Now that you are familiar with all things Sling, how do you choose a baby sling or baby carrier for yourself? Every new slinger has to answer that question. Knowing the differences between baby slings and baby carriers helps, but you also have to know yourself (and your co-caregivers!).

The very first thing you should do is talk to anyone you know who slings. Without a doubt, they would love to share their experiences with you. And they may even let you try their sling! Hearing the process of discovery and opinions of someone you know is the most valuable thing you can do to find a baby sling for yourself. (La Leche League meetings are often wonderful places to connect with other slingers. However, if you are unable to locate someone in your area, there are several email lists dedicated to baby wearing. They are always happy to share their experiences. You may even find someone in your area who would be willing to meet for a play and sling date!)

Sometimes, the most difficult part of making a decision is knowing what questions to ask. Following are some questions (in no particular order), as well as some suggestions, depending upon how you answer. Once you have answered some or all of these questions, the comparison chart should help you make your final decision. (Stick with me; this is long, but interesting . . . I hope!)

• Will you be sharing your sling with someone much larger/smaller than you?
  Some slings are highly adjustable, while others are made to fit one size well. Adjustable: unpadded ring slings, wrap carriers, podaegi, soft packs (somewhat). Fitted: pouch slings.
• Are you willing to invest a little learning time?
  Most slings require an adjustment period (except, for some reason, for my husband!). Some slings, however, take more time than others. If you are easily frustrated or just don't feel like you have the time or energy right now, a pouch would be the best choice for little ones, a soft pack for toddlers. But take note: the cost of the initial ease of use is a lack of adjustability, among other things.
• Will you or your partner be breastfeeding the baby in the sling?
  While it is possible to breastfeed in many of the slings offered here, some make it easier/nicer than others (in my opinion). A padded sling offers nice support for newborn heads. This facilitates nursing hands-free. Unpadded slings are highly adjustable "on the fly" so that you can position the baby correctly, and they have a long tail of fabric to cover the action. Now, I am the last person to suggest that you nurse discretely. But once your baby hits about five months old, you will need to hide the world from her to get her to focus on the task at hand.
• Will you be doing housework while wearing your baby?
  Slings exist so that you can get things done! But some things just cannot be touched by curious little hands. For example, if you will be tending the lawn, cooking, or cleaning, the wraparound styles or other back carriers carry the day (and the baby!). The baby is much more secure against your body than with the other sling styles (e.g. ring slings, pouches). Having said that, all of the slings here can be used with the child in back, just not necessarily tightly in back or for long periods.
• How many and what kind of different uses do you need your sling to fulfill?
  The Rebozo is a beautiful shawl, to be worn with or without the baby. Unpadded slings can be used as a shopping cart strap, child harness and light-weight blanket. Wraparound slings can also be used as blankets. This is where the highly specialized/constructed carriers (pouches, packs, Mei Tai) pay for their convenience.
• Do you feel that you need padding in the shoulder and rails?
  This is a raging debate within the ranks of slingers. And it is probably the hardest question to answer without having experienced both padded and unpadded slings (hence my suggestion to find someone with a baby sling and try it). Some people feel more comfortable with padding at the shoulders. Some people feel like padding makes a sling too bulky. Some people feel like padded rails are more comfortable for the baby. Some people miss the adjustability that is lost with padded rails (the padding can't pass through the rings). And to make matters worse, many people change their minds after using one or the other for some time! One way we have tried to deal with this is by carrying a padded sling that is not overly padded.
• Do you want a sling to carry with you at all times?
  We get frantic when we reach for a sling and there is none to be found. Tired, heavy, cranky baby is handled in one way in our house: sling her! Some baby slings are easier than others to stuff in small bags or pockets. The Rebozo wins this category hands down. It will fit in a coat pocket. Pouches are also compact. We keep one in the car at all times.
• How long will you be carrying your baby?
  Small babies are easy to carry all day. Toddlers pose more of a challenge. Wraparound carriers and soft packs spread the baby's weight over both shoulders. The Podegi doesn't even touch the shoulders. Long walks without a stroller are no problem.
• Do you want to impress your friends with your skills?
  Then you have to get a wraparound carrier! These slings are also appealing to those of us who have been inspired by mothers in other parts of the world who have been wearing their babies close to their hearts for time out of mind.

Whew! We made it. I hope this Q and A has been helpful in evaluating your slinging needs. Now you can head over to the Sling Catalog and find the perfect carrier. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.