Choosing a Sling

Choosing a sling or carrier from the huge range of different styles and brands is something many people find both confusing and a little daunting. Unfortunately there is no simple, foolproof method of matching someone up with a type of sling. There may be several styles that would suit you and your family, indeed many babywearers own and use slings of all types as they each have different strengths. However, there may be factors which mean some styles are more or less suitable for you and this can help to narrow the options. The best place to start is always the style(s) which appeals to you most so if you are drawn to a particular type then, barring an issue which perhaps makes it not particularly suitable for you, the decision process is pretty much done! If not, perhaps the following points will help. More information plus the advantages and disadvantages of each type can be found on the Types of Sling page.

If you want a sling you can use from birth:

Suggested styles: Ring Slings, Wraparound, Soft Carrier
Best Avoided: Pouches

If you want one sling to last from birth to toddler:

Suggested styles: Woven Wraparound, Soft carrier, Ring Slings
Best Avoided: Stretchy Wraps 

If the sling needs to fit more than one person:

Suggested Styles: Wraparounds, Tie-On Soft Carriers, Ring Sling
Best Avoided: Pouches, Buckle Carriers

If any of the users have back, shoulder or pelvis problems:
Suggested Styles: Wraparounds, Soft Carriers
Best Avoided: Ring Slings, Pouches

If your baby likes being held upright:

Suggested Styles: Wraparounds, Soft Carriers
Best Avoided: Ring Slings, Pouches

If you want the option of back carries as well as front carries:

Suggested Styles: Woven Wraparounds, Soft Carriers
Best Avoided: Ring Slings, Pouches

If you would like to do a hip carry:

Suggested Styles: Woven Wraparounds, Ring Slings, Pouches, Hip Carriers
Best Avoided: Soft Carriers

If you want a sling that is very quick to learn how to use:

Suggested Styles: Pouches, Buckle Carriers
Best Avoided: Wraparounds, Ring Slings

If you want a carrier with more simple, mainstream looks:

Suggested Styles: Pouches, Buckle Carriers
Best Avoided: Wraparounds, Ring Slings, Tie-On Soft Carriers

If you want a sling to use on long walks and for several hours at a time:

Suggested Styles: Wraparounds, Soft Carriers
Best Avoided: Pouches, Ring Slings, Hip Carriers

If you want a pop-and-go sling for quick trips:

Suggested Styles: Pouch, Ring Sling, Hip Carrier, Buckle Carrier
Best Avoided: Wraparound Slings, Tie-On Carrier

If you want a sling you can leave on and pop your baby in and out:

Suggested Styles: Stretchy wraps, Pouches, Ring Slings
Best Avoided: Woven Wraparounds, Soft Carriers,