How to Choose the Right Carrier/Sling for You and Your Baby

 For those parents who are considering Baby Wearing, our latest guide has been written to help you decide on which Baby Carrier or Sling is best for you.  There are so many different styles and types of baby carriers and slings out in the market at the moment; it’s difficult to decipher which is best for you, your partner, and your baby! We hope you find our handy tips helpful, if you have experience in purchasing a baby carrier/sling and would like us to add your comments and expertise then feel free to comment below or email us at enquiries@mabyland.com

Before you Buy

A few things to think about before you buy your baby carrier or sling.

Who is going to use the Baby Carrier?

Talk to your partner and ask if they have been interested in babywearing, if you are both keen to wear your baby then you will need to decide on a carrier which will fit you both and decide on a style that you are both happy with.  Some carriers are easily adjustable to any size, others come in Small, Medium, and Large, if you both want to wear your baby it limits your choices slightly on the style of carrier you can choose, you will have to choose an adjustable carrier, or (if you really can’t agree) separate carriers!  Styles range from Mai Tai carriers, carrier wraps, slings, structured carriers to back pack carriers, choose a style to suit you both.

How long do you want to use the carrier for?

There are many carriers available all with varied weight limits.  You will need to decide whether you wish to carry your baby from birth upwards, or whether you’d prefer to wait until baby is a few months old. You also need to decide how long you want to use the carrier for. Some slings only last for the first 2-3 months before baby grows out of it – Great for closeness, and the first initial bonding stage (good to wear around the house). Some slings/carriers last up to baby’s 1^st Year - great if you want value for money, and you and your baby will become for familiar with the carrier, its features and functions.  Finally there are carrier which will last until your child is a toddler (these are usually much more pricey) Check for extra padding and back support for you.  

Where Will You Use the Baby Carrier/What will it be used for/When Will it be Used?

Some parents only wish to use their carrier indoors - to settle baby whilst continuing with chores or playing with other children, and great for babies who have colic. If this is the case a material wrap or sling may be sufficient enough for indoor use as you won’t require back support or shoulder padding if you wear it for short periods of time.

Day-to-Day use and errands, some parents wish to use a carrier to pop to the shops, quick visits to the Doctors or even walking the dog - In other words, wearing their baby for a few hours a day.  If you feel that this is what you want to get out of your carrier, then choosing a structured carrier may be better, as the weight is taken on the shoulders and they usually last for up to a year or even longer!

Use a carry baby instead of using a buggy – if you want to ditch your buggy altogether choose a carrier which offers you plenty of support for your back and hips, and is generously padded on all of your stress-points (where you will carry the weight).  These carriers can be much pricier but obviously cost less than a pram or buggy!

 What is Your Budget?

There are carriers to suit every budget, and be careful not to buy a carrier just for its brand name, as sometimes you are ‘just paying for the label’ and you can purchase carriers with the same functions for much less!  If you want buy a carrier rather than a buggy we recommend you don’t buy a cheap carrier as it won’t offer enough support for you or your child if you are planning on wearing it throughout the day.  Expect to pay £20-£35 for a very basic sling or carrier. £45-75 for a traditional front carrier (structured) and you can purchase ergonomic carriers, luxury fabric carriers, added lumbar support carriers etc for £90-£150.  

When Looking at/Buying Your Carrier

Shopping in Early Pregnancy – try on as many carriers and slings as possible whilst your bump is still small! Ask the shop assistant to talk you through the different styles and request a weighted doll so you can get a better feel of the carrier and how it would look, and how easy it is o put on.  

Shopping in Later Pregnancy – We recommend that you still try on as many carriers and slings as possible even though your bump might be a bit big! Ask the shop assistant to demonstrate the features of the carriers and bring along your partner to try the carriers on properly and ask his opinion.

Shopping with your Baby – It is great if you have your baby with you when shopping for a carrier, as they can test it out for themselves.  Ask the shop assistant to demonstrate first and then choose 2 or 3 to try as your little one will become restless and irritable if you try on too many.

When shopping be sure to try on lots of styles of carrier in order to find the perfect one for you! Also ask the shop assistant as many questions as you like!

BELOW ARE A FEW OF THE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING!  

 What is the weight limit and average age guide?

How easily adjustable is the baby carrier or sling? Will it fit both me and my partner?

How easy is it to put on? Can I do it on my own?

How easy is it to clean? Is it washable, wipe-able, hand wash?

How Versatile is the carrier? - Are they many positions? - Can baby face in and out?

Quality of material – is it soft inside for baby and durable on the outside?

ASK ABOUT THE CARRIER’S DESIGN FEATURES

Is there a headrest/head support for baby?

Baby back support?

Soft breathable interior?

Padded leg holes?

Wide padded straps (for parents)?

Parent back support?

Ability to breast feed?

Added extras?

Are there any extra accessories you can purchase in the future, e.g rain covers, blankets, etc?