Which sling is for me?
I'm sorry to say that there's no one short and quick answer to this. To help you find the best sling to suit you, I would need to ask you a few questions and determine what your needs are.
As many have said over the years, choosing a sling is like choosing a pair of jeans or shoes....what suits one, might not suit another; be that in terms of comfort, style, ease of use etc.
As many have said over the years, choosing a sling is like choosing a pair of jeans or shoes....what suits one, might not suit another; be that in terms of comfort, style, ease of use etc.
So...to help you narrow your search, I've outlined some pros and cons of the various types of slings for when you're beginning your babywearing journey.
Stretchy Wraps:
What are they?
A stretchy wrap is a 5m long length of elasticated or stretchy fabric
Popular carry?
Pocket Wrap Cross Carry
What age are they suitable from?
Suitable from newborn to approx 9mths unless you choose a Hybrid Stretchy, which is suitable to 15kg
Pro's:
You can tie this sling on you once during the day and pop your baby in and out as needed.
I would recommend a two way stretchy wrap such as Love Radius over a one way stretchy wrap as they're more elastic and beginner friendly.
You do not need to remove this sling and re-tie each time you take your baby out when you tie it in a Pocket Wrap Cross Carry.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling (it's best to contact a babywearing consultant for guidance on feeding a newborn in a sling).
It has 3 layers of fabric over your baby, so perfect for winter babies.
It's made of lovely soft material, perfect for newborns.
It's 5m long so will fit all sizes.
If you buy a hybrid stretchy, you can also use it for hip carries and back carries.
They are reasonably priced.
Con's:
There's a bit of a learning curve to using this sling, many people don't tie it tight enough.
Some people find the 3 layers too warm, even in cooler weather.
Stretchy Wrap tied and ready to use
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Back view of pre-tied stretchy wrap
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Baby in stretchy wrap
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Pocket Wrap Cross Carry in a stretchy wrap
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Woven Wraps:
What are they?
A woven wrap is a long piece of woven fabric. They come in a huge range of colours and patterns and in various lengths or sizes and are woven with various materials such as cotton, hemp, linen, wool, silk, bamboo, to name only a small few. You choose the length depending on what size you are and what carries you would like to use. A great starter size is a 6 or a 7 (size 6 is approx 4.6m and size 7 is approx 5.2m).
For more information on woven wraps have a look here. And for a list of what size wrap to choose for different types of carries, look here.
Popular Carry?
For beginners a Front Wrap Cross Carry is the best way to start learning how to wrap.
What age are they suitable from?
Suitable from newborn right through to toddlerhood, usually 15kg.
Pro's:
Woven wraps are suitable from birth to toddlerhood, so no need to purchase other slings as your child grows.
They are the most versatile type of sling and can be used for all types of carries - front carries, hip carries and back carries.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling.
You'll find a pattern and material you love and just have to have!
You can get the perfect fit with a woven wrap, no matter what size your child is.
Once you've found the wrapping love, you'll never stop.
You can find many reasonably priced woven wraps. There are also very expensive high end wraps available too!
For front and hip carries, you can prepare the wrap in advance, tie it on you and tie away any long tails while you're driving and then open it up to pop baby in once you've arrived.
There can be a very good resale value in wraps (this would be market dependent).
Con's:
There's a slight learning curve to using your woven wrap.
You have to re-tie the wrap each time you take your baby out.
Long tails can fall in mud/puddles while you're tying it (I tuck long tails into my pockets to keep them off the ground, but it takes a bit of practice).
You might fall in love with wraps and lust over new releases and realise that you now have to have all the wraps and never have any spare cash (but you have amazing wraps).
Some blends take a bit of "breaking in" to become soft and fluffy (you can break in a wrap by knotting, washing, ironing, running it through sling rings, using it as a hammock etc)
Woven wrap in ready for use for front wrap cross carry
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Front wrap cross carry in a size 7 woven wrap (bamboo and cotton blend)
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Ring Sling:
What are they?
A Ring Sling is usually 2m of woven wrap material with 2 aluminium rings sewn into one end.
Popular carry?
Hip Carry. Newborns can be carried on your front centre or off centre.
What age are they suitable for?
Suitable from newborn to toddlerhood.
Pro's:
Once you get the hang of using your ring sling, they're really quick and easy to use.
Great for quick ups for newborns.
Handy for toddlers that like to be up and down often.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling.
Can be left pre-tied and you only need tighten it each time you put your baby in.
