“Which Carrier Should I Choose?”
This is the most frequent question we are asked at Birdie’s Room. From our many years of experience, we find that most people are intuitively drawn to a certain style of carrier. Whether it be the fundamental mechanics or the visual aesthetics of the carrier that appeal, trust in your instincts! The carrier that speaks to you from the start is generally the carrier for you, but learning about the specific features of each style may help with your decision process.
To help with your decision process, we suggest:
- Look into attending a local babywearing meeting to try on some carriers.
- Trust your judgment based on your personal needs and taste.
- Carriers are like clothes – everyone has a personal preference!
- Choose a carrier that you find visually appealing. Babywearing is an incredible hands-free parenting tool that facilitates keeping your baby close, but it can also be a form of self-expression.
- Enjoy your babywearing journey to its fullest! It should not feel stressful or overwhelming so we are here to help.
All of Our Carriers are by DIDYMOS Because….
- We want to offer the best quality to our customers.
- We care about the environment and where are products come from. Didymos has met our very high standards.
- Conventional cotton is a very heavily sprayed crop so we sought out carriers that are made completely of GOTS-certified organic cotton. Only pure, chemical-free for you and your baby!
- We love the idea of one-size-fits-all-stages. Didymos fits the bill there! One carrier will last for your entire babywearing journey. No need to buy another carrier as your baby grows.
- We like keeping it simple and strongly value the versatility and adjustability offered by woven wraps. For those prefer a bit more structure, there are several options.
- Just as importantly, the beauty of Didymos is impressive. There is something for everyone.
- The comfort of Didymos carriers is hard to match.
We offer hybrid jersey/stretchy wraps, woven wraps, ring slings, meh-dai / mei tai-style, half-buckle carriers and onbuhimo-style carriers. All are very easy to use and are all purposefully woven and created for comfortable babywearing.
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| Stretchy Hybrid | Woven Wrap | Ring Sling | Mei Tai (DidyTai) | DidyKlick Half Buckle | DidyGo Onbuhimo |
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Tell Us About Yourself…
There are a few questions we usually ask to assist in determining the best carrier for your needs.
What is the Age & Weight of Your Baby? All of our carriers are ready to use right from birth (with the exception of the DidyGo Onbuhimo) as long as there are no medical problems where your health practitioner has asked you to refrain from babywearing.
- Both the hybrid jersey and woven wraps will carry your little ones until they no longer want to be worn. In some cases this is when baby begins walking but in many cases, babywearing can continue well into pre-school ages.
- Many parent that have children with special needs will elect to use their DIDYMOS woven wraps well into elementary school ages without issue. The Didysling, Didymos Mei Tai, DidyKlick and DidyGo are tested to a weight limit of approximately 35 lbs! Therefore, depending on the weight of your child, the maximum age can vary.
- Even though both the Didysling, Didymos Mei Tai, DidyKlick and DidyGo are created from the woven wrap fabric, they are constructed with weight bearing seams and external mechanisms such as rings and buckles that impact the overall designated weight limit.
What is the Intended Use of Your New Carrier? The intended use will help determine the optimal carrier style.
- Will you be purchasing one carrier that you would like to use from newborn to preschool age?
- Do you prefer to buy a carrier for a specific use or need?
- Will you be purchasing a carrier to go on long walks or hikes, or for casual use around the house and quick errands, or perhaps both?
The woven wrap will be the most versatile carrier as there are countless carrying and tying variations. They conform to all shapes and sizes so will offer the perfect fit for both the wearer and baby/child. The woven wrap can carry your little one (or big one!) for as long as they wish be worn. However, features of other styles may appeal more. Considering the specific features of each carrier style will further help with the decision process.
Will You be Sharing the Carrier with Others? All of our DIDYMOS carriers are one-size-fits-all. However, if you will be sharing your carrier with another caregiver, some of the highlights below will assist in finding the right fit for both wearers.
DIDYMOS Carrier Options
DIDYMOS Hybrid Jersey Wrap
What exactly is a hybrid, you ask?
A hybrid wrap is a wrap that looks and feels like most stretchy wraps on the market but it possesses unique qualities that combines some of the characteristics of a stretchy wrap and a woven wrap. Most stretchy wraps in the marketplace are comprised of synthetic materials which include stretchy fibres that wear out over time, such as spandex. The DIDYMOS Hybrid Jersey wrap, on the other hand, is…
- Made from 100% organic cotton which is actually a knit textile and provides both diagonal and width-wise stretch.
- There is NO lengthwise stretch which in turn provides stability to the fabric.
- The hems are finished (double rolled over and stitched) rather than a simple zig-zag over the cut edge of the fabric, as is the case with Stretchy wraps.
- With the special fabric and finished hems, a Hybrid allows the wrap to be more supportive with less stretch and sag than a typical Stretchy wrap.
- Since the top and bottom rails are secure with the hemmed stitching, a Hybrid can be used for back carries since the fabric will NOT roll down which is common with most Stretchy wraps.
Another great reason to choose a Hybrid Jersey Wrap is that a hybrid can be used from newborn right up to toddler age. Many conventional stretchy wraps may sag and become uncomfortable at around 3-6 months of age or around the 15-20 lb mark. The Didymos Hybrid Jersey Wrap combines the appeal of a stretchy wrap and the strength and versatility of a woven wrap.
DIDYMOS Woven Wrap
DIDYMOS woven wraps are…
- purposefully woven on special jacquard looms for the sole purpose of babywearing.
- are made from organic cotton (and other plant materials such as linen and hemp) and/or ethically sourced animal fibres.
- woven with a diagonal stretch that creates an elasticity in the fabric allowing for the fabric to easily mould to the wearer and baby providing optimal comfort and support.
