Slings

A sling is a piece of fabric that goes over one shoulder and around the opposite hip/waist. It is adjustable by use of 2 sling rings. The baby sits in the pocket that is formed. 

Padding
Slings may be padded or un-padded.  Padded slings have various amounts of padding in the shoulder and the rails.  Some slings have padding in just the rails or in just the shoulder.  One type of sling is no better than the other.  It is all up to the personal preference of the babywearer.  Some mothers find that a padded sling is more comfortable for their newborn as it provides more support for the baby's head and neck.  However, some mothers find that the extra padding is cumbersome and makes the sling difficult to adjust while the baby is in the sling. 

Open or Closed Tail
Slings also can have either an open tail or a closed tail.  The tail is the piece of fabric that is pulled through the rings of the sling.  An open tail is the full width of loose fabric.  This is common with un-padded slings.  Each rail is individually adjustable with this type of sling.  A closed tail looks like a strap.  The end of the sling is sown together to make a single, narrow piece of fabric.  This style is common with padded slings

Why Choose a Sling?
A sling is a versatile carrier.  It can be used for a newborn baby all the way through toddlerhood (in a hip carry).  A sling is easy to put on and take off and an un-padded sling folds up very small.  A sling is great for discreet nursing and is adjustable for different people to share the same sling.
   

Pros

Cons
  • Padded Slings are great for use with newborns
  • Slings are one of the easiest carriers to use
  • Slings are a versatile carrier that will grow with your baby through toddlerhood
  • Slings are great for the child who wants to be picked up and put down frequently
  • Excellent for discreet nursing
  • Adjustable to different sizes.  One sling is fine for use by both mom and dad or other caregivers.  Un-padded slings are more adjustable than padded slings.
  • Un-padded slings are easily adjustable with baby in the sling
  • Un-padded slings fold up very small.  Great for tucking in a purse or diaper bag.
  • Since the baby's weight is only distributed to one shoulder, extended babywearing with a heavier baby is uncomfortable
  • Padded Slings are a little bulky and not as easily adjustable as an un-padded sling
  • There is a bit of a learning curve with a sling