A weight off your shoulders: Popular baby carriers face off
Sizing
Pouch sling: Some brands are sized to fit a single wearer, while others are fully adjustable.
Mei tai: One size fits all wearers (up to a men’s size XXL) and all babies.
Ring sling: These are sized to fit the wearer
Structured frame: One size fits most.
Carrying Positions
Pouch sling: Cradle hold, reverse cradle, tummy-to-tummy, front hip, back hip, and front-facing kangaroo-style. The first two are great for nursing.
Mei tai: Tummy-to-tummy (great for nursing) or piggyback style.
Ring sling: Same as the pouch sling, with the same nursing convenience.
Structured frame: Backpack carry only.
Weight Distribution
Pouch sling: Evenly distributed across your back between shoulder and opposite hip.
Mei tai: Evenly distributed evenly across hips.
Ring sling: Evenly distributed across your back between shoulder and opposite hip.
Structured frame: Evenly distributed across hips with supplementary support from shoulders.
Cost
Pouch sling: $58-$84 CDN at Birth Source
Mei tai: $99-$104 CDN at Birth Source.
Ring sling: $79.99-$120 CDN at Birth Source.
Structured frame: Birth Source Inc. doesn’t carry structured frames, but you can expect to pay around $200 CDN.
Life expectancy
Pouch sling: Newborn to 35 pounds, but is most popular in infancy.
Mei tai: Newborn to 40 pounds, or as long as you’re both comfortable.
Ring sling: Newborn to 35 pounds.
Structured frame: 3 months to 45 pounds.
Other Factors to Consider
Pouch sling: If you plan to share the pouch sling with another wearer, make sure you choose an adjustable one. (See below for options available at Birth Source.)
Mei tai: You’ll be scaling a learning curve in the early days with your mei tei. You may want to enlist a partner or friend to “spot” you while getting your baby situated the first few times. Soon enough, you’ll be a pro.
Ring sling: Padded shoulders (available in some models) are a comfort saver, but they add a bit of extra bulk. Also examine the length of the sling’s tail, which, if long enough, can double as a convenient and lightweight nursing cover. Finally, some models offer a small pocket in the tail that may come in handy if you like to travel (really) light.
Structure frame: These carriers are heavier than the other options, but they are still very convenient for families who want to bring their babies camping, on hikes, and into the wilderness. Note that the weight maximum of approximately 45 pounds includes the frame itself, the baby, and any other items you bring. This carrier does not work for nursing.
Your Birth Source Options
Pouch sling: We carry two terrific brands of pouch sling: the practical, simple, and sized-to-fit Mama Kangaroo from Quebec; and the trendy, reversible, and adjustable Rockin’ Baby Sling from Los Angeles. Both companies were founded by moms, and all pouches are made locally.
Mei tai: Our Baby Hawk mei tais are fantastic and popular carriers. Designed and made by moms in Oceanside, California, these carriers are as stylish as they are safe and comfortable. Just wait until you see the fabric selections! These mei tais are so compact that you’ll find yourself reaching for them instead of the stroller time and time again!
Ring sling: We love the Buffalo Bean ring slings, brought in just recently from a mompreneur in Saskatchewan. These slings are lightweight, the fabrics are beautiful, and the story behind the business is heartwarming. (Check it out here.)
Structured frame: Birth Source Inc. doesn’t carry structured frames, but we’ve heard great things about how they’ve opened new worlds for parents who love the outdoors.
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Coming in the November issue of The Source: wraps vs.ergonomic models.
