Comparing baby slings is an essential step in deciding what will best work for you and your baby. Attachment parenting and babywearing have become more common, and more baby slings are on the market than ever before. From size to style, many different types of baby slings exist. Even after you have found the size and style baby sling you like, you still have many choices to make about color and options before you will be able to start wearing your baby.
Step 1
Try each of type of baby sling on. Many baby stores or hospital nursing stores will offer multiple types of baby slings.
Step 2
Find your appropriate sling size for each type of sling. This information should be easily found on the packaging of the sling and is important, as a sling that is too large could allow the baby to fall out.
Step 3
Place your purse inside the sling while you have it on to help you see how weight is distributed across the sling. If you tend to have neck or back issues, this test will help you find a sling that offers support to take the weight off your problem areas.
Step 4
Practice moving a baby doll in and out of the sling. Being able to easily access your child is an important feature of a sling. Some slings are more complicated than others, and if you cannot figure the sling out with an immobile baby doll, it is not worth the amount of time it would take to figure the sling out while holding a crying baby.
Step 5
Check the height of where your baby's head will be located in the sling. This position is especially important if you plan to breastfeed. Being able to nurse while keeping the baby in the sling will allow you to feed your baby in public without being exposed.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have a friend or family member who has used slings, ask for her opinion on the type of sling she used.
- Double-check the fit of your sling to ensure your baby's safety.
