Mothers of Newborns!!! Do you prefer the sling style carrier or the front "backpack" style one?

Question

I always feel like their little legs look like sausages when in the backpack style carriers that you strap on to your front? But I wonder how practical the sling style is, and do babies like it?

I need to purchase one for myself, and this is my first baby.

I would love your help! Thank you!

Answer 1

My boys are both sling babies. I didn't like the front backpack carriers mostly because I found they outgrew them so quickly (backpain and discomfort within a few minutes). Contrary to what a lot of people think, you can use slings until your child no longer wishes to be carried. I can still carry my almost 4 year old in many of the carriers I own (pouches, ring slings, mei tais, wraps, and soft structured carriers) comfortably and for long distances (LOL, not to say that I DO, but I COULD). My one year old is still being carried in the first carrier I bought for him (a didymos wrap). There are tons of different styles out there, tons of different fabrics (from cotton to silk), but if you want a quick and easy suggestion, for a newborn, I'd consider either a Moby wrap or a Peanut Shell pouch. www.mobywrap.com, www.goo-ga.com. Lots of people also like their Maya Wrap slings. You can also do more research at www.thebabywearer.com (vendor and product reviews, as well as a message forum-- all free after the initial registration process).
I think either way, you'll be happy, but if you want something that will last longer and provide more comfort to you both, look into a two shouldered traditional carrier (a mei tai or wrap).
ETA: I wouldn't buy a wrap or sling you can find at Babies R Us or Target, they just aren't as comfortable and easy to use as the ones I listed. And both my children are able to see anything and everything. :)

Answer 2

We initially used a sling carrier until our baby was about 8 weeks old. After that, he didn't like the confinement of the sling and not being able to see out.

We've been using a convertible front-pack/backpack (Snuggli brand) since he was 8 weeks and he really likes that (he's almost 5 months old now). We put him in the head supported inward facing position until he could hold his head up by himself (at about 3 months) now we use the front-pack in the baby facing out position and he loves it.

So... I think you will get more use out of a front-pack/backpack model, but you may want the sling for the early weeks when the baby likes a more secure/swaddled feeling.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I loved my sling! Didn't like the front carrier. The sling is very versatile and can be used (in different positions) up to toddler age. My little girl loved it from the beginning. You can nurse in it, too, and it's a very discreet way to nurse. I've nursed my daughter in the sling while hiking. My daughter didn't like the front pack. Also it's bad for their legs in the out-facing position because it hangs the weight of their spine on their pelvis. And you can't use it as long. I vote for the sling, hands down. I have this style: http://www.mayawrap.com.

Answer 4

Well I bought the sling and my son loved it so much. They are not just for newborns, you just have to make sure you buy a big enough one to use as they get older. My son loves looking at people and the places that we go,so we though he would love the backpack thing, we were wrong, he absolutely hated it. He would scream after 5-10 minutes because he was so uncomfortable. My suggestion is, if you can afford it, buy both and then you can experiment and see what works best for the both of you.

Answer 5

I don't personally have a baby, but have many god children that I helped take care of as newborns. I prefered the front carrying sling styles and so did their moms. You can see what is going on and your baby won't be so exposed and usually if a newborn can't see you at all they will start crying and throwing a fit so you have to take them out from the back pack anyway. The front carriers are also more convenient while trying to feed them or attend to them. Also if you are out in public I would rather have my baby at my chest than on my back where some weirdo can just walk up and touch him/her.

Answer 6

I have a front carrier and my son loves it. When he's wide awake then I'll put him facing out so he can look around but if he's sleepy he can face me and take a nap. I think if he was uncomfortable then he would fuss but he'll stay in there a really long time. I used one with my daughter with the same results. I've never tried the sling though. They look comfortable for the baby but I don't think that my son would like not being able to look around.

Answer 7

Buy the Bjorn Infant Carrier, it is by far the best! Sling are great for new newborns, but as soon as they get even a month old, they really want to starting looking around! The Bjorn carrier is great because for newborns you can have the "neck support part up" and face them in to you and when they get 4-5 months you can face them out and button the neck support part down. Check it out - I had two at one point, they were so great!

Answer 8

I *LOVED* slinging my babies. It makes life so much easier and they are so happy in the sling.

A sling is more versitile than a backpack/frontpack carrier. You can carry baby in about 5 different positions with a sling. (cradle hold, snuggle hold facing in, kangaroo hold facing out, hip carry and back carry) You can also use a sling until they are 30-40 lbs, depending on what sling it is. If you learn how to use it properly, it makes carrying them easier and is not hard on your back. (One important thing is to smooth the fabric out over your shoulder well.)

Answer 9

I prefer slings for younger babies as they like to be cradled and it just seems so much more comfortable for them. Older babies prefer to sit up and be able to see everything going on, so the front/back carriers work best.

Answer 10

i have had both..the sling is great for when they are newborn,they are small enough to fit in it but when they start growing the sling doesnt...but with the the other they do grow with your baby from newborn to infant and for the most part are great...you just dont want to bend over.my choice would be the front style carrier.