There are 3 main types of baby carrier:
For babies up to 6 to 8 months (depending on their size), a soft, padded front pack or a sling worn across your front is a good option. When a baby can hold its head up, a soft carrier that lets the baby face outward is more suitable.
An older bigger baby is likely to find a fixed-frame backpack more comfortable to ride in. It offers greater freedom of movement - and you'll probably prefer to carry the weight on your back, rather than your front. But backpacks shouldn't be used for babies who can't support their head or correct their posture and balance.
Other baby carriers, such as the HipSeat or the Hip Carrier, are also available. They claim to support all of your child's weight (and relieve strain on your back). But they don't allow you to have your hands free because you need to hold your baby balanced on your hip.
Most carriers indicate what range of weights or ages they're suitable for. This can be useful for your very first carrier - for example, to see whether it's suitable for a small newborn baby. But in most cases you or your baby will decide when it's time to "upgrade": your baby will get too heavy or wriggly for you to carry safely, or too big to fit comfortably without feeling confined.
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