Even though they’re small, petite moms have a big responsibility when it comes to taking care of their babies. One of the best ways to do that is by using a baby carrier.

Not only does a carrier free up your hands, but it also keeps your baby close to your heart, where they can feel your warmth and love.

But with so many different types and brands of carriers on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on the best carriers for petite moms. Whether you’re looking for something simple or something fancy, we’ve got you covered.

Different Types of Baby Carriers

Let’s first go over the different types of carriers available. That way, you can decide which type is right for you and your baby.

Wraps

Wraps are long pieces of fabric that you tie around yourself and your baby. They’re great for newborns because they can be adjusted to fit snugly around your baby’s head and body. They’re also comfortable for you to wear for long periods of time since they evenly distribute the weight across your shoulders and back.

Slings

Slings are similar to wraps, but they have a built-in padded shoulder strap that takes some of the weight off your back. They also tend to be easier to put on than wraps since there’s no tying required.

Soft Structured Carriers (SSC)

SSCs are the most popular type of carrier and look like a backpack with straps that go over your shoulders. They have a built-in waistband that supports your back and prevent sagging. Most SSCs can be used with infants (with an infant insert) as well as toddlers.

Frame Carriers

Frame carriers are similar to SSCs but don’t have a built-in waistband. Instead, they have a metal or plastic frame that goes around your waist to support the weight of your child. They tend to be more expensive than other types of carriers and are usually only used for hiking or other outdoor activities since they don’t provide as much support as an SSC.

Pouch Carriers

Pouch carriers are the simplest type of carrier; they’re just a cloth pouch with straps that go over your shoulders. They don’t have any built-in support, so they’re not ideal for long periods of time or for carrying heavier babies/toddlers. However, they are very lightweight and portable, making them a good choice for travel or quick errands around town.

Safety Concerns with Baby Carriers

When used properly, baby carriers are perfectly safe for both you and your child. However, there are some safety concerns that you should keep in mind when using any type of carrier.

First of all, it's important to make sure that the carrier is sized correctly for your body and that it fits snugly around your hips and waist. It's also important to ensure that your baby is positioned correctly in the carrier—you want them to be high enough so that you can see their face, but low enough so that their chin isn't resting on their chest.

Additionally, you should never use a baby carrier while cooking or doing anything else where there is an open flame present.

What is the best type of carrier for petite moms?

There is no “one size fits all” answer to this question since every mom (and every baby) is different. The best way to figure out which carrier is right for you is to try out different types and see what works best for you and your child, however some suggestions from having done thousands of hours of research for my blog The Best Baby Carriers (So You Can Actually Get Things Done), my suggestions are:

Wrap carriers are great for petit Moms because they are adjustable to any size and baby can always be fitted snugly inside.

Slings are also a great option as they have built-in padding on the shoulder straps which takes some of the weight off of your back and shoulders and again, they can be adjusted to any size.

Soft structured carriers (SSC) offer superior back and hip support, making them ideal for longer periods of time and plenty of them have straps that are adjustable to smaller frames. It's worth checking out the reviews for any SSC you intend to purchase to make sure they do adjust to a small enough setting. Or you can just check my blog where I've read all the reviews for you!

FAQs

How do I know if my baby is too heavy for me to carry?

A good rule of thumb is that you should never carry more than 25%of your body weight in a carrier (including the weight of the carrier itself). So if you weigh 120 pounds, you should never carry more than 30 pounds in total (baby + carrier).

Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when using a baby carrier?

Yes! Always make sure that the carrier is securely fastened before putting your baby in it. Also, be mindful of how long you keep your baby in the carrier– extended periods in a constricted space can lead to health problems like hip dysplasia . If possible, take breaks every 20–30 minutes to allow both you and your baby to stretch out and move around. Finally, never use a baby carrier near an open flame or any other hazardous environment.

Can I wash my baby carrier?

Most carriers can be safely washed in a machine on a delicate cycle using cold water and mild detergent. However, it's always best to check the instructions that come with your particular carrier just to make sure. You should never put your carrier in the dryer, as this can damage it. Instead, let it air-dry or use a clothesline.

Are baby carriers safe for newborns?

Yes, as long as you make sure that the carrier is suited to your body size and securely fastened. It's also a good idea to ensure that your newborn's airway is not being blocked or restricted in any way. However, it's generally recommended that you wait until your baby is at least 4-6 weeks old before using a baby carrier.

Finally, always be sure to consult your doctor with any questions or concerns you may have about using a baby carrier for newborns.

I hope you have found the above information useful and if you want to check out the best baby carriers for petit Moms on the market today, be sure to check out my blog on how to choose the right carrier for you.

Thanks for reading!