My mother rolls her eyes when I talk about this, but it's true - ask any pediatrician.  The rampant overuse of carseats, strollers, infant swings and bouncer seats has caused a marked increase in the occurence of plagiocephaly, or flathead syndrome: flat spots formed on the back of a baby's head from too much time spent on his or her back.  You've probably seen the beginnings of it on yours or other babies - that little bald patch probably can't be avoided, but the formation of an obvious flat spot can be by minimizing baby's time spent in the carseat, swing, and other seats/carriers, and regularly using wearable carriers like the Baby Bjorn, Maya Wrap, Snugli, and of course, just carrying your baby more!

Using a wearble carrier not only helps to prevent flathead, it also brings baby and parent closer together- baby feels more secure, warmer, and happier.   I have yet to have my baby cry on a trip to the grocery store or on any errand when he's snuggled up against me in his Baby Bjorn, and I'm just as hands free as the parent with the carseat perched on top of the shopping cart.  I can enjoy whispering and humming to my baby, and my natural movements around the store soothe him.  He can look around and look at me, or he can burrow his face and nap peacefully. The babies buckled in the seats and facing out in strollers don't get that from mom or dad - they get to stare at strangers, shelves, and fluorescent lights.  Leave the carseat where it's intended for...the car!

There are a lot of carriers out there - I've had great success with the Baby Bjorn so far (my baby is almost 16lbs, I started using it when he was 8lbs), and have friends who swear by other kinds, so I'm here to give you a qick rundown on the more popular types and persuade you that you are the one who should be cradling your baby most often - not a piece of equipment.

Baby Bjorn Carrier: this is built like a backpack, but is worn in front, with the baby secure in a cocoon-like carrying pouch, with baby's legs and arms free, hanging out of special holes. The baby faces you, but when he can hold his head up well, you can have the baby face out if you wish.  It has an overall modern, sleek look. It has fully adjustable straps, and is completely unisex, great for dads.  It retails new for $80 and up.  I got mine on Ebay brand new for $60 including shipping!

• Pros:  sleek, lightweight, fully washable and adjustable
• Cons:  can only be worn in front, adjusting straps for 2 different users takes some patience, thick padded material might be too warm on a hot day

Side note on another Baby Bjorn product:  I realize that it's not practical to carry your baby around your house all day either, hence the popularity of bouncer seats...Baby Bjorn makes a bouncer seat called the Baby Sitter 123: it has completely suspended fabric so that your baby's head is not resting against a hard surface.  It has the same simple lines, is totally washable, and it uses your or baby's gently movements to rock/bounce, so it's not battery powered.  Eventually your baby will learn he/she can make the chair bounce! And, unlike most bouncer seats, this is useable up until toddler age.

Maya Wrap: this is a sling-type carrier.  It's essentially a long, wide piece of cotton that is wrapped in different ways around your torso/shoulders and fastened by a ring that works by friction fit.  The baby can be positioned in a variety of ways, including hip, front, back.  It has an overall traditional look - think papoose.  It's a little 'hippie-ish earth-mama' looking to me, and seems more suited for women than men, but I have seen them on men.  They retail about $50 new - the price varies greatly on Ebay.

• Pros:  highly customizeable fit, lightweight, fully washable, overall simple design, large selection of colors and patterns
• Cons:  feminine looking, a little on the sloppy/clumsy side,  not easy to adjust yourself with baby in it.  In addition, be careful of buying used ones, there was a safety recall on Maya wraps sold in 2001.

Hotsling Pouch:  this is also a sling-type.  It's more 'constructed' and neater looking than the Maya, and is super-simple in design.  It has no rings or buckles, so the right fit and size is essential for safety.  It's definitely cooler looking than the Maya.  Baby can be in a variety of positions.

• Pros: lightweight, washable, simple design, lots of colors, unisex
• Cons:  fit and sizing is paramount, so you'd need a second one for dad, might be difficult with a very small or very large baby

Ergo Baby: this is reminiscent of the Bjorn in design, except that it can also be worn on the back and hip!  It's pricier than most carriers, but it has a modern look, unisex, can be used for toddlers too.  It even has a pocket for your stuff, and that's very convenient.

• Pros:  washable, unisex, adjustable, variety of positions, zipper pocket, lightweight
• Cons: one of the more expensive types, adjusting between users could take some patience

I hope this guide has been helpful in both convincing you to purchase and  helping you select a carrier.  Your baby will be happier and healthier for it!