Learning Curve	Breast- feeding	Long Comfort	Tight Wrap/ Close Carry	Adjustability	Versatility	Padded Shoulder	Padded Rails
Carrying Scraves/Wraps
Didymos	moderate	great	great	great	great	best	no	n/a
EllaRoo Wrap	moderate	great	great	great	great	best	no	n/a
Moby Wrap	some	good	great	great	great	best	no	n/a
Rebozo/Selandang/Khanga	some	good	good	good	great	great	no	no
Ring Slings
EllaRoo Organic Sling	easy	great	good	good	great	good	yes	yes
Lightly Padded Maya	easy	great	good	good	great	good	yes	no
Original Zolowear Ring Slings	easy	great	OK	good	great	good	no	no
TaylorMade Sling	easy	great	good	good	great	good	no	no
Pouches
Hotslings Pouch	easiest	maybe	good	good	no	least	no	yes
Pack-style Carriers
EllaRoo Mei Tai Deluxe	easy	ok	great	great	great	good	yes	n/a
EllaRoo Podaegi	easy	no	good	great	great	good	yes	n/a
Sutemi Pack	easy	not great	great	great	great	some	yes	n/a
Hip Carriers
EllaRoo Mei Hip	easy	ok	good	great	great	least	no	n/a

*Note: The carrier links in this chart point to the US store. If you are in the EU, please click the "[EU]" links at the right of the carrier names, if available.

All of these carriers are excellent, depending on your needs. (I intentionally carry only slings that will last you from birth through at least 35 pounds.) There is no absolute necessity to switch slings mid-stride. Decide which features mean the most to you, then find the carrier that excells in that area. Having said that, many people find it convenient to have several different baby carriers around (in the car, for hiking, for bed time, etc.). Particularly when the baby hits about 20 lbs, many people purchase a carrier that spreads the weight over both shoulders.

If you are still having trouble deciding, here are a few of my make or break recommendations:

• If two people of very different sizes will be sharing one sling, the EllaRoo Sling, Maya Wrap Sling, EllaRoo Mei Tai and TaylorMade Sling adjust across the widest range.
• If the sling will be used for extended walking trips, either the EllaRoo Wrap, Didymos, EllaRoo Mei Tai, Moby Wrap, or Sutemi Pack will be the most comfortable.
• If someone has back, neck, or shoulder problems, either the EllaRoo Wrap, Didymos, Moby Wrap, EllaRoo Mei Tai, Sutemi Pack, or the Podaegi would be best, depending on the problem. The Podaegi can even be worn without touching the shoulders.
• If someone has little patience for learning new things, the Hotslings Pouch, Maya Wrap Pouch or New Native Pouch are the absolute easiest.
• If in doubt, anyone will love the EllaRoo Sling or Hotslings Pouch for young babies. The EllaRoo Mei Tai or Sutemi Pack are sure winners for toddlers.

A note about some other baby slings and baby carriers:
(These notes are based on our experiences, as well as what we have seen and heard from other users. I understand that everyone has their favorite sling. I am just trying to give people a point of reference, and some encouragement if they are having trouble with a particular sling.)

Baby Slings with Rings

Over the Shoulder Baby Holder - This sling is very, very padded. Too padded, I think. It made me feel like a football player! I understand that they are trying to make it comfortable, but I think that can be done with a more subtle touch.
SlingEzee Baby Sling - Again, I think this sling has too much padding. But my real complaint is the shoulder. The fabric falls down the side of the arm, preventing arm movement and just generally getting in the way.
NoJo - NoNo! This sling is a very poor attempt at commercializing the ring sling. It is one size fits all (or none, from what I hear); it is shallow, sort of like a hammock, which is much less secure than a deeper pocket; and it is rated to only about 20 lbs! That will only last you for about a year, in most cases!

Pouch Baby Slings

The basic pouch is a very straight-forward carrier design. There are many good ones out there. Just look for a fabric that suits you!

Adjustable pouches try to address one of the main drawbacks of the basic pouch design. You can find pouches adjustable with zippers (Maya Wrap), snaps (Kangaroo Korner), or even buttons (ZoloWear)! However, over the years, our customers have been happiest with well-fitting non-adjustable pouches.

Wraparound Baby Carriers

Baby Bundler - This stretchy wraparound sling is made of an interlock fabric.
Hug-a-Bub - A high-quality stretchy wraparound from Australia. Similar to the Moby Wrap (100% cotton), but narrow in comparison.

Pack Baby Carriers

Baby Bjorn - We really enjoyed this carrier for longer walks. However, you can't breastfeed and once the baby hits 20 lbs, the pack becomes uncomfortable to the point of being unusable.
Snugli - I do not recommend this pack, at all. The baby swings too much from side to side, causing back pain when used for long periods. If you want this style of carrier, the Baby Bjorn is much better designed. I know, the Baby Bjorn is more expensive. There's a reason for that. Try EBay, or ask around with other moms.