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Hey fellow mummies! Let’s talk baby carriers. As first-time moms, we all want what’s best for our little ones, and that includes finding a carrier that’s comfortable, convenient, and safe for both us and our precious cargo. On top of that, Singapore’s hot and humid climate adds another layer of complexity to the equation where breathability becomes a major concern!
But with so many baby carriers out there on the market, it can get confusing to know where to even begin. This is especially true for first-time moms like I was. So how does one know how to choose the right one?
In my first year of motherhood, I’ve already experimented with three different baby carriers:
- Konny Baby Carrier FLEX AirMesh™
- Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier
- Minimonkey Baby Carrier (not to be confused with the sling!)
Each had its pros and cons which I’ll get into shortly. Don’t get yours without reading through my unfiltered honest review first!
In-Depth Review of The 3 Baby Carriers I Own
So…what’s my honest thoughts after using these carriers after a year? Let’s unpack these popular baby carriers and see how they stack up based on features important to Singaporean mummies like us.
Here’s some of the important criteria I’ll be evaluating them on:
- Ease of use
- Comfort (for both parent and baby)
- Carrying positions
- Suitability for different baby stages (newborn, infant, toddler)
- Build quality and durability
- Price and value for money
Konny Baby Carrier FLEX AirMesh™ – A Frustrating Start to My Babywearing Journey
Got this because I was targeted by ads, I loved the aesthetics and how easy it seemed to be to use – but reality differed from my expectations.
Used from 1.5 months – 4 months. Used <5 times.
Ease of Use: Even with the manual and YouTube tutorials, we felt like complete novices struggling to wrap the carrier around ourselves and the baby securely. It wasn’t intuitive for us first-time parents and that’s a major letdown.
Comfort: The Konny uses a soft, breathable mesh material great for keeping your baby cool amidst the snug fit. However the unstructured nature of the carrier made me and my husband feel insecure that it would hold up the weight of the baby.
Carrying Positions: The Konny advertises 3 ways of wearing – holding a newborn / facing inward / facing outward. But we only attempted the newborn carry method since we didn’t use it for long.
Suitability for Different Baby Stages: Advertised to be able to use up to 20kg, it seems like it would give a good mileage. However even while using it in the newborn stage when baby was merely 5-6kg, it didn’t feel like the carrier would hold up well for long carrying periods.
Build Quality & Durability: The material itself felt soft and of good quality. However, since I didn’t use it for long, I can’t comment on long-term durability.
Price & Value: At SGD 130+ on Shopee or USD 64 on their website, the Konny isn’t the cheapest carrier on the market. Considering the frustration I experienced, I wouldn’t say it offered good value for money. But if you like the snug fit, breathability, and prefer an unstructured wrap-like carrier, then it would be a good option for you.
Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier – A Comfortable Classic But Not For Me
Almost every friend of ours had either this or the Tula, so we naturally chose between the two.
Used from 3 months – 11+ months and still using. Preferred carrier by my husband.
Ease of Use: The Ergobaby has a more standard design for a soft structured carrier. First-time parents will still take time and practice to get used to it, but it’s definitely wayyyyy more intuitive than the Konny.
Comfort: The Ergobaby features padded shoulder straps and a wide waistband, which helps distribute baby’s weight more evenly. This is a significant improvement over the Konny in terms of comfort for the parent. However, the padding and thicker material also come with a downside – breathability.
Carrying Positions: The Ergobaby Omni Breeze offers 4 carrying positions, making it a versatile choice for different stages and needs. We only used the inward facing position for baby so far, but it also supports front-facing out, hip carry, and back carry.
Suitability for Different Baby Stages: The Ergobaby is advertised as suitable from newborn (with an infant insert) up to 20kg (usually around 4 yo) so expect pretty good mileage. The adjustability of the straps and the variety of carrying positions make it adaptable for a growing baby.
Build Quality & Durability: The Ergobaby feels very sturdy and well-made. The materials seem high quality and the construction feels strong enough to hold a growing baby. The various buckles and straps also felt secure and reliable. Based on its build, I would expect this carrier to last for several years of use.
Price & Value: Priced around SGD 359 on Shopee, the Ergobaby Omni Breeze falls within a mid-range price point compared to other carriers on the market. But considering its long lifespan, multiple carrying positions, and suitability for various baby stages, it offers good value for money if you plan to use it for a few years with your growing baby. However, if breathability is a major concern for you, you might want to consider other options.
