The best baby carrier for a newborn at home depends on the parent who wears it. A stretchy wrap, a ring sling and a structured carrier each suit a different parent (Child Friendly Gear). Konny FLEX, a slip-on carrier you pull on like a T-shirt, holds your baby snug against your chest like a stretchy wrap, with no long fabric to wind around you. Whichever type you choose, the same safety checks apply. To compare Konny's carriers side by side, see Find Your Carrier.
Which type is best for you
When a stretchy wrap makes sense
A stretchy wrap is a long piece of fabric that you wind around yourself each time you put it on. It usually suits parents who want their newborn held close in soft fabric (Child Friendly Gear).
When a ring sling makes sense
A ring sling goes over one shoulder. It is often handy for short carries when your baby goes in and out a lot (Child Friendly Gear).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives these tips for any sling carrier:
- "Some sling carriers may curl your baby's body into a C-shape, which greatly increases the risk of breathing problems."
- "If you use a sling, your baby's neck should be straight and their chin not pressed into their chest. Make sure you can always see their face."
- "The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns about the suffocation hazard to infants, particularly those younger than 4 months, carried in infant sling carriers."
When a structured carrier makes sense
A structured carrier fastens with buckles and has a shaped panel that holds your baby. A newborn-friendly structured carrier usually suits parents who want the same buckled setup every time and an easy handoff between adults (Child Friendly Gear).
Safety checks for any baby carrier with a newborn
These checks come from the AAP's Baby Carriers page and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) safety tips for soft infant and toddler carriers.
- "In any type of carrier, check on your baby frequently. Make sure that their mouth and nose are not blocked by fabric or your body, and that airflow is not restricted." (AAP)
- "Infants born prematurely or with respiratory problems should not be placed in backpacks or other upright positioning devices, as the positioning in these devices may make it harder for them to breathe." (AAP)
- Before your baby goes in, make sure the carrier fits you and is adjusted for a comfortable, secure fit (CPSC).
- Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and warnings, including the age and weight recommendations (CPSC).
Where Konny FLEX fits
Unlike a ring sling, Konny FLEX goes over both shoulders. It is lightweight, at 7 oz (195 g). It comes in two fabrics: SoftBreeze, a soft, thin poly-cotton spandex, and AirMesh, a lightweight mesh.
Putting FLEX on takes three steps:
- Pull it on like a T-shirt.
- Tuck your baby in.
- Wrap the sash.
With a newborn, wear FLEX in the "holding a newborn" position.
Choose FLEX by your own pre-pregnancy clothing size, not by your baby's age or weight. If your weight after giving birth is more than 22 lbs (10 kg) above your pre-pregnancy weight, choose a larger size.
FAQ
Do I need a bigger FLEX as my baby grows?
No. Buy a snug size from the start. The fabric contains spandex and stretches as your baby gets heavier, so you keep using the same size.
What size should a dad choose?
Dads choose their regular T-shirt size.
How much does Konny FLEX cost?
FLEX SoftBreeze and FLEX AirMesh cost US$59.99 each in the FLEX collection on konnybaby.com.
Not sure which Konny carrier is right for you? Find Your Carrier compares Konny FLEX with Konny's other carriers.