Sunderland Sling Library

Stretchy wraps mainly use the Front Pocket Cross Carry.  They are able to be pre-tied (put it on before you go shopping etc), and you can pop baby in and out around 3-4 times before they need re-tying.  Stretchy wraps are not recommended for back carries, despite what the sellers might say.  They are often not as wide as woven wraps, and not supportive enough once babies are past the 6-10 month age and able to push away from you. 

Pros: Immensely comfortable, great for bad backs, worn pre-tied, can be used easily from newborn.

Cons: Can be hot.

Wraps may be the hardest to master, but they are worth it. Don't be intimidated by those metres of fabric!  Practice in front of a mirror with a doll beforehand if you like, Once you learn your first 'carry', you're set!

With wraps it is important to keep the fabric straight (not twisted) and to spread each part out as much as possible around you and baby.  When they are past the 'newborn/legs tucked in' stage, babies' legs should be spread to straddle you, knees up and bottom down.  This is incredibly important for their comfort and development. When you hire a woven wrap you will be shown a basic carry, there are lots of variations though: Front Cross Carry, Hip, Back Wrap Cross Carry, Ruck Carry, Secured High Back Carry and many more. There are 100's of youtube clips if you wanted to check them out and you can book private sessions at the library to learn more or come along to a Slingmeet.

Pros: Immensely comfortable, great for bad backs, most versatile of baby carriers, can be used from newborn to older child.

Cons: Big learning curve, can be hot, difficult to get baby out in a hurry.

Same as woven wraps but usually only come in medium (4.6m/size 6) or Large (5.2m/size 7)
Wraps may be the hardest to master, but they are worth it. Don't be intimidated by those metres of fabric!  Practice in front of a mirror with a doll beforehand if you like, Once you learn your first 'carry', you're set!

With wraps it is important to keep the fabric straight (not twisted) and to spread each part out as much as possible around you and baby.  When they are past the 'newborn/legs tucked in' stage, babies' legs should be spread to straddle you, knees up and bottom down.  This is incredibly important for their comfort and development. When you hire a woven wrap you will be shown a basic carry, there are lots of variations though: Front Cross Carry, Hip, Back Wrap Cross Carry, Ruck Carry, Secured High Back Carry and many more. There are 100's of youtube clips if you wanted to check them out and you can book private sessions at the library to learn more or come along to a Slingmeet.

Instructions: Make sure the fabric is threaded through straight, no twisting.  The sling should rest on one shoulder, leaving your 'dominant' hand free.  The rings need to be 'too high' to begin with, then as you pull the tail to adjust and tighten the sling, the rings will come down to about 'corsage' level.  The fabric should be away from your neck, close to the edge of your shoulder or even slightly capping it if the shoulder design allows. Baby should be worn snug and high, their position mimicking how you would carry them without a carrier.  Knees up, bottom down.  Each rail (edge) can be tightened individually, the bottom one to lift baby up, and the top rail to bring baby closer to you. The baby can be positioned on your hip or front.

Pros:  Adjustable, low learning curve,  versatile, the tail is good to cover up in the sun or to breastfeed.

Cons: One shoulder may tire after a while with a heavy child.

Although pouches are a great first carrier because of their simplicity, there is a 'knack' to fitting them to mum and baby. A pouch should match the parent's approximate centimetre measurement from shoulder to hip bone. Any bigger and baby will swing around like a handbag. Any smaller and well.... squish! 

A well fitting pouch sling will keep baby high and snug, close to your centre of gravity.  Baby's bottom should always rest on the curved seam, no matter what position they are in. 

Pros: Simple, quick, easy, great 'starter' carrier, folds down small.

Cons: Need exact measurement, only one person can use the pouch, one shoulder may tire after a while carrying heavy baby.

Baby can be worn on the front from around 12 weeks, some sooner if they have an insert. The legs poke out the sides to straddle you, knees up bottom down. Make sure your waistband is secure and you support your baby with one hand while you fasten the buckles into place.

SSC's are also great for back carries. You may choose to hip-scoot baby around, or toss them on your back with the waistband pre-fastened and fold the back panel up. Whatever you choose, make sure you practice and do it safely. Back carries enable you to wear heavier babies and toddlers with ease. Soft structured carriers are worn in a similar way but have their own individual instructions you should follow.

Pros: Comfortable for heavy babies and long wearing. Easy to learn and most are quick for getting baby in and out.

Cons: Some are bulky with the padded straps and waistbands.

Baby can be worn on the front with legs tucked under until around 10-12 weeks, then the legs poke out the sides to straddle you, knees up bottom down. For newborns it is crucial that you tie the Mei-tai straps at their lower back to support the weight of their spine. Once they are holding their own head up and their spine has matured enough, you may tie the straps under baby's bottom.

There are a variety of ways to carry and tie ABC, depending on your needs.  ABC's tend to be more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than a one-shouldered carrier.  The wide (mostly a little padded) straps spread the weight nicely over both shoulders/ back/ hips of the parent. The straps may be straight or on an angle, the panel may be short for babies or quite large/ long for toddlers:  it is up to personal preference which design you choose.  

ABC's are great for back carries. You may choose to hip-scoot baby around, or toss them on wrapped in the carrier. Whatever you choose, make sure you practice and do it safely.  Back carries enable you to wear heavier babies and toddlers with ease.  Soft structured carriers are worn in a similar way but have their own individual instructions you should follow.

Pros: Versatile, comfortable for heavy babies and long wearing.

Cons:  Bit of a learning curve, have to re-tie each time you wear baby.