Carrier Types Comparison Chart |
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age range/ |
carrying positions |
ease of use | general pros | general cons | |
stretchy wrap |
newborn (also preemie) - toddler (works well up to ca. 7-8 kg) |
front, back (with help) |
requires a bit of practice, but most people find it easy to use | comfortable, adjustable, can be used by different persons; pretying possible |
gets saggy when the
baby gets heavier, can be tricky to get tight enough, breastfeeding not easily possible, limited carrying positions, tying takes some time |
woven wrap |
premature - child (no weight restrictions) |
front, back, hip (many variations) |
requires some effort and practice | very versatile, adjustable, |
handling requires
some practice; tying takes some time (depending on carry and practice) |
ring sling | premature - toddler (weight restriction depending on material) |
front, hip, back | requires a bit of practice, but most people find it easy to use | versatile, adjustable, breastfeeding easily possible, quick to use, can last you for a long while; DIY possible |
one-shouldered carrier; ring slings are sized so cannot be used by persons who differ too much in size; not recommended as only sling for people with back problems |
mei tai | newborn - toddler (depending on size/ weight) |
front, back, hip | easy to use | easy to use, adjustable, can be used by different persons; breastfeeding possible; DIY possible |
often too big for a newborn
and without sufficient
head/neck support; different sizes needed depending on baby's size |
soft structured carrier |
depending on model: some 3.5kg-9/12kg some ca.5-6 months/20kg |
depending on model: front, back, hip |
most models are easy to use | mostly easy and quick to use, mostly adjustable, can be used by different persons; breastfeeding partly possible; some models offer good weight distribution |
often too big for a newborn
and without sufficient
head/neck support; some models uncomfortable for wearer; some models don't allow M-position for baby; some models limited to front carries |
pouch | newborn - toddler (weight restriction depending on material) |
front, hip, back | easy to use | very easy to use, very quick; DIY possible |
not adjustable, needs to be the right size, no M-position possible for small babies; one-shouldered carrier; not recommended as only sling for people with back problems |
framed backpack carrier | from sitting up (ca. 8-9 months) - toddler (check manufacturer's weight limit) | back | easy to use | easy to use, quickly put on; |
ideal positioning of child is difficult; |
Note: While I try to be objective this comparison chart still reflects my own opinion about the listed carriers. Example: While I think that a mei tai is easy to use some people may struggle with it.