17 Of the best baby carriers around, according to moms
Research shows that babywearing for at least three hours a day reduces your little one's crying bouts by 43%. What's more, Filipino scientists say carrying your baby close to your body can help reduce the risk and severity of postpartum depression. Using a sling or carrier keeps your hands free to do other stuff while you keep close to your baby. Check out what moms have to say about babywearing products available locally below.
What is this babywearing trend?
You may see mommies and daddies with kids nestled against their sides, backs and fronts using beautiful and snug wraps and best baby carriers. This is baby wearing, and it has quite a number of clinically-proven and research-backed benefits.
A study conducted by Filipino and international researchers shows that babywearing using best baby carriers reduces crying, boosts parent morale, promotes affection, and is convenient for parents (since it keeps you hands-free).
So if you’re interested in getting a sling, wrap, or baby carrier, we’ve scoured the internet to give you real-life, real-mom testimonies about babywearing products.
Click Next to see 17 of the best baby carriers and brands according to moms.
SaYa
Mom Clarisse Banaag has tried both the Semi-Stretch Knit or SSK (T-shirt material) and Versa Tek Blend (80% nylon, 20% spandex) fabrics of this locally-manufactured brand. She recommends the latter blend for bigger and heavier babies as it stretches less and is more snug.
Aside from being a reliable wrap, the vibrant colors don't bleed into the water (yes, you can take your child swimming with you in a SaYa). It may be a bit difficult to remove, as she says, but you can always ask for help!
Next 9
What makes Next9 versatile is that it is a ring sling made of fabric. However, because the woven material is thick, some moms don't recommend using it when it's hot.
What's great is that because the fabric is long, the excess can be pulled up as a breastfeeding cover. Photo from: Next 9 Facebook page
Ergo Baby
Mom of one Kareen Castro de Ona and her husband love the Ergo Baby brand. Reviews say that it's one of the best soft-structured carriers in the market that's safe.
The fact that you need to adjust the straps, though, means it's not that easy to transition from breastfeeding to carrying. But a lot of moms swear by this brand because of its durability, the coolness of the material, and its functional pockets and attachments.
Boba Carrier
New mom Anna says that this wrap is great for small babies and can be shared with the hubby. Once kids grow, though, the Boba tends to sag, says Anna. But she loves that it's easy to use for a wrap. It comes with a pouch and is very fluffy and presko for our warm weather.
Baby K'Tan
While similar with the SaYa, international brand Baby K'Tan is certified safe for babies and even preemies! Mommy Tracy says that the mesh version makes it a cooler choice for our hot climate. This ring-type wrap also suits moms who underwent cesarean delivery because it doesn't reach the stitches.
Lenny Lamb
Lennie Lamb, which even has a hood, is one of the most comfortable Soft Structured Carriers (SSC), according to moms. They say that it doesn't cause pain while the wearer is seated, it has thinner shoulder straps compared to others, it has a comfortable wrist strap, and is made of cool material.
Ubba Woven Wrap
Mommy KC Castro Espiritu says her daughter feels comfortable in this locally-made wrap. It is wider and softer than other brands. After some time, the wrap's fabric softens and its colors fade into chic tones. It is also more affordable than most brands in this list.
Photo from: Ubba PH Facebook Page
iAngel
This is another SSC that's passed numerous international tests for safety, says their website. It's bulkier than others, though, and uses the hipseat position.
The front has low padding which allows the pelvic muscles and waist to support a baby's weight, as mentioned on iAngel's website. One of the more-readily available brands, this one is used by celebrities such as Jackie Forster and Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo.
Tula Baby
Sera, lawyer and mother of three, says that the Tula, a clinically-recommended best baby carrier, is great for breastfeeding her little one. Getting her child in and out is easy, too.
Reviews also say that the straps and seat are soft and comfortable, but they also make the Tula quite bulky.
Oscha Slings
Another one of Mommy Sera's favorites, she says that the Oscha has some of the most beautiful designs and the softest textures. This Scottish brand is quite versatile and has great fabric blends.
Mommy and photographer Louise Manuel-Portillo adds that finding the right position is important when using slings and wraps. She says a chest pass or a cross-at-the-back type of carry can make any of the light and airy Oscha slings super comfy.
This brand has coories, ring slings and wraps to suit more than one babywearing lifetyle.
Moby Go Soft
While the Moby Go brand is comfortable and cozy, the back and seat support can get quite hot thanks to thick padding. Moms say that this carrier is good for traveling because backpacks can be worn on top of the straps and the product is secure—great for errands and plane rides.
Kali Baby
While ring slings can look intimidating even if they're one of the best baby carriers, using it takes practice and patience. The Kali, according to moms, is budget-friendly and great for the cradle or duyan carrying style. It's a no-brainer choice for dinners out while breastfeeding.
Quality Brand Woven Crafts
Woven wraps are prized for their lush colors and comfort for babywearing mommies because users say that babies feel lighter. This is because the baby's weight is distributed evenly. More of the wearer's body supports the baby's weight instead of just the back or shoulders that SSC's and non-woven wraps depend on. Moms online say that this product is best used for long walks.
Chicco
This is one baby carrier that you can readily find in malls. This brand has padding and supports the cradle or duyan method of carrying.
A caveat of this product, though, is that it doesn't support the deep seat position that moms say makes babies comfortable. Don't worry, mommies! You can use your Chicco carrier and do this scarf hack to get the deep seat position.
LÍLLÉBABY
Mommy Coi Henson Caluag, a mother of two and an account executive, likes this carrier because it feels secure and has lumbar support.
Malong
Mom of one Margaux Flores-Nonato says a traditional malong is one of the best baby carriers. It's affordable, supports local businesses, and is readily available.
Have an admininstator or expert from Babywearing Philippines' Facebook Group assist you on how to use your malong. Keep in mind that DIY baby wraps are not tested for safety.
"I need one, stat!"
Here’s a PRO TIP for you moms:
You can get pre-loved baby slings and carriers from fellow moms through the Babywearing Philippines' Facebook Group. They let their members sell their used (but functional) babywear. This is great for budget-conscious parents or those who want to try the products out first before committing to buy one brand-new.
Please note that Babywearing Philippines does not endorse any of these brands.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dana Santos
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Sinulat ni
Danielle Ann Abesames-Santos
