Shopping for the perfect baby carrier or sling is no easy task...there's so many to choose from! To help make things easier, Nursing Angel has put together this guide to help you make an informed decision. Learn what to look for in a carrier, the different styles available and their key features. If you're unsure whether to use a baby carrier or not, click here to discover the many benefits of babywearing offers both you and baby.

• Things to Consider Before Buying a Baby Carrier
• Types of Baby Carriers & Key Features
   - Baby Wraps
   - Mei Tais
   - Pouch Slings
   - Ring Slings
   - Soft Structured Carriers
   - Water Carriers


Things to Consider Before Buying a Baby Carrier

Ease of use
Some carriers are particularly easy to use while others have a small learning curve. Either way, rest assured that printed instructions come with all carriers, and some even include a free instructional DVD. Many instructional guides and online videos are also available online. Regardless of the type of carrier you buy, it'll soon become second nature with a little practice!

Carrying positions
The five main carrying positions are:
- Hammock/cradle - ideal for newborns and young babies
- Front inward facing - upright front carrying position with baby facing towards you; ideal for newborns to older babies
- Front outward facing - upright front carrying position with baby facing away from you: ideal for babies with head support
- Hip - natural hip carrying position with support: ideal for older babies, infants & toddlers
- Back - upright back carrying position; ideal for older babies, infants & toddlers

For young babies without head support, the cradle/hammock and front inward facing positions are ideal. Baby is nestled close to you in a safe and secure position that supports the head and neck.

Older babies and toddlers love carrying positions that let them see the world, such as back, hip and front outward. Back carrying is particularly popular it’s the most ergonomic and comfortable position for carrying heavier weights. Your explorer will love being up high on your back in an easy to hug you positions... and right in your ear for lots of chatting! Compared to a stroller, a carrier is so much easier to take with you (most fold up to fit in your bag) and so much nicer to be in an interactive and close position with your child when they no longer want to walk. Most carriers come with weight restrictions and a few require baby to be able to have head control: read the product descriptions for details.

Most carrying positions can be used for all ages once baby has head & neck support, although some are more comfortable than others (eg. you could carry a 12kg toddler in the hammock position but other positions are far more comfortable!) If you plan to use for extended time periods (such as walks, long outings, attachment parenting or with unsettled babies), look for a carrier that has features such as wide or padded shoulder straps, even weight distribution, back support and long-term wearing comfort.

Fitted vs one size
Most carriers are one size fits most so they can be easily adjusted and shared between parents. Some - such as pouch slings and ring slings - come in different size ranges.

Baby's age & weight
Most carriers come with age/size restrictions. Although they're generous ranges, it's essential to choose a carrier that is designed to fit your baby's size and age. A few carriers also require baby to have head/neck control. Read the product descriptions for details.

Breastfeeding potential
Many baby carriers can be used for discreet breastfeeding on the go, some more easily than others. Baby Wraps and Ring Slings are particularly easy to adjust for nursing, and Ring Slings have the added advantage of a long tail for additional privacy. Read product descriptions about nursing potential.

Padding
Many carriers feature shoulder padding and some styles also include padded rails or legs for baby's comfort. Padding is excellent for comfort although does add a little bulk and can increase the heat factor. Although padding adds extra comfort, it can also increase the heat factor and add a little bulk. Consider if you’ll be wearing your carrier for extended periods of time and weigh up the pros and cons of padding. Most wearers love the extra comfort provided by shoulder padding and it's generally only a concern in very warm climates or when using the carrier for strenuous activities such as hiking.

Cost
Some styles are very affordable for everyday use, while others let you splurge on a wider array of designs or cater your choice to a special event. Prices range from around $50 to $250. Don't compromise safety and comfort by choosing a cheaply made carrier: we don't stock these brands.

Back & Shoulder Support
If you suffer from back or shoulder ailments, look for a carrier that provides even weight distribution and enhanced support. Baby wraps, soft structured carriers and Mei Tais offer even weight distribution without pressure points. Baby wrap have very wide shoulders for excellent weight distribution, while many soft structured carriers and Mei Tais come with shoulder padding for extra comfort.

