Pouch Slings
Ring Slings
Tie-On Soft Carriers
Buckle Soft Carriers (SSCs)
Stretchy Wraps
Woven Wraps
Hip Carriers
Classed as a 'one-shoulder' sling and arguably the simplest to use, a pouch is a loop of fabric which is folded in half to make a 'pocket'. It is worn across the body like a sash and can be used to carry babies of all ages from newborn to toddlers. Pouches come in a range of fabrics from stretchy fleece to cotton, hemp and even silk. Some pouches come in different sizes and others are adjustable fitting a range of sizes.Unless the pouch is very snug fitting, a newborn can only be carried in a cradle carry (correct positioning is vital). This can be a problem with a baby who prefers being carried in the upright position or who suffers with reflux/colic - if you are looking to buy a sling ready for your baby's arrival, we would not recommend choosing a pouch for this reason. An older baby can be carried upright facing out in the Kangaroo position, in the tummy to tummy position, on the hip and (for experienced users) the back. They are usually the cheapest option and fold up small so are handy to have in a bag for the up-down stage but the weight is not distributed evenly so can make your back/shoulders ache when used for long periods or with a heavy child.
Another one-shoulder sling and worn in a similar way to a pouch, ring slings have the advantage of being adjustable due to the fact the fabric is threaded through two rings making it possible for wearers of different sizes to share the same sling. Ring Slings are made from a large variety of fabrics from practical every-day cotton to dressy slings made from silks and cashmere which are perfect for a special occasion and add a touch of glamour to babywearing. There is a small learning curve with threading the fabric through the rings, adjusting and tightening the sling but they are relatively easy to get the hang of. 
A ring sling can be used to achieve the same carrying positions as a pouch but, as a ring sling can be tightened for a really snug fit, a newborn can be carried upright as well as in a cradle carry. The adjustability means many people find them more comfortable than a pouch as it is easier to carry your baby high and tight which is the most comfortable for the wearer, but they are still a one shoulder sling so by definition do not distribute the weight as evenly as a two-shoulder sling. One of the most poppable styles of sling, Ring Slings are very useful for a newly walking child who regularly wants to be carried for a short time.Soft Carriers
There are two types of soft carrier - Tie-On and Buckle - both based on traditional Asian carriers.
- Tie-On Soft Carriers - there are several different types of tie-on soft carriers, each based on the traditional carriers of different countries in Asia: Mei Tais (China), Podaegi (Korea), Onbuhimo (Japan). The most widely used in the west is the Mei Tai (pronounced May Tie, often abbreviated to MT) which is a square or rectangular panel of fabric with a strap coming off each corner, the shorter two are tied around the waist and the longer ones go over the wearers shoulders, are crossed and tied at the waist. The straps often have a degree of padding where they sit on the wearers shoulders and sometimes also on the waist straps to make them more comfortable. Some designs have a sleep hood (or head rest) to support the head of a sleeping baby which is tucked away or hangs (or can be folded) down when not in use. They are usually made from cotton but other fabrics such as corduroy and hemp are also used and woven wraps can be converted into a Mei Tai style carrier. Most Mei Tai have a panel of patterned and/or embroidered fabric which may cover all or part of the body of the carrier - many brands offer a custom design service so the possibilities for colours and fabric combinations are limitless. Mei Tai are reversible (to either a plain side or another fabric) giving you two carriers in one or giving dads who don't want to wear a floral pattern a plain or manly option! 
Tie-On Carriers are suitable from birth to toddler, each brand will have a different weight limit but it is usually around 35-45lbs. A young baby (newborn to 4-7 months, depending on the size of the baby) is carried inside the body of the carrier with their legs in the 'froggy' position until they are big enough to have their legs wrapped around the wearers body. An older baby or toddler can also be carried on the back and it is possible to do a hip carry with a Mei Tai although not all manufacturers include this in their instructions. Being two-shoulder slings they distribute the weight very well, are comfortable for long periods of time even with heavy babies and toddlers, and the absence of any buckles or clips makes them very adjustable and suitable for wearers of different sizes. Mei Tai are not quite as straightforward to use as a buckle carrier but, with a bit of practice, are quick to put on although it may take slightly longer to get the hang of doing a back carry on your own. The long shoulder straps do drag on the ground while you are putting the carrier on although there are ways to get round this.
