Baby slings

Lara Green from Babyworld.co.uk has been testing out baby slings with a panel of parents. We asked her what points parents should consider when looking to purchase this product.

What age can we start using baby slings?

They should allow you to carry your child from birth. Babies love to feel close.

What are the benefits of using baby slings?

They're a lightweight option for carrying your baby around, they're very portable, they're a good alternative to buggies and prams, easy if you're out and about or in the city. The nicest thing is you've got your baby very close to you. Some of the modern carriers allow you to carry your child in different positions so you can breastfeed on the go so they're very flexible.

What should we look for in a baby sling?

There are lots of different things to consider. Look for one which offers different carrying positions, a harness which is easy to adjust is great, also something that offers support for your babies head and neck and also comfort for you is important, so look for things like padded shoulder straps.

Do parents still need to buy a pram?

A lot of parents do like to have that sense of closeness and I know a lot of parents who relied solely on their sling for the first few months.

Have slings become more popular than the traditional carriers?

I think they're becoming more popular and there are a lot more sling products coming over to the UK. They do seem to be very, very popular with Mums. It is an idea to look for one that you can throw in the washing machine.

How much are slings and carriers?

It depends, but around £25 - 30 they start from and they go up to £40 - 45. A good investment I think for 0 - 6 months.