Portability
If you prefer to have your carrier always at hand, choose a compact style that is easy to fold and carry with you. Most carriers are portable, although some larger soft structured styles may not fit in a nappy bag.

Hot & cold climates
All types of carriers will add heat – just as body heat will be transferred when holding a baby in your arms. For warmer climates, look for breathable fabrics and cotton blends that can be machine washed to remove sweat. Excess padding adds heat so may not be appropriate for very warm and humid climates. For colder climates, look for lightweight carriers that you can wear under your coat (obviously with baby's head out!). Fleece carrier covers can also be used over most carrier types for a snug and cozy ride.

Organic & eco-friendly
There are a variety of eco-friendly carrier options including organic fabrics, colour grown cotton, unbleached fabrics, recycled materials and non-toxic dyeing processes. They are also ideal for chemical-sensitive babies and wearers. Many brands now manufacture their carriers using fair trade labour. View these carriers in the Organic & Eco-Friendly section.

Style
Carriers come in a wide range of prints and solids colours to suit all styles, including designer prints, reversible colours for two looks in one and a multitude of fabric options. Some carriers have accessory options, such as carrier bibs, clip on pockets and matching nursing covers.

Easy care
Many slings and carriers can be machine washed for easy cleaning. Some can even be tumble dried. Some can only be hand washed or dry cleaned. Read the product descriptions for details.

Returns & exchanges
It's important you're happy with your choice of carrier. If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase, we have an easy 14 day Returns & Exchanges Policy. We have Australia’s largest online range of baby slings & carriers which means different sizes and colours are readily available. Please note clearance items are final sale only.


Types of Baby Carriers & Key Features

With all the above questions answered, you can now decide which type of carrier suits you and baby’s needs best.

Baby Wraps

Baby wraps - also known as wraparounds and wrap carriers - are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility, supreme comfort and back/shoulder support. Once considered the mainstay of attachment parenting, parents around the world are now discovering that baby wraps are a wonderful way to carry baby for extended periods of time. Known for their excellent support  and even weight distribution, they are the most comfortable type of baby carrier to wear, particularly with young babies. Ideal for constant bonding and closeness with newborns, unsettled babies and carrying for long periods. Use with newborns (including premmies and twins) to pre-schoolers. The design consists of a long piece of fabric which is wrapped and tied around your body. A small learning curve but easily mastered with a little practice.

• One size fits most: can be shared between wearers
• Use from newborn to toddlers
• Some learning curve but easily mastered with a little practice
• Various carrying positions including hammock/cradle, front (inwards), hip and back
• Extremely comfortable with excellent back support for wearer
• Fabric goes over both shoulders, providing even weight distribution without pressure points
• Ideal for newborns, young babies, unsettled babies, sharing between parents and long-term wearing - very comfortable for carrying heavier babies and infants
• Popular style for sharing with dads
• Some brands, such as Sleepy Wrap, have step-by-step photo instructions
• Price guide: $54.95+
• Click here to view our range


Mei Tais

Also known as an Asian Style or Asian Back Carrier, this form of babywearing has been around for centuries. The Mei Tai consists of a rectangular or square fabric panel with four tying straps. Many brands include padded shoulder straps for comfort, contoured headrest, reversible colour options and durable long-lasting fabrics. Ideal for front and back carrying, particular with older babies and toddlers. Modern versions of the Mei Tai that use buckles instead of the traditional tying method are called Soft Structured Carriers (see section below).

• One size fits most: can be shared between wearers
• Use from babies to toddlers: see product descriptions for weight guides
• Some learning curve but easily mastered with a little practice
• Various carrying positions depending on brand: front inwards, hip and back
• Very comfortable & supportive; many brands have padded shoulder straps
• Carrier goes over both shoulders, providing even weight distribution without pressure points
• Some come with a built-in or removable headrest to support young babies and sleeping infants
• Ideal for older and heavier babies, toddlers, sharing between parents and long-term wearing
• Price guide: $100+
• Click here to view our range

Pouch Slings

Pouch slings are very popular - particularly with first time parents - as they are so easy to use. They are made from a continous loop of fabric which is curved to fit your body and designed with a pouch to carry baby. You simply put the pouch onto one shoulder, put baby in and away you go! Many pouch slings include light shoulder padding or rail padding for extra comfort. Different sizes are available to fit your shape.

