Multi-Position Baby Carriers

A multi-position carrier is a child carrier that offers the versatility of a variety of carry positions. Many of the baby carriers that are available today can be considered multi-position carriers because they allow you to adapt and change the carrier to meet your current babywearing needs. Slings, wraparound carriers and both structured and unstructured soft carriers can be classified as multi-position carriers because they offer an array of carry positions. 

As the name would suggest, multi-position baby carriers provide the wearer with a variety of carry positions. The amount and type of positions that are available are directly related to the carrier’s style and the manufacturers’ suggested use.

Most multi-position carriers provide inward facing positions that can be used while your child is an infant such as:

• Semi-reclining cradle hold.
• Newborn snuggle position where child sits up while facing you with his feet tucked inside the carrier.
• Snuggle position in which child sits up while facing you with his legs and feet popped out of the bottom of the carrier.
• Sitting up while facing sideways.

Once he is able to support his own head and neck, the carrier can often be used for several more positions including:

• Buddha position in which child sits up facing out with both feet tucked into the carrier.
• Sumo carry position where child sits up facing out with his legs outside of the carrier.
• Carried facing you when he is in a hip carry position.
• On your back, facing you with his feet popped out of the carrier.

If someone is available to help you place your child in the wrap, he can be carried facing outward your back with his legs popped out of the carrier.

This style of carrier is great for traveling because it gives you the ability to carry your child in a variety of positions without the hassle of toting around extra carriers. Many multi-position carriers can be used with children from infancy through the toddler years making it a practical and economical carrier choice.

Not sure if a multi-position carrier is the right choice for you? Check out our article on the wide variety of Baby Carrier Types and our Baby Carrier Buying Guide to learn more about how to choose the perfect carrier for your needs.