Between the cocoon of the sling and the practicality of the baby carrier, young parents can quickly get lost. To help you, we are going to present you the different offers available on the market with their advantages and disadvantages.
Baby wrap VS carrier
It is important to know that the way of babywearing you choose will depend mainly on :
- your needs: do you prefer hiking or netflix?
- your budget
- the conformity of the babywearing tool: does it respect the safety standards and baby's morphology?
Let's move on to the different characteristics of these two way of babywearing.
The baby wrap
Formerly forgotten in favor of baby carriers, strollers and baby carriages, the baby wrap is back on the scene for our greatest pleasure.
And it's not without reason, the wrap has many benefits and advantages. It reassures the baby, reduces crying, promotes bonding, stimulates motor, cognitive and emotional development of the baby, reduces colic and GERD while leaving your hands free. Nice promises, isn't it?
Discover all the benefits of babywearing.
In concrete terms, what is a baby wrap? A long strip of fabric of several meters (the length depends on the type of knotting possible) that you will put around you to be able to carry your child.
There are several types of wraps, it's up to you to find the one that suits you best!
The classic baby wrap
The classic baby wrap is the one that you have to tie around you to put the baby in. You have to learn the different knots to put baby in different positions.
The stretchy wrap
The stretchy wrap can be made of 100% cotton or with a mixture of elastane to make it a little more stretchy. Thanks to its stretch fabric, it is possible to make the knot before putting the baby on, which makes it easier to handle for young parents. The presence of elastane tends to keep babies a little warmer.
At Love Radius, our two classic wraps are stretchy wraps that offer excellent support for baby without deforming over time. They are easy to use thanks to the main knot that allows you to put baby in and out without untying the knot.
Love Radius baby wraps from birth:
- The JPMBB Original : the first Love Radius creation, the most versatile (up to 14 kg)
- The BASIC : small budget for a comfortable carrying with its organic fabric (up to 9 kg)
The woven wrap
The woven wrap is less flexible than the stretchy wrap. It can be more complicated to hold because, as it is not stretchy, it is difficult to make the knot beforehand.
See all the differences between the woven wrap and the stretchy wrap
The sling ring
There is a baby wrap where there is no need to make a knot, it is the sling. It is the most adapted for parents who don't want to bother with learning knots. It is really suitable for occasional carrying. For longer carries, it may be less comfortable than the classic baby wraps.
The sling Love Radius the Litlle Wrap Without a Knot will be the ally of parents who are afraid of knots. (up to 14 kg)
The little advantages of baby wraps
- The most physiological way of carrying baby, which will respect baby's morphology, especially at birth
- Pleasant cocoon effect for baby
- Your little one is curled up against you in the extension of the uterine world
- Different positions with the possibility of breastfeeding in complete discretion
The little disadvantages of baby wraps
- Can be difficult to get used to, fortunately there are many video tutorials on babywearing :)
- It can be useful to do babywearing workshops with trained instructors
- Can be warmer than a baby carrier
The baby carrier
The baby carrier has proven itself. It is a very practical and quick way to carry a baby, very comfortable for the carrier and also for the baby. For long hikes, passages where the stroller is cumbersome, it is a great tool. But which one to choose?
The ordinary baby carrier
The ordinary baby carrier is a baby carrier that is not physiological or ergonomic for the baby. It has fortunately improved over the years but still cannot claim to be physiological. Previously very uncomfortable for babies, many psychomotricians, physiotherapists and pediatricians have studied the baby carrier to make it more respectful of the physiological needs of babies. The headrest has become mandatory to maintain the baby's head for example.
Very easy to install, you just have to adjust the straps to your morphology to install the baby. Depending on the brand, you can carry your baby on your stomach, on your side, on your back or all three!
But, and this is why we do not recommend the ordinary baby carrier, the child has legs that hang down and arms that swing. The position of the legs spread in “M” is not respected with the knees above the buttocks. Love Radius has designed all these baby carriers to be physiological and not classic.
The physiological and full buckle baby carrier
The compromise between the baby wrap and the classic baby carrier. A full buckle baby carrier does not have a metal frame and allows carrying in a physiological position.
To prevent the legs from hanging down, the seat is made so that the baby's legs are discreetly raised and the back is rounded. It will therefore ensure the "M" position, the distance between the hips will be respected and the knees will be well above the buttocks.
The Love Radius baby carriers are soft shaped and physiological:
- The PhysioCarrier: suitable for all seasons, all situations
- The HoodieCarrier: the discreet and stylish baby carrier
Usable:
- From 4 months to 20 kg without the extension kit
- From birth to 20 kg with the extension kit (booster seat and neck pillow to adjust the baby's posture)
- In front carry, back carry or hip carry position
See : What are the booster seats and neck pillow used for?
The little advantages of baby carriers
- Easier to install than baby wraps
- Good weight distribution for the carrier
- More practical for hiking at a steady pace
The little disadvantages of baby carriers
- Less suitable for an infant than a baby wrap / sling
- Less cocoon-like for the baby
Finally, which one to choose?
Each method of carrying has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice will depend on your needs and feelings. Do you want to be in close contact with your baby and give him a cocoon-like feeling? Or do you want to go for a quick walk without having to tie knots?
Whatever your choice, the babywearing itself brings comfort and serenity to your baby.
Ask yourself the right questions:
- What will the carrier be used for: the primary tool or a back-up system to the stroller?
- Are you willing to learn the knots in workshops or video tutorials?
- At what age do you want to carry your baby?
- What positions do you want to use? Some slings or baby carriers do not allow all positions.
- Do you want a very quick set up, the most physiological possible, both?
The two are actually quite complementary, the baby wrap from birth and the baby carrier when the baby grows or if you are in a hurry!