Sling Types
This is not an exhaustive list but covers the most commonly available sling types. The brands listed are given as examples only, other brands are available.
Woven Wrap
These carriers are similar to traditional “simple piece of cloth” (SPOC) carriers that have been used worldwide for many years. They are one continuous length of fabric that can be tied in a number of different ways for carrying on the front, back or hip, making them the most versatile carrier there is. Reputable modern wraps are made from purpose-woven fabric designed for weight bearing, making them much stronger and sturdier than SPOC slings.
Popular brands include; Girasol, Didymos, Hoppediz, Storchenweige, Pollora, Little Frog, Lenny Lamb, Kokadi, Natibaby, Oscha, Ellevill, Linuschka, Ellaroo.
Stretchy Wrap
These carriers are the same style as a woven wrap but made from stretchy material (usually cotton). They are most suitable for young babies and won’t usually be comfortable or supportive enough for older children. They are pre-tied by the wearer before the child is put inside and are not suitable for back carrying.
Popular brands include; Moby, Kari Me, Boba wrap, Victoria the Slinglady, Wrapsody, Hanababy, Je Porte Mon Bebe.
Mei Tai
This style of baby carrier originated in China. They have a rectangular body of fabric and four fabric straps. The shorter straps at the bottom of the carrier are tied around the waist of the wearer, and the long straps at the top go over their shoulders. They can be used for front, hip or back carrying and can be tied in a variety of different ways.
Popular brands include; Babyhawk/Toddlerhawk, Kozy, Freehand, Melkaj, Napsack, Didytai, Mysol, Hop-tye.
There are also work-at-home-mothers (WAHM's) who make these as wrap conversions (a woven wrap made into another type of sling) and custom carriers, including; Softai, Opitai, Simply Mei Tai, Cherry Berry Baby, Pouchlings, Ocah, Sling Betty, Monkey Mei Tai, Squish D'lish, Crafty Little Slings, Little River.
Podaegi (Pod)
This style of baby carrier originated in Korea. They are similar to the Mei Tai style of carrier but have a longer body and no waist strap. The “seat” where the child sits is created by crossing the long shoulder straps under the child’s bottom and bringing them under their legs before tying. Western style pods are quite different from the traditional Podegai, as the blanket of these would usually wrap around the wearer’s torso, whereas our narrower version just covers the child.
At present, none of the major sling manufacturers produce "off the peg" pods, but many of the WAHM's who make wrap conversions offer them as a custom option.
Ring Sling
This style of carrier imitates the traditional Mexican “Rebozo” (a short length of cloth tied at one shoulder creating a pocket for the child to sit in). The rings at the shoulder of the carrier take the place of the knot.
One end of the cloth is sewn around the two rings and the other and is threaded through them before the wearer puts the sling on. It can then be easily put on over the wearers head and is ready to put the child in. They are simple to adjust by pulling the fabric through the rings. Styles of ring sling vary as there are different ways the shoulders can be sewn. Some ring slings also have padding on the shoulders and/or along the edge of the carrier.
Popular brands include, Sakura Bloom and Rockin' Baby. Many of the woven wrap manufacturers listed above also produce "off the peg" ring slings made from their woven wrap material, and plenty of the WAHM's listed earlier also convert wraps into ring slings as a custom option.
Soft Structured Carrier
These carriers are similar in design to the Mei Tai, with a fabric panel, two short waist straps and two long shoulder straps, but instead of being tied they fasten with buckles. They can be used for front, hip or back carries though the buckle fastening limits how many ways the straps can be arranged.
Popular brands include; Ergo, Boba, Manduca, Beco, Action Baby Carrier, Rose & Rebellion, Connecta, Patapum, Tula, Madame Goo Goo, Lillebaby, Kibi, Pognae, Wompat, Kinderpack. Some of the WAHM's listed above also make these.
Woven Wrap
These carriers are similar to traditional “simple piece of cloth” (SPOC) carriers that have been used worldwide for many years. They are one continuous length of fabric that can be tied in a number of different ways for carrying on the front, back or hip, making them the most versatile carrier there is. Reputable modern wraps are made from purpose-woven fabric designed for weight bearing, making them much stronger and sturdier than SPOC slings.
Popular brands include; Girasol, Didymos, Hoppediz, Storchenweige, Pollora, Little Frog, Lenny Lamb, Kokadi, Natibaby, Oscha, Ellevill, Linuschka, Ellaroo.
