There is no perfect carrier, the best carrier is the one that is comfortable for you & baby and you are confident using. So you do really need to try before you buy, going to a sling library (NCT North Bedfordshire sling hire) or booking a consultation with me (this will give you more time/help and is in your own home) can save you a lot of money.
Stretchy wraps
What people like:
One size fits all, no adjustment between users and just one knot to tie
Baby can go in and out as needed, can pre-tie for the day
Fabric moulds around your body and your baby, very snuggly
Weight is even on both shoulders
Washes easily
Can be used skin to skin
Possible downside: Generally last to 6-9 months though many move onto other options around 4 months
Learning to wrap can be tricky for some, there’s lots of fabric to handle
Maybe too warm for you (thinner ones are available and bamboo mixes are good for summer)
Do consider different makes as they all feel different
Brands available in our library: Izmi, Joy & Joe, Lifft, Calin Bleu, Amawrap
Caboo (stretchy hybrid)
What people like:
Soft fabric which moulds round you and baby
Weight on both shoulders
Summer versions available
Easy to tighten or adjust
Possible downside: no weight taken through the waist
Maybe outgrown 6-9 months but many move onto other carriers around 4 mths
Easy to lose the second piece
Some find the rings may dig into their side
Some people don’t find putting it on instinctive
Sling library has Caboo cotton, Caboo lite & a Najell wrap (size s/m)
Buckle Carriers (soft structured carriers)
What people like:
Front, back, possibly hip carries
Easy to use
Easy to share & adjust between users
Support on both shoulders
Suit a wide age range
Features-sleep hoods, stirrups, pockets
Quick on & off
Possible downside: Less suitable for newborn or tinies
Buckles can get damaged
Back carry tends to be lower than wrap or meh dai (baby may not be able to see over your shoulder)
Not everyone finds releasing/doing up buckles easy
Designs vary
Expensive (some)
Slow to wash & dry
Detachable bits can get lost
Petite parents may struggle to get tight
Library has: Ergo Embrace, Mamaruga Zensling, Mamaruga Zebulo, Izmi, Integra Solar, Kahubaby, Beco Gemini, Tula Explore, Tula Free to Grow, Boba X, Neko Switch, Hana Expand, Ergo Adapt, Lenny Up, Najell Easy. These are all suitable from around newborn (some will fit better than others) and will last to approx. 18mths to 2+ yrs.
Toddler carriers: Kahu Toddler sunshine (from 18 mths), Toddler Tula (from 2yrs)
Meh dai
What people like:
Quick to use
Moulds round baby & wearer
Support on both shoulders and the ones with wrap straps give fantastic support across your back
Front, back and hip carries
Can be fitted to smaller babies
Less fabric than a wrap
Cool in hot weather
Can be used for high back carry with a young baby
Possible downside: Needs knots which some are less confident with
There is a small learning curve to get it comfy
Different brands vary- panel width, height, darts and angle of shoulder straps
Dangling straps on the floor, can be tricky in a muddy car park
Can take time to wash & dry
Only some offer sleep hood
Library has: Flytai (suitable soon after birth)
Ring sling
What people like:
Quick to use when you know how
Folds up small
Adjusts to different users easily
Useable from newborn to any age
Tail can be used for many things!
Quick in and out (toddlers)
Front, hip or back carries (back for experienced users)
Hip carries give little one a great view of the world whilst still seeing the adult and being able to sleep safely
Possible downside: Weight all on one shoulder (assymetric)
Bit of a learning curve
Different shoulder styles suit different people
Library has: Lenny Lamb ring sling
Twins
There are various ways of carrying 2 babies (depending on age).
Library has: Mini Monkey Twin
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