Stephanie

Baby products are diversely available in the market to help caregivers in their parenting journey. To make an informed decision while purchasing these products is an important task and you need to do your research properly to see what kind of products are available and which type best fits for your personal needs since every child is different as well. Baby carriers are becoming an integral part in the baby shopping list. Parents have started to realize the importance and convenience that these carriers offer to make their tedious life a little easier and enjoyable.

Top 3 Best Baby Carriers For Plus Size Parents in 2019

- $31.80

Baby Tula Discover Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier, Adjustable Newborn to Toddler Carrier, Ergonomic and Multiple Positions for 7 - 45 pounds, Black with Gray Stars

• INNOVATIVE BODY PANEL: adjusts in three width settings and two height settings to allow...
• MULTIPLE ERGONOMIC POSITIONS: back carry and front carry options to provide a natural,...

$159.00 $127.20

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Baby Tula Explore Baby Carrier 7 - 45 lb, Adjustable Newborn to Toddler Carrier, Multiple Ergonomic Positions, Front and Back Carry, Easy-to-Use, Lightweight - Everblue, Blue with Teal Fern Leaves

• EVERY CARRY POSITION YOUR BABY WILL NEED, INCLUDING FACING OUT: Multiple positions to...
• INNOVATIVE BODY PANEL WITH AN EASY-TO-ADJUST DESIGN: Adjusts in three width settings to...

$179.00

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- $31.27

Beco Gemini Baby Carrier - Cool Mesh Navy, Sleek and Simple 5-in-1 All Position Backpack Style Sling for Holding Babies, Infants and Child from 7-35 lbs Certified Ergonomic

• ★ The NEW AND IMPROVED Beco Gemini has redesigned shoulder straps that feature a new...
• ★ Happy BABY, Happy PARENTS - Beco brings you only the very best in baby carrying...

$140.00 $108.73

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​Carriers work efficiently by helping the busy parents multitask while keeping the bond between the parent and the baby strong. While there is a vast variety of baby carriers available, you need to do your survey properly and find what you are looking for. Just like different babies have different needs and growing patterns, different parents also have varying requirements. Plus size ​moms, or ​parents, who have not lost their pregnancy weight, are sometimes concerned that ​carriers won’t fit them because of their size. But this is in fact not true. Plus size ​moms can also enjoy the ease and comfort offered by ​carriers. ​Carriers are available in a large variety with varying types and size offerings to cater the needs of different kinds of parents. So it is safe to say that there is a baby carrier for everybody. Finding a size-friendly and the best fit for you is possible. First you need to know the basic types of ​carriers available in order to decide which type best matches your needs.

Types of Baby Carriers

Baby carriers are available in different forms and sizes but all of them can be divided in four main categories.

• Wraps

Wraps come in the form of a large piece of fabric that can be stretched and tied across the body to create a pouch like carrier for your baby to fit in. This is one of the most basic type of ​carriers available and are likeable because of the comfort level they provide. Since they come in form of a piece of fabric many brands offer very large pieces which can easily be worn by plus size moms and dads and adjusted according to your body shape. For wraps, you just need to learn how to tie it up properly which might need some practice for first time parents.

• Slings

Slings or ring slings also come in form of piece of long fabric with rings but they are meant to go over one shoulder and tied across the body to form a hammock shaped pouch. They work great for newborns and are fast and easy to use. They also offer hip carrying position for toddlers.

• Buckle Carriers or Structured Carriers

Buckle Carriers are those structured carriers that resemble a backpack with lots of buckles and adjustments available. These are assembled already so you just wear it, adjust the size and you are ready to go. They come in so many types with lots of features for you to enjoy your baby wearing hours.

• Meh Dai

These are a cross between a wrap and a buckle carrier but you have to tie it up instead of buckling. Meh Dais are a lot easier to assemble than wraps and offer more convenience.

What to Consider

Plus size ​mom can find their size in all of the above mentioned types so they can also enjoy the benefits of wearing a baby with a baby carrier. It is advisable to do actual trials of a few ​carriers first before deciding which baby carrier to buy. You just need to know what are the main considerations while choosing the best baby carrier for you and which factors are important to look for.

