Wearing your baby in a baby sling or carrier is a comfortable, practical way of keeping your baby close beside you at all times, while leaving your hands free to attend to the daily activities. When your baby is newborn he will benefit greatly from continuous close contact with mum or dad in the baby pouch. Keeping your child in a baby sling is ideal for ensuring a comforting quick response when he needs attention.

Baby slings and carriers have been used for centuries as a convenient and pleasurable way to carry baby around, while enabling the carrier to keep a watchful eye on him all the time. Baby carriers also maintain that essential closeness of contact between parent and baby, putting both at ease, and enabling the parent to respond directly to any baby needs.

In some cases breastfeeding can be carried out on the go while baby continues to lie cradled next to the mother's chest in the baby pouch. Some baby carriers enable breastfeeding of baby while others do not make this possible and the carrier has to be taken off before you can breastfeed. When choosing your baby carrier think of your priorities and make sure the new baby sling enables you to carry them out.

Benefits of baby slings, carriers & pouches

Baby slings and carriers are particularly useful if your lifestyle means you like to get out and about. With baby held closely against your chest or back, you can give him the intimacy of contact he needs with the advantage that your hands are free, and there is no buggy or pram to push around in front of you. Baby carriers make walking round the shops a much easier task, and if you like to cross over rough terrains or stray off the easy path, then you will have no difficulty with baby strapped securely onto your body in a sling, for the first few months at least. Slings and carriers are very convenient methods of carrying baby around.

Choosing a baby carrier to fit your lifestyle

Baby carriers are undoubtedly a wonderful invention, and there are many varieties on offer in the market today. Each baby sling or carrier will have advantages and disadvantages. Look for baby carriers that are machine washable or easy to wipe down, comfortable to wear; and are versatile. For example, some baby carriers have thickly padded straps, other can be worn on the back, front and side of the body. There are many variations, but here are some important considerations to look out for when purchasing a baby carrier or sling:

• Does the baby carrier correctly support the child's neck and back? When the baby is newborn he can't support the weight of his own head, so if you want to transport the baby in a sling straight away, it is essential that his neck and head will be adequately bolstered.
  
• How many positions does the baby sling allow? For example, can the baby be worn on the front, back and side, and can he be carried both vertically and horizontally, or is only one position available? You want your baby to be an extension of your own weight rather than a heavy lump dangling off you!
  
• Can the baby be put into all carrying positions by the wearer? If you're setting out on your own, how easy will it be for you to strap on the baby carrier yourself? Will you need the help of another person to manoeuvre baby and baby carrier into position?
  
• How long will the baby carrier last? In other words, will the baby pouch be convenient and useful for toddlerhood as well as when he is newborn? If you want to carry on using the carrier or sling once baby is a few months old, then plan ahead for a carrier that will carry a heavier child.
  
• Is the baby sling suitable for the father too? Don't forget dad when choosing the right baby carrier. A baby sling is an ideal way for father and baby to bond, feel more together, and for him to take responsibility for the baby on his own. If you would like dad to get more involved and share the delights of carrying the baby, consult him on the style, shape and colour of the baby sling. Men can be particular about what they wear too!
  

At The Baby Shows you can browse the stalls, try out different products and ask the experts about any queries you might have about baby carriers and slings. So if you want to know about safety, comfort, durability, ease of use, weight, washing or anything else to do with baby slings, come along to one of the shows.