Choose the Right Baby Sling Based on 6 Factors

Helping Parents and Baby Boomer Grandparents

You must have seen moms and dads with babies slung over their shoulders, waists or hips and envy how they become hands-free yet get to bond with the baby. With so many makes and models out there and with so many price ranges and features to choose from, finding the right baby sling does need some homework.

Use

When and how frequently do you plan on using the baby sling? If you are out of the home a lot and if you travel extensively, then invest in a high end baby sling such as the Baby Bjorn which will save your back and provide your baby with comfort too. However, if you just plan on using the baby sling occasionally, it may not make sense to tie up around $80 in something which you may not use more than a couple of times.

Baby

Do you have a big baby? Do you have an antsy or colicky baby? Do you have a preemie? All these questions can factor in when choosing a baby sling. Make sure you read (or ask) about height and weight safety requirements of the baby sling and choose something which has some room for your baby to grown in.

You

Do you suffer from chronic back problems? Did you have a C-section? Do you and your husband take equal turns in carrying the baby, and if so do you vary dramatically in height and/or weight? Ask your doctor when and if you should use the baby sling if you had surgery or back issues because even though a newborn is tiny, he might just aggravate your condition.

Style

Baby slings come in various styles; those worn like a back pack, those worn on the front and those hung around your hip. Try them on with your baby inside at a store and if you get a better deal online, place the order on the web but only after taking it for a test drive.

Features

Some baby slings have frills such as additional safety equipment in case you want to use them when hiking or if you need places to keep a water bottle or cell phone. Evaluate if you will use the bells and whistles and if they justify the increase in price.

Brand

Some brands like Baby Bjorn and Graco are just so well known in the baby business, that parents just pick them up blindly. That may not be the wisest idea because each brand, regardless of how famous it is, has its strengths and weaknesses. The best bets are referrals from friends who use baby slings and online product reviews by real users, not product descriptions by the manufacturer.