A sling or baby carrier – this is how you make the right choice for you and your baby
Comparison between baby carrier and baby sling - what are the advantages and disadvantages?
In this article, you'll find some helpful tips when it comes to deciding whether a traditional baby carrier (e.g., a half-buckle baby carrier) or a wrap is better for you. Ultimately, it's a very personal decision, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to which carrying solution is better.
Have you decided to use babywearing and are now wondering which carrier is best for you and your baby? With so many babywearing options on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging. What are the differences? What are the advantages of each? To guide and support you in your decision, we'll provide you with an overview of both baby slings and baby carriers. Let's go.
The agony of choice – which baby carrier is right for me?
First of all: When choosing the right carrier, the most important thing is that you and your baby feel completely comfortable. Therefore, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to which carrier is right for you; it's a very personal decision. Before you buy, you can ask yourself the following questions:
We have summarized the answers for you.
The sling:
Tying and applying the cloth
A baby sling is a piece of cloth approximately 3-5 meters long that can be tied and knotted in a variety of ways to carry your baby against your body. Depending on the child's age and your preferences, several techniques can be used. If you'd like to learn more about the different ways to tie a baby sling, we've put together an overview for you here. A baby sling can be completely customized to your body and that of your baby.
Of course, tying the wrap takes some time and practice when you first start carrying your baby. The saying goes: practice makes perfect. A little patience is required at the beginning to learn the techniques and your own comfort level. Once you get the hang of it, however, tying it is very quick and easy, taking just a few minutes, and putting it on is usually not much more time-consuming than with a baby carrier. A ring sling is usually even easier than a regular wrap, as two supporting rings allow the wrap to be tied on quickly – ideal for when you're on the go and need to move quickly.
Positions
A sling gives you a lot of flexibility, as you can tie it in different ways and vary your baby's carrying position using different tying techniques, depending on your physical condition or planned daily activity. This gives you a lot of flexibility in everyday life. You can also try out different tying methods first and see what works best for your body and your baby. If one tying method doesn't work well, you have the flexibility to try a different technique.
By the way: When it comes to baby slings, the right length is crucial – the length must be chosen depending on who is carrying the baby, whether multiple parents are carrying the baby, and which tying methods are to be possible. You can find more information on finding the right baby sling length here .
Old
Baby slings are ideal for newborns and premature babies. Ring slings can also be used from birth, provided your baby's head is well supported and the spread-squat position is maintained. Otherwise, we recommend using a ring sling from around 5 months of age, when your baby can support its own head. There is usually no set limit on how long babies can be carried in slings. The rule here is: as long as you feel comfortable and it is appropriate for your body.
is comfortable. Depending on the child's weight and size, the wipes can generally be used up to toddler age.
Everyday
The sling is an ideal everyday companion! You can easily fold it small
Fold it up and easily hide it in your closet when you don't need it, or slip it into your bag and take it with you on your next trip or errand. This way, you can access it anytime, even when you're on the go. Because the cloth is made from a single large piece of fabric, it's incredibly versatile and can be reused for other purposes even after you've worn it.
The baby carrier
Putting on the baby carrier
Unlike slings, baby carriers don't require a complete re-tying process. Instead, they're already partially pre-shaped and come with pre-sewn straps and buckles. Here, too, there are many different types of carriers, allowing more or less flexibility when putting on the baby.
For example, a distinction is made between a full-buckle and a half-buckle carrier.
The name already reveals a crucial difference. A full-buckle carrier is similar to the principle of a backpack: It features a hip belt with adjustable buckles and shoulder straps with adjustable buckles. Your baby is placed in the carrier, and the length of the straps and belts is adjusted accordingly. Putting it on is particularly quick.
Disadvantage: Buckles can sometimes press into the body when weight is applied.
Our Mama Nuka carrier is a half-buckle carrier. This version has only one buckle on the hip belt. The two fabric straps, however, are simply placed over the shoulder and tied in front of the body above the hip belt. It's essentially a combination of a baby carrier and a sling. This gives you the advantage of a stable hold on your hips, while the straps allow you to optimally adjust the baby's position to your body.
Compared to a baby sling, one advantage of a baby carrier is that it's usually easier to put on without having to learn different tying techniques beforehand. The pre-sewn shape also makes placing the baby in the carrier intuitive. Learn more about the new Mama Nuka baby carrier here .
The baby carrier is also ideal for multiple parents, as the hip belt can be adjusted and the straps can be tied longer or shorter. You can also easily tighten or loosen the strap around your hips while carrying your baby. It's best to try out the carrier beforehand, especially if your body size is significantly different.
Positions
The baby carrier can be worn in front of the baby, on the back as the baby grows older, or even on the hip with the Mama Nuka Half Buckle Carrier. It's also important to maintain the spread-squat position. This offers fewer options than a sling, but it's very easy to put on.
Age and weight
Not all manufacturers offer baby carriers that are suitable from birth. Some require a newborn insert in addition to the carrier to ensure the baby sits correctly. This is important to consider when purchasing. However, when designing our Mama Nuka Half Buckle carrier, we specifically paid attention to the fact that you can use it from birth. Carriers can also usually distribute weight very well and are also suitable for older and heavier babies and toddlers. Another option is to start with a sling and then later switch to a baby carrier or use it as a second carrying option.
Takeaway
With a full-buckle carrier, you can expect a backpack-like storage space when not in use, meaning it takes up a bit more space than a sling. A Mama Nuka half-buckle carrier is easier to roll up thanks to the fabric straps, but the hip belt with buckle also takes up more space than a sling.
Summary: Which is better for you? A sling or a baby carrier?
Carrying your baby is a wonderful experience and follows the natural human instinct for comfort and security. Both baby carriers allow you to carry your baby close to your body and strengthen the bond between you. Compared to using a stroller, all types of baby carriers are definitely more manageable—for example, you're not dependent on the road conditions or the number of floors you'll be moving, and you can move around in your daily life with two free hands.
Take enough time to find out which baby carrier is right for you. It's best to think about your lifestyle and what's important to you. You can use our overview here as a guide, and feel free to contact us if you have any further questions about our baby carriers. Before you buy a sling or baby carrier, we recommend that you try both out in practice. Perhaps you know someone in your family or circle of friends who already has a sling or baby carrier? The best way to start is to get a baby carrier consultation - here you'll learn different tying techniques in practice and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You can also book this online directly with Mama Nuka.
No matter what you choose, with both our Mama Nuka baby carrier and slings, you and your baby can expect completely natural designs made from beautiful, soft fabrics.
Are you wondering whether babywearing is right for you? Here are 10 good reasons why it's worth carrying your baby in general .