Sassy Mama Natasha Shares Her Top Five Baby Carriers and Slings for Singapore!

In the last few years it’s become quite popular to wear your baby, either in a sling or a baby carrier. There are lots of benefits to baby-wearing:

1. Your baby feels much more safe and secure against you in their first few months.
2. Baby wearing keeps you hands free to do other things. I used a carrier when travelling with my son and the journey was a lot easier without a pram!
3. The wearer can maintain visual contact with the baby at all times.
4. Ideal for skin-to-skin contact and when establishing breastfeeding.
5. Babies feel at ease and are soothed by the parent’s movements and sound of their heartbeat.
6. If you have a baby who hates napping in their crib then baby-wearing is a great way to get your baby to take a nap. Your body heat and the close proximity to your heart provides a nurturing and safe environment.

A friend messaged me a few days ago to ask me what I thought the best sling/carrier was, and so I put together my top five choices:

Ergobaby Carrier

This is what I eventually bought for my son and we loved it! I bought it when he was six months old because it was just the two of us most of the time and carrying him, a pram and a diaper bag became unmanageable as he got older! My concern was that he wouldn’t like facing inwards when there was so much to see outside, but that was never a problem. He was still able to look around, and nestled against my chest he’d often take a nap, making my life so much easier! It is a carrier I’d suggest to any mama looking for a carrier as it can be used from birth (although you’ll need to buy an extra insert so your newborn baby is well-cushioned). Many breastfeeding mamas have found the Ergo a great way to feed discreetly on the go, but the best thing about it is that it puts all the weight on your hips, so you’ll never complain of a backache as your baby gets heavier. Baby can be carried up front, to the side or on your back as they get older, helping to further balance the load. Although the Ergo doesn’t come cheap, it lasts a long time (and has great resale value too!).

Close Caboo Carrier

This is a stretchy wrap-style carrier that can be used from birth to approximately six to eight months of age. It keeps your baby close to you and is made of 100% organic cotton. Again, it’s great if you like to breastfeed on the go, or if you need your hands free around the house but baby won’t settle anywhere unless you’re carrying them!

Baby Bjorn Carrier One

This may be super-popular, but I’ve seen many diagrams detailing why carrying your baby in a traditional Bjorn carrier is not healthy, as this puts all the child’s weight on their dangling legs and crotch, affecting their back, pelvis and spine. Bjorn took what was being said into consideration and came up with Baby Bjorn Carrier One which supports your child similarly to an Ergo, so thumbs up Baby Bjorn!

Ring sling

This is basically just a piece of fabric that is wrapped around both you and your baby and then secured with a ring. It’s the most traditional method of carrying your baby and has been practiced in Africa for centuries, using knots rather than rings. They are comfortable for both you and your little one, and are a great way to bond with your baby at home or out and about.

The Babasling

This hammock-style sling supports your child’s developing spine and has five different positions with easily adjustable straps. The Babasling is suitable from birth to about two years of age.

When choosing a carrier, there are three main considerations: positioning, comfort and price. In my honest opinion, the Ergobaby meets all those requirements, is ergonomically good for your baby, comfortable for you and the price won’t break the bank. It comes in a variety of styles and colours, with my favourite being the Ergo Sport. What’s your favourite mama?

Natasha has lived in Hong Kong for over 5 years and is the mother of an adorable (albeit naughty!) little boy. Having grown up in Monrovia, London, Lagos, India and Dublin, she loves travelling and exploring new cities. She is also an avid reader, blogger and the founder of Mama Duck Quacks – providing much-needed advice for mamas, from travelling with babies to choosing the perfect pushchair! When she’s not spending time with her son or writing, you’ll find her having a glass of wine and a laugh with her girlfriends!