Which baby carrier to choose?

Keeping your baby snuggled up to you while doing different tasks may seem like a pipe dream. But you don't have to choose between doing one or the other when you have a baby carrier. You'll be able to keep your baby close to you and have your hands free to do whatever you need to do. There are different means of porting that we have detailed in this article. If your wish of portage leans towards the sling of portage, it is still necessary to know which sling of portage to choose?

Baby wrap June 22 model Leo Addict - photo credit @homely.mb

Do you need a sling?

Many parents say it's a staple of their baby gear. Indeed, baby carriers offer many advantages, such as:

• Your hands and arms rest even during babywearing.
• This allows you to do other things while keeping your baby close to you.
• Physical contact with your baby stimulates the production of oxytocin (the hormone of love, trust, and marital and social bonding), which promotes bonding and can help reduce depression and anxiety postpartum.
• You can avoid carrying a stroller in the trunk or on public transport.
• It's easier to navigate crowds using a baby carrier than pushing a stroller.
• Research shows that babies carried for three hours a day cry 43% less overall and 54% less at night.
• It is a magic cure for infant colic.

Tips for choosing a baby wrap

As there are a large number of baby carriers , it is difficult to find your way around. Take the following points into account when choosing your baby carrier :

1. Comfort

A comfortable sling will allow you to carry your baby longer. Some of the characteristics to look for include the type of fabric and its length (we detail these points later). Do not hesitate to contact a babywearing instructor before choosing your sling or baby carrier. You will be able to get personalized advice on topics such as the most comfortable fit for you and installing your baby carrier safely.

2. The size of the wrap

If you only carry your child indoors, you may not be as concerned about how bulky the sling will be or how well it will fit. But if you want to use your sling on the go or while traveling, it's best to choose one that's lightweight and folds up easily when not in use.

The smallest and least bulky sling remains the ring sling, also called a sling. It can be stored in a pocket and can accompany you in daily life or on a trip.

3. The ease of use of the sling

The sling to tie is not intuitive to carry your child. It is important to train with a carrying instructor in order to master the different possible knots. This will allow you to carry your child safely and in a physiological position. Without a suitable knot, you risk at least muscle and joint pain for you and your child. And in the worst cases, more serious problems such as hip dysplasia for babies, and the risk of falls.

The ring sling and by far the easiest sling to use . Here you will find a video tutorial to install your sling . You will be surprised by the simplicity and speed of installation.

Baby wrap with rings June 22 - photo credit @miilka_14

4. Easy cleaning

A baby wrap is bound to receive stains, drool or spit up at one time or another. Check if the one on which you have set your sights is machine washable, it is essential.

What type of baby carrier to choose?

Scarf to tie

This is the most traditional type of baby carrier (but not the easiest, especially for new baby carriers). The sling is a long piece of fabric that you wrap around your body and your baby.

By tying the free ends, you create a comfortable, cozy and secure place for your baby. There are several ways to tie the scarf around the body, which can be a bit tricky at first, but as you practice it becomes easier.

You can find many different slings on the market, some are shorter or longer, and with different types of fabric.

modal and polyester jersey wrap - June 22

Knitted wraps (as opposed to woven wraps) are called stretch wraps. They are an ideal solution for beginners in babywearing and generally for newborns. With the stretch wrap, you first tie the fabric around your body, then stretch it over the baby.

Cotton, linen, wool or hemp scarves are called woven scarves. These types of fabrics make the scarf stronger. Woven wraps are particularly recommended for toddlers and older children and for carrying the baby on the back.

Advantages of the "traditional" baby wrap

• Versatility - you can carry your baby in different positions: front, hip or back; suitable for newborns, infants and toddlers.
• Variety of fabrics and fasteners - choose what is most comfortable for you and your baby.
• Infinite adjustment - you can adapt the scarf to the needs and preferences of the user, as well as to their morphology (there are scarves of different sizes).
• Many styles - everyone can find something that is not only comfortable, but also to their taste.
• Suitable for newborns - you can use them from birth as they allow the baby to rest in the natural M position of the hips and knees and they hug the baby securely (don't forget to check the recommendations of the manufacturer in terms of age and weight).
• Comfortable - they don't put too much strain on the back and shoulders of the user as they allow your child's weight to be evenly distributed.

