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Strollers are great for taking your baby on a lazy Sunday afternoon excursion around the park, but the realities of city parenting often require a hands-free edge. Enter the baby carrier. With so many models on the market, it’s hard to know which one to choose. As the mother of a 14-month-old, I decided to take on the challenge of test-carrying four different styles around my Downtown Brooklyn neighborhood. Thankfully, my daughter, Annabel, was up for the ride.
The Maya Wrap Sling
BEST FOR Babies 5 to 35 pounds
HOW TO WEAR IT For tots ages newborn to six months, try the front position—otherwise known as the “cradle hold” or “snuggle hold.” The “hip carry” is best for babies six months to 35 pounds; the “back carry” for 12 months to 35 pounds.
HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER I found the directions to be a bit intimidating at first—“hold the sling with the tail in the front” (tail?)—but once I followed them step by step, assembly was a cinch.
THE STYLE FACTOR In the world of ring slings, the Maya Wrap reigns supreme. All of the company’s carriers are sewn from 100 percent cotton hand-loomed in Guatemala—very earth mama. Another benefit: Due to its lack of hardware and buckles, it can be easily stuffed into a diaper bag, making it a winner for sling-to-stroller transitions.
ROAD TEST With a soft fabric that could fold or stretch as much as needed, I suffered less of the something’s-digging-into-my-shoulder feeling than I had with other carriers. But during my half-hour trip back and forth to the local dry cleaner, I had to readjust my daughter twice—once for my comfort and again when she was slipping down my leg ( probably because technically she was only wrapped in a sheet!). Also, to achieve maximum comfort I had to spread the fabric out over one of my shoulders, which hindered the use of that arm.
BOTTOM LINE If you’re looking for a structured and strapped-in carrier experience, then the Maya is definitely not the best option for you. But it is portable and pretty comfortable—and a good value. It also has a pocket at the end of the tail for a spare diaper or a set of keys. $45, available at Boing Boing, 204 Sixth Ave at Union St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-398-0251).
Original BabyBjörn
BEST FOR Babies 8 to 25 pounds
HOW TO WEAR IT This contraption is worn in the front. Little ones should face in at first; once they have full neck control (two to three months), they can switch to facing out.
HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER It consists of two pieces, four snaps and two sliding buckles. It’s fairly easy to assemble and disassemble, but trust me, if your passenger is squirming, those sliding buckles become considerably more difficult to pin and unpin.
THE STYLE FACTOR Designed by Lillemor Jakobson (“the Dior of the baby business,” according to the website), this Swedish carrier is known for its sophisticated umlaut, brand recognition and award-winning design—including its supposed lumbar support and contoured shoulder straps. It’s machine-washable and smart-looking, which helps you at least feel put-together after a week of sleep-deprived nights. Also, if you’re a fan of the carrier’s look you can get a matching diaper bag and bib.
ROAD TEST On a quick run to my corner grocery for grape tomatoes, the Björn was comfortable and easy to pop on and off. But after Annabel and I went on a 19-minute walk to the playground, my 21-pound daughter felt more like 50 pounds (and I had extreme pain in my upper shoulders and neck). Full disclosure: I registered for the BabyBjörn and loved it until Annabel reached the six-month mark. Though the company claims it’s for babies up to 25 pounds, my experience is that once my daughter hit 16 pounds, my back hit the skids.
BOTTOM LINE This is really only practical for small babies or very short trips. It’s not ideal if you’re planning a day out in the city with lots of walking and subway transfers. My advice: If you can, get the carrier secondhand on Craigslist, or borrow one from a friend. The price point isn’t worth buying it new. $80, available at Target, 139 Flatbush Ave at Atlantic Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-290-1109, target.com).
ERGO
BEST FOR Babies who can sit upright without help—about six months to toddlers (35-pound maximum)
HOW TO WEAR IT Start in the front (belly to belly) or on the side (hip position); then, after five to six months of age, move to the back.
HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER Buckle the padded belt low around your waist and then put your arms through the straps. Once it’s in place, buckle across your back or chest, depending on your chosen position. Saddling Annabel in the front was relatively easy, though buckling in the back took more than a few tries. Getting her onto my back unassisted required me to swing her over as if she were riding piggyback—a maneuver I definitely wouldn’t recommend doing without a bed or sofa nearby.
