Babywearing: Types of Slings, Wraps, and Baby Carriers

To babywear is to carry your baby in a sling, wrap, or carrier throughout your day. It has many benefits, including less crying from your baby, regulation of processes such as breathing and heartbeat in a newborn, and the ability for you to get more work done. When choosing a sling for your baby, it is important to know the different types of baby carriers so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.

Wraps

Stretchy Wraps

Wraps can be one of the most ergonomic types of baby carriers because you are carrying your baby's weight on both shoulders and sometimes hips. But what scares many people away from them is the initial learning process required to know how to use a wrap, as well the time it takes to assemble them each time you put it on. A stretchy wrap takes care of a lot of this. This type of wrap allows for most babywearing positions, however, may not be suitable for back carrying. After a while of using one, you will get more adept at tying your baby in a wrap. Also, a stretchy wrap allows you to keep your wrap on and just slip baby in and out as needed, rather than having to undo and then redo the wrap every time you need to feed or change your baby.

Woven Wraps

A woven wrap is more supportive than a stretchy wrap. It also allows for back carrying. A woven wrap is the most versatile type of wrap. There is an initial learning process to using this type of baby carrier, and most wraps will come with a CD or DVD showing you how to tie the wrap in different positions.

Make Your Own Wrap

There are patterns online that you can buy so you can make your own wrap. A wrap is usually just a long piece of cloth, which makes it very easy to make your own. You get to choose your own material and fabric design.

Baby Carriers

Mei Tai Baby Carrier

A mei tai is a Chinese style baby carrier. It is usable for two positions: the front carry and back carry. It goes over both shoulders and is very simple and easy to use. It is better for older babies who know how to hold their head up, as there is no head support.

Baby Carrier

These are similar to the mei tai but may be more adjustable. Your baby can be worn on front or on back. Like with the mei tai, it is best to use this type of carrier with babies old enough to hold their head up well since there is no head support.

Slings

Pouches

Pouches are one of the simplest types of slings. You simply slip one over your head and shoulder and put your baby in, no adjusting involved. A pouch sling allows your baby to sit or lay in a variety of positions (with the exception of the baby on back position) that make it ideal for use from infancy to the toddler years. The negative aspect of this type of sling is that, since there is no adjusting, you have to be sure to choose the right size for you, and if you and your partner or other people who will be wearing your baby are of different builds, you'll have to get separate slings for each person. It is also worn across one shoulder, so it is not the best type of carrier for someone with back pain.

Ring Slings

These slings are called ring slings because of the two rings that hold excess fabric to make the sling adjustable. This type of sling eliminate the hassle of trying to find your perfect size, and the same one will most probably fit everyone who carries your baby. Like pouch slings, ring slings allow your baby to sit in a variety of positions, including the hip position which is ideal for toddlers, and some allow you to carry your baby on your back. A sling is ideal for breastfeeding because you can hold your baby in the cradle position and breastfeed while babywearing.

Knotted Slings

This type of sling is similar to a ring sling except in the place of the rings, there is a knot which makes the sling adjustable. It is worn over one shoulder and is compatible with many types of carrying positions, just like other types of slings.

A Word on Bag Slings

Bag slings, so called because of how they look like a bag or purse, were recalled because of the unnatural positions they cause a baby to lay in. Some dangers of this type of sling include that it does not allow you to see your baby (the top of the bag sometimes closes over a babies face) and it does not provide adequate support. A sling, wrap, or baby carrier should mold to your baby's body in order to support him or her right.
For more information on babywearing, including it benefits and how to choose the right sling for you and your baby, see this article: All About Babywearing.

References

Baby Sleep Advice: Types of Slings and Baby Carriers

The Sling Station: How to Choose