7 Mom-recommended Baby Carriers

The people who know me personally know that I love babywearing. Ever since I discovered it and its benefits when my second child was still a baby, I have been completely sold on the babywearing lifestyle. 

Before my third child was born, I already knew that I was going to wear her but I had no idea how important babywearing would become to the both of us. When she got sick soon after she was born and lost a lot of weight, the doctor recommended we practice kangaroo care and have a lot of skin-to-skin contact. Thus, wearing her just seemed like the most natural thing to do then.  

Even up to now, I feel like something’s missing when we go out and I forget my SaYa, which is proudly a Philippine-made baby carrier. My daughter is now a year old but I still wear her most of the time at home or when we’re out. Indeed, babywearing has become part and parcel of motherhood for me.

Whether or not you’re a newbie babywearer, you’ll probably benefit from reading which brands moms use so you could choose which carrier suits your lifestyle the most. Here are the 7 most popular ones, in no particular order, and what moms love about them: 

1. SaYa

Photo from the Saya Baby Carrier Facebook page

“I have been using the SaYa for more than three years now. I really love how secure it feels compared to another brand of carrier that I've tried. The best thing about babywearing is getting my hands free to do other chores while bonding with my girls. I can do the laundry, work in front of the laptop, sweep the floor, etc. -- all while carrying my daughter. I even use the SaYa as a way to ‘restrain’ my toddler when I'm already tired of running after her, and she doesn't mind because she loves being in the SaYa as well.”

-- Renee Saludares, freelance social media marketer, mom to two daughters ages 3 and 1

“I have the SaYa VTB (VersaTekk Blend) and have been using it for 10 months. I love it because it feels like Marcia and I are inside a big tight hug. It is so convenient to slip in and out of, and I can breastfeed while grocery shopping. There’s no need to set up the stroller! When baby wants to nurse or is cranky and I need to work I just slip her in and work while standing. And it's not bulky at all; it fits inside my bag.”

-- Rigette Osoteo, graphic designer, mom to a 13-month-old baby

“We love using the SaYa. We have 3 in different colors and designs. What we love about it is that it's made of breathable cotton fabric. Breastfeeding is also a breeze when using it. We also have an Ergo Sport, which we started using when the little one turned 10 months old because it supports the baby's weight better.”

--Maureen Ambay, work-at-home mom of two kids ages 7 years and 15 months

 

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2. Next9 Ring Sling

Photo from the Next9 Facebook page

“I super love the Next9 Ring Sling. I’ve been using it since day 1. I love babywearing because it's our mobile duyan, I can breastfeed my child anytime, anywhere -- even while doing the grocery -- and it's the best pacifier.”

--Jane Quintana, online seller, mom to a 22-month-old baby

 

3. Beco Gemini

Photo from the Beco Baby Carrier Facebook page

“I’m currently using a Beco Gemini, a Wrapsody Breeze, and an Abel Wrap. I’ve been rotating them for a year or two already. I love babywearing because I can breastfeed on the go, and sleepy toddlers don't faze me or my arms, I don't worry about losing my kid in a crowd, and I automatically get hugged!”

--Sarah Cruz, research analyst, mom to two girls ages 11 and 3

 

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4. Ergobaby carrier

Photo from the Ergobaby Facebook page

“We've been using the Ergobaby carrier for around 2.5 years now. We first used it when my eldest was a toddler. It has been very helpful, especially when I had baby number 2. I love using it because it enables me to do other tasks while carrying one of my kids. It can be used to carry kids until around 4 years old, and is so useful and helpful when doing the grocery, or when I need to go out of the house, especially when the kids fall asleep or I do not have a maid or companion with me. I love that it can be used by my husband too. I love wearing my baby/kid because I get to hug him and kiss him a lot.”

--Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag, HR consultant and author, mom to kids ages 5 and 2 years

 

5. Baby K’tan Breeze

Photo from the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier Facebook page

“I’m currently using a Baby K'tan Breeze. I love how comfortable it is! It's also very easy to put on, and quite handy -- I can easily pack it in the diaper bag. My baby also loves it, he falls asleep in it every time we go out.”

-- Djong Tan, project manager for mobile services, mom to a 5-month-old boy

 

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6. RJellybean Ring Sling

 

“I used the RJellybean Ring Sling with my second child until he was nearly 2 years old. I could use the ‘tail’ as a cover when I needed to breastfeed, or place it over his head when the sun was too hot or when it was drizzling. I also found that it was more comfortable for my baby, compared to thick padded carriers. It also distributes my baby's weight evenly to my shoulders and torso, unlike other carriers which put all the pressure on my shoulders. 

The only thing is, because it takes practice to wear, only I could use the sling while my husband prefers a different carrier. I also had safety concerns that he might slip, no matter how much the manufacturer guaranteed it won't.”

-- Jazer Basan, writer and mom to two kids ages 10 and 7 

 

7. New Native Baby Carrier/Pouch

“I have used the SaYa, TickledPouch, New Native Baby Carrier/Pouch, a ring sling, Bellala Baby, the good old malong and a DIY-balabal-turned-pouch. I started babywearing my child when she was only a few months old (3-4 months), and I’m still doing it now! My daughter even requests me to wear her, especially when she is tired from all the running around.

Of all my baby carriers, I love the pouch the most as you can easily fold it and store it in your bag, it’s easy to wash and sensibly fashionable. It keeps my child warm and comfortable, and best of all (at least for me, when she was still a baby), I didn't have to hold it when I had the urge to go to the restroom when it was just her and me!”

-- Ghen Beso-Menor, financial consultant and IT project manager, mom to a 3-year-old

 

Photo from babybjorn.fi