Moms, we’ve got some news: All the postnatal strengthening in the world can’t fix the damage you’re doing by using a baby carrier that isn’t ergonomically designed. Unfortunately, many of the ones on the market aren’t; they place baby’s weight on just one of your shoulders, asymmetrically loading your back and hips. Worse yet, some harm baby as well by suspending her by her pelvis. “You don’t want to use the bones for support as much as the muscles and soft tissue at a young age,” explains Lise Stolze, physical therapist and Pilates teacher with Polestar Pilates in Denver. “Baby’s bones are still forming, and it could be detrimental to have that lack of support.” Luckily, lots of ergonomically correct models do exist, including these.
The original workhorse, the Ergo has heavily padded straps for each shoulder, as well as a wide-banded waist strap, allowing for even weight distribution for the wearer. The wide seat ensures the baby is in a natural sitting position, keeping weight off the pelvis. Baby can be worn on the front (facing in), the back, or the hip. Newborns ride in a special insert (sold separately).
The Asian-inspired Ellaroo Mei Tai has no buckles or snaps—it’s a simple piece of 100 percent organic cotton with long straps attached to its corners—so it requires more work on the part of the user. However, it’s endlessly adjustable and comes in an array of stylish patterns. Baby can be worn on front (facing in) or back.
The Moby Wrap is deceptively simple in design, but this impossibly long piece of fabric can be configured in countless ways. What it lacks in ease of use it makes up for in flexibility, even allowing for a comfortable way to carry twins. The width of the fabric allows weight to be spread across the shoulder girdle, back, and hips.
Similar in design to the Ergo, the Beco also offers good support for parent and babe, but with a lower profile and more interesting fabric options, it appeals to our vanity as well as our comfort. The built-in newborn pouch is a plus as well.
Building on the idea of the wrap, but improving its ease of use, Blue Celery consists of three distinct pieces—a pouch to go over each shoulder and a long stretch of fabric for extra support. It offers some, but not all, of the flexibility of the traditional wrap and can be worn in a variety of mom- and baby-friendly positions.
Relatively new to the scene is the líllébaby EveryWear, made of spit-up–proof microfiber. It has all the benefits of the Ergo and Beco but also allows sightseeing babies to ride in the front facing out. Plus, the carrier’s innovative suspension system helps absorb weight and movement, making it extra-comfortable for parent and tot.
Kokopax is just hitting the market with a remarkably stylish and lightweight backpack-style carrier. The rigid frame with kickstand allows you to take the carrier off with the baby still in it and park her for a few minutes while you stretch, use the bathroom, or feed her a snack. This one is designed for children 6 months to 2 years.
Editor's Note: Join in the conversation! Members of your community are discussing their favorite slings. What is yours?
Deirdre Shevlin Bell is Chief Inspiration Officer of Mindful Mama and spends most of her day with one of her two kids strapped to her.