- thought to be the most versatile babywearing option in terms of baby carriers since one size will fit all stages of baby development, and many tying variations are available.
DIDYMOS woven wraps offer a custom fit for every person regardless of their shape and size. They can be used right from the newborn baby stage all the way up to preschool age. In fact, they are tested to 310 Kg so your baby cannot outgrow your wrap!
There are a vast number of carries one can tie with a woven wrap, including front carries, hip carries AND back carries, with one-shoulder and two-shoulder options – something for everyone! Most two-shoulder carries allow the weight of the child to be distributed evenly from shoulders to hips and one is able to wear even heavy children for long periods of time comfortably!
Woven wraps come in an assortment of lengths to facilitate many different carrying options and needs. DIDYMOS wraps include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions for various ways of tying and carrying.
DidySling
The high quality woven fabric that is used for DIDYMOS baby wraps is also used to make DidySlings. A ring sling may not be as versatile as a classic baby wrap, however, it is very convenient and easy to use. The ease of being able to pop baby in and out quickly makes this a very popular method of carrying your baby! It is an excellent carrier for newborns and quick “ups & downs” with toddlers. The process is simple: you put on the sling, place baby inside it, and tighten using the rings. DidySlings offer all the advantages of DIDYMOS weaving techniques, including support, diagonal stretch, durability and high quality.
The DidySling makes it easy to carry your child on your front, hip and even the back. The DidySlings are sewn in Ludwigsburg, Germany, the hometown of DIDYMOS. To create the DidySling, the fabric is simply gathered around the rings and sewn together. The gathered “shoulder style” conforms ideally to any shoulder size and type and is very comfortable. We recommend the DidySling is used as a front carry only until baby has adequate core, neck and head control before transitioning to the hip and back. The DidySling is made with 87mm aluminium rings which are weight tested up to 35lbs and can easily carry your baby from newborn right to toddler and preschool age!
Didymos Mei Tai/Meh Dai (DidyTai)
The DidyTai is an easy to use baby carrier. It is made from a rectangular piece of DIDYMOS baby wrap cloth with four straps sewn to its corners. It has no buckles, snap or Velcro fasteners – thus nothing that could wear out, hurt or wake up your baby when opened. The top straps are wide and gathered where sewn to the DidyTai body panel. The DidyTai wraps tightly around the wearer’s shoulders distributing the baby’s weight very evenly. The bottom straps tie the DidyTai together and provide additional support. The optimal and ergonomic position for the baby to be in is the spread-squat-position to guarantee a healthy development of the hip joints. The DidyTai gives optimal support for this spread-squat position. The DidyTai has a drawstring to adjust the width and thus will suit your child from birth until he/she wants to walk on her/his own. It is strongly recommended to only use the front carry until baby has developed core, neck and head control. The DidyTai is perfect also for a back and hip carry once baby is able to transition to these positions.
The DidyTai also has a sleep hood which is wonderful feature for when baby falls asleep or for added protection from the weather elements. The DidyTai is a wonderful option for people that like the idea of a soft structured carrier (a.k.a. back pack carrier) but love the feel of a wrap as the soft body forms to baby’s shape and most people can achieve and higher and tighter position. It is not as versatile as a wrap but is fairly simple and easy to use with the benefits of the adjustability and mouldability of a wrap without all the stiff buckles and padding of a soft structured carrier!
DidyKlick
The DidyKlick offers a relaxed Babywearing experience with just one click! Alongside the DidyTai, the DidyKlick is another convenient combination of a Woven Baby Wrap and Structured Carrier. The DidyKlick features a sturdy waist belt with a clip-buckle that ensures comfort and support around the torso of the wearer. The soft body made of organic cotton offers a safe place for your little ones. The sewn-in headrest guarantees a well-sheltered nap. The waist belt is easy to adjust according to the size of the wearer. The body of the carrier can also be adjusted individually according to the size of your child. This enables you to ensure an ideal posture of your child’s spine and of the correct spread-squat position at all times. The innovative pads for the shoulder straps ensure more Babywearing comfort and reduce the strain on your shoulders further.
The DidyKlick is a versatile carrier which allows you to carry your little ones in comfort in several positions including the front, back, or hip from 8-35lbs. This stylish and beautiful carrier will allow you to carry on and let life happen as you know it – keeping your child close and at the same time accomplishing the things you need to do in everyday life!
The DidyKlick complies with the prevailing CEN/TR 16512 safety standards and is currently being tested under the ASTM F2236 standards.
The DidyKlick features body panels and should straps made from Didymos top notch organic quality woven wrap fabric. It also includes an adjustable hood, headrest when needed, comfortable woven wrap shoulder straps with optional shoulder pads, ergonomic & adjustable body in both width and height, padded leg openings, padded and comfortable waist belt and a quick, easy-to-use buckle.
DidyGo!
Toddlers love to explore the world on their own once they can crawl or walk. But they also love and need to be worn and be held close to their parents or care-giver. The DidyGo Onbuhimo baby carrier by DIDYMOS is a great way to fill that need. While carried in the Onbuhimo, your toddler will feel comfortable taking a little nap or looking over your shoulder, while you are free to move about.
The Onbuhimo carrier, originating from Japan, is worn up high on the back and is designed for babies, toddlers, and children who can sit unassisted. It looks a bit like a rucksack and it is VERY fast to put on and take off. Lightweight, it folds down small and compact for easy storage when not needed – a great option when you are out and about. Without a waist belt and worn on the back, this baby carrier is also a perfect choice for a pregnant mother who can carry her child without putting pressure on her growing belly.
Made of the same high quality fabric as Didymos baby wraps, the Didy Onbuhimo supports your child‘s back perfectly and holds her/him in a healthy and safe position. Individually adjustable and easy to handle, the Didy Onbuhimo carrier allows for close, stress-free babywearing.
