Stroller or baby carrier: Why the baby carrier is the better choice
As a parent, you face numerous decisions regarding your daily life with your baby. One of the first and perhaps most important decisions is whether to choose a stroller or a baby carrier. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but in this post, I'll explain why a baby carrier is the better choice in many ways—for you and your baby.
1. Bonding and closeness
The greatest advantage of a baby carrier is the close proximity you can offer your baby. Babies love physical contact: They hear your heartbeat, feel your warmth, and are soothed by your movements. Studies show that babies who are carried often cry less and feel more secure. In a baby carrier, you carry your child right next to you, which fosters a deep bond between you.
In contrast, a stroller offers comfort but creates distance. Your baby lies or sits in front of you, which can be convenient, but allows for less intimacy. Especially in the first few months of life, close contact is particularly important for your baby's emotional development.
2. Freedom of movement for you
With a baby carrier, you're much more flexible and mobile. Whether you're walking through narrow alleys, hiking in the woods, or traveling on public transport, you can easily get anywhere with a baby carrier. Strollers, on the other hand, are bulky and sometimes difficult to maneuver. Especially in the city, maneuvering a stroller through narrow shops or up and down stairs can be frustrating.
Plus, a baby carrier keeps both hands free. You can easily go shopping, do chores, or care for older siblings while keeping your baby safe and secure.
3. Ergonomics and posture
Modern baby carriers are designed to be ergonomically optimal for both you and your baby. They support your baby's natural posture—the so-called spread-squat position—and distribute the weight evenly across your body. This relieves strain on your back and ensures you can cover even longer distances without discomfort.
A stroller, on the other hand, can negatively affect your posture. Many parents tend to lean forward while pushing a stroller, which can lead to tension and back pain. Carrying the stroller up stairs or into the trunk is often challenging.
4. Practical in every situation
Whether you're walking, shopping, or traveling, a baby carrier is incredibly practical. It takes up minimal space, is easy to transport, and quick to put on. This is especially helpful when your baby is restless and needs to be calmed immediately. Instead of having to set up a stroller or get them out of the car, you can put your baby in the carrier in just a few seconds.
A baby carrier is also a real game-changer when traveling. Many sights or hiking trails are difficult to access with a stroller. With a baby carrier, you can carry your baby comfortably while exploring the world.
5. Environmental friendliness and sustainability
Another advantage of baby carriers is their environmental friendliness. Strollers are often made of a variety of materials that are difficult to recycle, and their production consumes a lot of resources. A baby carrier, on the other hand, is usually made of fabric and has a much lower environmental impact. They can be used for several years and even passed on to other parents, making them a more sustainable choice.
6. Cost factor
A good stroller can easily cost several hundred euros, while a high-quality baby carrier is significantly cheaper. Because it's more versatile and can be used for longer, a baby carrier offers better value for money. You can use it from birth through toddlerhood, whereas many strollers need to be replaced after just a few months.
7. Emotional and cognitive development of the baby
Babies who are carried frequently develop faster emotionally and cognitively. This constant proximity allows them to actively participate in your world. They see, hear, and experience everything around them from your perspective. This encourages their curiosity and stimulates their senses. Studies show that carried babies are often more independent and well-adjusted because they experience a strong bond with their parents from the very beginning.
A stroller, on the other hand, tends to isolate the baby from its surroundings. It lies or sits in a fixed position and has fewer opportunities to actively participate.
8. Security and control
With a baby carrier, you always have your child in view and under control. You can react immediately if something is wrong and protect your baby from external influences such as wind, rain, or crowds. In a stroller, your baby is often farther away from you, making it more difficult to intervene quickly.
9. Flexibility for restless babies
If your baby is restless or cries a lot, a baby carrier can be a true lifesaver. The closeness and movement will quickly calm your baby. Many parents report that their babies sleep better and experience fewer colic episodes in the carrier. A stroller doesn't offer the same level of flexibility.
10. Fitness for you
Babywearing can also be a bit of a workout for you. It strengthens your muscles and improves your posture. Combined with light exercises like squats or walks, you can stay fit while spending time with your baby.
Conclusion
While strollers can be practical in some situations, a baby carrier offers numerous advantages that make it a better choice. It fosters bonding between you and your baby, is ergonomic and flexible, supports your baby's emotional and cognitive development, and makes your everyday life easier. It's also more environmentally friendly, more affordable, and more versatile.
At sandiia, you'll find a wide selection of high-quality baby carriers perfectly tailored to your needs. Let us advise you and discover the many benefits of babywearing. Together, everyday life with your baby will be even more enjoyable!
