Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available baby carriers in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any baby carriers that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any baby carriers that clearly exceed your price limit.
If you plan on going on hikes or day-long excursions, backpack style carriers are the way to go. If both parents will be using the carrier, you will want to get one with adjustable straps to accommodate differently sized people.
If your child is younger than 6 months, however, a backpack style framed carrier won't work for you. The child has to be strong enough to hold his or her head up independently - a feat that happens sometime around the 6 month mark. A sling-style carrier is more appropriate, though it isn't recommended for hiking.
Tip: If you decide on a framed carrier, look for one with well padded, adjustable straps.
Slings usually just rest over one shoulder and can be great for nursing mothers. It's also a very flexibility option where you can take the baby in and out easily but on the flip side if you bend over the baby can fall out as slings generally don't have safety harnesses.
Wraps are a type of sling, made from one piece of fabric. They tend to be harder to get on and off but allow you to hold your baby in a variety of positions. They are very comfortable to wear but they can get hot and as they literally wrap around your body you can't just take it off like a sling.
Tip: Once you decide on the type of carrier you want, try it out in the store. You want to make sure it fits you and your baby comfortably - and that both of you like it. If your baby screams every time you put him in the carrier, it won't get used.
This brings us to the final question. How large is your budget? Baby carriers can be quite expensive - can you afford to buy a sling for your newborn, then switch to a framed carrier when baby can hold his head up? If you don't plan on going for hikes, then a sling may be the only baby carrier you need. If you are very active, you may want to save your money for the framed carrier.
When you were considering your requirements in a baby carrier it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as carrier type, adjustability, comfort and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various baby carriers meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Types of Carriers
Wraps
Slings
Framed Carriers
Front Carrier
Wraps
Wraps are very simple pieces of cloth that you wrap around your body and secure with either buckles, straps of Velcro, or knots.
Appropriate for newborns and older children
Baby can face forward, toward the wearer, piggyback, or on the hip
Look for machine washable cloth and stain resistant materials
Slings
A sling is a tubed-shaped piece of fabric that is worn over one shoulder like a sash
Appropriate for newborns and older children, though the maximum weight (on average) is 35 pounds (16kg).
Baby can sit on the hip or lay in front
These are good for nursing mothers who like a little privacy.
Front Carrier
Supports the baby vertically
These look like little backpacks that are worn exclusively in front
Newborns start toward the wearer, then, once they are older and stronger, face outward
The shoulder straps are adjustable
Higher quality carriers give better weight distribution
Some models allow for nursing
Active parents can purchase front carriers specifically designed for them in mind
Backpack or Frame Carrier
Child sits high on the parent's back
Highly recommended for day-long excursions or active pursuits like hiking
Not appropriate for children who cannot hold up their heads reliably (typically the child needs to be 6 months or older)
Less access to baby, but much more comfortable to wear over long periods
Look for padded straps and ergonomic designs
Serious hikers should consider purchasing their frame carriers from manufacturers who produce outdoor equipment instead of manufacturers who specialize in juvenile gear.
Some models convert into a stroller
Check the weight - some models may be too heavy for one or both parents
Can handle children (on average) up to 50 pounds (23kg).
Wrap and Sling Accessories
Padded cloth for warmth
Zippers for venting (to keep baby cool)
Specialty fabric/funky designs
Cotton panels for breath-ability
Backpack and Frame Carrier Accessories
Rain/Sun/Privacy hood (for nursing mothers)
Storage pouches
Removable and washable child cockpit
Kickstand
Curved and moulded shoulder straps
Five point harness
Detachable kid's pack with shoulder straps
Detachable cargo bag that can attach under the cockpit
Zippered pouches on the waist belt
Cell phone/GPS pouch
Wrap/Sling Safety Features
The fabric shouldn't stretch excessively (making the fit too loose for baby)
Never use your sling or wrap for activities like hiking
Make sure all buckles and straps lock securely
Check for sharp edges that can hurt baby
Backpack/Framed Carrier Safety Features
Look for pinch points and places where baby can catch his or her fingers
A framed carrier is not recommended for children under 21 inches (53.5cm) in length or under 6 months of age
Look for adjustable leg holes-smaller babies could be in danger of falling out
Make sure all latches lock securely
General Safety Features
Follow all manufacturers directions for weight and age
Try the carrier on in the store with baby in tow and walk around for a while
If you experience back or neck discomfort, don't buy the carrier
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your baby carrier needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a baby carrier.
Once you have finished evaluating the baby carriers available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the baby carriers one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Baby Carrier compares with competing Baby Carriers
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of baby carriers that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of baby carriers that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which baby carrier on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these baby carriers best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed baby carriers has the best warranty?
Which baby carrier is the easiest to use?
Which of the baby carriers seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed baby carrier has the most flexibility?
Which baby carrier do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating baby carriers that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the baby carrier, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the baby carrier is put together. Check the assembly - is the baby carrier solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the baby carrier from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the baby carrier prepared for cleaning? Are the buckles, belts, clips and fasteners easy to use? Make sure the baby carrier fits you physically, and that it is user-friendly - some baby carriers look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you use differently to what is recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need a weather hood, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- What else will you need to fully utilize the carrier?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of baby carriers that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
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