Slings and carriers let you keep your baby close to you, but still have your hands free for other activities. Many parents find that shopping, running errands, even doing housework is easier when their baby is carried along. If you have two children, slings and carriers can save you the cost of buying a double pushchair. Your young baby can be supported in a baby carrier while the eldest child walks or rides in a pushchair beside you. Small babies often like the feel of being carried about in a sling or carrier and will often happily go to sleep in them.


Front carriers




Front carriers can be used from when your baby is about a month old. A "drop-in" baby carrier is a popular variety and is used facing inwards for newborn babies and outwards for a slightly older baby. Your baby's head is supported with a padded headrest which is folded down for an older baby. Carriers are usually suitable for babies up to nine months old.

Pros

• Carriers have safety restraints, whereas most slings do not

Cons

• Putting your baby in and taking the baby out of the carrier can take some practice

• Older babies may not like being carried in a carrier.



Slings


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Slings are made from fabric, usually cotton. They can be used in different positions to carry your baby, depending on his age. The sling goes over your shoulder and lets you hold your baby in a cradling position. Newborn babies can be carried in front, whereas older babies and toddlers carried on the hip or on the back.

Tip: Slings should be positioned to support your baby's head, neck and back. They should not be held too tightly against your chest.

Pros

• Keeps your baby snuggled close to you

• Can transfer a sleeping baby to the sling without waking him

• Baby's weight evenly distributed, so shouldn't be a strain on your back

• Some have a breastfeeding position

Cons

• Can feel too restrictive for older babies

• Some soft slings can be difficult to tie safely

• There is usually no harness inside the sling, so you need to be careful when bending down so that your baby doesn't fall out. Support your baby with a hand.

Parents' tip: If you can, "test drive" a sling or carrier from a friend before you buy one so that you can see if you like the feel of it and if it is comfortable.