Pouches, Slings, SaYas, Wraps, Oh My!: Choosing The Best Baby Carrier For You

I get this question all the time: “Which one is the best baby carrier?”

I don’t have one answer to this question because, if you have read my blog long enough, I use all of the ones I own. ALL. Without exception. Sometimes my only criteria for choosing the baby carrier I’m packing for the day is if it’s clean.

Choosing a carrier is really a matter of preference. There is no one perfect carrier for all mothers and for all babies because we are all different, and then factor in the different permutations of mother-baby combinations and what do you have? Insanity. Haha.

I can, however, share my own personal insights on which carrier was suitable for myself and Basti for different situations and different times in our lives. I hope some of my thoughts help somewhat in choosing the carrier (or carriers) you would like to try for your babies. All carriers I mention below are suitable for newborns to toddlers.

1. The SaYa Carrier

The SaYa has been, without a doubt, my most talked-about carrier in my blog. It was the first one I got really comfortable with after all, so it will always have a special place in my diaper bag.

I like this because:

• It’s lightweight and easy to tote around. Even if all you have is your purse, it’ll fit! The Versatekk dries easily and is great for traveling and the beach.
• It’s relatively easy to put on (once you get the hang of it) and totally easy to take off.
• Can be worn for longer periods because of the criss-cross support of the two interlocked slings.

Best for:

• Kangaroo carry
• Front-carry, facing inwards
• Napping

2. The Ring Sling

It took me a while to get the hang of the ringsling, particularly threading it right and knowing how to fix a little knot once I was wearing Basti already. I found the best trick was to get the edges of the tail and pull them out, sideways.

I like this because:

• Very versatile with all holds without needing assistance from another person
• Adjustable; truly a carrier that will never be outgrown

Best for:

• Newborns – I find the ring sling’s flexibility is great for the cradle and front-carry (facing towards the chest, tummy-to-tummy) for newborn babies
• Breastfeeding – It’s easy to fit a child, even as a toddler (with legs out one end) in a cradle hold and walk while breastfeeding. Use the tail as a cover.
• Napping – For children who like to nap in a cradle hold, the ring sling is perfect. Basti still does this now with his legs hanging out from one end.
• Hip-carrying and back-carrying toddlers

3. The Pouch

This was my very first carrier, but I didn’t use one regularly until I bought my second pouch (the green and beige one), because I got the blue and brown one in a size too small. Lucky OC Mom in Manila is the proud babywearing owner of that one now.

I like this because:

• It’s simple to use, with hardly any adjustment needed
• Great for traveling, quick to put on and take off
• Folds flat, easy to pack. Great for traveling.

Best for:

• Kangaroo carry
• Hip carrying bigger children
• Short trips and places where you think you may have to quickly wear and un-wear your child.

4. The Wrap

The most recent carrier to join my stable, the wrap was one carrier I never thought I would use. The availability of a local version changed my mind.

I like this because:

• It’s so secure and really feels safe.

Best for:

• Situations where you don’t need to take baby in and out a lot, unless you’re ok walking around wearing it. The long yards of fabric make it a bit of a trouble to take off and put on again. My main concern is that I don’t like the cloth dragging on the germ-ridden floor of, say, the supermarket.
• Napping
• Can be worn for longer periods because of the criss-cross support, like the SaYa.
• Front-carry, facing out. The extra band offers a bit more support.
• Newborns (so safe and snuggly really!)
• Cooler places (all the layers can be a little warm)

So there you have it. I hope my personal thoughts help somewhat in choosing a carrier for you and your child. As always, if you need any help, just leave a note and I’ll try to offer you some more suggestions or bug the babywearing goddesses if you guys have any inquiries. Happy babywearing!

Don’t forget to join Caleb’s Closet giveaway of a Bailey Wrap! Registration will be open till October 27!