Most buckle carriers are suitable from around 4-6 months (later for a petite baby) and can be used on the front, back and in some cases hip. Some newer designs allow for a newborn carry - either because there is an internal harness for a young baby, or because they are worn more like Mei Tai due to the absence of the padded waist belt. In the latter it is possible to narrow the seat for a legs-out carry from birth and these carriers, while still falling in the category of a buckle carrier, are technically a hybrid known as a Buckle-Tai. Buckle carriers are simple to use, probably the easiest for back carries and are popular with someone wanting a more mainstream-looking carrier, especially dads.Wraparound Carriers
Wraparound are the simplest in design being just a long piece of fabric 2 - 6 metres in length and between 40 and 70 cm in width which are wrapped around the wearer and baby and tied with a knot. They are the most versatile and arguable the most comfortable but do have a steeper learning curve than other styles. There are two types of wraparound - stretchy and woven.
- Stretchy Wraps - made from a stretchy cotton or fleece, stretchy wraps are available in one length only (normally between 5 and 6 metres) so pretty much fit everyone and are therefore a good choice for parents of different sizes who want to share a sling. They come in a range of colours and some have a panel in the middle with a contrasting colour/fabric or a pattern. Unlike a woven wrap, a stretchy wrap is tied before the baby is put in making them very 'poppable', in fact some parents 'wear' their wrap all day and pop the baby in and out as necessary. This is very useful when out in the car as a baby can be lifted straight from the car seat and into the wrap without the need for tying.They are suitable from birth and are an excellent choice for a newborn as they hold a baby very snugly and are very comfortable due to the way the wrap distributes the weight through the wearers torso. The main carries with a stretchy wrap are tummy-to-tummy and the cradle carry and the wrap is tied the same way for both. Back carries are not recommended as the fabric is too stretchy and not wide enough to provide adequate support. Due to the stretch in the fabric they become less comfortable as a baby grows so are usually used for a limited time, minimum 6-9 months but maybe as long as 12-18 months. Some brands are less stretchy therefore more supportive with a heavier baby and, by ensuring the wrap is tied tightly and the fabric well spread, the length of use can be maximised. They are a good option as a first sling, especially for people who only want to carry their baby for a short time or for people who want to carry through to toddlerhood and are prepared to buy another sling later.
- Woven Wraps - made from pure cotton or blends with hemp,
linen, silk or wool and in lengths between 2 and 6 metres, woven wraps come in a variety of weaves, patterns, colours and thicknesses. Some woven wraps are very light and breathable making them a good choice for a summer sling or for people living in a warmer climate, however thinner wraps tend to be less supportive. The thicker woven wraps (often referred to as German Style Wovens or GSWs) are very supportive and comfortable due to the diagonal weave but can be a little warm in the summer so it is worth learning some carrying positions which have less layers of fabric around you and your baby. Unlike a stretchy wrap, they are not usually pre-tied but tied around the baby making them less poppable. Woven wraps can be used for one-shoulder carries (like the Mexican Rebozo) giving a similar effect to a ring sling but they come into their own when used in a two shoulder carry. The lack of any padding or fastenings makes them the most adjustable and versatile of all slings.
Woven wraps are suitable from birth and it is possible to carry a small baby in an upright front carry with legs in or out, a cradle carry and (for experienced sling users) even a back carry. The fabric is supportive enough to also carry older babies and toddlers and many carrying positions are possible on the front, back and hip. The sheer number of possible carrying methods can put people off however all wraps come with detailed instructions (either printed or on DVD and there are lots more to be found on the internet) and you only need to master one carry. Woven wraps do have the steepest learning curve of all slings and are by no means the quickest to put on, but once mastered they are very comfortable.Using a Woven Wraparound
- Hip Carriers - a type of buckle carrier which supports a child on your hip and fastens across one shoulder and around your waist. Designed specifically for hip carries and tends to be more comfortable for long periods than a Ring Sling or Pouch due to the waist belt distributing the weight better. Most styles can also be used for short-term front and back carries.
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