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A Sling Comparison Chart By Age

You might also like: Sling Comparisons

0-3 Month Old Baby

The best sling recommendation for a newborn is one that will be used.   If baby will only be worn as an infant, the Moby Wrap is an excellent and least expensive choice.   For longevity, the ring sling, any Mei Tai, or woven wrap will carry an infant until they are no longer asking to be worn (around 35-40lbs).  

*The Cradle hold is no longer being recommended.   While it is possible to do correctly (make sure baby is NOT chin to chest, as this could cut off the airway.  You should be able to place 2 fingers between chin and chest at all times.), it is safer and easier to wear the baby upright, avoiding the issue of positional asphyxia. 

**Facing out can arch the babies back and makes the baby dangle from the pubic bone.  The frog-leg position of the other carriers is beneficial to the hip development.  Dangling and arching back is not beneficial.  You can face babies front facing by placing their legs cross legged.  Some brands of soft structured carriers only start at 15 lbs.   Another carrier is needed before then.

3-6 Month Old Baby

*Facing out can arch the baby's back and makes the baby dangle from the pubic bone.  The frog-leg position of the other carriers is beneficial to the hip development.  Dangling and arching back is not beneficial.  You can face babies front facing by placing their legs cross legged or making sure the legs come forward and butt is lower than legs.  A high back carry will allow a baby to look around without placing a strain on their spine.

Best recommendations for a 6-12 month old baby are two shouldered carriers and ones that you can start transitioning the child onto your back.   Mei Tais and Soft Structured carriers are the most popular.   Woven Wraps continue to be versatile and Ring Slings are still useful for the quick carries.

*Facing out can arch the baby's back and makes the baby dangle from the pubic bone.  When placing an older baby in a forward facing position, make sure the butt is lower than the legs.  The legs should be coming out in front of the body, not below.  Placing a baby on the back in a high carry can let the baby look around without strain on the spine.  Front facing out should not be continued after around 20 lbs.

The best recommendations for a toddler (1 year and older) are the Mei Tais, Soft Structured and Woven Wraps  because they all distribute the weight over both shoulders and allow the child to be worn on the back.  Ring Slings continue to be a great choice for the car or quick in and out's.

*Facing out will become uncomfortable for the child and the wearer as the child gets older, longer and heavier.   Back carries allow the same amount of vision and are easier on everyone's spine.

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