• Waistbands

This is a crucial part because if a particular baby carrier’s waistband doesn’t fit you or feels tight you should look for another one instead. Baby carrier with larger waistbands are best for plus size parents.

• Straps

The straps of the baby carrier, especially the buckle carrier type, should be comfortable. Not only do you need longer straps, you also need to look for wider straps or straps with padding that will help in distributing the weight of the body and won’t feel tight on your skin. Plus size parents can also have varying shapes and size so while trying on you need to look out for the placement of buckles and whether any buckle feels tight and uncomfortable or dig into your skin. For this purpose, use dual adjust side buckles for moving the placement of buckles where it feels right and comfortable for you. You can also open the Perfect Fit Adjustment buckles all the way to give you more space and extended straps according to your body’s size and need. Comfort is crucial and you need to find the one which feels perfect for your body when you wear and adjust it.

• Adjustments

While trying you need to consider the fact that not only the best baby carry should allow for larger sizes and larger straps, the adjustment buckles and pockets should also be in your reach and you don’t need another person to help you in wearing and adjusting the baby carrier with the baby. Moreover, any attached hood or other accessory is easy to use and you feel comfortable and confident while wearing it.

• Breathability

Wearing a baby in a baby carrier for a long time can result in overheating for you and your baby especially in summers. If you in a hot climate area, you need to buy a baby carrier that is made from breathable fabric like 100% cotton or linen. Some ​carriers come with mesh panels that increase the airflow and helps in cooling off. Also wearing a baby on your back feels less hot than wearing it in front so avoid front wearing for longer spans of time.

Bringing up babies and nurturing them is a massive task that requires utmost responsibility and awareness about children’s health. In the name of convenience and luxury, many brands offer a vast variety of baby products to best help the parents in their upbringing process. But it’s the responsibility of the parents to gather knowledge first and carefully choose which baby products to buy that are helpful and do not cause a potential risk to baby’s health. Baby carriers are one of these baby products which require attention while buying and using because improper way of carrying a baby especially for longer span of time can interfere with their normal growth patterns and can lead to hip dysplasia in babies. Parents need to realize the significant impact such baby products have over time on the development and growth of babies.

Top 3 Best Baby Carriers For Hip Dysplasia in 2019

- $3.11

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier, Grey

• Infants 8-32 pounds
• 4 ways to carry baby-facing in narrow seat for newborns, facing in wide seat for older...

$29.99 $26.88

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- $20.99

BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Original - Black, Cotton

• Provides essential closeness and contact to help you bond with your new baby
• Two safe and ergonomic carrying positions: baby facing-in and baby facing-out

$79.99 $59.00

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- $20.00

You+Me 4-in-1 Ergonomic Baby Carrier, 8 - 32 lbs (Grey Mesh)

• Babies 8-32 pounds - IDEAL REGISTRY item for hiking or ditch that carriage and cuddle up...
• 4 ergonomic ways to carry baby or toddler: Back Carry, 2 Front Carry Facing In options for...

$39.99 $19.99

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What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia or hip dislocation is a condition in babies where the hip socket gets loose and deformed or the get dislocated by prolonged pressure or strain in the wrong direction. When babies are born, their bones are soft and flexible and it takes some time for their hip joint to strengthen enough and develop properly to bear the weight of the baby's legs and body. In the meantime, it is crucial for the parents to know how to hold and carry a baby properly so that the development of the hip joint takes place normally. Wearing a baby in a baby carrier in the wrong or careless position can lead to hip dysplasia in babies and that is why parents need to understand and be aware of the best baby carrying positions.

Baby Carrying Positions

In the womb, the babies are tucked tightly with their hips and knees bent for long time in a fetal position. Their spine is curved in the form of C and their knees are bent above their hips positon. After they are born, their body needs to be carried in the same position because their bones will take time to strengthen and grow out of that fetal position. So when a baby is stretched or carried in a position that doesn’t match or is opposite of that fetal position, it is deemed unhealthy for their growth. One such unhealthy position is legs stretched below in extension of the baby's hips with straight knees. Carrying a baby in such an unhealthy position for a long period of time can lead to development of hip dysplasia. So doctors recommend healthy hip positioning that avoids the development of this condition and encourage healthy growth of hip joints.

