There are many kinds of baby wraps and baby carriers. Which one you choose depends entirely on what you prefer and what fits your lifestyle, as well as the age of your child.
Baby wraps
For a small newborn, a wrap can be very comfortable: there is still little weight to spread. A wrap folds all the way around your baby and spreads their weight over your shoulders, stomach and back.
Learning to tie a wrap takes time. You really need to practice a few times before the wrap fits snugly and holds your baby in the M-position. Putting it on and taking it off also takes a little longer. A wrap fits easily in your bag, but tying a piece of fabric nearly 6.5 ft (2 m) long can be a hassle.
There are stretchy and woven wraps, each with their own pros and cons. A stretchy wrap suits younger babies, but you can take your baby in and out without tying it again.
Buckled carriers
A buckled carrier is easy to use. It goes on and comes off much faster than a wrap, because there are no knots: you fasten it to your body with buckles.
In a so-called ergonomic carrier, your baby’s legs are supported from knee to knee, in the M-position, with the knees higher than the bottom.
A buckled carrier spreads your baby’s weight over your shoulders, back and hips. Stork Carry has two steel frame bars, one on each side. The Exoframe Technology™ frame is designed to carry your child’s weight on your hips instead of your shoulders.
From birth
Many carriers can be used from birth, once your baby reaches a minimum weight. Stork Carry is from 7 lb, newborn to 3 years. There is often a special insert that positions your baby higher in the carrier. Your baby’s head should be at kissing height: close enough that you can easily kiss it.
Some carriers are made just for the first year. Some of these, like wraps, have no hip support, but they are light and easy to carry.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Always read and follow the instructions in the manual.