Best Babywearing: Baby Carrier vs. Baby Wrap

Babywearing is a lifesaver for a busy mom. But which is better — a baby carrier or a baby wrap? Here’s my answer!

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Babywearing saves my life.

Ok, maybe that’s a bit dramatic. But it definitely saves my sanity during the baby phase of motherhood!

When I’m shopping with the baby.

When we’re on a family outing.

Or when I simply need to get stuff done at home and the baby only wants to be held.

In so many situations, strapping the baby on my chest or back has been a total lifesaver.

Maybe you’ve heard about this whole babywearing thing, and you’re intrigued.

Maybe you’re an expectant mom deciding what to put on your baby registry. Maybe your baby is already here but you’re struggling to figure out how to juggle a baby while retaining the use of your hands or get stuff done with a clingy newborn.

Or maybe you’re a mother/MIL/sister/cousin/friend of a new mom, and you’d like to offer some very real and practical help.

You might be wondering… what’s the best option for babywearing? A baby carrier or a baby wrap? Which one should I choose??

I have one of each — I have an Ergobaby and a Baby K’Tan. So, let me share the pros and cons of each and tell you which one I prefer.

BABY CARRIER — Ergobaby

PROS

Very supportive! It’s easier on my back and shoulders after long use.
The babies feel more stable/secure in it
Levon (my husband) can also use it
The maximum weight is higher
My babies have seemed to like it better

CONS

Bulky — because I’m petite, it can be a bit overwhelming for my frame
Too big to carry in the diaper bag
Difficult for me to get on and off myself (hard to reach the back buckle)

BABY WRAP — Baby K’Tan

PROS

Easier for me to quickly get on and off
Fits in the diaper bag
I can move more freely in it
Cooler (temperature)

CONS

Harder to support the head when they’re infants (at least, it always has been for me)
Not as supportive for my back and shoulders
Levon can’t use it (the Baby K’Tan is sized — but he wouldn’t use a baby wrap, in general, anyway)

Note: Another popular baby wrap is the Moby wrap. When I was deciding between the two, I ultimately went with the Baby K’Tan because it looked simpler and easier. But I know several moms who love their Moby wraps.

WHICH ONE DO I PREFER?

So, which one do I prefer? It depends!

I use both of them, and I prefer each one for different purposes.

When do I like the baby carrier?

I like to use the baby carrier when I’m going to be quite active (such as on a walk or hike) or when I’m going to be bending over or squatting down a lot. To me, it feels more secure and supportive of the baby.

I also prefer to use it if I need something for a longer stretch of time. My back and shoulders don’t get achy as quickly with the baby carrier, so if I’m going to be wearing the baby for a while, I go with the Ergobaby.

When do I like the baby wrap?

I much prefer the baby wrap when I’m grocery shopping or running other errands where I’ll be needing to get the baby in and out of the car several times. The wrap is so much easier for me to do myself, and I can leave it on while I drive from place to place. It’s also very convenient to throw it in the diaper bag and carry with me on-the-go.

Unless I’m doing something with a lot of up-and-down movement, I also prefer to use the wrap for wearing the baby while I work around the house. Again, it’s easier for me to put on, and it’s a lot less bulky, making it easier for me to work.

Bottom Line

My recommendation is to get one of each if you can. I really do love both my baby carrier and my baby wrap, as each one is suited better for different purposes.

If it’s not in your budget to get both, however, try to find a friend’s to borrow so you can get a feel for each one to decide.

When making your decision, think about your greatest need — when and where babywearing would come in most handy for you. Then, get the one that will help you the most.

If I really had to choose just one, I would go with the Ergobaby. But ultimately, what’s best is whatever is most helpful for you.

Whichever route you decide to take, though, babywearing is lifesaving for a momma, and I highly recommend it!