What To Look For
Baby slings and carriers allow for discreet nursing on the run. Choose new or used baby carriers made of sturdy, washable fabrics, as breastfeeding does cause occasional soiling. Choose lightweight fabrics for warm weather and heavier weight fabrics during the winter. Pay attention to recommended weight limits and keep in mind your personal style when choosing colors and patterns.
Common Pitfalls
Many new parents purchase slings before their child is born or without trying them on. Breasts and babies come in a wide variety of sizes and different baby carriers are comfortable for different nursing pairs. Once your baby is born, head to a retailer who sells a wide variety of carriers and try them all on to find your favorite.
Where To Buy
Steer clear of big box stores that offer only one or two styles of structured baby carriers and one design of sling. Instead, seek out a breastfeeding support retailer that stocks ring slings, pouch slings, woven wraps, knit wraps, UV-protection carriers, mei tai carriers, Ergo's and more. To find a store near you, contact a local lactation consultant, midwife's office or natural parenting forum.
Cost
Cost of slings vary greatly, from nearly free for older used slings to a couple hundred dollars for a fancy structured carrier with accessories like an infant insert and belt extender. Homemade slings and wraps are easily made with a few yards of clearance fabric from the local fabric store. Pre-made ring slings and wraps generally run $40 to $60 and come in a variety of patterns.
Comparison Shopping
Your body type and plans for using your baby carrier influence which type is better for you. Wraps are highly adjustable for different body types and sizes, work well for large busted women and provide a great deal of privacy for nursing in public. They do carry a learning curve in terms of learning to tie them properly. Structured carriers are easier to put on and relatively simple for smaller busted women to nurse in. Larger busted women find them more difficult to nurse in and they are not as easily adaptable to a wide range of body sizes, especially if more than one person will be wearing the baby. Slings are very quick to put on and convenient to nurse in. They come in a variety of sizes for different body types but are not as supportive of baby as a wrap or structured carrier.
Accessories
Pouch slings are customizable with sewn pockets on the outside for storing your keys or wallet. Such slings must be ordered directly from the manufacturer and may cost $10 to $20 more than non-customized slings. Structured carriers come with a variety of accessories, ranging from infant inserts to extender belts, backpacks and all-weather covers. Most of these accessories are between $20 and $40, though some elaborate accessories add as much as $70 to the cost of the baby carrier. Wraps do not generally come with accessories, but leave your hands free so that it is easy to carry your own diaper bag, purse or umbrella.
Insider Tips
Keep looking for the right carrier until you find one that both you and baby can nurse in and feel relaxed and comfortable. Some people are okay with supporting the baby's head while others want the sling to do all of the work so that mom's hands are free for housework and tending to other children. Use your baby and your nursing relationship to help guide your purchase.
