Which Baby Carrier is Best for Newborns?

Which Baby Carrier is Best for a Newborn Baby + Babywearing Safety Tips

Have you started shopping for baby gear while you anxiously await the arrival of a new little one? Or, perhaps you’re looking for a baby carrier to gift to an expectant friend or family member, and you’re wondering which baby carrier is best for newborns?

Congratulations! This is such an exciting time, and you only want the best for the new addition.

When I was expecting my first baby, I wasn’t sure what to look for in a baby carrier, so I started researching reviews online — just like you are now — until I was able to narrow my options down.

You already know that you want to use it for a newborn, so that’s a good start. But which baby carrier is best for newborns?

Some carriers are safer for brand new babies than others, and we’re going to find out why. In this article, we will discuss babywearing safety for newborns; which type of carrier is best; and more.

 

 

Are Baby Carriers Safe for Newborns?

First of all, is it safe to start babywearing from Day 1?

Absolutely! There are numerous benefits of babywearing a newborn and skin to skin kangaroo care. However, you need to follow certain guidelines to avoid any safety concerns, especially with brand new babies.

Newborn babywearing safety tips:

 

• Baby should be on your chest, and you should be tummy to tummy.
• Wear baby over your rib cage.
• You should be able to kiss the top of baby’s head.
• Wear baby upright; if cradled, baby’s airway could become compromised.
• Baby’s hips should be flexed while in any baby carrier.
• You should always be able to monitor that the airway is clear.
• Replace the carrier if it has been compromised in any way.
• If your baby is premature, consult with a physician before babywearing.

 

Of course, you should always read and follow the safety guidelines that accompany your baby carrier, including any size specifications.

 

Which Baby Carrier is Best for Newborns?

Types of Carriers

There are a number of different carrier styles available:

 

• baby wrap
• structured carriers
• ring sling
• mei tei
• backpack style
• hoodie carriers

 

The Best Type of Carrier for Newborns

So, which baby carrier is best for newborns? Hands-down, the baby wrap earns that title.

When I was pregnant and researching the best baby carriers, I determined that I wanted to start out with a wrap.

Structured carriers are better for slightly bigger babies, and the ring sling can pose some risks to smaller babies. Plus, wraps come with built-in support for their fragile necks.

So, I decided on the Boba baby wrap in Sangria, a pretty reddish color. There are various other brands of wraps, but Boba had high reviews.

I have since used it for two babies, and it’s still in good enough shape to use for any future babies (or share with other moms who need to give their arms a break!).

 

Features of the Boba Baby Wrap

Here are some of the reasons to choose a Boba wrap for your newborn:

 

• It accommodates all different body types.
• You can use it from newborn to toddler.
• It’s an ergonomic baby carrier (it supports baby’s hip development)
• There is built in head support.
• The Boba wrap accommodates breastfeeding.
• It is made of a cotton/spandex blend, and is machine washable.
• It’s super budget-friendly.
• It is high quality and durable.

 

A few drawbacks:

 

• There is a slight learning curve to learning how to tie it.
• It can get a little warm, especially on hot summer days.
• There are limited carrying options*

 

*Although you are limited to one carrying option, this is not necessarily a drawback. Forward facing is not only hard on your back (because it throws off your center of gravity), but it causes an unnatural arching of baby’s back.

 

How Do You Wrap a Newborn Baby?

Here are a couple instructional videos to help you tie your Boba wrap, and to place your baby in it using the newborn hold.

 

Boba Wrap – Tying 101

How to tie your wrap:

1. Open up the wrap completely and look for the Boba logo in the center. Hold it with the logo facing outward over your navel.
2. Cross the two ends behind your back. Pull each side up and over your shoulders, keeping the fabric stretched. Make sure it doesn’t get twisted!
3. Hold both pieces in one hand, tucking them under the section with the logo on it. Make sure to keep a little tension while doing so.
4. Pull downward, and the logo should rise to your chest. Your wrap should now fit snugly.
5. Cross the ends, bringing them around waist behind your back. Make sure they cross each other high on your chest, across the sternum. No need to leave space for baby, since the wrap will stretch.
6. Cross the wrap behind your back again. If there is enough fabric, bring it back to the front. Tie a double knot, either in the back, front, or on your hip.

 

Boba Baby Wrap – Newborn Hold

How to place your newborn in the wrap:

 

1. Hold baby on your shoulder, keeping her legs in the ‘M’ position.
2. Take the inside panel (closest to your body) and wrap it around your body.
3. Pull the other panel around baby and reach into the sides, adjusting her legs.
4. Pull the front panel up over baby’s body, making sure her head is close enough to kiss.
5. Her nose should be parallel to the ground, chin up, and airway should be clear.
6. You can pull one of the panels over the back of baby’s head for support while she’s sleeping.

 

How Long Can You Wear Your Baby in a Boba Wrap?

Now that you know which baby carrier is best for newborns, you might be wondering how long you can use it for.

The Boba wrap is intended for babies and toddlers up to 35 lbs.

Some people like to use a wrap when their baby is smaller and switch to a soft, structured carrier for the toddler stage. However, many parents put their toddlers in a wrap until they have outgrown the weight limit. It just comes down to personal preference.

I have personally worn my babies in a wrap until they were around eight months old, then switched to a structured carrier, so I can’t give any insight into wearing toddlers in a wrap.

However, for such a low price, it’s well worth the investment, whether you use it for a couple months or well past baby’s first year.

 

Ready to order? Great! Boba.com is offering FREE SHIPPING on all US orders right now.