Learning Curve	Breast- feeding	Long Comfort	Tight Wrap/ Close Carry	Adjustability	Versatility	Padded Shoulder	Padded Rails
BABY WRAPS
Didymos	moderate	great	great	great	great	best	no	n/a
Storchenwiege Wrap	moderate	great	great	great	great	best	no	n/a
Moby Wrap	some	good	great	great	great	best	no	n/a
Gypsy Mama Wraps	some	good	good	good	great	great	no	no
RING SLINGS
Lightly Padded Maya	easy	great	good	good	great	good	yes	no
Zolowear Ring Slings	easy	great	OK	good	great	good	no	no
TaylorMade Sling	easy	great	good	good	great	good	no	no
POUCHES
Hotslings Pouch	easy	difficult	good	good	no	least	no	yes
SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIERS
Ergo Baby Carrier	easy	ok	great	great	great	good	n/a	n/a
Pikkolo Baby Carrier	easy	ok	great	great	great	good	n/a	n/a
MEI TAI
Freehand Mei Tai	easy	ok	good	great	great	least	no	n/a
Hip Carriers
Scootababy	easy	ok	good	great	great	least	no	n/a

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 Maya Wrap Sling and TaylorMade Sling adjust across the widest range.
• If the sling will be used for extended walking trips, either the Ergo, Pikkolo, Didymos, Moby Wrap, or Maya Wrap will be the most comfortable.
• If someone has back, neck, or shoulder problems, either the Didymos, Moby Wrap, or Gypsy Mama would be best, depending on the problem.
• If in doubt, anyone will love the Maya Wrap Sling for young babies. The Ergo Carrier or Pikkolo are sure winners for toddlers.