Babywearing: Structured Carriers

Most moms are familiar with structured baby carriers. These are the ones most easily found in any mainstream department store. Buyer beware though, as many of the most popular models aren't the best for baby's developing body, or your comfort! Structured carriers are probably the best choice if you want a carrier that's grab and go. Most of them are super easy to figure out and can be worn straight out of the package.

When buying a structured carrier pay attention to how your child will sit in it. You don't want a carrier that will have baby suspended by their crotch (see link above). Instead, you want a carrier that will place baby in a natural seated position. Their knees should be at a ninety-degree angle to their hips for best positioning. As they get older, their legs should wrap around your body. When shopping you'll also want to pay attention to the carrier's shoulder straps. Since structured carriers often have a high weight limit, you definitely want some padding in those shoulder straps. Otherwise they'll dig into your shoulder and cause you quite a bit of discomfort. We had a structured carrier when my son was a baby, and it had no padding whatsoever in the shoulder straps. We didn't even come close to the maximum weight limit before it became too uncomfortable to wear him. Our money would have been much better spent on a more comfortable carrier that we would have used for a longer period of time.

Structured carriers provide great support for an older baby. Many versions have additional newborn inserts you can purchase, which allow you to use the carrier with your newborn in a cradle carry. Although this certainly extends the length of time you can use this type of carrier, I think you'll find that they aren't really the most comfortable and practical at the newborn stage.

The lillebaby Everywear Carrier is the structured carrier we now use. It has many more straps and buckles than other structured carriers I've worn, and I had to read the manual a few times before I figured it out. Once on and adjusted, this carrier is a dream! It is absolutely the most comfortable structured carrier I've ever worn. The shoulder straps have a phenomenal amount of padding, which really adds to your comfort. I also like that the carrier is made of microfiber, making it incredibly lightweight.

The Everywear has an optional newborn cradle and harness, which can be used for a cradle carry, or as additional support for an upright front carry. We use it in the front carry position, and it gives Savannah just enough extra head support. I also like that it buckles into the body of the carrier, and again around Savannah's waist. I don't have to worry about her sliding out of a leg opening! She's nice and secure.

Our only problem with the Everywear Carrier right now is that Savannah sits so low in it. No matter how I adjust things, she's just too low. I'm sure once she grows a bit and is a little taller, she'll fit much better. This carrier has such a long potential of usefulness that I'm not super bothered that it isn't working for us right now. I think it will really shine when she gets older.

Everywear Stats:
Potential carrying positions: Front (facing in and out), hip, back
Weight Range: 7 to 43 pounds!
Adjustable?: Very! The Everywear should fit both mom and dad. Be aware though, that there is a bit of work involved in changing the carry position; it isn't a quick and easy adjustment compared to other carriers. You'd probably want to have the carrier set up for the position you intend to use before leaving the house, and plan to carry your child in that position the entire time.
C/section friendly?: No. The Everywear has a very thick waist strap that sits right at the hip/waist line. I wasn't able to wear this carrier until my incision was fully healed.

The Everywear is available at many major retailers. You can use the store finder to locate one near you. It retails for approximately $100, and the optional infant cradle and harness is approximately $25. Both were provided for review purposes.