There are so many different baby carriers to choose from and you get to decide between the wrap, sling, or child carrier. Are you wondering just how many baby carriers you need? Can you get away with one that grows with your baby? Or, will you be adding more to your collection if you select wraps or slings for your newborn babywearing needs?
There are a number of factors determining how many baby carriers are needed. One is sufficient if you get an infant carrier that grows with your baby. Some families have two carriers – one that is quick and easy to use while the other one is sturdier and used for longer periods.
Factors that influence how many baby carriers you should get
Number of children
The number of young children in the family will pretty much decide whether you need one, two, or even three baby carriers at the same time! Bear in mind that you’ll need multiple wearers to carry the babies if you have twins or even triplets.
In most cases, even with one baby, two carriers are sufficient for the following reasons:
- For shorter periods: Ring slings and pouches are quick and easy to put on and take off while you’re at home or carrying your baby for short periods of time.
- For longer periods: This type of baby carrier is more supportive while also versatile, allowing you to take your baby on hikes, walks in the park or for long strolls around the shopping mall.
Age
If you want to stick to one baby carrier that’ll grow with your little one from newborn to toddlerhood, invest in a good quality design that allows you this option. With toddlers, you normally only need one carrier.
However, having two or more infant carriers for your smaller baby is a good idea. This means you always have a spare one on hand should the other be in the wash or get dirty before laundry day.
Weight
Baby wraps and slings normally take babies up to 35 lbs. More supportive infant carriers can accommodate heavier babies up to 45 or 48 lbs. Some baby carriers allow you to babywear from newborns weighing 7 lbs while others only let you start carrying infants from 12 lbs.
Depending on the weight of your baby, you may start with one, switching over to another one as your baby grows.
How often you wash
Baby wraps and slings can get dirty very quickly especially if your newborn is colicky or battles spit-ups. Unexpected blow-outs also mean having to wash the baby carrier if there’s an accident!
If you’re doing a daily wash, you can get away with one baby carrier if it dries quickly. However, if laundry day only happens every few days, having two infant carriers will make life easier as a parent.
Occasions
Having two carriers is a good idea if you’re faced with a variety of different occasions. One carrier should be quick and easy to put on and take off for such occasions when you want to take your baby along on the spur of the moment.
Other occasions such as going for a day hike with the family, require a more supportive baby carrier that allows you to babywear for longer periods.
Styles you like
Baby carriers come in a range of styles from hiking backpacks to wraparound slings. Some allow you to swap the baby from front to back, while others let your baby look outwards or snuggle inwards. Others offer multiple wrapping or adjustable positions.
Carriers come in a variety of patterns, colors, and fabrics. If you can’t make up your mind about what style you prefer, then your babywearing collection may extend to more than one infant carrier!
Hot or cold weather
If you’re living in a climate that changes often, you might want more than one carrier to keep you and your baby comfortable. Some are made with 100% cotton, others with 100% polyester. Jersey knit is another type of fabric often used in baby wraps and slings.
Moisture-wicking is another feature that’s important in baby carriers and will help keep you and your baby dry, no matter how much sweating takes place! Having two baby carriers designed specifically for hot and cold conditions makes good sense.
Size of parents
While some baby carriers allow you to adjust them to fit the size of the wearer, this can become a hassle when switching from one parent to another. If you’re a plus-sized father with mom leaning towards petite, it’ll be easier to have two baby carriers.
A baby carrier for petite moms simply won’t cut it for larger dads! Save yourself the hassles and get two carriers for different-sized parents!
Your budget
Baby carrier prices vary from cheap to ultra-expensive so your budget will determine how many you can afford. If you’re working with a tighter budget, consider investing in a good quality baby carrier that will grow with your infant, giving you more value for money.
Types of baby carriers and how many you’ll need from each
Wrap
Wraps are flexible, versatile, and comfortable. They’re designed to be supported by both your back and shoulders while spreading your baby’s weight equally. Baby wrapping is a technique that takes some time mastering but once you know how to do it, it’s a breeze.
Pick baby wraps made with high-quality fabric that doesn’t stretch out of shape, is sturdy, and long enough to accommodate different carrying positions. Both the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier and Baby Wrap Carrier by KeaBabies are perfect for normal and plus-size moms and dads. Having two wraps in your collection is handy.
Sling
Slings are simpler to use without all the ado that goes with wrapping. Also known as ring slings, this type of baby carrier is quick to throw on. When deciding between wraps and slings, take a look at Baby K’tan Breeze or Active vs. Original baby carriers.
The Baby K’tan Breeze looks like a wrap but works as a baby sling with its easy-to-slip-on and off design and adjustable back loop. Having this one plus the Baby K’tan Active for outdoor activities would work well!
Baby carrier for outdoors (hiking)
Being a family of avid hikers, including my toddler daughter, using a child carrier outdoors is essential. We love the Deuter range but you can decide between the Deuter Kid Comfort versus Thule Sapling versus Osprey Poco child carriers when hiking with your small kid.
These are designed to accommodate kids up to 40 to 48 lbs but are not suitable for babies who can’t sit or hold their heads up independently. Once you switch over from the baby wrap or sling, you’ll only need one hiking infant carrier.
Watch this video demonstrating how to fit a Deuter Kid Comfort carrier for ultimate comfort.
Waterproof carrier (for the pool or the waves)
Waterproof baby carriers are useful for those days spent at the pool or beach. You need to use one that’s made with mesh fabric that doesn’t hold too much water, drying quickly if you do get very wet. Spandex material ensures the baby fits comfortably and securely without the sling or wrap stretching and losing its grip when it gets wet.
Consider looking at the Lillebaby All Seasons for water activities outdoors when comparing Ergobaby compared to Lillebaby or Tula carriers. Another option is the Boppy Comfort-Fit Carrier made with spandex and most suitable for tall or big dads who want to splash with their little ones!
When you might be fine with one carrier
If your baby sleeps mostly in a bassinet
If you own a UPPAbaby Vista, your little one will stay close while snoozing comfortably in the bassinet attached to the stroller! One wrap or sling is all you need for the other times when you want to keep your newborn nearby when they’re awake and need some cuddling.
If you’re a mostly stay-at-home parent
A stay-at-home parent will find one baby carrier is sufficient especially if you’re using a stroller for those days when you’re out and about. There’s no need to add more wraps and slings to your collection when you can spend time with your little one while they lay on the floor or in their crib.
Restraining your toddler
Having a child carrier is useful when you want to restrain your toddler while hiking, walking around the mall, or strolling in the park. It saves you hauling a stroller around and your kid will love the idea of a piggyback ride instead!
What to do with the (many) baby carriers you no longer need
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an eCommerce platform for selling new and used items. It connects you with local buyers in your neighborhood. This is a good option if you want to sell your used baby carrier in the local area. Communication happens through Messenger or directly via Marketplace, avoiding the dangers of spam and phishing.
Donate your baby carrier
Donating your baby carrier to a worthy cause means a family in need will be grateful. There are many charities that will willingly take your used baby carrier for parents who can’t afford to buy the item themselves. But, make sure the carrier is in good condition before donating it.
Thrift stores
There are many brick-and-mortar and online thrift stores that will sell used baby items such as your baby carrier you no longer need! However, most thrift stores ask that you only sell gently used baby carriers that aren’t damaged for safety reasons.
Conclusion
One baby wrap or sling is sufficient for your smaller baby although stretching to two would be useful if your budget allows it. If you’re wondering if baby carriers have end-of-life, well, they don’t! So, sell your used wrap or sling when your baby outgrows it and replace it with an infant carrier for toddlers.