Minimonkey Baby Carrier – The Perfect Fit For My Petite Size
Discovered this not so well-known brand during a baby wearing consultation when I was trying to learn the basics of baby wearing.
Used from 4 months – 11+ months and still using. Preferred carrier by me!
Ease of Use: The Minimonkey has a standard soft structured carrier design similar to the Ergobaby. This means if you’ve used a carrier before, it’s easy to put on and adjust. Even for first-time moms, the buckles and straps are user-friendly and there’s no complicated wrapping involved.
Comfort: Compared to the Ergobaby, the Minimonkey is an absolute lightweight. The light and truly breathable materials make it much easier to carry your baby for extended periods without feeling weighed down or perspiring all the way through. The Minimonkey straps and waistband also seem designed for petite moms like myself. They adjust snugly to my body, eliminating the gaps and pressure points I experienced with the Ergobaby. This makes a huge difference in comfort, especially during long walks or outings.
Carrying Positions: The Minimonkey offers 2 carrying positions: Front-facing in (ideal for newborns and younger babies) and back carry.
Suitability for Different Baby Stages: The Minimonkey is suitable from birth up to 2 years old or 15kg. But to me, realistically, by the time my baby reaches 15kg, I’m hoping they prefer to walk or explore independently.
Build Quality and Durability: The Minimonkey feels very well-made. The mesh material is soft and gentle on your baby’s skin, while the straps and buckles seem sturdy and secure.
Price and Value: At SGD 219 on Shopee, or SGD 239.90 (with complimentary teaching session), the Minimonkey falls within a reasonable price range for baby carriers. Considering its comfort, breathability, and suitability for my petite size, I believe it offers excellent value for money.
My Favourite Baby Carrier After 1 Year?
| Feature | Konny Flex | Ergobaby Omni Breeze | Minimonkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comfort (For You) | ❌ | ✓ (better for taller moms or dads) | ✓ (better for petite moms) |
| Carrying Positions | 3 (newborn – face in, face out) | 4 (front-in, front-out, hip, back) | 2 (front-in, back) |
| Suitability for Stages | ✓ (newborn – 20kg) | ✓ (newborn with insert – 20kg) | ✓ (newborn – 15kg) |
| Breathability | ✓ (airy mesh) | ❌ (hot for Singapore) | ✓ (airy mesh) |
| Build Quality & Durability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price & Value | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ |
So after all the trial and error, my personal favourite baby carrier is easily the Minimonkey! It addressed all my pain points – hot weather, comfort, and ease of use. Because I enjoy using it, I actually bother to use it at least 1-2 times a week – for short walks nearby, when we take public transport, or when we head to places inconvenient to use a stroller.
However, what is best for me might not be best for you. The “best” carrier truly depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here are some things you might want to consider when choosing baby carriers:
- Age and Size: Newborns need good head and neck support. Consider the weight limit of the carrier as your baby grows.
- Body Type: Petite moms might find bulky carriers uncomfortable. Conversely, taller moms might need a carrier with adjustable features for a proper fit.
- Comfort: Padding, adjustability, and breathability all play a role in how comfortable a carrier will be for you, especially during long carries.
- Ease of Use: Consider your comfort level with straps, buckles, and wrapping techniques.
- Climate: Breathability is crucial in hot weather. Look for carriers made with mesh materials that allow for airflow.
- Number of Carrying Positions: Do you need a carrier that offers just inward facing positions, or do you want the versatility of multiple positions like front-out, hip carry, and back carry?
- Budget: Baby carriers range in price. Consider how long you plan to use the carrier and how important features like brand name or specific materials are to you.
- Lifestyle: If you’re a very active mom who hikes or runs, you might need a carrier with additional support and features compared to a mom who primarily uses the carrier for short errands.
Additional tips when buying baby carriers:
- Try before you buy: Whenever possible, try on a carrier before purchasing it to ensure a proper fit for both you and your baby.
- Consider renting: Renting a carrier is a great way to test different options before committing to buying one.
- Read reviews: See what other moms are saying about different carriers online or in parenting forums.
By considering these factors and doing your research, I hope can find the perfect baby carrier that will make carrying your little one a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both of you as I did!
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