Disadvantages of the traditional baby wrap

• At first, some parents may find the sling difficult to use and it takes practice several times to learn how to tie it properly. Keep in mind that elastic scarves are easier to use than woven scarves. Again, it is necessary to take lessons with a carrying instructor.
• It's an extra layer of clothing - a few layers of fabric may be too warm for some parents and children. For hot weather, choose a scarf made of a breathable fabric.

Wrap without knot

It is also a long piece of fabric (shorter than a wrap) that has two rings at one end. To tie it, you need to thread the free end through one ring, then slip it under the other. This way you can adjust it to your body and find the perfect hug for your baby. You don't have to worry about the sling coming off on its own: the baby's weight prevents the rings from slipping.

The sling creates a pocket for the baby, which goes from one shoulder to the opposite hip. It allows you to carry your baby in front of you, chest to chest, or on your hip.

Note that ring wraps are not made from stretchy fabrics. This type of baby carrier is usually made of cotton or linen. At June 22 you will find models in organic cotton, linen, organic velvet and organic cotton fleece.

With slings, you must learn to make a strong, comfortable and physiological knot. Whereas with a sling, you have an adjustable system using two rings (no need to tie anything).

Advantages of the knotless wrap

• Easy adjustment - you can easily adapt the sling to your body shape and the size of your baby. Just pull the free end through the rings to make the pocket tighter or wider. It is suitable for parents of different sizes and can be used for children of different ages.
• Variety of fabrics and fashions - you can find baby slings made in different fabrics and in a variety of colors.
• Suitable for newborns - just like slings, ring slings are also suitable for newborns.
• Ideal for beginners - using a ring baby carrier is very easy and you can master it with a little practice.
• Suitable for breastfeeding - you can use the sling while breastfeeding to support the baby.
• Doesn't take up space, you can always have one on you.

Disadvantages of the knotless wrap

• Not suitable for people with back or shoulder pain. The sling solicits a shoulder from the person wearing it. It can be uncomfortable if you use it for long periods of time. It is not recommended for people who have back problems or shoulder pain. You can then use a double sling to distribute the baby's weight on both of your shoulders.

Double sling June 22 - photo credit @365dayschloeb

Baby wrap, which fabric to choose?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a baby wrap is: do you like it? It seems like a simple question, but if you like the colors and the pattern, you'll be more inclined to use it. And the more you use it, the faster you'll perfect your favorite port.

You may have seen people talk about the fabric composition of their wrap. It is also very useful to take this into account. Here are the materials used at June 22:

100% organic cotton

Organic cotton is grown with care and without chemicals, which preserves the health of the earth and the farmers, and ensures that our fabrics are gentle on delicate skin.

Linen

This fine linen yarn brings the strength associated with linen, but being a finer yarn, it makes it possible to make a soft, breathable and enveloping wrap that improves over time.

Velvet

The velvet made from organic cotton has the support of linen with the softness of cotton. It also brings an inimitable style to your outfit.

Quilted organic cotton

Ideal for winter, it has all the benefits of organic cotton by providing extra softness and warmth. Ideal for fall and winter.

There are also many fabric blends: 100% cotton; cotton/silk; cotton/wool; cotton/hemp; cotton/linen; cotton / alpaca; cotton/cashmere; cotton/bamboo, are some examples.

Baby wrap, which length to choose?

When you start babywearing, you don't necessarily imagine that there are several lengths of fabric and yet this is indeed the case. Here's how to choose the length of your sling so that it meets your expectations.

What length to choose for a baby wrap

Here is a summary table according to the knot you want to make, your t-shirt size and the age of your child.

What size to choose for a sling without a knot

Once again, everything is simpler for the sling with rings, each manufacturer has its own standards, here are those of June 22:

• SMALL: the ally of newborns and the first months. Ideal for parents wearing up to 42 in top size and measuring 1.70m maximum. Shorter and narrower version.
• XL: longer and wider version for more comfort, longer. From birth and without size limit for the wearer.

Discover our collection of knotless wraps on our online store now by clicking HERE.

Cover photo credit @najat_