Which is better: sling or front carrier?

Question

I want to use it for my newborn, which is better?
Which is more comfortable for the baby?
Which is more comfortable for me?
Which one is better for using outside for longer periods of time?

Answer 1

Sling, in my opinion (not from experience, yet!) For a newborn, it gives a 'still in the womb' feeling and gives security. It is comfortable for baby, as they are not 'boxed in' by a harness or frame. Slings provide comfort for you too, the weight of the baby is dispersed throughout your upper body, not just your shoulders. If you decide to breastfeed, slings provide cover for you and your baby, and baby can nurse while Mom is doing other things. Using outside, I go back to my previous point of the weight being dispersed throughout the upper body, so you dont get tired as quickly.
I've bought one and plan to use it until the baby is too big for it (about 12months, if he's not a monster!).
Hope my advice works!

Answer 2

It's a matter of preference, really. I used a front carrier for my son, and I'm not sure what I'll use for the baby I have on the way. I want to try a sling, but I'm afraid the baby will be all scrunched up. Then again, a sling has to be better than where they were before they were born, right?

I know with a front carrier, my neck and shoulders got very tired and sore if I used it for an extended time (I used to clean house with him on because he always wanted to be held).

Answer 3

I had a sling, and I hardly used it. I had a really hard time figuring out a way to use it where we were both comfortable, and she got too big for it almost immediately. Newborns like to be held in the way a sling supports them, but they want to be up looking around once they get a little older. Of the two, I would suggest the front carrier. I carried my daughter that way constantly without the support of a carrier, and it wore me out.

Answer 4

We have used a variety of products for our now 9-month-old son. We sometimes use them in the house or a store, but usually outside (walking, hiking). We borrowed a sling, but it did not work particularly well for us. Some friends really like it, but it felt unnatural to us and the baby couldn't look out, which he really wanted to do once he was over 2 months old. We went with a front carrier, and recommend it for longer periods of time, inside or out. A belt around the waist helps a lot for good back support. Be careful, as some can be hard to put on by yourself due to buckles on the back. To be economical, you may want to look at carriers that can be used in front or in back. There is also a new one that can be front, back, or hip. If you go to the store, you may be able to try one on with your baby to test them out.

It can be hard, with a newborn, to look ahead and not just focus on now, but with this kind of purchase it can pay off. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

I have never really been able to use a sling or carrier. My torso is so short that it is easier to just carry the baby. When you have a sling or carrier you still have to keep one hand on the baby at all times anyway so I felt more comfortable holding them. You may want to borrow someones first and make sure that it is a good fit for you. :)

Answer 6

My son would get marks on his legs from the Bjorn carrier. I think his legs were either too big or just the way it him...not sure.

I like the sling because it didn't hurt my back or shoulders at all. I wouldn't even go near the Bjorn. I made my husband and he always complained of his back/shoulders hurting. Sometimes, he'd give in and let me use my sling.

SLING!!
They sleep so nice in the sling. My son loved it. He was also colicky and it calmed him. He really felt secure in the sling and it helped him adjust to our home and his new surroundings. I was so scared because he wouldn't sleep for me and cried a lot. Even my mom was aghast at how much crying he did and she had three (2 girls and a boy).

As soon as I started using the sling more his whole personality changed. He became the happiest baby around. He'd flash smiles at everyone. Even now people comment on it and I know it was the sling. I can't wait to use it again!

I bought mine from http://luckybaby.com you can search ebay or google it. There are so many. I didn't want to fool around with snap and straps and such. Just putting the sling on was so easy!

PS: The lucky baby slings can be worn up to 30 lbs. And, you can change the position of the baby once they like to look out and about. I took it on vacation with my son it was so nice! I'd let him sit in it and look out. Then, when nap time came I'd lay him in it. I could even have him lay in it and eat dinner at the same time :))

Answer 7

I used my front carrier a lot in the earlier days until the babys were around 4 or 5 months, they meant it was easier to get out and about on public transport and for me was the easiest one to use, baby is comfortable and until baby is of a heavier weight you are pretty comfortable carrying

Answer 8

I recommend the sling for a small infant..over 8 pounds a Baby Bjorn is a great product and very comfortable. But slings can be used too for a child sitting on your hip.

Answer 9

Both of them work equally well, the sling gives more of a cuddling effect vs. the front carrier where the little feet just dangle

Answer 10

Front carrier for babies safety its comfortable to until baby gains weight