Overwhelmed with information? Saw someone wearing a great baby carrier and want one like it? Here is a quick primer on the basic types of carriers.

If you are buying a gift or aren't inclined to do a lot of reading and research, we've also included a quick list of recommendations for our favorite carriers for new babywearers.

Ring Slings: Ring slings are made with fabric that gets pulled through 2 rings to fasten the baby to your body. The size of the pouch which holds the baby can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the the fabric through the rings.

Ages: Birth through toddlerhood.

Recommended Positions: Cradle carry (for infants), nursing (infants and toddlers), forward facing seated carry (infants), hip carry (older infants and toddlers)

Get a ring sling if:

• you (or the person you are buying it for) want a secure nursing carry for a newborn

• you want a quick hip carry for an older child
• you want to share the carrier between people of very different sizes

Read more about rings slings.

Pouches:Pouches are the simplest carrier to use. A pouch is a piece of fabric sewn into a tube shape. Pouch sizing is very important and can be a bit tricky, especially when buying online (which is why we have a good return policy!). Once sized, a pouch requires no adjusting - just pop baby in and go.

Ages: Birth through toddlerhood.

Recommended Positions: Cradle carry (for infants), nursing (infants and toddlers), hip carry (older infants and toddlers)

Get a pouch if:

• You (or the person you are buying it for) want a super simple, no fuss option for your infant or toddler.
• You have a child who wants to get up and down a lot

Read more about pouches.

Mei Tais: A Mei Tai consists of a rectangular piece of fabric with 4 straps that you use to tie your baby onto you. This type of carrier is wonderful for longer carrying times and for people with back/shoulder issues as the carrier distributes weight over your entire upper body.

Ages: newborn through preschool age as well as for hip carries. This carriers offer the option to nurse hand free, though some women with larger breasts may find it slightly difficult.

Recommended positions: Upright facing in (infants and toddlers), upright facing out (older infants), high back carry (infants and toddlers), back carry (older infants and toddlers), hip carry (if mei tai has wide straps like the BBO)

Get a mei tai if:

• You want a versatile carrier to last for several years that can be used for long periods of time and in a variety of positions
• You want to carry an infant on your back

Read more about mei tais.

Buckle carriers: Buckle carriers are a modern version of the mei tai - they secure with buckles, rings or clips rather than knots.

Ages: newborn (some brands) up to 4-5 years old

Recommended positions: Upright facing in, upright facing out (Pikkolo only), back carry (older infants with head control, and toddlers)

Get a buckle carrier if:

• You love the functionality of a mei tai but prefer buckles over tying knots and/or don't want to deal with long straps
• You want a sturdy carrier for hiking or long walks with an older child who is still light enough to carry (ERGO)

Read more about buckle carriers.

Wraps: A wrap is a length of fabric that is tied around the baby and the caregiver. Wraps offer the most versatility of all carriers and also have the highest learning curve. Wraps can be stretchy or woven

Ages: newborn on up

Recommended positions: all of them (unless very stretchy, in which case back carries are not recommended)

Get a wrap if:

• You (or the person you are buying it for) want an incredibly versatile carrier and aren't afraid to spend a bit of time learning how to use it.
• You like the idea of connecting with our babywearing ancestors.

Quick Buying Guide: