Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the different baby carriers and which type should I choose?
With so many different types of sling on the market, it can all seem very confusing to the first time sling user. Below I detail the differences between the types of sling made by Pouchlings.However,if you are completely new to slings and feel you would like even more information,please feel free to contact me to discuss the different options.
Alternatively, I would recommend visiting your nearest sling library or babywearing consultant to try a few types of slings and find what works best for you and your baby.
http://www.slingpages.co.uk/sling-advice-resources/
With so many different types of sling on the market, it can all seem very confusing to the first time sling user. Below I detail the differences between the types of sling made by Pouchlings.However,if you are completely new to slings and feel you would like even more information,please feel free to contact me to discuss the different options.
Alternatively, I would recommend visiting your nearest sling library or babywearing consultant to try a few types of slings and find what works best for you and your baby.
http://www.slingpages.co.uk/sling-advice-resources/
What is a Ring Sling?
A Ring Sling is a one-shouldered sling that is worn across the body like a sash.
The baby is held securely in a pouch which is then tightened by pulling the tail of the sling through two aluminium rings worn close to the shoulder.
Ring Slings are used predominatly for holding a small newborn baby upright against the wearer's tummy or for carrying older babies on the hip. It is also possible to carry a child on your back in a Ring Sling but if you intend to do this a lot, one of the following two-shouldered baby carriers would be better.
They are great slings for breastfeeding in and for the up-and-down stage.
Ring Slings can be a little trickier to get to grips with initially but, once mastered, they are incredibly versatile and quick to use.
A Ring Sling is a one-shouldered sling that is worn across the body like a sash.
The baby is held securely in a pouch which is then tightened by pulling the tail of the sling through two aluminium rings worn close to the shoulder.
Ring Slings are used predominatly for holding a small newborn baby upright against the wearer's tummy or for carrying older babies on the hip. It is also possible to carry a child on your back in a Ring Sling but if you intend to do this a lot, one of the following two-shouldered baby carriers would be better.
They are great slings for breastfeeding in and for the up-and-down stage.
Ring Slings can be a little trickier to get to grips with initially but, once mastered, they are incredibly versatile and quick to use.
What is a Mei Tai baby carrier?
A Mei Tai is a baby carrier with a body panel and four straps - one at each corner - based on the traditional Asian style baby carriers.
Two long fabric waistband straps tie around the wearer's waist and fasten with a knot. The baby is then held upright against the wearer's body in the body panel which is secured to the wearer by means of two long fabric shoulder straps.
These straps pass over the wearer's shoulders, across their back, wrap around the baby and are fastened at the back with a knot.
Mei Tais are very versatile and easy to use. The long shoulder straps mean that the wearer can adjust the closeness of the fit very easily.
Mei Tais can be used to carry the child on the front, the back and the hip (although for frequent hip carrying, I recommend a Ring Sling)
A Mei Tai is a baby carrier with a body panel and four straps - one at each corner - based on the traditional Asian style baby carriers.
Two long fabric waistband straps tie around the wearer's waist and fasten with a knot. The baby is then held upright against the wearer's body in the body panel which is secured to the wearer by means of two long fabric shoulder straps.
These straps pass over the wearer's shoulders, across their back, wrap around the baby and are fastened at the back with a knot.
Mei Tais are very versatile and easy to use. The long shoulder straps mean that the wearer can adjust the closeness of the fit very easily.
Mei Tais can be used to carry the child on the front, the back and the hip (although for frequent hip carrying, I recommend a Ring Sling)
Advantages of Mei Tais:
- Mei Tais are suitable from newborn to approximately 3 years old.
- They are very quick and easy to put on and simple to use.
- Front, back and hip carries.
- They distribute the weight very evenly over both shoulders, the upper back and hips and so are really good for heavier babies/toddlers;
- One size fits most – (some may need XL straps);
- Great for back carries and prolonged wearing;
Disadvantages of Mei Tais
- It can be less easy to breastfeed a newborn in a Mei Tai but it is possible to breastfeed an older baby in an upright position;
- Mei Tais can be bulky to pack.
- Mei Tais are less versatile than Wraps or Ring Slings
Recommended for:
- Older babies (3m+) and prolonged carrying;
- Quick and easy back carries;
- As a more “traditional” looking baby carrier, Mei Tais often appeal to men more than other fabric slings;
Shop now for: CLASSIC MEI TAIS
Shop now for: HOODED MEI TAIS
Shop now for: WRAP-STRAP MEI TAIS
What is a Half Buckle baby carrier?
This is essentially the same as a Mei Tai but, instead of having fabric waistband ties, the waistband is secured by means of webbing and a buckle.
Some wearer's prefer having only one knot at their back and find it easier to distinguish between the waistband and shoulder straps if the waistband has a buckle.
Half Buckles have the same versatility as Mei Tais.
What is a Full Buckle baby carrier?
A Full Buckle carrier has a body panel, a webbing and buckle waistband, like a Half Buckle, and two short shoulder straps with webbing extending from the end of each strap and a buckle.
The shoulder strap buckle clips into another buckle at the side of the body panel to fasten the carrier. These straps do not wrap around the baby and wearer in the way that the long Mei Tai and Half Buckle shoulder straps do. This can make Full Buckle carriers very quick to use and without the worry of trailing long straps on the ground. However, it can also limit their adjustability.
Full buckle baby carriers can be worn on the front or the back.
What is the difference between the different waistbands?
You may choose between two types of waistband on your Pouchlings baby carrier - an Unstructured waistband and a Structured waistband.
Unstructured waistband
- This is a narrow waistband which is designed to be worn rolled up against the wearer's tummy or lower back to create a deep pocket for baby's bum.
