Baby Carriers and Slings

Before selecting a baby carrier, better decide which category of  the carrier you want to use. Sometimes, it is hard to decide, as there are so many varieties with common features to choose from. However, to certain extend you can go by the age and weight of your child in selecting a suitable baby carrier that gives you maximum value and  utility.

Generally,  you have to make a selection from slings, pouches, front or back carriers and wraps.

The advantage of a sling is that it is simple and easy to put on your shoulder and take off . And it is best suited for new born babies. Once  setting over your shoulder, a sling  lets you hold your baby in a cradling position. And it  almost looks forming a part of your front body.

Small infants can be carried  on your chest as well as on the back.  Ring slings baby carriers are long strips of fabric that adjust with rings. They come in padded and non-padded varieties and are adjustable to the weight of your baby.

Another type is called pouches  which are also known as tube or pocket slings. They are tube-shaped slings sewn together. Pouches have a built-in pouch, where you can place your baby safely.  Pouches are also considered  more secure, as they have a curve sewn in to shape the cloth to the parent's body  to support the weight of the baby.

The wearer slips the pouch over the head and one shoulder,creating a seat to hold baby in.  Pouches are lightweight and can easily be put into a diaper bag for carrying when not in use. The difficulty with pouches is that  generally they  are not adjustable.

Other type of carriers are  front or back carriers, which are basically  rectangular piece of fabric with straps coming off the corners. They are designed  to hold the baby in a rectangular section.  This  type of carriers  can evenly distribute the weight of your baby across both shoulders and your hips. These carriers are good for carrying older, heavier babies and toddlers.

The last category is wraps which are long pieces of fabric that you wrap around you and your baby and then tie. You can choose different carrying position depending upon the length of the fabric.

The wearer's front, back or hip positions are the common practice. The advantage of wraps is that they are comfortable to wear and can distribute the weight very evenly. In this category,  stretchy wraps are most popular.
So, the setection of a particular type of  baby carrier is primarily based on the age and weight of your baby as well as  your convenience to use it.