Adjustable pouch slings are also available. They're based on the same design principle but without the continuous loop of fabric. instead, buckles are used to secure the pouch sling together and are adjust to fit your size.

• Fitted to size or adjustable for one size fits most
• Use from newborn to toddlers: see product descriptions for weight guides
• The easiest type of carrier to use
• Various carrying positions depending on brand: hammock/cradle, front inwards, hip and back
• Fabric goes over one shoulder and spreads widely across the back, eliminating pressure points and providing comfortable weight distribution
• Contoured design hugs wearer’s body while securely and snugly holding baby
• Some brands include shoulder padding for extra comfort
• Hotslings also have light leg padding to stop fabric cutting into baby's tender legs
• Ideal for newborns, young babies and first time sling wearers
• Price guide: $69.95+
• Click here to view our range

Ring Slings

Ring Slings are one of the most well known and versatile styles of baby carrier around. A length of fabric is threaded through two rings for safe and secure carrying. No need to rethread each time; just pop it on and pop baby in. Ring slings offer parents a variety of different carrying positions and are particularly good for younger babies. Not only does the cosy hammock position keep baby close to your heart, it's easy to breastfeed in transit and take a sleeping baby out without waking. Many ring slings come with a free instructional DVD guide, light shoulder padding for long term wearing comfort and a very wide choice of fabrics.

• Various sizes to fit specified size ranges: can be shared by wearers in same size range
• Use from babies to toddlers: see product descriptions for weight guides
• Some learning curve but easily mastered with a little practice
• Some brands come with a free instructional DVD
• Various carrying positions depending on brand: hammock/cradle, front inwards, hip and back
• Wide shoulder spreads evenly across back without pressure points
• Padded and unpadded choices available: padding is great for extra comfort while unpadded styles allow for easier adjustments if sharing
• Many fabric choices including cotton blends, lush silk brocades and water-safe mesh
• Ideal for young babies, infants and breastfeeding in-transit
• Long tail doubles as a nursing cover and weather shield
• Some brands include a built-in zipper pocket for carrying essentials
• Price guide: $65.00+
• Click here to view our range

Soft Structured Carriers

Soft Structured Carriers (SSC) are a modern version of the traditional Mei Tai carrier described in the section above. Instead of the Mei Tai tying method, they come with the convenience of buckles for ease of use and quick adjustments. Other modern touches can include additional body padding for comfort, reversible colours, modern breathable fabric and an ergonomic design for improved back/shoulder support. A very popular carrier choice for parents as they can be shared between different wearers.

• One size fits most: can be shared between wearers
• Use from babies to toddlers: see product descriptions for weight guides
• Some learning curve but easily mastered with a little practice
• Various carrying positions depending on brand: front inwards, front outwards, hip and back
• Very comfortable, particularly with heavier babies
• Some models are designed specifically with additional back support
• Carrier goes over both shoulders, providing even weight distribution without pressure points
• Some brands have a built-in or detachable headrest for young babies or sleeping infants
• Ideal for young babies to toddlers, sharing between parents and long-term wearing
• Price guide: $100+
• Click here to view our range

Water Carriers

Some carriers are designed specifically for use in the water: the pool, beach and even the shower. Structured water carriers, such as Amazing Baby, are made of lightweight, water-compatible materials. Baby sits lower than in a traditional structured carrier, enabling water play without being in the deep end. There are also ring slings made of water friendly fabrics such as quick-drying mesh and UV filtering SolarVeil. These slings can be adjusted vertically to accommodate water levels and showering. See product features of ring slings in the section above. Structured water carrier features are below.

• One size fits most: can be shared between wearers
• Use with babies to toddlers: see product descriptions for weight guides and details
• Easy to use
• Designed specifically for water use with quick drying, non-absorbent fabrics
• Various carrying positions depending on brand: front inward, front outward and hip
• Comfortable shoulder straps with even weight distribution
• Ideal for young babies, parents who are not confident about holding baby in water and sharing between parents
• Price guide: $50+
• Click here to view our range