Recently I was asked to speak at the Houston BIRTH Fair about the various styles of baby carriers and what a discerning shopper should consider when deciding among them. Here is a list of some of the basic things to keep in mind when you are sling shopping. Though the different styles of slings vary, they can each be used in front, side, and back positions. Keep in mind that the best way to find the carrier for you is to try them all.
Asian Baby Carriers
Has a medium learning curve and is quite versatile. The mei tai (
Mei Tai
When choosing a mei tai, consider the following:
- the length of the top straps – work best when they correspond to your height and body size
- the width of the mei tai body – may fit larger or smaller parents and babies differently; smaller parents tend to like smaller mei tai bodies because there is less cumbersome fabric and the fit is closer to the body while a larger bodied mei tai may offer more support for newborn babies
- the height of the mei tai body – a taller body may give older toddlers more back support but may be too tall for smaller children to see over or freely move their arms
- head and neck support – some mei tais have head/neck support for babies, others have hoods with clasps attaching to the shoulders to prevent your sleeping child's head from rolling; styles of head support and sleeping hoods vary across brands
Similar construction as mei tais but with buckles and webbing to tighten
Ring Sling
Has a medium learning curve and is extremely versatile. A long swatch of fabric with sturdy nylon or aluminum rings sewn on one end. The tail is threaded through the rings to hold baby secure in a variety of positions while the sides of the fabric can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
- the length – a longer length will fit a wider range of body size without being too bulky
- padding – choose from non-padded to lightly padded to more heavily padded; some may find padded slings offer more comfort and support for the baby and the wearer while others find non-padded slings easier to use and just as comfortable
- tail style – open tailed slings have a wider portion of fabric at the tail while closed tailed slings are narrower and sewn together; with an open tailed ring sling, you can adjust the tension of each rail of fabric individually, use as a nursing cover, or shield baby from the elements
- shoulder style – various styles of shoulder offer slight differences in the comfort of the wearer; styles include overlapping-pleated, accordion, center-fold (also called hot-dog), cap
Has the longest learning curve but is the most versatile. A short or long piece of fabric tied in various ways to hold baby close.
- length – often in metric measurements (from 2.7 to 5.7 meters), choose a length that corresponds both to your body size and to the variety of positions you wish to use; fewer positions will require less fabric than if you want to be able to do the widest range of positions
- material – stretchy or woven; lightweight wovens, heavyweight wovens, gauze, jersey
- heavyweight wovens offer more support for wearer and baby but can be warmer to wear
- lightweight wovens and gauze are often cooler but can cause pain from pressure points created by bunched up fabric
- stretchy or jersey fabrics are very soft, comfortable and easy to use
- baby’s weight – stretchy and gauze fabrics are great for smaller babies but can lose their shape with older and heavier children
Pouch or Tube
Has the shortest learning curve and is somewhat versatile. A piece of fabric sewn together and folded in on itself to form a pouch where baby sits.
- size – must use the correct size, best if tried on; you will likely find the wrong one before you find the right one
- shoulder style – wide shoulders, narrower shoulders; adjustable shoulders to fit a wider range of sizes
- padding – padding offers comfort for toddlers legs in the hip or back carry (or a teething soother for infants); some prefer non-padded pouches because they are less bulky
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