Slings? Backpacks? Baby carriers? How do you choose the best baby carrier when you need some hands-free time? Here are five questions and answers to help you consider your babywearing options.
What is the difference between a sling, backpack, and baby carrier?
A baby carrier is a soft, padded carrier you wear on your front.
A sling is a strip of fabric, usually secured over your shoulder and worn across your body in various positions.
A backpack usually has a rigid frame. You wear backpacks only on your back, and they are suitable for older babies and toddlers who can hold up their heads [1].
Which one is the safest for my baby?
Both slings and baby carriers are suitable if the baby is sitting correctly in it, which means [1, 2]:
the baby is kept solidly against the parent's body in an upright position;
the baby's legs are spread apart;
the baby "hangs" on their hips and does not sit on their buttocks (the lower part of the spine shouldn’t be loaded);
your baby's mouth and nose don’t press against the fabric or your body, and airflow is not restricted;
you can see your baby's face;
your baby's neck is straight, and their chin does not press into their chest;
the baby's body does not curl into a C-shape.
What happens if I carry my baby incorrectly?
It can cause problems such as blocking of the respiratory tract, which can lead to suffocation [3, 4]. Furthermore, if the baby is constantly seated incorrectly, it can interfere with hip joint development [5].
From what age can a sling and baby carrier be used?
Ask your healthcare provider before using a sling or backpack for a newborn, especially if the baby was born prematurely or has any health problems [2]. Most slings and baby carriers can be used from birth, but check the label on the product. Backpack-type carriers are only suitable for toddlers [1].
What is more convenient — a sling or a baby carrier?
Both have their pros and cons.
Sling
+ takes up little space;
+ can be used as a blanket or cover when needed;
+ evenly distributes weight on the back and has no straps that can dig into the skin.
– it takes a long time to put it on;
– may stretch over time and become unsafe.
Baby carrier
+ easy and quick to put on;
+ convenient for both parents to use.
– may not provide healthy hip positioning (carefully choose a safe model);
– takes up a lot of space.
You can also consider an option halfway between a sling and a backpack, called a mei-tai carrier. It is made entirely of fabric but has some structure and straps, so you can put it on faster than a regular sling.
