When my oldest was a baby, I quickly became a fan of (or more accurately, some might say, addicted to) babywearing. At one point, I recall making a makeshift wrap carrier out of a bed sheet. Still, we were missing a carrier that my husband enjoyed. As basic as they are, ring slings are limited to one shoulder carries, which can be uncomfortable after a long time carrying. Wraps are usually more comfortable, but the learning curve can be steep. So, with the opportunity to try a two-shouldered carrier that requires no adjustments- the Baby K’tan– I was cautiously optimistic.
Sizing Options for the Baby K’tan
The drawback to a pouch-style carrier is that you have to get sizing just right. If baby is too low due to a loose sling, you will both be uncomfortable, and it can be dangerous. If the carrier is too tight, you will have difficulty getting her in properly, let alone comfortably. For this reason, I have been cautious about buying non-adjustable carriers without trying the sizing first in person.
The sizing chart on the Baby K’tan website was a bit vague for my tastes, since dress sizes and jacket sizes can vary so much. I measured my husband, who fell in between sizes, and we went with the smaller of the two as the site recommends. To my delight, the medium that we received fit him very well, despite my hesitations. As a bonus, I found that the sizing range was wide enough that I could use it, as well.
Two Shoulder Comfort, One Shoulder Convenience
With eight different carry options, a manual that comes with the carrier and instructional videos online, you will likely find a carry that you enjoy. We both quickly picked up on the hip carry, which requires no adjusting as it would in a ring sling, and then moved to the hug carry, which utilizes both shoulders and is more comfortable for longer stretches of time. There are also instructions for a cradle carry for newborns, a forward facing carry, a two-shouldered hip carry, and even a back carry and one for twins.
Made simply from two loops of fabric connected with a “support band,” most carries can be quickly and securely performed by yourself. The back carry, however, requires an assistant. Due to the stretch in fabric, this carry might become uncomfortable after awhile, and you cannot tighten more than the support sash to remedy this. For short periods of time, though, it should be sufficient.
Although I still have favorite carriers for different situations, the Baby K’tan has joined my baby wearing family as a quick and easy alternative, as well as something that my husband can pick up and use- even when I am not around to help him get settled in it. The founder had a stroke of genius with this one, and I will definitely be sure to keep one in my “stash” from now on.
Disclaimer: Untrained Housewife was given a Baby K’tan carrier, support sash and infant hat for the purposes of this review.
