Baby Gear Guide

Having a baby brings a new set of challenges for you and your family. You need to find a way to transport your new addition to help make your life easier. Baby carriers are an excellent way keep your baby close to you and still have flexibility. There are many different carriers to choose from and determining which is right for you and your family may seem a bit daunting. Here are some ideas to help you make the choice which will fit your needs.

Keep in mind there may not be a right “one” carrier; sometimes different carriers are better for specific situations. Here is a summary of some of the most popular baby carriers available with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Some baby carriers allow you to “wear” your baby close to you. The most common of these carriers are baby slings. Baby slings are soft, fabric baby carriers. They may be padded or unpadded. The sling generally refers to an adjustable, fabric carrier made of fabric with a ring that allows the wearer to lengthen or shorten a “tail” of fabric to fit the wearer of the sling and the baby they are carrying.

Proponents of baby slings as the baby carrier of choice say they are convenient, once you learn how to adjust them properly. One sling can adjust to any size adult caregiver, which is a plus. They are versatile and work well for nursing discreetly in public. There is a learning curve to figure out how to accurately adjust the fabric through the rings.

Another baby carrier that holds the baby close to the caregiver is the baby pouch. Similar to the baby sling, the pouch is made from a folded piece of cloth. However, the pouch uses a folded length of fabric, forming a pouch for the baby. The ends are fastened or sewn together, so that it is unnecessary to adjust the carrier. The pouch is easy to use, but needs to be properly fitted for a snug baby carry. It goes over one shoulder like the sling so your baby’s weight is all on one side.

The mei tai carrier is another unstructured baby carrier. This Asian-inspired carrier is a soft carrier which has straps that fit over both shoulders, making it an ideal carrier for larger babies and toddlers. Although most wearers can fit a standard size, some manufacturers make extra large or small sizes as well. It’s especially effective for a back carry, although not necessarily for a newborn.

A wrap is a baby carrier that can be very versatile. The long piece of fabric distributes the baby’s weight over both shoulders, and it can be configured in many ways: back carry, hip, front, etc. If the wearer pre-ties the wrap, it can be used quickly for quick trips. However, the long piece of fabric can sometimes be bulky to store, and can be intimidating to a new user. There is a learning curve in mastering the different ties which are possible with the wrap style carrier.

Besides these soft, baby-wearing baby carriers, there are a variety of framed and unframed backpacks and front carriers for outdoor adventures. No matter which you choose, you and your baby will enjoy the closeness, bonding and convenience baby carriers provide you and your family.

Backpacks are extremely popular due to the fact that they allow you an easy means to carry many things while keeping your hands free for anything else you might need them for. Most backpacks are quite roomy which encourages you to put as much into them as they will hold. Doing this can create a hazard for your back, and has been the source of many back problems in young children.

For your safety, it is important to remember not to overload backpacks with heavy items whose weight could unknowingly hurt your back. If you need an easy transporting option for several heavy items, consider investing in a backpack with wheels. This way you can roll heavy backpacks to where you are going instead of putting all that weight onto your back and shoulders.

The combined weight of items placed in a backpack is not the only thing that can pose a threat to back health. It is important to pay attention to the style of backpack you choose to use for yourself or your children. There are certain backpack styles that can be harmful to your body regardless of how many books or things you put in them. Some backpack styles are better choices than others are when it comes to protecting your back from possible strain and injuries that can result from carrying even lighter loads incorrectly.

Sling backpacks are a great choice for your back than many other types of backpacks. A sling backpack allows you to effortlessly shift your backpack from behind your back to the side of your hips or to your front, to give your back a rest. Since you can keep shifting the sling backpack without having to stop and remove the backpack and replace where you want it, you can prevent your back, hips, or stomach muscles from becoming overly strained and tired while still walking towards where you need to be.

Sling backpacks are widely available online and through many retail outlets and local stores. Sling backpacks can come in many exciting colors and styles that appeal to young children, teens, adults, and even grandparents. Many sling backpacks also have added features that expand their versatility and popularity. Sling backpacks are making impressing strides in popularity as you can see them being used in elementary, middle, and high schools, on college campuses, at the office, on the sidelines at soccer games, and on the streets, as many people like the hands-free carrying of multiple items that backpacks offer them.

Below are a few examples of the many different types of sling backpacks offered today. It is important to remember that sling backpacks are much safer for your back than most other types of backpacks. More than just better for your back, these sling backpacks offer you a range of different eye-catching styles to choose from.

•Cast It Sling Backpack: This sling backpack has a cinching system for quick and easy tightening to keep everything in your bag. Hangs nicely off either shoulder and is available for around $25 to $30.

• A leather sling backpack by APC will only cost you around $30 to $50, and are a great compliment to your casual wear. They have a good amount of packing room and are available in burgundy, black, and brown.

• The Piel Top Grain Sling Backpack is a snazzy leather bag priced around $100 to $115. They feature front and side zipper pockets, and a main compartment with an impressive amount of room.

• Travel Concepts UR Gear offers several stylish sling backpacks such as the 600D Polyester, a bag with crossover straps for extra comfort priced at $25 to $35.

•The CalPak Gate Sling Backpack is a stylish backpack that provides you with a roomy and safe way to take your laptop with you everywhere you go for only $25 to $35.

•CODi Sling Pac Laptop Backpack and Business Bag features two bags in one. You can effectively and safely carry your laptop as well as important work or school papers, books, and essentials. You can usually find these handy sling backpacks priced at around $75 to $100.

• Sling backpacks are not just about school and work. Consider a sling backpack for carrying your most precious cargo, your child! A Mod Mum Reversible Sling Backpack has a hip and modern look for Mom’s, while providing your baby with comfort and safety.

With the above guide of sling backpacks available to you, and their various price ranges, you can begin your search to find the best and most stylish sling backpack for yourself. You can carry everything you need while remaining in style and being kind to your back to avoid problems further down the line.