Baby Carrier Reviews

Comparing baby carriers

With all the baby carriers on the market today, it's not uncommon for new parents to feel confused. There are three types of baby carriers: soft front carriers that support the baby vertically, cloth slings that cradle the baby in soft fabric both vertically and horizontally, and backpack carriers that allow the baby to sit up high, leaning forward on the parent's back.

The best reviews are written by parenting experts, pediatricians, child development experts and parents. One standout source, the book "Baby Bargains" by Denise and Alan Fields, bases its picks on personal testing, manufacturer reputation, customer service and parent interviews. ConsumerReports.org also offers some insightful information. The magazine's April 2007 evaluation (available online to subscribers) reviews backpack carriers, although there's no discussion of individual carriers. The article does offer some excellent general information, including detailed descriptions of various features that are important to consider.

Australia's Choice magazine, similar to ConsumerReports.org, reviewed a dozen baby carriers in 2008. Only four of the models tested are available in the U.S., but this review offers feedback from parent testers in a formal rating system as well as expert ratings by a chiropractor and a physiotherapist. TheBabyWearer.com, another solid review site, includes a helpful forum for parents to share their experiences and discuss the pros and cons of individual carriers. Retailer sites such as Amazon.com, ToysRUs.com, Diapers.com and the consumer review site Viewpoints.com are also useful in gathering first-person feedback.

Most baby carriers are generally positively reviewed by owners. However, there has been some controversy surrounding bag-style slings, which carry a baby in a pouch that sits close to the wearer's body. This style of sling can be dangerous to babies, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which issued a warning on this danger in March 2010, according to The New York Times. These slings hold a baby in a curved C-like position, which can pose a suffocation risk. Danger is also posed if the infant is positioned incorrectly, such as with face turned towards the wearer or with chin touching the chest. Excess fabric can also cover a baby's face and lead to suffocation, warns the CPSC.

This issue has led to a number of recalls, including the voluntary recall (in cooperation with the CPSC) of Infantino's SlingRider and Wendy Bellisimo slings in March 2010 and Sprout Stuff infant rings slings in June. Infantino customers can contact the company to select a free replacement product, while Sprout Stuff customers are being offered a full refund.

The CPSC advises that these types of slings should not be used with infants less than four months old, because younger infants do not yet have the neck strength and muscle control necessary to turn their heads if their airway is blocked. Other slings, such as the Munchkin Jelly Bean Reversible Sling (*Est. $30) and the Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling/Wrap (*Est. $60) can be used in this cradle-carry manner, but for safety reasons it's probably best to stick with other carrying styles if you own one of these slings.