- Sara's Ride
-
Very popular sling-type carrier. Puts more of baby's weight on your hip to relieve
back and shoulders. Baby can be placed facing in or out. Folds up small for travel.
Includes pocket and snap loop.
Good for 4 months to 4 years. This is the carrier we brought to China. Costs about $35.
This worked fairly well. The only tip I have for new parents is to try
to practice before you have your child. It took us a couple of days of
trial and error before we were comfortable using this.
- Baby Bjorn
-
Fairly popular carrier. Straps across both shoulders. Baby is carried in front of the chest area and can face in or out. I tried one with a friends 4 month old and it did seem very comfortable. It is a little expensive (around $80) and not as good for larger babies.
- Snugli
-
More than one model. Straps across both shoulders. Carries baby in front or in back (depends on model. Some are switchable, some front only.) Better for smaller babies. $30-$50.
- Slings
-
Many varieties. Many possible carrying positions. I've heard that this is what most mothers in China use. Good for up to 3 years old. Advantages: easy to use, comfortable for child. Disadvantage: weight is carried on just one shoulder. $15 on up.
Some Brands:
Over The Shoulder Baby Holder.
The Baby Bundler.
MayaWrap.
Cuddle Karrier.
Precious Pouches.
- Baby B'Air
-
A harness intended for use on airplanes. A vest goes around the child and attaches to the seat belt of the parent. The FAA does NOT allow these on takeoff and landing. It IS approved for
in-flight use. Costs about $40.
We did use this and we will use it again. It was nice to know Melissa
was secure in case there was any turbulence.
- Strollers
- Some bring these to China, some don't. I like the idea of holding my daughter close in a carrier rather than using a stroller. For this reason, and to minimize the amount of stuff we will have to lug through airports, we don't plan to bring a stroller. I have heard that inexpensive
strollers may be purchased many places in China. If we get there and find that we think we do need a stroller, we will buy one there.
Possible reasons we may do that:
Weather is too hot to hold a baby close.
My back/shoulders hurt too much from a carrier.
Travel experience: It is nice to have one in addition to a carrier.
However, hotels in China have these for loan or rent.
- Car Seats
- Most people do not bring these with them.
For one thing, most cars in China don't have seat belts!
- Other opinions:
- Parent Survey on carriers
- Jenrose.com sling page