Tips on Purchasing Baby Slings and Infant Carriers
November 30, 2009 by Brittany Garner
Filed under Baby
The baby pram has been used for centuries, and has recently gained good favour among contemporary mothersmoms. It is felt that a small infant has more privacy with a sling (Actress Keri Russell says her sling is her baby’s “paparazzi shield”!), and it is specially useful for breastfeeding mommies.
There are several essential things to consider when selecting a sling or front carrier. First, check the sling to see what size / weight it is rated for. Is the pram fluffy? Cushioning is excellent for protecting baby’s delicate legs. When arguing between baby carriers and baby slings, keep in mind that front carriers are designed for babies from 8 to 25 pounds, while baby slings can be used for preemies all the way up to toddlers at 35 pounds.
For soft carriers, make sure that it is washable and has flexible straps. This provides you to keep the same great fit as your baby grows. Your infant should fit snugly, and have good head support, and their weight should be equally distributed. Just use a carrier to move the baby about when you are walking. Never use it to transport the infant on a bike, in a car, or any other means of transportation. Ensure the carrier from time to time for any damage: things like a pulled seam, a missing or loose snap or strap, or a place where the cloth has worn through and a cutting edge is popping.
Several car seats switch to lift-out-and-carry infant carriers. While these can be heavy and big, some mommies favor them to traditional carriers. Many are designed to snap into a car seat base, or into a pram. Only use those types of models unitedly. Never take a base from one model (maybe that someone has given you) and try to set up something to hold your carrier in it. In an accident, the carrier will break free, and your infant will become a projectile! If you own a new car, never put your infant’s carrier / car seat in the front. In the event of an accident, the airbags could cause severe injury to your child.
In the case of a rucksack carrier, keep on mind to get one that can be worn on your back, side or front. It gives you more options depending on the age and temperament of your child. Some carriers offer a sun shell (which doubles as a rain guard) as an added bonus. Remember, the heat of the sun is much more damaging to an infant’s head than an adult’s. You want your infant’s weight evenly distributed, so get a rucksack carrier that’s flexible. Make sure the material is washable, and easy to take off; muddy cloth is a breeding ground for bugs. Comply these tips, and your baby will stay safe and healthy and so will you.

