Babies need to feel safe and comfortable but it is not possible for parents to be holding their babies all the time. Baby carriers allow parents to be hands-free while keeping the baby close, and reduces the chance that a baby will cry due to separation anxiety or insecurity.
Busy parents can also ‘free up’ their hands to do chores or explore places with the baby which are not accessible by strollers. Holding the baby close makes it easier for parents to know when a baby is hungry or uncomfortable. It is also better support for the baby’s spine compared to being in a stroller for long hours. Research further shows that babies who are held close are able to better regulate their heart rate, breathing and temperature. Here are ten ergonomic soft-structured baby carriers that are popular among parents. Which one will you pick?
1. Tula Baby Carrier
Features:
– Comfort and ease of use
– Safe and ergonomic for babies (with a comfortable wide M seat) and for parent
– Front and back carries
– Hand-made with 100% Öko-Tex Standard 100 certified cotton and durable Duraflex buckles
– Dual-adjustment straps, additional leg opening and shoulder padding
– Removable hood to support baby’s head that can provide additional support, shield from the sun and suitable for use during breastfeeding
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From birth to toddler (infants require an infant insert to be separately purchased while for toddlers, a grow extender); takes weight of 7kg to 20kg (for baby carrier) and 11 to 22 kg (for toddler carrier)
Price: S$229 (infant insert at additional S$60)
Available at:
Bumwear
(Marina Square Shopping Mall,
#03-156, 6 Raffles Blvd
Singapore 039594)
Online Stores:
http://www.tulababycarriers.com
http://www.bumwear.com/
http://www.pupsikstudio.com/
http://www.kulily.com/
http://www.happiediapers.com/
2/3. ERGO Baby Carrier (Original and Four Position 360)
Features:
– Comfort
– Safe and ergonomic for babies (baby seat position in accordance with recommendation from US National Hip Dysplasia) and also for parent
– Front, back and hip carries (360 offers forward facing option)
– Made with soft cotton on the inside while durable linen and cotton blend material on the outside (360 uses 3D mesh panel and moisture wicking mesh lining, made with polyester)
– Adjustable straps and shoulder padding
– Removable hood to support baby’s head that can provide additional support, shield from sun and suitable for breastfeeding
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From newborns (3.2kg to 5.5kg) with Infant Insert (or up to 4-5 months) to a maximum of 20kg
Price: S$149 to S$275 (infant insert at additional S$38)
Available at:
Online Stores:
http://store.ergobaby.com/
http://www.pupsikstudio.com/
http://mothercare.com.sg/
http://www.agapebabies.com/
http://www.happiediapers.com/
4. Onya Outback Baby
Features:
– Water resistant, durable and comfortable
– Safe and ergonomic for babies and parent
– Front, back, side carries with a hidden seat (with harness) for chair
– Made with rip-stop nylon exterior and air-mesh lining, suitable for hot weather or hiking (with moisture wicking material)
– Adjustable straps and shoulder padding
– Two zippered pockets, a tuck-away sleep hood, toy loops and a d-ring for keys
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From newborns to toddlers, up to 20 kg
Price: S$129 (sale price at http://www.babycarriersingapore.com/)
Available at:
Online Stores:
http://onyababy.com/
http://www.babycarriersingapore.com/
5. Baby Gemini
Features:
– Light-weight
– Safe and ergonomic for babies and parent
– 4 in 1: Front carry facing in, Front carry facing out, Back carry and Hip Carry
– Made with 100% cotton (limited edition carrier uses 55% cotton and 45% Repreve, which is a fiber made with 100% recycled bottles)
– Adjustable straps, width of baby seat and shoulder padding
– Built-in head rest for baby and allows for breastfeeding
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From 3kg to 15kg (no infant insert is required for newborn)
Price: S$199
Available at:
Online Stores:
http://www.agapebabies.com/
6. Manduca Baby Carrier
Features:
– Unique wrap-around design that mimics baby wraps with no single pressure point on babies carried in it
– Light-weight
– Safe and ergonomic for babies and parent
– Usable for front carry, back carry & hip carry positions with option to use the carrier in backpack style or cross-straps
– Made with 100% organic cotton, fasteners by Duraflex, nickel-free zips and studs
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From newborns with no neck control to toddlers and pre-schoolers up to 20kg
Price: S$269
Available at:
Isetan Scotts and Isetan Katong
List of stores: http://www.manducababycarrier.com.sg/
Online Stores:
http://www.agapebabies.com/
http://www.bumwear.com/
http://www.happiediapers.com/
7. Boba 4g Baby Carrier
Features:
– Lightweight, compact
– Safe and ergonomic for babies and parent
– Sturdy fabric
– Good quality buckles
– Three zipped pockets
– Front and back carry
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From newborns of 3.1kg to toddlers up to 20kg
Available at:
Online Stores:
http://www.agapebabies.com/
http://www.babyslingsandcarriers.com/
http://www.pupsikstudio.com/
http://www.happiediapers.com/
8. Bobo Carrier
Features:
– Light-weight
– Safe and ergonomic for babies and parent
– Front and back carry
– Purse-strap holder
– Adjustable straps
– Made with 100% cotton, fasteners by Duraflex, zippers by YKK
– Removable foot straps and sleeping hood, suitable for breastfeeding
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From newborns of 3.5kg to toddlers up to 20kg
Price: S$150 to S$200
Available at:
Online Stores:
http://www.agapebabies.com/
http://www.babyslingsandcarriers.com/
http://www.pupsikstudio.com/
http://www.boba.com/
9. LILLE Carrier Complete Airflow
Features:
– Made with 3D Mesh and cotton; 3D breathable moisture-wicking mesh is for maximum airflow and ventilation to help both baby and parent stay cool
– Six Carrying Positions – hood, two pockets, lumbar support, neck support, 2-way straps
– Offers sleeping hood for baby’s comfort and suitable for breastfeeding
– Enable wearer to carry “backpack style” or with straps crossed in the back
– Seats adjustable from wide to narrow
– Adjustable straps
– Machine Washable
Suitable for: From newborns of 3.5kg (no additional insert required) to toddlers up to 20kg
Price: S$159
Available at:
Online Stores:
http://www.pupsikstudio.com/
http://lillebaby.com/sale
10. Evenflo Natural Fit Carrier
Features:
– Safe and ergonomic for babies and parent
– Front, back and hip carry
– Automatically adjusting back strap
– Machine washable
Suitable for: From newborns of 3.5kg (integrated infant insert) to toddlers up to 20kg
Price: S$50
Available at:
http://www.4littleboyz.com/2015/03/baby-kids.html
Retailer is in Malaysia: http://www.evenflo.com/Support/International_Retailers/
It is important to test the carrier first before buying to ensure a comfortable fit. Whether you need a moisture wicking material or one that is suitable for breastfeeding also depends on your usage. Consider getting a quality used one from your friends to save money!
Written by Mei & Crystal Tan
