Child carrier and babywearing jacket: what you need to know

Materials

Clothing and equipment for babies and toddlers must not contain harmful substances under any circumstances. Make sure that child carriers as well as babywearing jackets and other equipment are PFAS-free. Labels such as Fair Wear and/or bluesign® stand for fair and environmentally friendly production.

Child carrier – advantages and disadvantages

Unlike baby carriers, you can only wear a child carrier on your back. Many child carriers have different compartments and pockets for small items and snacks. Some even have a removable daypack.

Advantages of a child carrier

• Suitable for active tours

• Easy to adjust, ‘grows’ with the child over several years

• Can be adjusted to suit the wearer

Disadvantages of a child carrier

• Wearer can experience back pain if carrier is overloaded or used improperly

• Weight of the carrier

Things to keep in mind when buying a child carrier

When it comes to child carriers, above all, the ergonomics must be a good fit – for the carrier and for the child. This means that the carrying system should distribute the child’s on the hips and shoulders. Around three-quarters of the weight is placed on the hips and only a quarter on the shoulders – regardless of the size of the wearer. Therefore, make sure that the carrying system can be well adapted to different sizes.

It is important that the carrier supports the child’s back, neck and head well. Adjustable models that grow with the child are best. You should be able to adjust the sitting position, foot straps and volume of the carrier as required.

Also make sure that the child carrier has extra features, including a sunshade and rain protection, plus compartments for drinking bottles, snacks or even nappies, wet wipes and other small things are a must.

FAQ: Child carrier

Babywearing jacket – advantages and disadvantages

A babywearing jacket keeps the baby and person carrying the baby warm and dry. A removable insert extends the circumference of the jacket. It can also be used as a regular jacket during pregnancy and can be used without the additional insert afterwards.

Benefits of a babywearing jacket

• The baby is close to the body, which promotes the bonding between parent and child.

• Many models allow the child to be carried on the front or the back.

• Without the insert, it is a normal jacket, so it is also suitable for use after pregnancy and after the baby has outgrown it.

Cons of a babywearing jacket

• Usually fits only one parent, although male versions often fit women too.

Baby wearing jacket: things to keep in mind when buying

It’s not always easy to find a suitable babywearing jacket – your baby is growing, the seasons change. The following tips will help you buy a babywearing jacket.

Temperature: Think about the temperatures in which you usually wear the jacket. It’s best if a winter jacket with a baby insert is lined, while a babywearing jacket for spring and autumn should be a little lighter. Waterproof carrying jackets with a three-layer hard shell, lined hardshell winter jackets, softshell jackets and wool jackets are also available.

Weather: If you want to wear the jacket in any weather, it should be waterproof and breathable.

Pockets: As with any other jacket, make sure you have enough pockets for your smartphone, dummies and other small items.

Babywearing jacket FAQ

Carrying babies and small children safely

Regardless of carrying system or technique, make sure that the baby’s or toddler’s back is well supported. In addition, their face should always be exposed to allow them to breathe. Unlike in a pushchair, when carrying your child directly next to your body you have to dress it less warmly, because your body heat will also warm up the child If the baby’s clothes are too warm, they will overheat.

Check the child carrier’s straps and fasteners regularly; are they all secure? If a buckle breaks or seams tear, it can usually be repaired. Make sure kids and children also have good sun protection. There are different options depending on the carrier. A carrier that’s worn on the back will usually include a sunshade frame attachment. A sun hat with neck protection and sunglasses provides additional protection for your baby or toddler.