Most mums find that their baby carrier is one of the best products they bought. It comes in handy in so many different ways that you will wonder how other mums go without one. The most common reason to use a carrier is to carry your baby when out. Whether it is to walk the dog, go for a stroll or for the weekend outing, a baby carrier will let you carry your baby anywhere. A carrier is one of the most important items for traveling with a baby, especially on planes. You cannot take a regular pram on board of a plane, so even if you check it in as luggage, you will not have anything to carry your baby from check in to boarding. While boarding it is also much easier to keep your hands free to carry your bag and other small items. Even during the flight, it might be the best way to rock your baby to sleep. Babies sleep very well when on their parents’ chest and some only sleep that way. When you are very tired yourself and might doze off to sleep while hugging your baby, it can be safest to carry your baby, so they cannot slip off your chest and drop on the floor. A baby carrier is also convenient when navigating narrow and busy places when a pram would be a nuisance to push. With your baby on your chest, you can walk around as you would do on your own and you do not have to worry about steps and narrow aisles. A baby carrier will keep your hands free while carrying your baby, something a pram cannot do and will be great for a shopping trip where you would like to look at items or have to pick items. As you see, there are so many moments that you would use your baby carrier. It will be one of the best things you will ever buy!

Our mums have shared a lot of their thought and experiences about carriers over the years. Things they consider most important when buying a carrier are the following:

• Breathable mesh – in our warm climate it will be much more comfortable for you and your baby when the carrier is made of breathable mesh. It will keep you cool and fresh during your adventures!
• Ergonomic – although babies are only tiny and do not weigh much, it can be burdensome to carry a couple of extra kilos for hours at a time. Therefore, invest in a good ergonomic carrier, that will be good for your back and keep your baby in a safe position too.
• Easy, quick to use – the easier your carrier is to use, the more you will use it. Check out a few different carriers to see which ones are easiest to use.

• Extended use – babies grow quickly, so think about how your carrier will grow with your bub. Some carriers have newborn insert options and allow to carry up to 4 years or beyond.
• Newborn insert – newborns are so small, that you might need an insert to carry them safely. Investigate what the recommendations are for your carrier.
• Different positions – as babies grown, so change their preferences as how to be carried. Some carriers allow for baby to be facing you, facing out, be on your back or hip. Check out what options your carrier offers.
• Wrap, sling, carrier or hiking backpack – there are a few different options when it comes to carriers. It is based on your child’s age, preference and budget what will be the best option for you.
• For ring sling: what type of material – when buying a ring sling, consider that metal will slide easier than plastic and make your life a lot easier.