They come in a range of patterns and materials (like the woven wraps mentioned above).
The standard 2m ring sling will suit a range of sizes but also come in shorter and longer lengths to suit all body types.
It's the perfect sling for a fancy occasion as they can look dressy and elegant.
With only one layer of material over your baby, they are light and airy.
As they're worn sash style over your shoulder, they're a good option for warmer days.
They can be very reasonably priced.
Con's:
It can take a lot of practice to get this carrier just right (but once you find your sweet spot, you're flying it).
As it's a one shoulder carrier, it may not suit everyone, especially those with shoulder injuries.
It may not be the best choice of carrier for a heavy child on a long walk, as many prefer a 2 shoulder carrier for this.
There are a few different shoulder types so you're best to try each type out before you buy. There are gathered shoulders, pleated shoulders and hybrid shoulders and variations of all.
As with woven wraps, ring slings come in a variety of materials, some which might take a while to "break in" (see woven wraps above).
What are they?
A Ring Sling is usually 2m of woven wrap material with 2 aluminium rings sewn into one end.
Popular carry?
Hip Carry. Newborns can be carried on your front centre or off centre.
What age are they suitable for?
Suitable from newborn to toddlerhood.
Pro's:
Once you get the hang of using your ring sling, they're really quick and easy to use.
Great for quick ups for newborns.
Handy for toddlers that like to be up and down often.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling.
Can be left pre-tied and you only need tighten it each time you put your baby in.
They come in a range of patterns and materials (like the woven wraps mentioned above).
The standard 2m ring sling will suit a range of sizes but also come in shorter and longer lengths to suit all body types.
It's the perfect sling for a fancy occasion as they can look dressy and elegant.
With only one layer of material over your baby, they are light and airy.
As they're worn sash style over your shoulder, they're a good option for warmer days.
They can be very reasonably priced.
Con's:
It can take a lot of practice to get this carrier just right (but once you find your sweet spot, you're flying it).
As it's a one shoulder carrier, it may not suit everyone, especially those with shoulder injuries.
It may not be the best choice of carrier for a heavy child on a long walk, as many prefer a 2 shoulder carrier for this.
There are a few different shoulder types so you're best to try each type out before you buy. There are gathered shoulders, pleated shoulders and hybrid shoulders and variations of all.
As with woven wraps, ring slings come in a variety of materials, some which might take a while to "break in" (see woven wraps above).
Ring Sling prepared and ready for use
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Baby in off centre front carry in a ring sling
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Back view of ring sling
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Baby in ring sling with tails rolled and tucked in as a neck support
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Meh Dai:
What are they?
A Meh Dai is a rectangular piece of material with 4 straps, one strap attached to each corner of the material. The long straps are wrapped around your shoulders and torso and the short straps are tied around your waist.
Popular carry?
You can use your Meh Dai for front, hip and back carries.
What age are they suitable from?
Some Meh Dai are suitable from birth, others are suitable from 4 or 6mth. The ones that are adjustable will be suitable from birth.
Pro's:
Easy to use and only has a small learning curve, so it's you can quickly get a perfect fit each time.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling.
They're made with woven wrap material, cotton or canvas so you have a range of options to choose from.
Can be bought with flat straps, padded straps or wrap style straps, so there's one to suit everyone.
Meh Dai are very versatile as they can be worn on your front, hip or back.
Adjustable Meh Dai are suitable from newborn.
Con's:
You need to re-tie it each time you put your baby in.
Some people don't like using knots to tie a carrier.
The shoulder straps are long so there's a risk they could fall into a puddle or dirt (I tuck them into my pocket but that can take a bit of practice).
Few Meh Dai are suitable from birth to toddlerhood, so you may have to buy the next size up when your baby reaches 18mths or so.
What are they?
A Meh Dai is a rectangular piece of material with 4 straps, one strap attached to each corner of the material. The long straps are wrapped around your shoulders and torso and the short straps are tied around your waist.
Popular carry?
You can use your Meh Dai for front, hip and back carries.
What age are they suitable from?
Some Meh Dai are suitable from birth, others are suitable from 4 or 6mth. The ones that are adjustable will be suitable from birth.
Pro's:
Easy to use and only has a small learning curve, so it's you can quickly get a perfect fit each time.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling.
They're made with woven wrap material, cotton or canvas so you have a range of options to choose from.
Can be bought with flat straps, padded straps or wrap style straps, so there's one to suit everyone.
