Wraps
These can be stretchy or woven. A stretch wrap (Moby, Kari-Me) is a piece of material approx 5m long which is 'wrapped' around yourself and your baby. They carry from 8lb to about 35lb but most people struggle with these once baby is 8/9 months old. I found these great with a newborn, comfortable yet really supportive. A stretchy CANNOT be worn with baby on your back.
A woven wrap (Didymos, Storchenweige etc) can range from approx 2m long to over 5m long, these can be tied in a huge number of ways depending on the length you buy. I have size 6 wraps (4.7m) and can carry baby on my front, hip and back. I found wrapping quite tricky at first but there are a huge number of videos on youtube detailing different tying methods. It is possible to breastfeed whilst wearing both stretchy and woven wraps, I fed totally 'handsfree' in a woven when baby was newborn (i was busy making cakes and feeding her whilst baking). Wovens can be used right up into toddlerhood.
A woven wrap (Didymos, Storchenweige etc) can range from approx 2m long to over 5m long, these can be tied in a huge number of ways depending on the length you buy. I have size 6 wraps (4.7m) and can carry baby on my front, hip and back. I found wrapping quite tricky at first but there are a huge number of videos on youtube detailing different tying methods. It is possible to breastfeed whilst wearing both stretchy and woven wraps, I fed totally 'handsfree' in a woven when baby was newborn (i was busy making cakes and feeding her whilst baking). Wovens can be used right up into toddlerhood.
Mei Tais
These are an asian style tie-on carrier (Babyhawk, Joey Sling) these go over
both shoulders and can be worn front or back and used into toddlerhood. The
sling consists of a square of fabric with a waist strap and two shoulder straps.
These are fairly easy to use to but sometimes not a great fit on a newborn. It
is possible to breastfeed in a mei tai but i always found it rather fiddly.
both shoulders and can be worn front or back and used into toddlerhood. The
sling consists of a square of fabric with a waist strap and two shoulder straps.
These are fairly easy to use to but sometimes not a great fit on a newborn. It
is possible to breastfeed in a mei tai but i always found it rather fiddly.
Buckle / Softs Structured Carriers (SSCs)
SSC's (Soft Structured Carriers) these are similar to a mei tai but have buckles
instead of being tie-on (Connecta - my fave :), Beco, Ergo). These are very easy
to use and so quick to put on and take off. These can be worn front and back
and used into toddlerhood. Some SSC's have inserts to make them a better fit for
a newborn. I have breastfed in my connecta with a bit of practice.
One Shoulder Carriers
These can be ring slings or pouches. Ring slings (Maya, Sakura bloom) are a
length of fabric which is threaded through two rings, worn over one shoulder
and baby sits in the fold of the fabric, like a pouch, and the sling is tightened by adjusting the 'tail' of the fabric. I found ring slings very easy to breastfeed in and simple to use, very quick to get baby in and out. These are not so good for people with back problems or for a longer carry as weight is not evenly distributed. Baby can be carried on the front or the hip.
A pouch (Peanut Shell) is similar to a ring sling but is 'sized' and not adjustable. Again weight is not distributed evenly but these are simple to use. Due to the fact these arent adjustable, it may be difficult to get a snug fit in a upright position with a newborn.
length of fabric which is threaded through two rings, worn over one shoulder
and baby sits in the fold of the fabric, like a pouch, and the sling is tightened by adjusting the 'tail' of the fabric. I found ring slings very easy to breastfeed in and simple to use, very quick to get baby in and out. These are not so good for people with back problems or for a longer carry as weight is not evenly distributed. Baby can be carried on the front or the hip.
A pouch (Peanut Shell) is similar to a ring sling but is 'sized' and not adjustable. Again weight is not distributed evenly but these are simple to use. Due to the fact these arent adjustable, it may be difficult to get a snug fit in a upright position with a newborn.
Safety
When a using a sling, the comfort and safety of baby are most important. Baby's head should be close enough to kiss with ease, newborns legs should be tucked in (bent up like frogs legs for example), when baby is older (4 months ish) babys legs can be worn out of the carrier, the fabric of the carrier should go from knee to knee, supporting babys hips and making a 'seat' for the baby. Baby's bottom should be lower than her knees. You must ensure that your baby's chin is off her chest, baby should not be lying in a pouch/bag sling and curled up into a 'c' shape. I always found an upright position better, this position helps with colic/reflux too.
Feel free to come along to our next slingmeet for advice and information and please be aware that we have a North East Sling Library with babywearing consultant, based in Durham. http://thenortheastslinglibrary.weebly.com/
Feel free to come along to our next slingmeet for advice and information and please be aware that we have a North East Sling Library with babywearing consultant, based in Durham. http://thenortheastslinglibrary.weebly.com/