Stretchy Wrap
These carriers are the same style as a woven wrap but made from stretchy material (usually cotton). They are most suitable for young babies and won’t usually be comfortable or supportive enough for older children. They are pre-tied by the wearer before the child is put inside and are not suitable for back carrying.
Popular brands include; Moby, Kari Me, Boba wrap, Victoria the Slinglady, Wrapsody, Hanababy, Je Porte Mon Bebe.
Mei Tai
This style of baby carrier originated in China. They have a rectangular body of fabric and four fabric straps. The shorter straps at the bottom of the carrier are tied around the waist of the wearer, and the long straps at the top go over their shoulders. They can be used for front, hip or back carrying and can be tied in a variety of different ways.
Popular brands include; Babyhawk/Toddlerhawk, Kozy, Freehand, Melkaj, Napsack, Didytai, Mysol, Hop-tye.
There are also work-at-home-mothers (WAHM's) who make these as wrap conversions (a woven wrap made into another type of sling) and custom carriers, including; Softai, Opitai, Simply Mei Tai, Cherry Berry Baby, Pouchlings, Ocah, Sling Betty, Monkey Mei Tai, Squish D'lish, Crafty Little Slings, Little River.
Podaegi (Pod)
This style of baby carrier originated in Korea. They are similar to the Mei Tai style of carrier but have a longer body and no waist strap. The “seat” where the child sits is created by crossing the long shoulder straps under the child’s bottom and bringing them under their legs before tying. Western style pods are quite different from the traditional Podegai, as the blanket of these would usually wrap around the wearer’s torso, whereas our narrower version just covers the child.
At present, none of the major sling manufacturers produce "off the peg" pods, but many of the WAHM's who make wrap conversions offer them as a custom option.
Ring Sling
This style of carrier imitates the traditional Mexican “Rebozo” (a short length of cloth tied at one shoulder creating a pocket for the child to sit in). The rings at the shoulder of the carrier take the place of the knot.
One end of the cloth is sewn around the two rings and the other and is threaded through them before the wearer puts the sling on. It can then be easily put on over the wearers head and is ready to put the child in. They are simple to adjust by pulling the fabric through the rings. Styles of ring sling vary as there are different ways the shoulders can be sewn. Some ring slings also have padding on the shoulders and/or along the edge of the carrier.
Popular brands include, Sakura Bloom and Rockin' Baby. Many of the woven wrap manufacturers listed above also produce "off the peg" ring slings made from their woven wrap material, and plenty of the WAHM's listed earlier also convert wraps into ring slings as a custom option.
Soft Structured Carrier
These carriers are similar in design to the Mei Tai, with a fabric panel, two short waist straps and two long shoulder straps, but instead of being tied they fasten with buckles. They can be used for front, hip or back carries though the buckle fastening limits how many ways the straps can be arranged.
Popular brands include; Ergo, Boba, Manduca, Beco, Action Baby Carrier, Rose & Rebellion, Connecta, Patapum, Tula, Madame Goo Goo, Lillebaby, Kibi, Pognae, Wompat, Kinderpack. Some of the WAHM's listed above also make these.
Babywearing Safety
The TICKS guidelines were created by the UK Consortium of Sling Manufacturers and Retailers.
When used correctly, all of the slings available to hire from the library adhere to these guidelines.
Babywearing FAQ
Doesn’t it hurt your back/shoulders?
No. An ergonomically designed carrier distributes the child’s weight evenly over the wearer’s back, shoulders and waist, so does not create painful pressure points.
Is it safe?
As long as you follow the instructions and safety advice, carriers are a perfectly safe way to transport your child. Humans have been wearing their babies for centuries (the first pram wasn’t invented until the 1700’s and they didn't become popular until the 1900's)
Won’t it make my child clingy?
It is natural for a baby to want to be near their parents and research shows that children who have a strong bond with their parents are generally more confident and secure.
Won’t my child be too heavy?
An ergonomically designed sling distributes weight evenly so even heavier children can be carried comfortably. Many structured carriers come in baby, toddler and pre-schooler sizes, and a woven wrap can be used until your child no longer wishes to be worn.
How can I tell a good carrier from a bad one?
A good carrier will allow your child to sit in a supported squat position, with their knees higher than their bottom. This position is best for healthy hip development and will be the most comfortable for you and your child. A narrow seat can create pressure points in the hips, back and groin of the child and doesn’t allow even weight distribution so also causes pressure on the wearer’s back and shoulders.
