Sling vs. Carrier?

Question

My husband wants to buy something for him to carry our baby in when it is born, but he's worried that the carriers will be hard on the baby's legs. I thought maybe a sling would be better, but I think that they can probably only be used when the baby is fairly small. Does anyone have any opinions on which is better. Thanx for your input!

Answer 1

Depending on the sling, they can be used up to about 20-30 lbs!
A sling is much more versitile than a carrier.
You can nurse discretely in a sling.
There are many different carries you can use in a sling. (kangaroo facing in, sitting indian style facing out, hip carry, cradle hold, back carry, etc.)
I slung all my kids for about 2 to 2.5 years.
If you are using it properly, a sling should not hurt your back. It should actually distribute the weight better across your back so it should be easier than just carrying the child. Make sure the fabric lays smoothly acrossed your shoulder and back.

Answer 2

I've heard that some carriers like the snugly put too much pressure on the babys lower spine. If you wear a sling correctly it doesn't hurt you or the baby. I am currently using a mei hip carrier for a 23 pounder. He loves being up so he can see everyones faces instead of their knees like a stroller. The site I listed below has product reviews.

Answer 3

Baby Bjorn is the way to go, 4 way support so it's easy on the baby; newborns face inward and have a little head support, after about 4 or 5 months when they can hold their heads up, they face outward and see the world. I was very sad when my twins grew out of the carrier; they loved it too. Also my wife never found the sling comfortable.

Answer 4

The carrier will not do anything to hurt the baby. They make carriers that start at 7 or 8 pounds until 26 pounds. They also have have hip carriers for when the baby gets bigger.

Answer 5

Okay....slings are useful for about the first 4 weeks...the baby will be heavier, it will strain you back and shoulder, and the baby will outgrow it within 3 months. A carrier has a little more lasting possibility....yes it will strain your body also as the baby gets bigger, but there are many adjustable carriers the will fit the baby's size......ps....they do not hurt the baby's legs!

Answer 6

I have a sling, it holds baby's up to 35 lbs. safely. I use it all the time, you can hold the kid in all different positions and they can look out and see the world. It's incredibly comfortable when worn correctly and my kids love it! I use a maya wrap, unpadded. It takes a little practice but once you get it it's so easy, much more versatlie and longer lasting than a baby bjorn, plus you can breastfeed hands free and have a nice cover when breastfeeding in public.

They are VERY safe when worn properly, it feels secure as well. http://mayawrap.com or http://peppermint.com (this one has a list of all different types of slings).

Answer 7

I always got on better with a carrier when mine was little, I never liked a sling. When he was bigger, a rucksack type thing meant he could see where he was going.

Answer 8

I don't think slings look very comfortable or safe for that matter. It's like putting your child in a bag and hanging them around your neck/shoulder. I think your child would be happier in a carrier where they could be sitting up and looking around. Slings don't look safe to me. I've seen older infants in them and it's almost as if they could lean just a little more to the side and flip out of it and onto the floor. I'd go with the carrier if I were you :-)

Answer 9

i know its not one of your choices but try out the wrap its a long piece of fabric that you wrap around you acertain way and it works for everything from newborn breast feeding to a 2year old and you can make it your self for lil to no cost