Baby Slings and Carriers Buying Guide

Babies are designed to be carried. Being carried correctly in a sling supports the spine, keeping it in the rounded 'C' shape that babies spines need to be in while they are growing.
As babies hip joints are not fully formed at birth, it's also important that babies legs are flexed when they are in a sling so that the hip joint sits securely in the socket. The baby's knees should be higher than their bottom and their legs should be supported up to the knee so that an 'M' shape is seen when looking at the baby.

Slings can be used to carry your child from newborn to 4 years and beyond and babywearing has been shown to have many benefits for both baby and parent.

• Babies who are worn in slings tend to be more settled and sleep for longer.
• They have improved digestion from being held upright and have been found to cry 40% less than babies who have not been carried in a sling.
• Slings promote a close relationship and are known to help reduce the instance of post-natal depression.
• Holding baby close stimulates milk production and slings can also be used for discreet breastfeeding.
• Premature babies also gain weight faster when worn and have better temperature regulation.
• For parents, slings offer a convenient way to carry your child, particularly in circumstances where a pram would not be suitable or you need your hands to be free, perhaps to see to older children, or just to make yourself a snack and eat it in peace!

Click her to view all Baby Slings and Carriers stocked by NCT Shop.
Click here to download a copy of the NCT Babywearing Guide, a guidance document by NCT antenatal teacher and babywearing consultant Sophie Messager, which offers further advice and tips on using slings to carry babies.

Choosing a Sling or Baby Carrier

The type of sling you need will depend on the age / size of your baby, how often and for what purpose you will be using your sling.

How old is your baby/child?
Different slings are more suitable for different ages of babies. Stretchy wraps, for example, are ideal for newborns but less suitable for an older baby or toddler.

Who will be using it?
If more than one person will be using the sling, you will need to buy an adjustable sling or carrier unless you’re both exactly the same height and size. If choosing a wrap, make sure it’s long enough for both of you and make sure you’re both confident using whichever sling you choose.

How often will you use it and for how long?
Think about how the sling distributes weight and try to choose one that spreads the weight through both shoulders and your back if you will be using it for long periods of time.

How easy do you want your sling to be?
Wraps are very versatile but take some practise to learn how to tie them. Some people prefer tying slings while others are happier using ones with buckles or rings.

Sling Options available at NCT Shop

The main types of Baby Slings and Carriers available from NCT Shop are as follows:

1. Pouches are simple pockets of fabric, worn over one shoulder. They can be put on and off very quickly. Brands stocked by NCT Shop include the Baba Sling and the Tricotti Sling.

2. Ring Slings are also worn over one shoulder but can be adjusted by pulling the fabric through the rings. Brands stocked by NCT Shop include the BB Sling.

3. Mei Tais are Asian style carriers which consist of a structured body panel with straps. They can be used on the front, back or hip. Brands stocked by NCT Shop include the BB-Slen Sling.

4. Soft Structured Carriers also have a panel of fabric with straps but usually fasten with buckles and are quick to put on and adjust. They can be used on the front, back or hip. Brands stocked by NCT Shop include the Ergo Carrier and the Manduca Baby Carrier.

5. Stretchy Wraps are made from stretchy fabric and are one long piece of material. They can be pre-tied before the baby is put in and can only be used for front carries. Brands stocked by NCT Shop include the Tricotti Slen, Simply Good Cozy Wrap and the Kanga Wrap.

6. Woven Wraps are a long piece of woven fabric. They can’t usually be pre-tied but can be used for front, hip and back carries. Brands stocked by NCT Shop include the BB-Slen.

7. Stretchy Hybrids offer the flexibility of a wrap but without the need for tying, instead the carrier goes on over the head and you adjust to size by simply pulling material through the rings at either side. They can be used from birth to toddler in a range of different positions. Brands stocked by NCT Shop include the Close Caboo & Caboo DX and the Caboo NCT Carrier.

Sling Safety

There are some simple safety tips which can be used to make sure your baby is always carried safely. A good sling or baby carrier should follow the TICKS safety guidelines:

• Tight: Your baby should be close to your body so that they can't slump down.
• In view at all times: You should be able to glance down and see your baby's face.
• Close enough to kiss: Baby should be high enough to and close enough to your chin for you to be able to kiss them on the forehead or face.
• Keep chin off the chest: There should be at least one finger's space between your baby's chin and their chest to allow them to breathe easily.
• Supported back: Your baby's back should be supported in a natural position, ideally with their tummy towards you in an upright position or with their bottom at the deepest part of a pouch or ring sling. Press gently on their back - they shouldn't uncurl or move towards you.

*Information courtesy of The School of Babywearing

Further reading...

For more information regarding babywearing, safety and sling choices, click on the links to visit our NCT information pages. Further content is available on Babywearing and how to choose a sling, Sling Safety and Different types of slings.
Click here to download a copy of the NCT Babywearing Guide, a guidance document by NCT antenatal teacher and babywearing consultant Sophie Messager, which offers further advice and tips on using slings to carry babies.