It is always advisable to choose a reputable brand to ensure you get a carrier that is manufactured well and conforms to safety standards. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay often have authentic looking carriers for sale at very low prices but unfortunately, there is a reason why they are so cheap. These carriers are often made from unsuitable fabrics that can rip easily when place under strain from the weight of a child, the stitching at the seams is often with poor quality thread and not reinforced and the buckles used are not tested for weight bearing so can undo or crack. Not only can these carriers be structurally unsafe but the majority are mass produced in China where lead based fabric dyes that are banned in the UK are sometimes still used. They are also not covered by any manufacturer's liability insurance should anything go wrong. As with many things, you get what you pay for, and the potential that a counterfeit carrier could cause an injury to your child is not worth saving £20. You would not knowingly purchase a counterfeit car seat or pushchair for your child and a sling should not be treated any differently.
Which sling is best for breastfeeding in?
This varies from person to person as not everyone finds every sling easy to use. While it is possible to feed in most slings, you must also bear in mind that babywearing is a skill, and so is breastfeeding, so until you’re adept at both independently, it can be difficult to master them both together. Some mass-marketed slings advise a cradle carry for breastfeeding but this position can be dangerous for the child as there is a potential for positional asphyxiation, where the chin falls against the chest and kinks their airway. This position also goes against the T.I.C.K.S advice for safe babywearing. The safest position for a child in a sling is upright, and it is possible to adjust your sling and lower your child slightly to achieve breastfeeding in the upright position
Seems a lot of money for a piece of fabric?
Although some carriers may seem like a lot of money, they are not that expensive when you compare them to the price of a pushchair. Pushchairs do not generally hold their value very well, but good quality slings will hold their value so you can usually sell them on for close to the price you paid, and like many other things, you get what you pay for.
Doesn’t it hurt your back/shoulders?
No. An ergonomically designed carrier distributes the child’s weight evenly over the wearer’s back, shoulders and waist, so does not create painful pressure points.
Is it safe?
As long as you follow the instructions and safety advice, carriers are a perfectly safe way to transport your child. Humans have been wearing their babies for centuries (the first pram wasn’t invented until the 1700’s and they didn't become popular until the 1900's)
Won’t it make my child clingy?
It is natural for a baby to want to be near their parents and research shows that children who have a strong bond with their parents are generally more confident and secure.
Won’t my child be too heavy?
An ergonomically designed sling distributes weight evenly so even heavier children can be carried comfortably. Many structured carriers come in baby, toddler and pre-schooler sizes, and a woven wrap can be used until your child no longer wishes to be worn.
How can I tell a good carrier from a bad one?
A good carrier will allow your child to sit in a supported squat position, with their knees higher than their bottom. This position is best for healthy hip development and will be the most comfortable for you and your child. A narrow seat can create pressure points in the hips, back and groin of the child and doesn’t allow even weight distribution so also causes pressure on the wearer’s back and shoulders.
It is always advisable to choose a reputable brand to ensure you get a carrier that is manufactured well and conforms to safety standards. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay often have authentic looking carriers for sale at very low prices but unfortunately, there is a reason why they are so cheap. These carriers are often made from unsuitable fabrics that can rip easily when place under strain from the weight of a child, the stitching at the seams is often with poor quality thread and not reinforced and the buckles used are not tested for weight bearing so can undo or crack. Not only can these carriers be structurally unsafe but the majority are mass produced in China where lead based fabric dyes that are banned in the UK are sometimes still used. They are also not covered by any manufacturer's liability insurance should anything go wrong. As with many things, you get what you pay for, and the potential that a counterfeit carrier could cause an injury to your child is not worth saving £20. You would not knowingly purchase a counterfeit car seat or pushchair for your child and a sling should not be treated any differently.
Which sling is best for breastfeeding in?
This varies from person to person as not everyone finds every sling easy to use. While it is possible to feed in most slings, you must also bear in mind that babywearing is a skill, and so is breastfeeding, so until you’re adept at both independently, it can be difficult to master them both together. Some mass-marketed slings advise a cradle carry for breastfeeding but this position can be dangerous for the child as there is a potential for positional asphyxiation, where the chin falls against the chest and kinks their airway. This position also goes against the T.I.C.K.S advice for safe babywearing. The safest position for a child in a sling is upright, and it is possible to adjust your sling and lower your child slightly to achieve breastfeeding in the upright position
Seems a lot of money for a piece of fabric?
Although some carriers may seem like a lot of money, they are not that expensive when you compare them to the price of a pushchair. Pushchairs do not generally hold their value very well, but good quality slings will hold their value so you can usually sell them on for close to the price you paid, and like many other things, you get what you pay for.