Baby carriers are available in so many shapes and sizes with different added features that are meant for the ease and comfort of both the baby and the carrier. Some features are more crucial to consider when it comes to babies especially newborns because the risk of developing hip dysplasia lies in the first six months of their age. After that their bones and joint have gained enough strength to maintain themselves. So while choosing ​baby carriers for a newborn, parents need to consider the following essential points in ​baby carriers.

• Baby carriers with wider base that supports baby’s thighs up to their knees with their hips being stable and less pressured are most suitable for healthy growth of the babies. This creates the best carrying positon which is denoted as M position where the knees are pushed slightly higher than the baby's hips with legs spread far apart while the thighs are entirely supported by the baby ​carrier’s wide base.
• Avoid buying those baby carriers with a narrow base in which the baby’s thighs are not supported fully and the baby's legs are stretched straight hence dangling downwards. What is wrong in this position is that all the weight of the legs falls on the hip joint of the baby. This position is extremely harmful and can contribute in increasing the condition of hip dysplasia as the downward force can loosen or completely dislocate the hip joint.
• According to ​International ​Hip ​Dysplasia ​Institute, Slings that cause the baby to position in a way that their legs are held straight and together are also harmful for their health. This is called the cradle position and parents find it easier but it is not a healthy position. The best position is when the thighs are supported and the legs are spread apart so that a stable positon of the hips is maintained.
• If you have already bought a baby carrier with a narrow base you can still help to reduce the chance of developing this condition in your baby. The trick is to add an extra layer with a scarf around his knees so that his thighs are well supported and his hips are not strained with the weight of his legs. You can look for a YouTube tutorial to find out how to best tie a scarf to support baby’s thighs while carrying it in a narrow based baby carrier.
• Always buy a ​baby carrier or a sling that promotes the healthy M position of the knees and the C curve of the spine instead of forcing the spine to be straight.
• It is important to understand that this care is vital in the initial years of infancy. When the baby begins to walk it means their muscles and joints are strong enough to manage the weight of their own legs. So in toddler years you don’t have to worry about supporting their thighs fully while wearing them in a ​baby carrier as tall babies or babies with long legs might not be able to get full thigh and knee-to-knee support even in a wider based ​baby carrier.
• Lastly it is crucial to understand how to make the best use of the ​baby carrier that you finally choose to bring home. Even with a baby carrier that is best for hip dysplasia you need to be aware and careful at all times that your baby is sitting comfortably with their legs and spine well supported.

When babies come in this world, they not only bring joy to the parents but also unsurmountable amount of work. Parents always feel the need to have more hands and more help so they can multitask in any way possible. Although there are a lot of other baby products designed for easy travelling with the baby or to keep them busy, baby carrier is one of the best ones so far since it offers a lot more than just comfort and help. It gives the baby the happiness and security of being carried in the arms of their parents while giving the parents their hands back to achieve more work. So it’s a win-win. There are many different types of baby carriers available in the market which serves different needs and are designed for different weather conditions but here we are going to discuss those baby carriers that are most suitable for summer season.

Top 3 Best Baby Carriers For Summer in 2019

- $20.76

Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier Cool Air Mesh, Carbon Grey, Multicolor

• Adapts to your growing baby from newborn to toddler (7-45lbs and fits babies from 0-48...
• OMNI 360 Cool Air Mesh are made with soft and durable mesh fabric that provides ergonomic...

$179.00 $158.24

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- $5.56

Ergobaby Adapt Baby Carrier, Infant To Toddler Carrier, Cool Air Mesh, Multi-Position, Deep Blue

• Ergobaby stands by our products so you can carry your precious cargo with confidence.  If...
• NEWBORN TO TODDLER: Award Winning baby carrier adapts to your growing baby from ~0-48...

