Wrap or carrier – which is better?
Wraps, ring slings, ergonomic and hybrid carriers compared by your child’s age and weight, ergonomics, learning curve and safety. With a quick helper.
In-depth guide 4 min read
Babywearing
Wraps, carriers and ring slings: how to choose, how to carry safely and what to wear.
Babywearing is at the heart of Karkulka. We explain the differences between wraps and carriers, the T.I.C.K.S. rule for a clear airway, the “M” position for healthy hips, and practical matters such as carrying in winter or babywearing coats. We deliberately do not draw tying instructions: tying is best learnt from the manufacturer’s instructions and with a babywearing consultant.
- ChoosingWrap or carrier, ergonomic carrier, ring sling.
- Safe and ergonomicT.I.C.K.S., the airway, the M position, newborns.
- Weather and clothingCarrying in winter and summer, babywearing coats, hoodies and inserts.
Start here
How to choose an ergonomic carrier
What to look for in an ergonomic carrier. Panel width and height, a knee-to-knee seat, carriers from birth, the EN 13209-2 standard, facing out, and adjusting it correctly.
In-depth guide 4 min read
Carrying a newborn – a safe start
When to start carrying a newborn, which position is safest, how to check the airway, what to consider with premature babies, and how to avoid overheating.
In-depth guide 4 min read
More guides in this section
- Carrying safely Everything that matters about safe babywearing in one place. The T.I.C.K.S. rule, a clear airway, sleeping in a sling or carrier, overheating, falls and checking your sling or carrier.
- Baby wraps Stretchy or woven wrap, how to choose one and what to watch for when tying. The T.I.C.K.S. rule, the M position and carrying a newborn, with sources.
- Ring sling What a ring sling is, who it suits, how to tighten it, why it is worn on one shoulder only, and what to watch for with a newborn and with the rings.
- Ergonomic carrying and healthy hips What the M position is, why it matters especially in the first six months, what research says about wide and narrow seats, and how to check the position in a wrap or carrier.
- Babywearing in winter How to carry your baby in winter without overheating or getting cold. Layers, a babywearing coat or insert, hats and feet, checking temperature, and a clear face.
- Babywearing in summer How to carry your baby in hot weather. Checking for overheating, the sun and babies under six months, sling and carrier materials, drinks, and when it is better not to carry.
- Babywearing coats, hoodies and inserts How a babywearing coat, a softshell jacket with an insert, a warm babywearing hoodie and an insert for your own coat work. What to check so your baby’s face stays clear and they don’t get too warm.
- Front, hip and back carries Babywearing positions compared. When to carry on the front facing you, when facing out, on the hip and on the back, and what the IHDI and the T.I.C.K.S. rule say about them.
Coming later
- Carrying twins
- Carrying and breastfeeding at the same time
- How to find a babywearing consultant
We will publish these topics only once we have checked them against reliable sources. Until then, better nothing than a half-finished text.