Sling or carrier - what to choose?

Having a baby is a great way to create a closer bond between him and his parent, and at the same time a convenient solution for both parties. Which option - a scarf or a carrier - is suitable for every day? Review the advantages and disadvantages of each and choose the one that best suits you and your child's needs.

To help in situations that parents have to deal with on a daily basis, there are scarves and carriers - accessories that greatly increase the mobility of parents. Thanks to a thoughtful design, they do not weigh down the back of a person carrying a baby, and at the same time provide him with maximum comfort. Being close to mom or dad makes the baby much calmer. This closeness greatly increases the baby's sense of security and can significantly reduce the frequency of crying attacks.

Scarf or carrier - how do they differ from each other?

Both slings and carriers are very popular due to their practicality. Both allow you to transport toddlers in a safe position. In addition, their regular use promotes the development of a close bond between parent and child and increases his sense of security. In addition, a child in a sling or carrier can observe and explore the world together with mom or dad.

However, there are more differences between the two solutions than similarities. The most important ones are:

design

Unlike the carrier, which has a specific structure, the sling requires an appropriate tie. It is enough to put on and fasten the kangaroo backpack correctly, and you will have to tinker with the scarf a little more. Wrapping is not difficult, but requires proper preparation. Before using the scarf, parents must take a special course. Thanks to this, they can provide the child with maximum safety, as well as greatly facilitate the process of putting on a scarf.

Age limit

The scarf can be used from the first days of life. However, in the case of a baby carrier, you will have to wait a little longer. All because of the position that the child occupies in each of these accessories. In the case of a scarf, this may be a lying position, similar to the one that the baby took in the womb. When your little one is a little older, you can start tying the scarf so that he can sit in it.

For safe carrying in a carrier, the baby must independently hold the head, which occurs only in the third or fourth month of life (although this, of course, can happen earlier or later). Even when the child holds it on its own, but does not yet know how to sit up, it can be carried in a carrier for a short time - a maximum of an hour a day. Only when he begins to sit up on his own, i.e. at the age of about six months, can you begin to use a baby carrier regularly.

Backpack for babies - who is it suitable for?

If you value comfort and don't want to spend time on courses or tying a scarf every day, carrying is the best choice. In this case, however, you will have to give up carrying a child in the first months of life. Backpacks are convenient for both parents and the child, as they allow a little more freedom of movement than a sling. This, in turn, also stimulates its development.

When choosing a carrier, you should pay attention to its profiling and the shape of the seat. The kid should take a relaxed position, in which, however, the legs do not hang limply, but do not rest against the panel. Too wide or too narrow a panel can adversely affect the comfort of the child.

Baby wrap - who is it suitable for?

Tying a scarf takes a little more time and energy, but it gets pretty easy over time. Once you start practicing, it shouldn't take more than a few minutes. It is enough to gird it around and wrap it around the child in such a way as to provide him and yourself with maximum comfort. You can tie it in different ways - front, side or back. However, if you need an instant solution, a baby carrier is your best bet.

Undoubtedly, a scarf is a slightly more laborious solution. The advantage, however, is the possibility of accustoming the child to it from the first days of life. As we have already mentioned, the scarf can be used immediately and there is no need to wait until the baby takes hold of the head and sits on its own.

As you can see, each solution has its strengths and weaknesses. Set your priorities and choose the option that best suits you and your child's needs. You can also use both accessories interchangeably or swap out the sling for a carrier when your baby is a little older.

See the Baby and Mom section for more tips.