pouches - not adjustable, so not great for parents that want to share the wearing, often made quite large so dont fit properly. very comfortable, big shoulder pads and very easy to breastfeed in. can wear baby on hip when older, but not for long as weight only spread over one shoulder.
well known brands - hotslings, peanut shell, Zolowear
ring sling - a perfect one to start off with. fully adjustable (my rather large df can wear it fine) come with or without a lightly padded shoulder. some have handy pockets on the tail to, so there's no need for a bag. versatile as they get older sk i use mine all the time for quick trips, popping in and out of places, its great for shopping to. it's permanently in the car. takes a little while to learn how to adjust and secure, but well worth it.
well known brands - Maya wrap, BaraBarn, Zolowear, funkyslings (on ebaby)
stretchy wrap - really good for newborns, versatile to the extreme, many different holds from learning just one way of tying. you just have to learn how to tie it, which is really simple and how to deal with so much fabric. not all that great as they get to about 7/8months as they are quite heavy and i've found that as the material is stretchy it gives quite a bit. however, really nice and cosy for the first 6 months.
Brands - moby, tricot slen, calin bleu
woven wraps - like the stretchy but with no give in the material. i fond the material isn't as soft as stretchy, but still comfortable for a LO. Better than a stretchy if you want to be able to put them on your back if going for a long hike. stetchys can go on the back but wovens feel more secure IMO
brands - bebina, didymos, storchenwiege, calin bleu gauze
mei tai can be used from birth if used correctly. really simple - just a square of fabric with 4 straps coming from it, 2 go round your waits and the top 2 tie around you and the baby. spreads the weight evenly around the body (my 35lber hardly feels like he's there) can be worn front, back and hip. personally i prefer it when they're older (9months+)
Brands - Ellaroo, Ball baby, babyhawk, kozy
there are always Podeagis which are korean, like the MT but with just 2 straps, the Hmong, which is also very similar and many more. Sorry this really is long and i haven't even finished yet
the best websites to buy from IMO are here www.bigmamaslings.co.uk and here www.naturalmothering.co.uk
if you can join then this site www.slingmeet.co.uk is great to get advice from other BWing mamas and even meet up and try on other peoples slings to see what suits you best.
Sorry it;s long, HTH