Sling or carrier?

Question

I know I'm going to need one or the other as I have a small toddler too and will need my hands free.
I have heard bad things about front carriers, that they put pressure on the base of babies spine which is not good for them. Is this true?
The two I was looking at are the Baby Bjorn front carrier and the Baba sling.
Any suggestions?

Answer 1

i used a front carrier with my second as there is only 14 months between them and this never caused her any problems
hope this helps and good luck

Answer 2

After carrying a baby inside me I found that tossing just one extra ounce on my "front" was too much. My recommendation is to toss the baby on back. I found a great backpack style carrier and I highly reccomend it to anyone with a little one. I was able to put my daughter in it at just 5 months old. She loved it because she could look around. I love it because it was easy to carry and there was no strain. When I use the backpack carrier now, I put my youngest in it and I am free to follow my 2 year old. By moving the weight to the back you will notice a huge difference. Another added bonus is that the backpack carrier can be used for a much longer time. I think that you can use them until you child is 2. As apposed to a front carrier that would burn out your back by the time you child was only a year old. If you get a chance check our the KELTY backpack carriers. If you cannot afford a new one, a used one is a great deal. You will no doubt get it cheaper, and they are made so well you do not have to fear them giving out.

Answer 3

I had both, and I hated the sling. Too me the baby looked too uncomfortable and that put more pressure on my back then the front carrier. At least with the front carrier the weight is equal not just on a side as the sling, and it bothered my neck a lot having the sling on. Its a personal preference though, I suggest you try both and return the one you don't like.

Answer 4

I bought a sling when I first had my son, as I really liked the idea of them. I hated it though. I didn't find it comfortable to wear and I felt that he was really hemmed in. I then bought a baby bjorn front carrier and haven't looked back since. It's really comfortable and he loves it, particularly now that he's old enough to face outwards and see what's going on in the world !

Answer 5

For a newborn, a sling is best so that they are cradled as if in your arms. As they get older and are able to sit up on their own, the carrier is better. Just be sure not to carry them in there for long periods of time, because, as you said, it can put pressure on the spine. There are also these ones made of metal that are like backpacks. You may want to look at those as well.

Answer 6

Slings are great for newbies as it's so comfortable for them and you can breastfeed whilst getting on with things - just stick a shwl over your shoulder for modesty if you want. Carriers are good when they're older and wanting to investigate the world. Get a Kari-me sling and you can put the baby in any position without having to buy one thing then another - it even works for toddlers!

Answer 7

I have a little boy that will be 2 on Thursday and a 10 week old. I can't imagine life without my sling now. I find it much better than a front carrier. I have both, and I just find my sling much more convenient, and my baby likes it so much more!

Answer 8

"The ultimate baby wrap" from babies r us..it is awesome..i bought the "storchenweige"- a more expensive german version of it for $100 ..and I liked the cheaper one $30 just as much..it brings baby's legs up like if he were sitting on the floor or sitting on your hip so there is no pressure on his spine...it is great for babies who want to hide and snuggle up as well as babies who have to see everything. you can have baby facing in,out,nursing,back carry,hip carry..newborn up to 30lbs or so...if you like it you could even get a heavy duty one like storchenweige and carry your toddler on your back. The wrap style carriers don't put any pressure on your shoulders or back, all the weight is distibuted evenly, it is amazing..

And the more I learn the less i like slings where baby is curled in a fetal position because if you put your head forward like baby's would be in a sling it is hard to breath, this is also why babies should not sleep in their carseats

Answer 9

I tried both. used a sling until our little one could hold her head up. then tried a baby bjorn front carriel but didn't like it. It always seemed too tight on her chest so went back to the sling.

Answer 10

I suggest a Carrier I used this and it didn,t do my children any harm at all Baby Bjorn are very good they give the child all the support they need.its only if the child is sitting in a bad position that it will do harm .