In general, any piece of fabric used to carry a baby is called a sling, so both POUCHES and RING SLINGS are called slings.

Pouches are one loop of fabric with a curved seam in the seat creating a deep pocket for baby. They are available in fitted or adjustable. Some pouches have padding.

Fitted pouches are a simple loop of fabric sized to fit the wearer’s body exactly. They are available in a wide range of sizes for a perfect fit.

Ring slings are long rectangles of fabric that thread through two rings for adjustability. The tail is the piece of fabric that hangs down from the rings. Pulling on the tail tightens the sling.

WHY CHOOSE POUCH?

Pouches are often called the "training wheels" of babycarriers. Put it on, slip the baby in and go. There are few adjustments to make and therefore less to learn. Pouches have a streamlined look that many parents prefer. Pouches are lightweight and compact. They easily slip into a diaper bag when baby is not being worn. Dads often prefer the look of a pouch to a ring sling. Because they use less fabric and no rings, pouches can be less expensive than ring slings.

Pouches are not ideal for the tummy-to-tummy hold that some newborns prefer. It is possible to achieve a tummy-to-tummy hold in a fleece pouch, which fits more snugly and has more give than a cotton pouch. Unfortunately, fleece pouches are too hot for some climates. Babies can breastfeed in the pouch much easier than in a front carrier. However, with less fabric, it is less discreet than a ring sling.

WHY CHOOSE RING SLING?

Ring slings have a longer learning curve than pouches. However, their adjustability means a perfect fit with every wearing.

Some young babies prefer the upright, or tummy-to-tummy hold, which can be difficult to achieve in a pouch. Young babies who cannot hold themselves upright tend to squish down into the pocket of the pouch. With a ring sling, the top rail can be tightened to support a young baby in a vertical position.

Some people feel that ring slings are easier for breastfeeding, because the whole sling can be loosened to lower the baby to the breast. Open-tailed slings also have a built-in breastfeeding cover. Breastfeeding in the sling is "advanced babywearing", and takes patience and practice to learn in any type of sling.

PROS AND CONS

RING SLING PROS

- Easy to get baby high and tight
- Adjustable for a perfect fit every time
- Share between different-sized wearers
- Comfortable, discreet breastfeeding
- Best for snuggle/tummy to tummy hold
- Long tail can have a pocket
- Six positions including back
- Use with preemie to preschooler
- With practice, quick to put on

POUCH PROS

- Simple, easy to pop it on and go
- Shorter learning curve
- Streamlined look
- Very lightweight and packable
- Dad friendly
- Five positions including breastfeeding
- No rings allow a more comfortable back carry
- Use with preemie to preschooler
- Can be less expensive

RING SLING CONS

- Longer learning curve
- Some dislike the tail, especially dads
- Takes up more space in diaper bag
- Some find rings get in the way

POUCH CONS

- Less adjustability
- Can be challenging to fit initially
- Cannot be shared between different-sized wearers (fitted only)
- Fewer positions
- Less discreet breastfeeding


So are you decided what to get between the POUCH and RING SLING?

Choose from these lovely prints matched with contrasting solid fabric to make your very own POUCH sling. PLEASE BE GUIDED THAT PRINTED FABRIC ARE FOR POUCH SLINGS ONLY.


EXTRA-SMALL
Shoulder to Hip ------------ 21 - 22"
Body Type -------------------- Thin, very petite

SMALL
Shoulder to Hip ----------- 23 - 24"
Body Type ------------------- Petite

MEDIUM
Shoulder to Hip ----------- 24 ½ - 25½"
Body Type ------------------- Average

LARGE
Shoulder to Hip ----------- 26 - 27"
Body Type ------------------- Average to Tall

EXTRA-LARGE
Shoulder to Hip ------------ 28 - 29"
Body Type -------------------- Tall & Full figured

FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENT OF SHOULDER TO HIP, PLEASE CHECK THIS SITE: http://www.lucky-baby.com/p_sizing.asp

If RING SLING is what you want, pick from the ring sling photos below for the color of your choice. No measurements needed.

THANK YOU! ENJOY BABYWEARING!