How to choose a baby carrier

Baby carrier for outings and excursions / Photo: Jessica To'oto'o
Baby carrier for outings and excursions / Photo: Jessica To'oto'o

If a baby has arrived in the home of a mountain enthusiast, this is not the end of excursions and outings. With the right baby carrier, there's plenty of fun for everyone. Here's how to choose the best one.

When is the baby ready?

When the baby is too smallIf the baby is not yet ready to use a large baby carrier, he or she will not be ready to use a large baby carrier. In this case, to go out with him, it is possible to use baby carriers from the "type" that are placed in front of. This type of baby carrier has no frame and is suitable as long as the baby's head is not held upright.

Once this stage has passed, it will be possible to move on to the use of baby carrier with frame. The pieces of this type hold the baby on the back. The best thing to do is to consult your paediatrician about the right time to use these carriers.

In general, at six months babies usually have good neck and shoulder control and can sit upright. However, the advice of a paediatrician is recommended, as not all babies are at the same stage of development.

Activities in baby carriers

There are many activities that can be done while carrying a baby in a baby carrier. These include travelling, hiking, trekking, different walkseven in the city or in natural areas.

However, there are certain activities that should not be done while carrying a baby in a baby carrier. These would be activities that may cause you to lose your balance due to the extra weight of carrying the baby in the baby carrier.

For example, activities involving speed such as skiing, skating and cycling, hiking in steep places and mountaineering are not recommended for use with a baby carrier.

Characteristics of baby carriers

In general, baby carriers are equipped with adjustable straps for the shoulders and waist, adjustable harness for the baby, foot support and a strong but lightweight frame.

In addition, the suspension system is very important, as it will allow greater comfort for those carrying the baby carrier.

The framework must be strong and light at the same time. This is because it must be designed to support the weight of the baby and it must not be so heavy that the person carrying it can carry it along with the weight of the baby.

A good backpack design The baby carrier will allow the child's weight to be transferred to the hips and not just on the shoulders.  

Another feature that may be useful is the accessories that the baby carrier should have. If you plan to use it for short periods of time, not much will be necessary. But if you plan to use it for longer excursions, there will be some interesting extras to consider.

For example, it will be good to have space to carry items such as nappies, hydration reservoir, some pockets to hold things like water bottles and a hood for rain and sun.

How to use the baby carrier

The first thing to do is to test the baby carrier. You can do this at home, using different weights instead of the baby. The suspension system must fit the torso.The lap belt should fit over the hips and not over the waist and the shoulder straps over the shoulders.

Before placing the baby, adjust the height and check that the straps are loose. Place the child in the carrier and check that the legs slide into the correct openings.. Once the baby is in the carrier, adjust all straps.

Verify that the chin of the baby is level with the top of the pad chin strap. Make sure the straps fit snugly and that the baby is comfortable.  

For putting the baby carrier on your backIf you have a heavy backpack, you will have to follow the same steps as you do when carrying a heavy backpack. The first few times, you can ask someone to help you.

The first thing to do is to lift the carrier by the top handles. Then put on the shoulder straps, and fasten the hip strap.

For lowering the baby carrierFirst loosen the shoulder and hip straps. Grasp the handle behind your head and turn the baby carrier until it reaches your forehead. Then place the carrier on the floor.  

Advice

Although it may seem very safe, it is not advisable to leave the baby unattended while in the baby carrier. It is also important that check how your baby's neck is doing from time to timeThe child may fall asleep in an awkward position.

Remember that the baby carrier not stable enough to be used as a chair for your baby. It is also not advisable to leave the baby carrier on a high surface such as a table or bench.

It is very important that before using the baby carrier you check that all parts are in good condition: never use a baby carrier with a bad frame or fasteners.

Outdoor weather conditions can affect your baby's healthMake sure your child is fully protected from both rain and sun. You can't allow them to get too hot or too cold either.

To give you food Wait for the baby to be in a time of rest. Avoid giving any snacks while the child is in the baby carrier, as there could be a risk of suffocation.

To keep your baby distracted on the road, you can try placing a toy on the road. not particularly valuable parts of the baby carrier. This will keep the baby entertained, but you must make sure that none of the parts the baby has access to could endanger the baby.

For example, if the clip with which you hold the toy is too small and comes off, the baby could swallow it and suffocate. At the same time, if it does come off and fall, it is preferable that the toy is not one of your baby's favourite toys in case it is not possible to retrieve it.