Baby Carriers Guide

Beginner's guide to buying a sling or backpack carrier
You see them every day - the new dads strolling down the street, bursting with pride as they parade their bundle all snuggled up against their chest in a sling. You'll also have clocked the happy toddlers perched on dad's back, happily pulling dad's hair out and surveying the world from six feet up. But is the reality quite so idyllic?

In theory slings and backpack carriers are a great idea for getting around with your child. Most small babies react well to them and enjoy the feeling of comfort and security that comes with being warm and close to your body. Many drop off to sleep instantly, leaving you 'hands free' to get on with shopping/ hoovering/ whatever seems most pressing. As they grow, babies also enjoy being carried face outwards and getting an adult-level view of the world as opposed to endless views of the sky or exhaust pipes they normally get in their pushchairs.

The backpack carrier is a natural progression for many sling wearers and particularly suits those who enjoy the outdoors. Walking or even going to the beach is a lot easier without a pushchair and again, most toddlers enjoy the chance to have a parent-sized view.

Both are also potential alternatives to the double buggy if you have an older child, perhaps even to use as a stop gap until the older child is ready for a buggy board, or the baby ready to go into the lightweight buggy, or simply to leave you 'hands free' to cope with a tricky toddler.

So far so good. But although most carriers nowadays have various levels of adjustability, padded straps and support for the baby and you, some designs are more successful than others, so it's definitely worth checking the scores and nutshells carefully to see which design will suit you best.

Things to look out for...

Comfort for you
This is probably the most concern. If it hurts your back, no matter how much your baby loves her sling, you aren't going to use. For both slings and backpacks look out for wide, well-padded shoulder and back straps which distribute weight evenly and do not dig. Lumbar support is very important for backpack carriers - by the time a child's old enough to sit in a backpack carrier you will need the weight mostly around the hips rather than the shoulders - although straps there should be padded too. The ability to adjust the sling or carrier to accommodate your size and shape is also vital.

Comfort for the baby
A sling should give good support to the baby's head, neck and back and should ideally be adjustable so support is maintained as she grows. Leg holes should be well padded, so they don't cut off the circulation. It's perfectly normal parenting paranoia to think at some stage that the baby in the sling has stopped breathing - they can look incredibly still and peaceful - but it also perfect sensible to check that the baby isn't held too tightly against your chest. Yes babes like to be snug and secure, but no-one likes to be completely squashed. For backpack carriers the child should have good back and neck support and also have adequate arm and leg room. Ideally the height of the seat should be adjustable so they can be held in the right position for them and you.

Ease of use
It looks so easy in the shop, but once home there invariably seem to be more straps than armholes. Mostly it's just a case of getting used a design, so don't be too put off by fiddly fastenings and numerous straps. Do consider, though, whether you can get the thing on and off without assistance, if you intend to use it regularly. Also, how easy is it to get the baby in and out whilst wearing it, for swift nappy changes etc while on the move?

Adjustability
As well as the ability to adjust the sling or carrier to the wearer's shape and size, it's important to be able to adapt it to suit the baby. Most slings allow the baby to face inwards or forwards. Newborns should always face in but, once the baby can support her head, the ability to turn her round to face outwards is very useful. Some slings convert into back carriers, which prolongs their useful life, so long as they remain comfortable. Other slings adapt to allow discreet breastfeeding, which may or may not be important to you. The sling will need to accommodate a growing baby - so check that the arm and leg holes have room for expansion and that the straps will lengthen to allow for growth.

With backpack carriers there are various levels of adjustability from the child's seat and harness height to the length of the entire backpack frame - both or neither may be important to you. Some carriers have an extendable leg that acts as a stand when the carrier comes off your back, allowing for easier loading and unloading - particularly if you're on your own. Well that's the theory. The reality may depend on the cooperation or otherwise of the child. NB It is not recommended to leave any child unsupported for any length of time in a free standing backpack carrier.

The little extras
Detachable dribble bibs, soother holders, zip pockets, denim or tartan trim - only you know what matters to you - but take it from someone who's used these things - none of it will matter if the sling/ carrier isn't comfy to wear, so it's not worth sacrificing a good solid design for looks/ trimmings. On the other hand weatherproofing - against rain or sun - particularly for backpack carriers is important. You can rely on waterproofs and sun hats, but it's at least worth considering where you'll be using the device and therefore what you'll need to combat the elements. Also zip pockets to hold nappies/snacks and side pockets to hold juice are more crucial on backpack carriers where you're likely to be out and about for longer and won't want to be carrying additional bags.

What the mumsnet members said - a sprinkling of the more pertinent comments about choosing a sling/ backpack carrier from some of our members:

"Everyone told me that babies like to be in a sling to be cuddled up close to mum's heartbeat. So I bought one and my baby hated it! I would advise anyone to borrow a sling to try with your baby before purchasing as babies are all different!"

"What every new mum should have - an easy way of a carrying baby round and a fantastic way of getting them off to sleep. Spent many a day doing washing up/ hoovering with baby strapped to chest to stop him screaming!"

"I was given an alternative sling and it was so uncomfortable I was going to give up on slings. Then a friend recommended the BabyBjorn and the difference was incredible, so it's worth trying a few."

"If, like me, you're constantly worried that you're suffocating your newborn by strapping them to your chest, try putting their hands under their chin - just gives them that extra bit of space to breathe."

"Think carefully before investing wads of cash on a backpack carrier. We spent a fortune in the hope that we'd suddenly become the sort of family who would start fell walking - I think it's been used about three times. If you're genuinely outdoorsy, go for it but having a toddler is probably not a great time to take up hiking for the first time!"

"Our son absolutely loves being in his backpack and it's great for crowded cities as well as open countryside and beaches, not least because the view's so much more interesting than at puschair height, plus he doesn't feel so crushed. It's also been a great bonding thing for him and his dad."

"Spend a bit more on a quality sling that's comfortable to wear. I bought two cheap ones before I realised that this is not a baby item to economise on."

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