Which Carrier is Right For You?

At MiaMily, we know becoming new parents is overwhelming, so to clear up any baby carrier confusion, we’ve written an unbiased guide outlining the different types of carriers and the pros and cons for each. We of course want you to choose the best baby carrier to suit your needs (even if it’s not ours!), and it’s our hope to provide you with enough educational information to make the best carrier choice for you, your family and your lifestyle.

So, what are the types?

There are five main types of carriers: soft structured, hip seat, wraps, ring slings, mei-tais.

1. Soft Structured Carrier

Arguably the most popular type of carrier and what most parents initially think of when searching for a one. Padded around the shoulder straps and fastens around the waist; this carrier creates a fabric pouch for baby to sit that is wide enough to support the hips and legs.

Adjustable and generally fit most sizes, most carriers allow for multiple carry ways from infancy to toddlerhood, but that often depends on the design and any attachments available.

Our carriers were directly inspired by the healthy seating position that often comes with soft structured carriers allowing baby to rest in the optimal M or frog position, supporting the thigh, knee and bum to promote natural hip development.

	Pro's		Cons
	Easy to Use		Pricey
	Padded for Comfort		Must Adjust Between Carry Position
	Ergonomic Forward Facing		Minimal Storage
	Breathable

2. Hip Seat Carriers

A hip seat baby carrier is soft structured with an ergonomic hip seat, allowing the baby to sit higher, providing additional support in the hips and thighs that often lacks with traditional soft structured carriers.

Our standalone hip seat is part of a unique, interchangeable system that grows with baby and allows up to 9 carry positions by attaching the double or single shoulder to the hip seat. Both our hip seat and plus carrier are newborn compatible through toddlerhood. A little bit of structure in the seating area allows baby to be worn for longer and is capable of carrying toddlers up to 44 lbs.

Additional storage is provided over that of a traditional soft structured carrier with a zippered compartment below the hip seat and the wide waist belt provides full lumbar support for the wearer.

	Pro's		Cons
	Extra Lumbar Support		Bulky
	Ergonomic Hip Seat
	Padded for Comfort
	One Size Fits All, Plus Size Friendly
	Breathable
	Ergonomic Forward Facing
	Lots of Storage

3. Wrap

Wraps are one solid piece of fabric that must be wrapped around your body and babies creating a snug, cozy environment. These carriers can be wrapped a few different ways and it does get easier with practice (or a lot of youtube tutorials).

Wraps come in an array of fabric lengths and types, but stretchy wraps like knit and cotton jersey are great for beginners and newborns as you’re able to tie the fabric to your body first, then wrap around the baby.

	Pro's		Cons
	Versatility		No Storage
	Infinite Adjustability		Not Breathable
	Lots of Styles		It's an Additional Layer of Clothing
	Newborn-Friendly		Not Recommended for Toddlers

4. Ring Sling

A ring sling is a long piece of fabric with two rings at the end. These carriers work by threading the fabric through one ring at the free end and quickly tucking it under the other ring providing a snuggly environment for baby. Don’t worry, the ring won’t unfasten itself because of babies weight.

You’ve most likely seen these hammock like carriers as they create a pouch from one shoulder to the opposite hip allowing you to wear a baby in the front or on your hip (the most popular method).

	Pro's		Con
	Easy Adjustability		No Lumbar Support
	Variety of Fabrics and Fashions		Not Toddler Friendly
	Suitable for Newborns		Long, Excess Fabric
	Great for Beginners		Can't Forward Face
	Suitable for Breastfeeding

5. Mei Tai Carrier

Mei Tai carriers are a hybrid between a wrap and a soft structure carrier, looking similar to the design of a soft structure carrier (without hip seat) but with long pieces of fabric for shoulder straps that you must tie around your body. No buckles required.

While ties can both easily be adjusted, with a Mei-Tai you MUST make a secure tie but it’s not terribly difficult and is quicker to learn than a wrap carrier.

This carrier allows for multiple carry ways on your front, back or hip. Depending on the brand, some Mei-Tais are suitable for older infants (from 6 months), but a few models can be used from birth as well.

	Pro's		Cons
	Easy & Infinite Adjustability		Using it Takes Practice
	For Babies of Different Ages
	Lots of Styles and Colors
	Padding

We aim to provide the most comfortable babywearing experience on the market. A "good for you, good for baby" approach. We feel that carriers often take into consideration the comfort of the baby and not the parent, who will be wearing their children (often older and heavier) around for long periods of time. Designed by a mom for moms, that’s why we made sure our ergonomic hip seat, wide waist belt with full lumbar support and comfort straps redistributes babies’ weight onto the seat and off the parents' backs and shoulders. We are also the only hip seat brand that offers an interchangeable system so you can use the hip seat with a double shoulder and single shoulder offering up to 9 carry positions to fit every family’s need and babywearing style!

We hope this guide was helpful and helped clear up any confusion you might have when deciding on which carrier type is the best for your family. Please feel free to reach out to us with any additional questions, concerns or guidance on choosing your new carrier.