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Baby Carriers and Slings
Why use one
Most can be used from when your baby is newborn and for many mums this
is when they are most useful – especially if you have a very clingy baby
who just wants to be near you all the time and will not settle easily
when laid down to sleep. For mums with baby’s like this a carrier becomes
essential for sanity’s sake and to make it possible to do things hands
free while still giving the baby the closeness it needs.
Carriers are also useful if your lifestyle means you like to get out
and about without the bother or a pram or pushchair. They make going for
walks over rough terrain or even around the shops a lot simpler but do,
of course require you to carry you baby at all times which can be a problem
as their weight increases.
What to look for
Style
There are many styles of carrier and your choice will largely be a matter
of personal preference. Some allow a variety of positions on your body
and a variety of outlooks for the baby but the most important thing to
look for is comfort – for you and for the baby. The way the weight is
spread across your back and/or the amount of padding on the weight bearing
straps can make a significant difference. Most carriers are adjustable
- some more than others – to help you ensure a good fit and the most comfortable
tend to be those which hold your baby right onto your body so it feels
like an extension of your body – rather than a weight hanging off you!
Type
A very heavy baby will put a strain on your back if you wear a carrier
a lot and once this starts to be a problem it is best to carry the baby
on your back. Some front carriers have multi-positions and will let you
carry the baby on your hip or back – which will extend its useful life
and add value.
If you are breastfeeding
If you are breast feeding it is worth considering how you can feed with
the carrier on – some offer very discreet easy feeding, others do not
cater for feeding at all – you take the carrier completely off before
feeding which can be a disadvantage in some circumstances.
Our consumer Editor says
Remember dads when looking for a baby carrier or sling. It’s a great
way for Dad to feel close to his baby so make sure that it suits you both
in terms of comfort and in look – men can be surprisingly fussy about
the styles they will wear! Also remember that a man’s torso is differently
shaped than a woman’s so it may be that the same carrier does not best
suit you both. Broader shoulders can cope with weight bearing straps where
smaller frames often suit a more strapped on style.
Thanks to our testers
Gail Parker
Susan Chan
Sarah Curnow
Sophie Dekker
Christine McRitchie
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Competition ends 29th Feb 2012
