subject: How to Buy a Baby Carrier [print this page] How to Buy a Baby Carrier How to Buy a Baby Carrier
Baby carriers have grown in popularity over the past few years. These devices help parents free up their hands, but keep their babies close by placing them in a device that straps them to their parents. Though rear-facing baby carriers are out, front baby carriers are high in popularity. If you are ready to purchase a baby carrier for your little one, then you will want to keep the following in mind during the process:
Are Soft Carriers for You?
Often parents will buy a front carrier only to realize they are not for them. Avoid this costly mistake by trying out a friends or even taking your infant to the baby store and trying them out. Be sure that both you and your baby are comfortable in the front carrier prior to making the purchase.
Never Buy Secondhand
Though in today's economy it can be tempting to purchase a secondhand baby carrier and save on the cost, try to avoid this. A lot of baby carriers have gone subject to recalls and often those who have old carriers do not keep up to date on those recalls. Check with the CPSC prior to ever using a secondhand baby carrier and remember that carriers are convenient, but should still be safe for your child to use.
Floor Model Try Outs
There is nothing wrong with taking your infant to the baby store and trying out a baby carrier with them. In fact, many physicians and experts recommend a parent tries out several different brands at their local baby store with their baby.
Framed Backpack Carriers
If your child can sit straight and hold up their own head, you can consider a framed backpack carrier over a soft carrier. These types of carriers look a lot like a backpack that have a fabric covered baby seat and frame to keep your baby safe. Most of these types of carriers will hold your child until they are at least 40 pounds.
Returnable Items
In the event you purchase an items prior to your to your baby being born, you may want to ensure that the item can be returned. This can occur for many reasons such as the baby does not agree with the carrier, you do not like the carrier, or perhaps you just do not want to use one.
Always consult the user guides on a front carrier and look for well-known brands such as Ergo Baby, Britax and Jeep. Consult Consumer Reports on their information and reviews of baby carrier products to ensure that the baby carrier you purchase is safe for your child.
