Top 10 Questions to Ask When Buying a Sling or Baby Carrier

If you are thinking about buying a sling, wrap or baby carrier for the first time, it can seem like a bit of a minefield - there are a lot of different types and brands on the market, each with various benefits. With any sling, it is important to make sure you buy from a reputable, authorised retailer, but how do you know which type of carrier is right for you, your family and your baby?


Our own Infant Carrying Consultant, Katie Richards, has put together her Top Ten suggested questions that you need to consider...

• Is this sling for your personal use or will other's use it too? i.e. partner, grandparents, care providers.

• Was your baby born by/is your baby expected to be delivered by Caesarean section or does your baby have a low birth weight? This can change the amount of slings available for use for a period of time.

• Do you (and/or your partner or infant, if applicable) have any existing medical conditions that may affect babywearing?

• How do you anticipate using the sling?

- Everyday / Occasional use
- Just me using it / Sharing with partner/family
- Carrying at home / Long walks
- On holiday / Short trips / To and from car

• How old is the infant you will be carrying? Will you be carrying a range of different aged infants in the same sling?

• Are you looking to carry your infant on your front, side or back? (age will be a factor here).

• Think about comfort and weight distribution - do you require wide material straps or padded straps? Will carrying on both shoulders or just one be preferable? Is the carrier ergonomic and does it hold your baby in the most comfortable position for their age and development?

• Will you be nursing in the sling?

• Safety and sturdiness - check out all the buckles, straps, clips and fastenings to make sure they are all in working order. Make sure that you and the sling are complying with TICKS.

• How much do you want to spend? It is well worth trying a sling out at your local sling library (who will hire you a carrier and demonstrate safe and correct usage) so that you are sure before you buy. Buy from reputable retailers particularly if the brand you are interested in has an issue with fakes. 

If you have any further questions about the use of slings do get in contact with your local sling library of infant carrying consultant.

Born have an qualified and fully insured infant carrying consultant in our Bristol store on Wednesdays who is happy to answer any of your questions. Please contact us on 0117 924 5080 for more details. 

We also host the Avon & Bristol Sling Library at our store in Bristol (soon to do drop in sessions on the first and third Monday of the month 0930-1130).  

You can view our full range of slings, wraps and carriers at www.borndirect.com/carriers...