- It can easily be rolled to shorten the carrier body and cinched in to make it the body narrower.
- It has only very light padding.
- It spreads the weight around the wearer's waist.
- You may choose to have an un-structured waistband on your Mai Tai, your Half Buckle or your Full Buckle carrier.
Structured Waistband
- This is a wider waistband which is designed to be worn bottom edge down like a traditional soft-structured carrier.
- It cannot be rolled up or cinched in.
- It spreads the weight around the wearer's hips/sacrum.
- It may be considered more supportive than an unstrutured waistband for older babies.
- Since Mei Tais and Half Buckles have long shoulder straps which add extra support under baby's bum, they come with a semi-structured version - this is made of several layers of fleece and top-stitched to make it firm, but not rigid. It is squishy and moldable to the wearer's body.
- Full Buckles come with a firmer, SSC style structured waistband.
For more information, see here:
http://www.pouchlings.com/design-features.html
What size baby carrier do I need?
Infant size:
Height 16";
Width 15." Suitable from 3m - approx 18 months old
In-between size:
Height 17";
Width 17" Suitable from approx 6m - 24m
Toddler size:
Height 18";
Width 19"
Suitable from approx 15m - 3 years
Pre-school size:
Height 21"
Width 21"
Suitable from approx 3 yrs - 4.5 yrs
What age are your baby carriers suitable from?
- Ring Slings are suitable from Day 1 of your baby's life whereas Mei Tais, Half buckles and Full Buckles are suitable from approximately 3 months of age.
I have bought a Mei Tai or Half Buckle from you but would like to change it to a Full buckle - can you do this?
How do I re-thread the buckles to reverse my wrap conversion carrier?
What is your Returns Policy?
Please refer to this page:
http://www.pouchlings.com/terms-and-conditions.html
- Mei Tais are suitable from newborn to approximately 3 years old.
- They are very quick and easy to put on and simple to use.
- Front, back and hip carries.
- They distribute the weight very evenly over both shoulders, the upper back and hips and so are really good for heavier babies/toddlers;
- One size fits most – (some may need XL straps);
- Great for back carries and prolonged wearing;
Disadvantages of Mei Tais
- It can be less easy to breastfeed a newborn in a Mei Tai but it is possible to breastfeed an older baby in an upright position;
- Mei Tais can be bulky to pack.
- Mei Tais are less versatile than Wraps or Ring Slings
Recommended for:
- Older babies (3m+) and prolonged carrying;
- Quick and easy back carries;
- As a more “traditional” looking baby carrier, Mei Tais often appeal to men more than other fabric slings;
Shop now for: CLASSIC MEI TAIS
Shop now for: HOODED MEI TAIS
Shop now for: WRAP-STRAP MEI TAIS
What is a Half Buckle baby carrier?
This is essentially the same as a Mei Tai but, instead of having fabric waistband ties, the waistband is secured by means of webbing and a buckle.
Some wearer's prefer having only one knot at their back and find it easier to distinguish between the waistband and shoulder straps if the waistband has a buckle.
Half Buckles have the same versatility as Mei Tais.
What is a Full Buckle baby carrier?
A Full Buckle carrier has a body panel, a webbing and buckle waistband, like a Half Buckle, and two short shoulder straps with webbing extending from the end of each strap and a buckle.
The shoulder strap buckle clips into another buckle at the side of the body panel to fasten the carrier. These straps do not wrap around the baby and wearer in the way that the long Mei Tai and Half Buckle shoulder straps do. This can make Full Buckle carriers very quick to use and without the worry of trailing long straps on the ground. However, it can also limit their adjustability.
Full buckle baby carriers can be worn on the front or the back.
What is the difference between the different waistbands?
You may choose between two types of waistband on your Pouchlings baby carrier - an Unstructured waistband and a Structured waistband.
Unstructured waistband
- This is a narrow waistband which is designed to be worn rolled up against the wearer's tummy or lower back to create a deep pocket for baby's bum.
- It can easily be rolled to shorten the carrier body and cinched in to make it the body narrower.
- It has only very light padding.
- It spreads the weight around the wearer's waist.
- You may choose to have an un-structured waistband on your Mai Tai, your Half Buckle or your Full Buckle carrier.
Structured Waistband
- This is a wider waistband which is designed to be worn bottom edge down like a traditional soft-structured carrier.
- It cannot be rolled up or cinched in.
- It spreads the weight around the wearer's hips/sacrum.
- It may be considered more supportive than an unstrutured waistband for older babies.
- Since Mei Tais and Half Buckles have long shoulder straps which add extra support under baby's bum, they come with a semi-structured version - this is made of several layers of fleece and top-stitched to make it firm, but not rigid. It is squishy and moldable to the wearer's body.
- Full Buckles come with a firmer, SSC style structured waistband.
For more information, see here:
http://www.pouchlings.com/design-features.html
What size baby carrier do I need?
Infant size:
Height 16";
Width 15." Suitable from 3m - approx 18 months old
In-between size:
Height 17";
Width 17" Suitable from approx 6m - 24m
Toddler size:
Height 18";
Width 19"
Suitable from approx 15m - 3 years
Pre-school size:
Height 21"
Width 21"
Suitable from approx 3 yrs - 4.5 yrs
What age are your baby carriers suitable from?
- Ring Slings are suitable from Day 1 of your baby's life whereas Mei Tais, Half buckles and Full Buckles are suitable from approximately 3 months of age.
I have bought a Mei Tai or Half Buckle from you but would like to change it to a Full buckle - can you do this?
How do I re-thread the buckles to reverse my wrap conversion carrier?
What is your Returns Policy?
Please refer to this page:
http://www.pouchlings.com/terms-and-conditions.html
