Baby Carriers And Their Carrying Options
Babywearing is so much more than only wearing your baby on your front! Most baby carriers have at least 2 carrying options and each position has different advantages. From front snuggles (my favourite) to back carries which are great for getting things done and make carrying a toddler easier!
*When considering your options, it is important to ensure your baby is safe and the carry/carrier is developmentally appropriate for them. Make sure you read your instruction manual and follow their advice*
So what are the different carrying options?
Front Carry (inward facing) 
- Baby faces you on your front
- Suitable from newborn until it is no longer comfortable for you
- Advantages include optimal positioning can be achieved (depending on your baby carrier), you can easily see their cues and communicate with each other and when your baby is tired, they can comfortably and safely fall asleep and it is just like cuddling!
Hip Carries
- Baby faces you on your hip
- Requires your baby to have adequate head and neck control or even sitting abilities so check your baby carrier instructions
- Advantages include that optimal positioning can be achieved as your baby is facing you, it replicates the natural hip position that we usually carry our babies
- Things to consider include that the weight distribution is different as more weight is on your opposite shoulder and often the arm of the carrying hip is restricted.
Back Carries 
- Baby faces you on your back
- Most baby carriers recommend back carrying once your baby can sit independently (so not propped up).
- Advantages include nice high back carry allows your child to see the world and they can still fall asleep if required, optimal positioning achieveable, plus it is often super comfortable for the wearer as it uses different muscles.
Forward Facing
- Baby faces out on your front
- Requires your baby to have adequate head and neck control or even sitting abilities so check your baby carrier instructions
- Advantages include baby being able to see and often be involved in the world
- Things to consider include overstimulation, wearer missing cues, can be uncomfortable for the wearer due to your centre of gravity changing and a baby can’t fall asleep in this position as their head falls forward which can be an asphyxiation risk
Not sure which baby carrier is for you? Check out our Baby Carrier and Their Carry Options Comparison below and if you have any questions please contact me at info@babywearingandyou.com.au
| BABY CARRIER | Front Carry (inward facing) | Hip Carry | Back Carry | Forward Facing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tula Free-To-Grow | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Tula Toddler | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Kokadi Flip | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Kokadi Tai Tai | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Soul AnoonA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soul Full Buckle | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Soul Woven Wrap | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Soul Ring Sling | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Fidella Flytai (meh dai) | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Fidella Fusion | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Yaro Woven Wrap | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Yaro Ring Sling | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Manduca | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Manduca Stretchy Wrap | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Emeibaby | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Hopprdiz Hop-Tye (Meh Dai) | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Didymos Woven Wrap | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Didymos Ring Sling | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Soul Onbuhimo | – | – | Yes | – |
| Fidella Onbuhimo | – | – | Yes | – |
Kylie xx
Certified Babywearing Consultant
Kangatraining Instructor