$140.00 $134.44

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LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow 3-in-1 Ergonomic Toddler & Child Carrier, Blue/Aqua - 20 to 60 lbs

• TODDLER CARRIER: The LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn is made specifically to be roomy for growing...
• STROLLER-FREE: Caretakers can comfortably carry little ones up to 60 lbs. for easy,...

$150.00

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The idea of wearing a baby continuously in a baby carrier while you are outdoors may sound uncomfortable in summers but many companies have designed baby carriers that are easily usable outdoors in the hot weather or when you are travelling to a place with hot climate.

Types of Baby Carriers

Firstly, you need to know what kinds or styles of baby carriers are available in the market for you to choose from according to your needs and family lifestyle.

• Wraps

Baby carrier in the most basic sense comes in the form of a long piece of fabric that can be stretched and tied around your shoulders and waist so that it forms the shape of a carrier or a pouch. There are YouTube tutorials available that shows how to best wrap the fabric into a baby carrier for first time parents. These are usually the cheapest type of baby carrier available but can be a bit of a hassle to wrap it every time you need to carry a baby. Although some parents do like this option as it gets easy with practice.

• Slings

This type of baby carriers also come in the form of fabric but they are tied over one shoulder and across the body to form a sling shaped baby carrier.

• Structured Carrier

These ​carriers are the expensive ones that are ready to be worn like a backpack and has a lot of adjustments available with belts and buckles for you to maneuver according to your personal needs. Structured ​carriers come in lot of shapes and sizes and different brands offer different features to meet the needs of parents and their babies. These are easy to use and offer more convenience and comfort for both the parents and the baby.

• Newborn Baby Carrier

For newborn babies, there are some specific types of ​carriers available that are best for the needs of newborns and you can start using them right away after having a baby. These include neck support and fetal and womb position holding to help the newborns feel comfortable and all snuggled up against their parents. However, these types of carriers can only be used mostly upto 12 months of age and after that they won’t be able to bear their growing body and weight.

• Toddler Baby Carrier

Many ​carriers are versatile enough to offer adjustments from newborn to toddler years and are able to bear a lot of weight with back support and more carrying positions. But the downside is that they require an infant insert for newborns (that needs to be purchased separately) which can add another layer and make it uncomfortable during summers for both the baby and the parents.

Some ​carriers are built for specific weather conditions while some are equipped with all-seasons adjustments. If you live in hot climate, you should buy a ​carrier that is specifically meant for hot weather conditions so that you can avoid overheating of the baby in summers.

What to Look For

While buying a ​carrier for summers, you need to know what to look for while choosing the best fit for the needs of the baby and that of the parents. Here are some pointers that will help you in making the best decision.

• Fabric of Baby Carrier

For summers, the fabric of the ​carrier needs to be comfortable, light-weight and breathable enough for the baby and carrying parent to avoid sweating and overheating. Breathable fabric options include 100% cotton or mesh lining or just any organic stuff. When you add an infant insert, ​the infant insert adds another layer and hence can become too cozy so you need to dress your baby according to the type of ​carrier you are using in summers. Moreover, try getting ​carriers of light colors or just avoid buying black colored ​carrier in summers because black color absorbs the most amount of sunlight and hence will heat up more.

• UV Protection

Some ​carriers come with an extra added layer specially designed and coated with UV protection for places with hot climate. There may also be a separate hood to cover’s baby head from sunlight or even rain and wind.

• Carrying Positions

With a ​carrier, you can carry a baby in many different carrying positions that is suitable for the age and comfort of your baby, for example, front-inward, front-outward, back carrying and hip carrying. So while buying you have to choose a ​carrier that offers your favorite kind of carrying position or has adjustments for more than one type of carrying positions. During summers, back carrying the baby feels less hot than front carrying positions.

• Lumber Sport

As the baby grows in weight, it adds more strain to the shoulders of the carrying parents hence it is best to choose a ​carrier that distributes weight equally on the body and has an extra lumber support for toddler years. This is extremely important for situations when you have to carry the baby for long hours.