Disclosure: This post is written by Dr. Ashley Treesa Antony, Ph.D., the founder of this website. Every item on this list is carefully curated from her own experience or after thorough research. This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no added cost to you the website makes a small commission for every qualifying purchase through the affiliate links. Read the disclaimer policies to know more.

Parenthood is an extraordinary journey, marked by a multitude of choices that shape the experiences of both parents and children. In a diverse and culturally rich nation like India, where tradition meets modernity, one of the most significant decisions parents face is whether to use a baby carrier or a stroller. Each option offers unique advantages and drawbacks, making this a critical decision for Indian families.

In this blog, we will embark on a journey to explore the age-old debate of baby carrier versus stroller in the context of parenting in India. With a focus on the needs, cultural nuances, and practicalities that define Indian parenting, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of each method to help you make an informed choice that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and values.

Being a mom myself, I too had to weigh in my needs and make a choice. I will guide you to choose the best option between strollers and carriers based on my experience.

Baby Carrier Vs Stroller

Baby carriers are specially designed gear that allow parents or caregivers to carry their infants or toddlers close to their bodies, typically secured with straps or fabric. Carriers offer a hands-free way to transport a child while maintaining physical closeness and bonding.

An important consideration to have while buying a baby carrier is ensuring that they are safety certified by either EN 13209 or ASTM F2236 standards. If you use a carrier that do not have either of these certifications, they could be bad for your child’s health.

Here are examples of certified baby carriers in India:

Anmol Flexy Baby Carrier (newborn to 4 years)

Kol Kol Baby Carrier (4 months to 3 years)

R for Rabbit Upsy Daisy: Hip Seater Baby Carrier (3 months to two Years)

Strollers on the other hand are sturdy metallic gears that can carry your child in a safe carriage with wheels. Safety standards are applicable to strollers as well, so make sue you choose a stroller with EN 1888 certification.

Now, if as a parent, you have to make a choice between stroller and carrier, first consider your purpose. If you anticipate a lot of air travels, shopping at malls, and walks around parks, a stroller will be a better choice. But if your lifestyle involves a lot of outdoorsy activities where you are unsure of access to paved sidewalks or even surfaced floorings, a carrier is definitely a better choice.

Here are some certified and safe baby strollers in India:

R for Rabbit Sugar Pop (Newborn to 3 years)

Chicco Echo Stroller with Bumper Bar (newborn to 4 years)

What I Chose as a Parent

Being a mom travel blogger, I chose a baby carrier over a stroller. It has been very practical for me. I have carried my son in it from when he was just 2.5 months old to until he was 3.5 years. I have used it seamlessly in my travels as well as in malls. These are my photos you see below.

Let me give you a detailed comparison of using a baby carrier or a stroller in India.

Pros and Cons of Using Baby Carriers in India

Pros of Using Baby Carriers in India

Closeness and Bonding: Baby carriers foster an intimate connection between parent and child, allowing you to keep your little one close to your heart, both physically and emotionally.

Hands-Free Parenting: The bustling streets, crowded markets, and daily chores that are part of life in India require parents to be on their feet. Baby carriers offer a convenient solution, enabling hands-free parenting while keeping your baby securely nestled against you. This freedom to multitask is invaluable, especially in a country where extended family support may not always be readily available in today’s time.

Urban Maneuverability: India’s urban centers can be a chaotic blend of traffic, narrow lanes, and bustling markets. And let’s be honest, we don’t have paved pedestrian paths in most part of the country. Navigating these spaces with a stroller can be challenging.

Baby carriers, on the other hand, are agile and adaptable, allowing you to move with ease through crowded areas, making them a practical choice for city-dwelling parents.

Versatility: Baby carriers come in a variety of styles, from wraps and slings to structured carriers, ensuring there’s an option to suit every Indian family’s needs and preferences. Whether you’re out for a shopping trip in a busy bazaar or taking a peaceful evening stroll, baby carriers offer versatile solutions for different scenarios.

Economic Value: You can get a safety-certified baby carrier at as low as Rs. 2000, while a certified stroller will cost over Rs. 3,500. Baby carriers are definitely more economic than strollers.

Environmental Considerations: As environmental awareness grows, many Indian parents are turning to eco-friendly options. Baby carriers typically have a smaller carbon footprint compared to strollers, aligning with your sustainability goals.

Disadvantages of Using a Baby Carriers in India

Heat and Humidity: India’s tropical climate, characterized by sweltering heat and high humidity in many regions, can make using baby carriers uncomfortable for both the parent and the baby. Carriers can trap body heat and increase sweating, potentially leading to heat-related issues. It’s crucial to choose carriers made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and ensure proper ventilation to mitigate this concern.