Meh Dai are very versatile as they can be worn on your front, hip or back.
Adjustable Meh Dai are suitable from newborn.
Con's:
You need to re-tie it each time you put your baby in.
Some people don't like using knots to tie a carrier.
The shoulder straps are long so there's a risk they could fall into a puddle or dirt (I tuck them into my pocket but that can take a bit of practice).
Few Meh Dai are suitable from birth to toddlerhood, so you may have to buy the next size up when your baby reaches 18mths or so.
Meh Dai tied at the waist and ready to use
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Baby in front carry in Meh Dai with rope twist on straps
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Back view of Meh Dai
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Baby in front carry in Meh Dai with wrap straps opened and spread out behind babies back
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Soft Structured Carrier (SSC):
What are they?
A Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) is a rectangular piece of material with a buckle waist and buckle shoulder straps.
Popular carry?
Front carry, back carry and some SSC's can also be used in a hip carry.
What age are they suitable from?
This varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some are suitable from birth and others are suitable from 4, 6 or 9mths. Although some are marketed as suitable from birth, they may not be the best option in carrier for your newborn. It's best to ask a qualified babywearing consultant for advice.
Pro's:
Easy to use, but there's still a learning curve involved in so far as achieving optimal positioning and a comfortable fit for the wearer.
Handy for putting on when there are puddles/mud as the straps won't drag off the ground.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling.
They're made in woven wrap fabric, cotton and canvas so there's something to suit everyone's taste.
There's a huge variety of SSC's, all with various options such as padded shoulder straps, firm, soft or no padding on the waist belt, hoods, headrests, straps that cross, rucksack style straps.
Come in a range of prices, some are quite reasonable.
Most manufacturers are now making adjustable soft structured carriers which make them more suitable for younger babies without the need for additional inserts.
Con's:
Some that are suitable from newborn require an infant insert which can be cumbersome and warm to wear.
Some people find it difficult to achieve a comfortable fit. Quite often this can be rectified by having someone tweak the carrier for you.
They are usually sized so you may need a baby size one that would do up to approx 18mths and then a toddler sized one for after that.
It's best to try on as wide a range of SSC's as possible as they all fit and feel different.
Some SSC's have straps where the webbing is sewn into the panel and use a ladder lock in place of buckles. These SSC's cannot be used for carrying on your hip.
Some straps are single adjustable or dual adjustable. Some people might find lack of mobility in their wrist or arm may make some straps difficult to tighten.
Some SSC's are quite expensive.
What are they?
A Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) is a rectangular piece of material with a buckle waist and buckle shoulder straps.
Popular carry?
Front carry, back carry and some SSC's can also be used in a hip carry.
What age are they suitable from?
This varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some are suitable from birth and others are suitable from 4, 6 or 9mths. Although some are marketed as suitable from birth, they may not be the best option in carrier for your newborn. It's best to ask a qualified babywearing consultant for advice.
Pro's:
Easy to use, but there's still a learning curve involved in so far as achieving optimal positioning and a comfortable fit for the wearer.
Handy for putting on when there are puddles/mud as the straps won't drag off the ground.
You can breastfeed/bottle feed in this sling.
They're made in woven wrap fabric, cotton and canvas so there's something to suit everyone's taste.
There's a huge variety of SSC's, all with various options such as padded shoulder straps, firm, soft or no padding on the waist belt, hoods, headrests, straps that cross, rucksack style straps.
Come in a range of prices, some are quite reasonable.
Most manufacturers are now making adjustable soft structured carriers which make them more suitable for younger babies without the need for additional inserts.
Con's:
Some that are suitable from newborn require an infant insert which can be cumbersome and warm to wear.
Some people find it difficult to achieve a comfortable fit. Quite often this can be rectified by having someone tweak the carrier for you.
They are usually sized so you may need a baby size one that would do up to approx 18mths and then a toddler sized one for after that.
It's best to try on as wide a range of SSC's as possible as they all fit and feel different.
Some SSC's have straps where the webbing is sewn into the panel and use a ladder lock in place of buckles. These SSC's cannot be used for carrying on your hip.
Some straps are single adjustable or dual adjustable. Some people might find lack of mobility in their wrist or arm may make some straps difficult to tighten.
Some SSC's are quite expensive.
SSC tied at waistband and ready for use
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Baby in front carry in SSC
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Back view of rucksack style SSC
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Baby in front carry in SSC
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