Choosing a baby sling can be overwhelming because there are so many different types and styles. Don’t feel like you have to try everything at once. To get started, just follow the brief guide below, pick a sling and give it a whirl.

Determine Your Slinging Style

Once you have considered a handful of basic questions, the product descriptions will be easier to understand and you will be able to narrow your choices. To simplify sling selection, first consider the following:

• The wearer’s size and the baby’s size.

Some baby carriers, including pouches and ring slings, are sized, meaning you need to measure yourself and/or your baby and compare those dimensions with the manufacturer’s size chart to make sure it will fit before you order. Wrap-style carriers are often available in varying lengths, though many are one-size-fits-all. To determine which length you will need to consider your size and also how many different ways you are likely to tie the carrier (it may be wise to consult with the retailer or maker for sizing advice if you have never bought a wrap before—beginners who are in between sizes usually need to go with the longer size until they learn the technique). Most Asian baby carriers are one-size-fits-all and will work fine for average-size wearers and babies, but if the wearer or the baby are large or tall, it may be desirable to purchase one that has a longer or wider body panel for extra support, or one with extra long straps (having extra strap length may also allow more ways to tie the straps). If you suffer from shoulder injury or pain, you may find that one with wide shoulder straps is more comfortable than one with narrow straps; and some people prefer more or less strap padding. Very small babies may find a too-long or too-wide carrier uncomfortable because they can’t see out the top or stick their arms or legs out easily. Soft-structured carriers are designed similarly to mei tais, but are made with quick-release buckles so there is no need to tie them, and many have padded waist belts for extra support and to distribute baby’s weight to the hips (great for heavy babies and toddlers). While these are also typically one-size-fits-all, the fit is less adjustable than Asian baby carriers so some people find them less comfortable or need special adjustments or strap extensions to make them fit.

Sizing tip: If you have several people who participate in caring for your baby, you may economize by purchasing a one-size-fits-all design, whereas if you are the only wearer it is preferable to select something that specifically fits you well for optimum comfort.

• Your child’s age (and how often baby wants up and down).

Newborn babies require carriers that allow them to curl up and keep their arms and legs inside until they are more fully developed, and it’s important to avoid excess fabric covering their mouths and noses to ensure they can breathe easily. Older, heavier babies need more support so the wearer can be comfortable. If you intend to wear a large baby for extended periods, take care to choose slings made with supportive fabrics (thicker ones that do not stretch). Also, consider that active babies and toddlers may want up and down a lot, so it may be ideal to choose the sling based on ease of taking baby in and out. Pouch slings, ring slings and soft-structured carriers are the easiest for popping baby in and out.

• What wearing position do you prefer?

This may be influenced by any special conditions or physical circumstances that you and your baby have (chronic pain/injury/surgery/premature birth/special developmental needs/etc.) or it may just be personal preference based on your comfort or what you need to accomplish while wearing your baby. Baby carriers are available for positioning baby on your front, hip or back—some work in all three positions while others are only designed for a specific position. The most versatile carrier is a wrap, which allows for unlimited positioning. Some Asian baby carriers and some soft structured carriers also allow positioning on front, back and hip. A few traditional Asian carriers were originally invented for use only on the back (including Korean podegis and Japanese onbuhimos), but the modern designs based on these often can also be worn on the front. If you or your baby have any injury or medical condition, it is wise to consult with a physician or chiropractor to learn how to position baby correctly in the carrier.

• When/where do you plan to wear baby most?

Consider climate and what types of activities you may be doing while wearing your baby. This will help in determining the best style of carrier as well as fabric preferences. If you live in a hot climate, steer toward lightweight, breathable materials (e.g. cotton) and a style that covers the wearer in minimal fabric. Also, what will you be doing while wearing baby? If you are working in the kitchen, it may be a good idea to purchase a carrier you can wear on your back to keep baby safely tucked away from the stovetop and sharp utensils. If you will be active while wearing baby, a two-shouldered carry is ideal, and you may find it easier to use a carrier with buckle closures so there is no excess strap material hanging (particularly during outdoor activities). If you will be reaching up above your head often, carriers that cup your shoulder(s) may interfere with what you are doing. If you are attending cultural or community events, engaging in conversion, or enjoying light hiking or leisurely walks, a front carry provides for more interaction between you, your baby and your environment. If baby is joining you for a long work day, it’s ideal to have a carrier in which she is comfortable napping.

• How long do you need to wear baby?

Some carriers are comfortable for long periods of time, while others are designed for easy “poppability” (allowing the wearer to quickly pop the baby in and out of the carrier). Two-shoulder carriers or those that offer versatility in positioning and an adjustable fit (including most Asian baby carriers, soft structured carriers and wraps) are typically more comfortable when wearing baby for several hours at a time. Pouches and ring slings may be more convenient for short wearing sessions of 30 minutes or less, and they allow quicker up and down for active babies and toddlers. Many babywearers find that wraps offer the highest level of comfort when wearing for long periods of time, although most wraps are more cumbersome to get off and on. Stretchy wraps do allow for poppability, though they are less supportive than non-stretchy wraps.

