-Grow Carrier will grow with your baby.
When consider your budget and price range, you might also consider how your carrier is made. We work with a variety of unique prints and ensure that our seamstresses work fair and safe conditions. Care and attention are given to every aspect of our making a Tula Carrier. Some carriers are made from specialty woven or hand-loomed fabric which also adds additional value to the carrier and can make for a very meaningful way to hold your baby close.
Tip: Be sure to check if you qualify for one of our ongoing discounts (i.e. military) on this page: https://babytula.com/pages/hero-discount Or sign up for our email newsletter to learn about upcoming promotions: https://babytula.com/pages/email-sign-up
2: What are the weight limits?
Make sure you’re purchasing a baby carrier that will fit you and your baby. Look at the weight ranges supported by the carrier and if you need any accessories, like an infant insert, to use the carrier safely. We offer wide range of carriers that include the Explore Baby Carrier, Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier, Standard Baby Carrier, Half Buckle Carrier, Ring Sling, Toddler Carrier, and Preschool Carrier that can be used at different stages of your child’s life. You can compare our different baby carriers here:
Tip: If you are concerned about the fit of the carrier on your body, check out the dimensions of the arm straps and waistband.
3: What carrying positions will you use?
There are different ways, or positions, that you can carry your baby in a baby carrier. For different reasons, you might be wanting to be sure your baby carrier allows for certain positions. For example, some families know that they want to be able to carry their baby facing out, so check the features of the carrier to make sure it allows for the carrying positions you are hoping for.
4: Is it easy to adjust?
Will you have multiple people wearing the carrier? You’ll want to make sure that 1) the carrier will fit each user, and 2) it is easy to adjust for each of the users. Take a look at the length of the shoulder straps and the hip belt. The webbing should be long enough to fit all wearers. In addition to fit capabilities, you’ll want to find a carrier that can conveniently and easily adjust between different wearers. Be sure you know the steps necessary to adjust the carrier and if it’ll be suitable for your day-to-day needs.
Tip: Watch the instructional videos on our website to see how our carriers adjust and their ease of use.
5: Are you planning to nurse in your carrier?
Breastfeeding while babywearing can be really helpful! It not only allows you to feed baby on the go, but it also allows you to be relatively hands-free. If you are hoping to breastfeed, make sure the carrier you choose has the flexibility and ability to adjust for breastfeeding your little one. Our carriers come with a convenient, removable hood that provides some additional privacy while breastfeeding if you prefer. A longer ring sling ‘tail’ can also provide you with some additional coverage and ease of nursing.
6. What activities will you be using it for?
Do you have an active lifestyle? Other kids to chase after? Are you planning to use your carrier during a vacation? These are all questions you’ll want to consider because there are several different carrier types that have their own benefits. For example, we make a line of carriers that have a breathable mesh panel to keep you and baby cool during hot months or while being more active. There are also, ring slings, which are one of the quickest and most compact carriers on the market making quick trips to the store much easier!
7. Have you tried other carriers?
Do you have experience with other carriers? Not all carriers fit alike. Just because one carrier didn’t work, don’t count out baby carriers altogether. You might think you want a certain type of carrier until you try it on. Was your baby not content in the carrier? Did you feel confident about putting it on?
You might even find that you have a preference for the feel of the different fabric. We make buckle carriers with printed canvas material. But, there are also Coast mesh carriers and Signature woven carriers.
A great way to start your search for a baby carrier is by finding your local babywearing group or babywearing educator. They can assist you with hands-on comparisons and fit. You might also want to follow our Facebook page to see if Baby Tula will be attending any events coming to your area.
A baby carrier is bound to be one of your most-used baby items so, it is important to find a product that will work well for your family. We have created a comparison chart that shows the benefits and functionalities of different carrier types to help you narrow down your search. We also have babywearing experts on hand who would be more than happy to help you answer fit or Baby Tula product related questions – please do not hesitate to email us at help@babytula.com.
