Different Types of Slings

There are many different types of baby carriers. I often get asked which one is the best but unfortunately there is no straight answer! They all have their pros and cons and it depends on your preferences.

You can find the best one by considering the fabrics, comfort and the most you want to make out of it. Ask yourself about the usage; will it be for a few months only or longer? Is it for short or long walks? Check either if you are ready to take the learning curve or don’t bother learning the tying techniques.

 

Ring slings

This is a single peace of fabric attached by two rings, the edges can be padded or not. When using a ring sling, the baby’s weight is only resting on one of the carrier’s shoulders.

Tumbebe Ring Sling

Pros:

  • Quick to get the baby in and out … great with toddlers who want to be in and out.
  • Easy to use as you just need to pull the fabric to adjust also easy for discreet breastfeeding or if you really have to “ feed on the move”.
  • Adaptable positions: cradle carry or tummy to tummy with a newborn, hip carry with toddlers.
  • Beautiful … yes if you choose a nice fabric you can be a yummy mummy and continue to be close to your baby!

Cons:

  • Mostly suitable only for short carrying times with a heavier toddler.
  • The weight is only on one shoulder.

 

Wraps

A wrap is a single peace of fabric that you tie around your body and the baby. It comes in different lengths and types of fabric, which means you have to choose the one that feels comfortable for YOU!

Tumbebe Wrap Sling

Pros:

  • Comfortable as the baby’s weight is evenly distributed on your two shoulders
  • Versatile - lots of different positions on the front, back, hip with both newborns and toddlers. You can really do what suits you
  • Beautiful … like the ring sling if you choose a nice fabric you can be a yummy mummy and continue to be close to your baby! Be careful though as you might become addictive and end up with 10 different ones to suit your wardrobe...


Cons:

  • Some learning curves that can be daunting especially for back carries but it is not that difficult. Remember that we are here to help.
  • Long piece of fabric could seem bulky and not practical

 

There are also two main different types of wraps: stretchy ones and woven ones.

The stretchy wraps tend to be better for newborns as it is soft and you can tie it on without the baby on you. You can then pop the baby in and out as often as you want. But they won’t be as comfortable once the baby becomes heavier.

The woven wraps are more bulky and need to be tied with the baby on your body so it needs a bit more practice but they are also more comfortable as a long-term wrap. I still use it with my little one who is over 11kg.

 

Mei Tai

Mei Tai is Chinese inspired baby carrier. The main structure is a piece of fabric with 4 straps that you tie around to hold your baby.

Tumbebe Mei Tai

Pros:

  • Comfortable as the baby’s weight is evenly distributed on your two shoulders
  • Easy to use especially to start back carries.
  • Quick to take the baby in or out.

Cons:

  • Not as comfortable for newborns.

 

Soft structured carriers

You can also find now soft structured carriers inspired from mei-tai but with buckles and waist band to distribute the weight for heavier toddlers. So if you don’t fancy wrapping and knots, it might be an option for you.

Pros:

  • Comfortable as the baby’s weight is evenly distributed between two shoulders and the waist. So can be good for long carrying period with toddlers.
  • Easy to use especially for dads who are not into babywearing.
  • Quick to take the baby in or out.

Cons:

  • Can be a bit bulky.

Tumbebe

If you are not sure why not come and try different baby carriers at one of our demos or at the Oxford Sling Meet which runs a sling library.