• What’s your style?

Aside from comfort and functionality, if a sling doesn’t look good you are less likely to wear it. Aesthetics can certainly help you narrow down your choices. Consider which fabrics, colours and patterns appeal to you. Whether you’re drawn to florals or camo, there’s a baby carrier style for every taste—sporty, casual, elegant, funky, adventurous, simple, trendy, rugged, girly, manly. Having your baby snuggle close in a fashionable carrier makes you look good and feel good. So have fun shopping!

Carrier Characteristics

Next, based on your answers to the questions above, consider how your needs match up with the key features of the following carrier types:

Note: There may not be one right answer. Some families find it beneficial to own more than one type.

Pouch and ring slings:

• Easy to use, with easy “poppability”

• One-shoulder carry (may limit movement of one arm at the shoulder)

• Mainly designed to position baby on front or hip

• Folds up extremely compactly/lightweight

• Supportiveness varies depending on material

• Comfortable with newborns/small babies; may be less comfortable with heavy babies

• Ideal for short periods of wearing or for active infants/toddlers who want up and down a lot

• Sized products; may not be possible for mum and dad to share a sling

• Ring slings are somewhat size adjustable; pouch typically slings are not

Asian baby carriers (Mei Tais, Podegis, Hmongs, Onbuhimos):

• Two-shoulder carry (free movement of both arms), except in hip position

• Most are one-size-fits-all; fit is highly adjustable for individual comfort

• Comfortable to wear for long periods of time

• Folds up compactly

• Mei Tais offer versatile positioning: front, hip and back

• Podegis, Hmongs and Onbuhimos are mainly designed for back carries, but may be used for front, and some may be used for hip

• Requires some practice to master, but generally easy to use

• Not “poppable”

• Straps may be cumbersome in some situations

Soft-structured Carriers

• Two-shoulder carry (free movement of both arms), except in hip position

• Most are one-size-fits-all; fit is somewhat adjustable, though may not fit all individuals

• Thick, padded waist belts typical of these carriers may provide greater comfort when wearing heavy babies and toddlers

• Comfortable to wear for long periods of time

• Still compact, though typically less so due to extra padding

• Most offer versatile positioning: front, hip and back

• Quick-release buckles make it very “poppable” and easy to use

• Less material dangling from straps than other types of carriers

Wraps

• Offer the most versatility with many positions and ways to tie

• One-shoulder or two-shoulder carry

• One-size-fits-all/available in different lengths to suit larger people

• Many find that wraps offer the highest level of comfort for long periods of time

• With the exception of stretchy wraps, these are not “poppable”

• Folds up compactly

• More difficult learning curve compared to other types of carriers

• Choose lighter materials for hot climates

Sling Uncertainty

If you’re still not sure which sling type will work for you, contact your retailer for assistance choosing. Some retailers offer baby carriers for hire by the week so you can try one out. If you purchase one and it’s not right for you, there are websites where you can resell them and recoup most of your investment so you can buy another sling that is more to your liking. Also, find out if there is local babywearing group in your area so you can get advice from other mums and try before you buy—some even have a “carrier library” that allows you to try or check out a sling to practice using it first. Other useful online websites go into detail about how to choose a carrier if you have back problems (text link to http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?page=whattype) or other special concerns.

Babywearing is for dads, too!

Many of today’s baby carriers are designed with dads in mind. Find plenty of gender neutral colours and styles, and even some designed especially to appeal to men. So, consider dad’s preferences when making your selection—or consider a special manly carrier just for him!

The Babywearing Workout

Once you receive your new baby carrier, don’t fret if it is not comfortable from the moment you put it on! Babywearing uses muscles you didn’t know you had, and it may take a few days or weeks of practicing how to properly fasten or tie a new sling before you find it comfortable.

Start by wearing your baby in the new sling for only 10 or 15 minutes several times a day. Each time you put the sling on, experiment slightly with how you arrange it to see if different positioning or fastening technique alters the way it feels. Be sure baby is snug and supported; in most cases you want baby to ride relatively high up in the carrier and with his body pulled in tightly against yours. Each time you put the carrier on, the technique will become easier and your babywearing muscles will get a small workout.

Repeat this pattern whenever you start using a new babywearing position, too (switching from front carries to back carries for instance). Always use proper posture while wearing your baby. Wearing your baby during light activity, such as walking or hiking, can even enhance the physical benefit you receive. It is not recommended to run or jog while babywearing; this could be dangerous for you or your child.

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