Physical Strain: Prolonged use of baby carriers, especially for larger babies or toddlers, can put a strain on the parent’s back, shoulders, and neck. Choose a baby carrier with wide and padded straps to evenly distribute the baby’s weight across your shoulders and waist.

Learning Curve: Some baby carrier styles, like wraps or mei tai, have a steep learning curve. Mastering the art of tying and adjusting a wrap, for example, can be challenging, and mistakes may affect the baby’s safety and the parent’s comfort.

Limited Storage: Indian parents often need to carry a wide range of essentials for their little ones, from diapers to snacks and water bottles. Unlike strollers, baby carriers offer limited storage space, requiring parents to carry an additional bag or forgo some necessities.

Age Limitations: Baby carriers may become less practical as your child grows and becomes heavier. Most carriers have weight and age limits that are lower than that of a stroller. This means that you may eventually need to transition to other forms of child transport, like a stroller.

Pros and Cons of Using Strollers in India

Strollers are wheeled devices used to transport infants or toddlers. They offer a convenient and comfortable way for parents to move with their children.

Pros of Using Strollers in India

Comfort and Protection from Elements: India’s diverse climates, ranging from scorching summers to monsoon rains, can present unique challenges. Strollers provide a comfortable, sheltered space for your baby, shielding them from harsh weather conditions, UV rays, rain, and dust.

Long-Term Use: Strollers are designed for extended utility and can accommodate your child as they grow. Many models can be used from infancy through toddlerhood and even into the preschool years, making them an excellent investment.

Handy for Multiple Young Children: Strollers provide an efficient and hassle-free means of transporting twins or multiples. Rather than juggling multiple carriers or trying to manage two or more young children on foot, parents can easily place them in a stroller, streamlining outings and errands.

Children with Special Needs: Specific stroller models are intentionally designed to cater to children with special needs. These strollers may include additional head and body support features, legroom that accommodates braces or orthotics, and other adaptations that cater to the unique needs of each child.

Storage Capacity: As a parent, you may often need to carry an array of essentials when they step out with their little ones, from diapers and snacks to water bottles and bags. Strollers come with ample storage space, allowing you to carry everything you need without additional bags.

Environmental Considerations: High-quality strollers are designed to be durable and long-lasting, minimizing waste and reducing their environmental impact. This sustainability aligns with the values of many Indian families.

Cons of Using Strollers in India

Difficulty in Crowded Places: India’s bustling markets, narrow lanes, and crowded streets can pose challenges for stroller users. Navigating through tight spaces or maneuvering in congested areas can be difficult, leading to frustration and inconvenience for parents.

Limited Maneuverability: Many Indian cities and towns lack pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Uneven pavements, potholed roads, and limited access ramps can make stroller navigation a bumpy ride. Parents often find themselves lifting and carrying the stroller over obstacles, which can be physically demanding.

Cost: High-quality strollers can be expensive, and selecting the right model from the myriad options can be overwhelming. This cost factor may make strollers less accessible to some families in India, especially in regions with lower income levels.

Storage Limitations: While strollers offer storage space, it may not always be enough for all the essentials parents need to carry. This means additional bags are required, which can be cumbersome and defeat the purpose of having a stroller for storage convenience.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of the baby carrier vs. stroller debate in the context of parenting in India, it becomes evident that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between a baby carrier and a stroller depends on a multitude of factors, including your family’s needs, lifestyle, and practicality.

Baby carriers offer the intimacy of skin-to-skin contact, hands-free parenting, and maneuverability in crowded spaces, making them a favorite for urban parents or those who value traditional customs. On the other hand, strollers provide a sheltered, comfortable space for your baby, long-term utility, and the ability to navigate challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions, which can be invaluable in a country with varying climates and infrastructure.

Many parents find that a combination of both a baby carrier and a stroller is the most versatile solution. Use the stroller when taking long strolls through parks, for extensive shopping trips, or for ensuring protection against the elements. Turn to the baby carrier for closeness, convenience in crowded areas, and alignment with cultural customs when needed.

Affiliate Disclosure: I am Ashley, a mom travel blogger. I write about and recommend baby products and gear on Plan Ashley Go based on my personal experience or through the information I have gathered through careful research. This blog contains affiliate links, which means, at no added cost to you, the marketing affiliate pays me a small commission for every purchased through the links on this page. This helps me keep the blog up and running. Read my disclaimer for more information.