Sling vs carrier

[firsttimepregnanthelp]

FTM here (well will be in April) and completely clueless. I know I want a baby carrier/sling but I’m not sure which is best. I’m leaning towards a carrier because they look simpler to use (although not sure newborns can go in them?) but they are expensive. Are slings very fiddly? What would be better?

For a newborn something soft and supportive like an ergobaby embrace carrier is ideal. When a bit older when they're getting heavier for a newborn carrier (four months onwards) I found ring slings less comfortable than a carrier (I had the ergobaby adapt which I loved) as it was on one shoulder rather than both. But I know a lot of people love ring slings.

I would look for a sling library in your area so you can try out different types and many of them loan them out so you can see how you get on with them before committing to buy as they can be costly to buy

@Lighterandbrighterthank you, I will have a look at the ergobaby embrace carrier.

@Daisypod I didn’t even know sling libraries were a thing - what a great idea!

@Lighterandbrighterive just bought an embrace but realised that the adapt can be used from newborn to toddler so would save some money with that one - do you think it’s suitable for the span of time and size between newborn and toddler or would it be better to start with the embrace?

With my first I used the adapt from when he was about three weeks old - before then he was too scrunched up to be able to have his legs wide enough even on the narrowest setting and he wasn't a small baby - 7lbs 13oz. So for my second I got an embrace and it was absolutely brilliant for those early scrunched up weeks. Really comfortable for baby and me. My second was on the 91st centile though so by the time she was four months I moved her to the adapt because it's a lot more supportive for the wearer. So long story short, if you can afford to get an embrace as well I would. If you're planning on breastfeeding you can also feed in it by dropping one shoulder strap down.

@Lighterandbrightergreat, thank you! I suppose I can always sell the embrace on when it’s no longer needed. This is all such a minefield to navigate, thanks so much for explaining and helping me!

No problem! It really is! The embrace is brilliant though, I wish I'd had it with my first. I lent mine to two friends after and then sold it - they keep their value reasonably well. Just make sure you spread the shoulder strap material out so it's not bunched up (just for comfort) and watch a couple of videos on how to get a good safe fit if they are little (you put the waist strap under your ribs so higher than you'd expect and then let the carrier droop a little to form a pouch before putting them in - it's a lot easier than I've just made it sound 😂). Enjoy your baby when they are here and all of the snuggles. My second lived in that carrier while I chased my toddler and was perfectly happy for about eight hours a day in total!

@LighterandbrighterThank you so much, really grateful for all your help