In my last post, I made the case for how a comfy baby carrier can help you keep baby with you while tackling holiday activities. You can use pretty much any carrier that is already working for you to help you hold your baby while getting other things done, but when I’m choosing which of my stash to pick up for holiday travel, my main criteria is that the carrier needs to be super simple to get on and off. During this season, I’m going in and out of the house a lot, dealing with outerwear for me and the kids, moving quickly from one activity or situation to another and the last thing I want to deal with is not tying my carrier just right. My favorite options? A ring sling and a buckle carrier. If you have an infant, then I’d recommend a long-bodied mei tai like the Kozy so that you can put your infant in a high back carry if you need to (great for washing dishes, for example) or you could substitute a stretchy wrap (once it’s tied on, it’s very poppable and easy to get baby in and out quickly) for the pouch.
| Guide to Choosing A Carrier this Holiday Season | |
|---|---|
| If you’re planning to: | Plan to bring: |
| Go shopping with your newborn | Ring sling or stretchy wrap |
| Go shopping with your toddler | Ring sling for easy on/off hip carry |
| Wash a load of dishes | Mei tai (for high back carry with infant) or Buckle Carrier for older child |
| Decorate Christmas cookies with your 5 year old | Mei tai (for high back carry with infant) or Buckle Carrier for older child |
| Get easily through the airport | Pouch or ring sling (for hip carry) and buckle carrier (front/ back carry) |
| Attend your office holiday party | A gorgeous ring sling (silk, if it’s in the budget!) |
| Discourage Auntie Mabel, who has a cold, from touching the baby | Stretchy wrap |
| Discreetly nurse the baby at your best friend’s latke party | Ring sling or wrap (stretchy or woven) |
| Attend your 5 year old’s class holiday concert during baby’s naptime | Stretchy wrap or ring sling (tail can provide extra protection from a stimulating environment) |
