Carrying your baby has lots of benefits and when you find the right sling you'll love the freedom to carry on with life while keeping your baby close and comforted.  I have tried lots of slings since Baby Bean was established in 2004, and can use my experience (and my two babies') to help you choose.  Increased interest in babywearing means there are now hundreds of different baby slings and carriers on the market, which can be overwhelming.  I sell only the best quality carriers which come with my personal recommendation. 

When choosing a sling, think about the following questions:

How Old is Your Baby?

You can start slinging your baby from the moment they are   born!  For a newborn my favourite sling is the Moby wrap, it's so soft and snuggly and allows a small baby to be held in a very comforting foetal position, and then carried more upright as he grows.  It is also incredibly easy to pop baby in and out of for frequent feeding and changing without having to untie the carrier.

If you are introducing a sling to an older baby, you might want to look at the Kozy or Ergo carriers, which are better suited to carrying heavier children and allow you to carry baby on your back for a truly hands-free carry. 

For a totally versatile carrier which will see you from birth to toddlerhood a woven wrap like the EllaRoo would be ideal.  However I’d recommend you buy a carrier that is right for the stage your baby is at NOW rather than looking too far ahead.  Many parents find they love carrying their babies so much that they build up quite a collection of slings!  

Will you be sharing your sling with your partner?

Some slings are highly adjustable, while others are made to fit one size well. Wrap style slings like the Moby or EllaRoo are very versatile and ring slings are also highly adjustable.  A pouch style sling needs to fit perfectly to be comfortable, so steer away from these if you're hoping to share.  Lots of slings come in beautiful fabrics and prints, but if you want your husband/partner to do his share of carrying you might want to choose something neutral – or buy two! 

Are you willing to invest a little learning time?

Most slings require an adjustment period to get used to getting them on correctly and getting baby into them easily. Some slings, however, take more time than others. Woven wrap style slings like the EllaRoo take most time to get to grips with, but you only need to learn one carry at first, and then take your time experimenting with others.   

A stretchy wrap like the Moby can seem daunting as there is so much fabric, but it really is very simple and my customers are often amazed how easily they can use it.

If you are easily frustrated or just don't feel like you have the time or energy right now, a pouch such as the Coorie would be the best choice for little ones, or a pack carrier like the Ergo for babies over 5 months.

Will you be breastfeeding?

While it is possible to breastfeed in all the slings I sell, some make it easier and more discreet than others.  Ring slings such as the EllaRoo or Bara Barn are highly adjustable on the move so that you can easily position the baby correctly, and the long tail of fabric can be used for extra cover if needed. Even if you're not concerned about feeding discreetly, once your baby is around five or six months old, you may find that you need to hide the world from her to get her to focus on feeding.

What will you be doing while wearing your baby?

Slings make it easier to get things done but some things just cannot be touched by curious little hands. For example, if you will be cooking, a sling that gets baby up on your back is safest, as baby can be carried well away from potential hazards. The baby is much more secure against your body than with the other sling styles and allows more freedom of movement, bending, lifting etc.  Wraps, Mei Tais and structured carriers like the Ergo are ideal.

For a sling to keep on all day while looking after older children or just getting on with your daily routine, the Moby is ideal as baby can be lifted in and out without having to untie the sling.

A Word About ‘Mainstream’ Carriers

Lots of parents buy pack style carriers for their baby as these are readily available on the high street. Big brands like Baby Bjorn, Tomy, and Snugli, are well placed in shops, often winning ‘Best Buy’ awards in the parenting magazines they advertise in – don’t be fooled by these endorsements, it’s far better to ask advice from a real parent.  The carriers themselves are fine for a short while, but many people find them uncomfortable once your baby exceeds about 15lbs, and they don't offer the best support for your back, or your developing baby's spine.  Young babies will often fuss or cry, making parents think they don’t like to be carried when it could simply be the wrong carrier. 

Which ever sling you buy, I'm sure you and your baby will love it.  Once you have baby in the sling, get moving; the motion will help your baby to get used to be carried and to feel comfortable.  If you have any problems using your sling don't give up; get in touch with me, or try one of the babywearing websites such as thebabywearer.com or slingmeet.co.uk for advice and tips.  If you'd like personal advice on which sling is best for you, just drop me an e-mail or call 01535 644 800.