Baby Slings Versus Baby Carriers

As an expecting mom, I was really excited to get all the gear I was going to need for my new baby. There were so many things that I had to get, a stroller, car seat, crib, clothes - but what about a baby sling or carrier? I had seen other moms walking around with their new little ones slung into beautiful fabric wraps and slings proudly navigating the isles of the supermarket. They looked easy to use and also very fashionable. I wanted to be that mom - I wanted a sling!

Along the way to giving birth, a couple things were given to me including some gently used slings and a Baby Bjorn carrier. The slings were made of pretty fabrics and soft and easy to toss over my shoulder. The Baby Bjorn had lots of hooks, connector points, directions, and looked like a backpack from years past. I walked around the house in them, adjusting, checking myself out in the mirror, and imagining my new wee one hanging out in them.

I had no idea which would work, if either at all! I was happy to have gently used items but wanted to do some research on my own and purchase something new. I started out looking into slings. There are a lot of websites out there with gorgeous slings. After some searching, I found the Hotslings website very helpful and they had a good selection of slings starting at $30.00. I put in an order for one, and waited for its arrival. I was a little afraid of the directions page; it looks so cozy for the baby in the sling so how hard could it be to get the little one in there? Did I really need a video demonstration?

Next was the research on baby carriers. Baby Bjorn is the major brand of these types of carriers and I found their website quite easily and checked out their stuff. I liked that there was a good amount of male models touting the carriers. In the search for something for the impending wee one, I did want my husband to be a part of the baby's mobility. The carriers come in the same main design, but lots of snazzy colors. They can be a bigger investment than a sling, starting around $55.00, so make sure you like the color you pick. I chose a basic black and placed my order. Let the battle of the baby sling vs. baby carrier begin!

The sling arrived first in a nice little package. It came with an instructional DVD and laminated directions. I continued to remain undaunted and spent some time checking it out. I made sure I had ordered the right size by following their chart, followed the laminated directions, and walked around with it imagining my wee baby gurgling away in the nice soft fabric. I liked how it looked and even though it was slightly confusing getting it on the right way, I was hooked. I was ready to sling the baby!

A couple days later the Baby Bjorn showed up. Since I was sold on the sling, I wasn't as excited about it's arrival. I got it out of the box, looked through the instructional manual, and hooked it up. It was different than the sling due to its more technical creation. Hook point A to B, use this strap until baby is 10 pounds, latch armholes, etc. There was no confusing what went where, everything was color coded and easily understood. I got it on, adjusted it, and walked around. It definitely felt different from the sling and seemed more secure. I was slightly intrigued, but was still leaning toward the sling.

Not long after my experiments, my baby was born and I was caught up in the wonders of childbirth and the excitement of a new being in my world to think about my battle of the sling vs. carrier. But, after a few weeks, there they were - the sling and the carrier. It was time to give them a go with a real live little being. Ultimately, she was going to be the deal breaker. She was the one that was either going to wail or be serenely happy.

Because I was hoping the sling was going to be what she would enjoy most, I got it out to try first. When I had tried it before, I wasn't going to be placing a small baby into it and the reality of this became a bit overwhelming. I watched the instructional DVD and afterwards got out the laminated instructions all while holding my small squirming daughter. After getting the sling into place on my shoulder and everything into proper position, I slid my wee one (as directed) into the sling. She looked up at me with a blank look and I took that as a good sign. I slowly started walking around to see what would happen. I felt like I needed to keep my hand under the sling to make it feel secure, but gave it a go and let myself walk freely. Sure enough, after about 5 minutes, she was wailing. It wasn't looking good.

The next day was the carriers' turn. I got everything out and hooked it on. Following the instructions located on the actual carrier, I slid and hooked my wee baby in. I looked down at her and adjusted her head so I could see her and felt comfortable about her position. Walking around I felt she was secure and safe. My hands weren't holding up the carrier and my body felt at ease walking. I looked down and, guess what, my little daughter was asleep. She had made her decision- the Baby Bjorn wins!

I tried the sling several times after the initial try-out, but it just didn't work out. Her mind was made up and the carrier won hands down no question. I now am able to get her out of the car seat and into the carrier without much confusion and most of the time she falls asleep when I am out and about with her. I am looking forward to trying out the front facing position when she is a little older. I haven't put away the sling forever; I plan to try it out when she is bigger with some of the other position options shown on the laminated instructions.

My child is not your child and I am not an expert on slings or carriers, but I did take the time to look into both options. I really like how the slings look and the cool catchy fabrics, but the basic Baby Bjorn carrier allows me to take my wee one for a long walk or shopping trip without feeling back strain or discomfort. I like that my husband can strap her in also without feeling confused or uncomfortable. If you are looking into which one will work for you, don't commit to one without giving them a test drive. Borrow one from a friend if you can, or check with your local baby store to see if you can try one on. It helps if you have your baby with you to test run also. Whatever you choose, or your baby chooses, take the time to enjoy the special time you have with your baby while you walk about with them close to your heart!