Unsure which sling is for you?
Sadly, there’s no short or quick answer to this. To help you find the perfect sling, I would need to ask you a few questions and determine your individual needs.
As many have said over the years, choosing a sling is like choosing a pair of jeans or shoes. What suits one person may not suit another, whether in terms of comfort, style, or ease of use.
To help you narrow your search, I’ve outlined some pros and cons of the various types of slings for those beginning their babywearing journey.
STRETCHY WRAPS
What are they?
A stretchy wrap is a 5-metre length of elasticated fabric.
Popular carry
Pocket Wrap Cross Carry.
What age are they suitable from?
Suitable from newborn until approximately when birth weight is doubled. Hybrid stretchies may be used into toddlerhood, depending on the child’s weight.
Pros
Three layers of fabric over your baby, making them ideal for winter babies.
Made from soft, comfortable material, perfect for newborns.
One size fits most wearers.
Hybrid stretchies can be used for hip and back carries.
Reasonably priced.
Cons
There is a learning curve, and many people do not tie them tightly enough.
Some find the three layers too warm, even in cooler weather.
Although many manufacturers state they are safe up to 18 months, some parents find the fabric becomes too elastic after 3–6 months, which may be uncomfortable for the wearer.
WOVEN WRAPS
What are they?
A woven wrap is a long piece of woven fabric available in a wide range of colours, patterns, sizes, and materials such as cotton, hemp, linen, wool, silk, and bamboo. The length you choose depends on your size and the carries you wish to use. A great starter size is a 6 or 7 (size 6 is approximately 4.6 m and size 7 is approximately 5.2 m).
Popular carry
Front Wrap Cross Carry.
What age are they suitable from?
Suitable from newborn through to toddlerhood and beyond. Experienced babywearers can carry preschoolers, depending on the child’s weight.
Pros
Suitable from birth to toddlerhood and beyond.
Extremely versatile for front, hip, and back carries.
Available in a wide range of beautiful materials and patterns.
Provide a custom fit for both wearer and baby.
Reasonably priced options are available, as well as luxury wraps.
Can be pre-tied for front and hip carries.
Often retain good resale value (market dependent).
Cons
There is a learning curve.
Must be re-tied each time the baby is removed.
Long tails can touch the ground while tying.
Some blends require “breaking in” to become soft and supple.
You may develop a fondness for collecting them!
RING SLINGS
What are they?
A ring sling is typically 2 metres of woven wrap fabric with two aluminium rings sewn into one end.
Popular carries
Front and hip carries.
What age are they suitable for?
Suitable from newborn to toddlerhood.
Pros
Quick and easy to use once mastered.
Ideal for quick ups, especially with newborns and toddlers.
Can be left pre-threaded and simply tightened.
Available in a wide range of patterns and materials.
Lightweight and breathable.
Elegant and stylish.
Suitable for warmer weather.
Reasonably priced.
Cons
Requires practice to achieve a perfect fit.
As a one-shoulder carrier, it may not suit everyone.
Not ideal for carrying heavier children for long periods.
Different shoulder styles may suit different wearers.
Some fabrics require breaking in.
MEH DAI
What is it?
A Meh Dai is a rectangular panel with four straps. The longer straps wrap around the shoulders and torso, while the shorter straps tie around the waist.
Popular carries
Front, hip, and back carries.
What age are they suitable from?
Some are suitable from birth, while others are recommended from 4–6 months. Adjustable models are suitable from newborn.
Pros
Easy to use with a small learning curve.
Available in woven wrap fabric, cotton, or canvas.
Available with flat, padded, or wrap-style straps.
Versatile and comfortable.
Adjustable Meh Dais are suitable from birth.
Cons
Must be re-tied each time the baby is removed.
Some people dislike tying knots.
Long straps may touch the ground.
Few models fit from birth through toddlerhood.
SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIERS (SSC) / “BUCKLE CARRIERS”
What are they?
A Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) is a rectangular panel with a buckle waist belt and buckle shoulder straps.
Popular carries
Front and back carries; some models allow hip carries.
What age are they suitable from?
This varies by manufacturer. Some are suitable from birth, while others are designed for babies aged 4, 6, or 9 months. Even when marketed as newborn-friendly, professional guidance is recommended.
Pros
Easy to use once properly adjusted.
Straps do not drag on the ground.
Some models are highly adjustable and suitable from birth.
Available in a wide range of fabrics and styles.
Offer numerous features such as padded straps, hoods, and headrests.
Available across a wide price range.
Many modern designs are adjustable and do not require infant inserts.
Some allow forward-facing carries under strict guidelines.
Cons
Some newborn models require infant inserts.
Achieving a comfortable fit may take practice.
Often sized, requiring upgrades as your child grows.
Fit varies between brands, so trying them on is recommended.
Some models cannot be used for hip carries.
Certain straps may be difficult to tighten for those with limited mobility.
Some SSCs can be expensive.
I hope this helps you on your babywearing journey.