How to Choose Between a Wrap, Sling, or Structured Carrier – and Why Huggs® Wins

Key Takeaways

• Wraps, slings, and structured baby carriers each offer unique benefits for you and your baby.
• To choose a baby carrier, consider your baby’s age and weight, safety certifications, ease of use, breathability, and your and your baby’s comfort.
• Our Huggs® Hip Seat Baby Carrier at Abiie® is one of the top baby carriers for its innovative baby hip seat, ergonomic design, and versatile carrying options.

When it comes to carrying your baby, there are loads of options. Baby wraps and slings have become popular for their simple look and the soothing, comforting environment they create for babies. However, these carriers often lack back support for the wearer and limit carrying positions. This leads parents and caregivers to structured carriers, which provide more lumbar support and allow you to carry your baby on your front, side, or back.

All this back and forth about which is the ‘top baby carrier’ can feel overwhelming, especially for parents of newborns. How do you choose a carrier that meets the needs of both you and your baby? We have the answers at Abiie®. Learn more about choosing a baby carrier, and why our Huggs® Hip Seat Baby Carrier wins.

What Do I Look for in a Baby Carrier?

Baby wearing is a very personal experience for you and your newborn. That’s why you want to not only consider specific needs for baby carrying but also factors specific to you and your baby. The best way to carry a baby is the way that works for you.

• Baby’s Age and Weight - Consider your baby’s age and weight to choose a carrier designed for their developmental stage. This could mean a newborn-specific carrier or one that can transition to toddlerhood. 
• Ease of Use - Babies are fussy. Their carriers shouldn’t be. An easy-on, easy-off carrier can greatly enhance your baby-carrying experience.
• Comfort - The top carriers are comfortable for you and your baby. They should promote an ‘M’ position to support proper hip development and offer you comfort for all-day wear.
• Climate - Choose a carrier with breathable mesh for warm climates and padding for cooler climates.
• Safety Certifications - When choosing a baby carrier, look for those that comply with European and/or international safety standards.

Top Baby Carriers to Choose From

These baby products come in different designs, each of which is designed to offer a safe and secure way to carry your baby. Leading options for newborn baby wearing include:

Baby Wraps

Wraps are long pieces of fabric that you wrap and tie around you and your baby. The swaddle-like design mimics the feel of the womb, which newborns love. This is also why many consider wraps to be one of the best ways to carry a baby.

Pros Snug and soothing fit Allows for easy breastfeeding Lightweight and compact for on-the-go

Cons Takes lots of practice to learn how to tie correctly Limited weight range – not ideal for growing babies The fabric can feel quite warm

Baby Slings

Slings are soft fabric carriers that are worn over one shoulder and around the body, creating a pocket to hold your baby close. 

Pros Closeness promotes bonding Compact and lightweight Aids breastfeeding

Cons There’s no even weight distribution, putting all the weight on your shoulder Improper use can lead to poor hip support The extra fabric can cause overheating

Structured Carriers

One of the top baby carriers, structured carriers feature a padded waistband, adjustable shoulder straps, and a panel where the baby sits.

Pros  User-friendly for first-time parents Allow for multiple carrying positions Offer long-term use for newborns and up Comfortable for all-day wear

Cons Bulkier and less portable than wraps and slings

Why Parents and Caregivers Choose Huggs®

Choosing a baby carrier often means sacrificing comfort, versatility, or ease of use. Parents and caregivers choose our Huggs® baby hip carrier so they don’t have to. 

Comfortable for Baby, Comfortable for You

• Designed for comfort, our top baby carrier features our patented HIPBELT seat design with an ergonomic M-position to prevent hip dysplasia. 
• With its padded lumbar support and shoulder straps, it’s the best baby carrier for bad backs. 
• A dual-layer mesh centre panel provides breathable comfort in all weather conditions.
• Versatile carrying options adapt to you and your baby’s needs.

Promotes Bonding

As one of the top baby carriers, our Huggs® carrier allows you to position your baby closer to encourage closeness, security, and bonding. Its ergonomic design encourages longer newborn baby wearing.

Safety Assured

Our Huggs® baby carrier prioritises safety. It’s free from harmful substances such as lead, BPA, phthalates, latex, and PVC. It’s also:

• Certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institution
• Complies with ASTM F2236 standards
• Complies with H.R. 4040 standards

The Best Way to Carry a Baby 

Although finding the best option for newborn baby wearing requires a little research (and maybe some trial-and-error), it’s well worth it for the many benefits of baby carriers. Upgrade to the top baby carrier for parents and babies, our Huggs® Hip Seat Baby Carrier at Abiie®.