THE STYLE FACTOR Designed in 2001 by a mom living in Hawaii, word of mouth has made this baby-backpack a favorite on the playground. At first glance it looks more like a nylon-canvas backpack than an infant carrier—it has pockets that can hold keys or a wallet without interfering with the baby’s comfort. It also comes in a variety of fun colors (and a cute critters pattern) and has an adjustable hood to support your sleeping child’s head. The only downside: With its many straps and buckles, the ERGO should come with its own carrying case. When not in use, you’ll have to drape it across a chair or stuff it into a closet.
ROAD TEST Many carriers boast about lumbar support, but the ERGO was the only one that I was able to wear for a long period of time without getting back pain (it’s also better for babies—it holds them in the seated position, which means no compression on the spine). Since the bulk of my daughter’s weight fell on my hips instead of my back or shoulders, I was able to enjoy the subway ride from Cobble Hill to Dumbo, meet a friend for coffee, walk around Vinegar Hill and head home—nearly a two-hour trip—with barely a twinge of complaint. The only thing I didn’t love was that in the belly-to-belly position, Annabel had to crank her neck if she wanted to look out.
BOTTOM LINE The ERGO may be more expensive than some carriers, but it’s well worth the price—it’s supercomfortable and may even save you a trip to the chiropractor down the road. And for an added cost, you can buy an infant insert and extend its life at the beginning of its use. $92, available at Sons and Daughters, 35 Ave A at E 3rd St (212-253-7797, sonsanddaughtersinc.com).
PortaMEe
BEST FOR Babies 15 to 35 pounds
HOW TO WEAR IT Only on the side.
HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER First, snap it at the waist and then at the shoulder. Once it’s secure, slip your little one in and adjust.
THE STYLE FACTOR Built for high-tech gear hounds, the PortaMEe has a snap, pocket in the front, a zip pocket on the waist and two phone-size pockets on the strap so you can tote not only your baby but your cell, iPod and BlackBerry. It also boasts a soft microsuede interior, leather trim and a rainproof exterior. Plus, it comes with its own travel-friendly drawstring carrying case.
ROAD TEST At first glance, I thought the honeycomb-gel-padded shoulder strap would make the carrier extra comfortable. But no amount of cushioning could protect me from the pain of my heavy load. On a breakfast run to Marquet Patisserie in Cobble Hill, I felt the pressure of the narrow strap digging into my shoulder within minutes. And less than a half-hour into a Sunday walk through my neighborhood with my husband, I felt the studs of my jeans digging into my skin; after removing the PortaMEe, I had an ugly red welt across my hip. Plus, my daughter’s foot dangled in front of my leg, interfering with my ability to walk. I was also disappointed with the pockets: The one in front couldn’t fit my overstuffed wallet, and I was nervous that anything remotely lumpy that I put into the side pocket would poke my daughter in the back.
BOTTOM LINE Though the PortaMEe is one of the most stylish-looking carriers out there —and will satisfy your inner James Bond—we say skip the bells and whistles. It’s a burden not only physically but financially as well. $198, available at Giggle, 1033 Lexington Ave at 74th St (212-249-4249, egiggle.com).
beth
Tue, May 27, at 05:40pm
I have to state that the photos shown on the portamee and the bjorn show the babies way too low to ever be comfortable. Babies tushies have to be higher than the hip like shown in the ergo photo. Possibly the author or model didn't follow instructions properly? I cannot image why the model would wear the back lumbar support pocket of the portamee on her hip! what were they thinking? The bjorn is a good carrier for very young babies..and the portamee is ideal for bigger babies and toddlers..
beth
Tue, May 27, at 05:36pm
Ok. I never write in these things but I have to say that the model (and probably the author of this article) wasnt' wearing the portamee correctly. Ditto on the Bjorn.
threenorns
Wed, Feb 20, at 07:06pm
i notice you didn't try out the cuddlywrap/mamankangarou/moby style. give it a shot: i was able to carry my daughter up to 28lbs in front before my back and hips started to torch. if i could figure ot how to get her onto my back, i'd use it still.
