Wearing your baby in a sling allows you to keep him close to your body while your hands remain free. This is especially beneficial when you have other children to care for and chores to do around the house. Babies can nurse discreetly while in the sling, making a sling an excellent option for breastfeeding in public. Kellymom.com states that babies who are kept close to their parents may be happier and more alert overall. Slings and baby carriers come in several types. Try as many kinds as you can to see which fits you and your baby the best.
Ring Slings
Ring slings consist of a large swath of fabric with two metal rings sewn on. The fabric drapes around your body and weaves in and out of the rings to create a pouch that your baby sits or lies down in. Ring slings are fully adjustable to the size of a wearer as well as to the size and positioning of your baby. This makes them easy to use from the newborn period well into toddlerhood. Your baby can nurse in the reclining or sitting position, and the extra fabric provides a convenient and discreet cover. Ring slings come in padded and nonpadded versions. One drawback to a ring sling is that, as the child grows heavier, the weight is not evenly distributed across your body; rather, the weight is centered on one shoulder.
Pouches
Pouch slings are usually not adjustable. They consist of a ring of stretchy fabric that fits fairly snug over you and your baby. Depending on the size of your baby, she can ride in a lying-down or sitting-up position. Pouches are comfortable, very easy to put on and take off, and they can also be used for discreet breastfeeding. These carriers will hold your baby very close and high on your body, helping to eliminate back pain. Some pouches are adjustable with Velcro or snaps and can be used by more than one wearer and as your baby gets bigger. Nonadjustable pouches may fit only one caregiver or may not fit once the baby grows into toddlerhood.
Wraps
Wraps are the most versatile type of baby sling. They consist of a long piece of fabric tied and wrapped around you and your baby's body. Wraps can be used in many different positions. Your baby can sit up in front, behind or to the side of you, or he can face in or out, or lie down. Because the wrap is meant to have extra fabric for tying at the end, there is usually plenty of "tail" left over for draping over your baby so you can nurse privately. The wrap can evenly distribute your baby's weight over your shoulders and back, making them easy to use with toddlers and preschoolers as well as with babies.
