Baby Wearing - Baby Carriers vs Slings - TULA vs Baba Sling

I see many new Mummies asking around, finding out information about baby wearing before deciding whether to invest in a baby sling or a baby carrier - that's probably the first headache before having to decide on the brand. 

Before my BBG, Fayth was born, I have already decided that I would be a thrifty Mummy who only buys things that are necessary since I know alot of new parents tend to over-buy things and end up having alot of clutter at home. Nah, I disliked that idea. As it was SG50 this year, babies borned in Singapore were considered Jubilee Babies and would be given a Jubilee Baby Gift pack from the government. The gift pack included a baby sling by Baba Sling. So when Hubs & I went shopping for baby's stuff, of course I knew baby slings and/or carriers were to be stiked off the shopping list. 

My first time using the Baba Sling was after Fayth's full month when Hubs & I took her to the PD for her first month's checkup. I searched for the baby wearing tutorial on Youtube and followed the video instructions. The first method the video taught was the Koala Cuddle (with her arms inside the sling) so I just followed and got it right on the first try. It was quite easy for me to use though I've seen alot of Mummies on Facebook's group commenting that it was really difficult and complicated to use. 

Usually when Hubs & I take Fayth out on the weekends we would put her in the stroller when we have our meals and I'd wear her in her Baba Sling other times. She's now almost 3.5 months old and on the last family day out I started to feel slight strain on my shoulder and waist - guess she's growing and getting heavier already. Lol. Baba Sling did advise to change the sling's position every 45 minutes to prevent strain, I guess I just didn't listen to advise well.. **opps** The only reason why I didn't change the sling's position or change sides was because my girl would fall asleep soundly in the sling and I just don't bear to wake her up.

Until recently I've noticed many Mummies on Facebook sharing pics of them wearing baby in TULA Baby Carrier which looked pretty stylish and comfy. One Mummy carried her baby in exactly this design below called "Pixelated", it was really pretty. : )

Since Fayth was getting older and neck getting stronger by the days, I thought it would be good soon to use the carrier on her. Shared with my Hubs how popular TULA carrier was and we decided to head to Bumwear to try out on baby.

I had friends who started using TULA Baby Carrier since infancy (with the baby insert; baby inserts are needed for babies below 7kg of weight), because they as well found the Baba Sling difficult to use. My friends shared with me why they chose TULA brand out of all the baby carrier brands; that most of their friends recommended this brand... even before they converted they've tried other brands which the fabric tends to be warmer. TULA baby carriers are also printed in more stylish designs and many to choose from! One of my girlfriends shared with me this comparison chart below which I found useful as a visual guide; just FYI! Oh oh, and TULA Baby Carriers can hold babies up to 22kg, so it's quite a good investment cuz it's not like a use for few months kind of thing. But I think I'll probably not want to wear Fayth by then. Haha. ; )

Bumwear was a little shop located on the 3rd level of Marina Square Mall. I got to try out the baby carrier with the help from the friendly store assistant. It was a breeze to put the carrier on and wear baby, Fayth looked comfortable and was happy being in it. The TULA Baby Carrier was going for $229 in the store and we purchased it after trying and selecting of the print I wanted, even though I knew it was just slightly more costly than online prices (i.e. $219). I didn't mind paying $10 more, took it as a service fee for trying and seeing all the prints in person before I really decide to commit to one.

I baby wore Fayth in my new toy immediately and it felt so comfortable, no more one-sided shoulder & back aches! Yay! If you see the picture below, baby's legs are supposed to be extended past the carrier so I'll need to wait for her to grow a little more to be using this carrier since I didn't buy the infant insert (b'cuz she's almost 7kg and her legs are almost there). Mummy loves her new TULA Baby Carrier in Puppy Love. Thanks to Daddy for the early X'mas prezzie! : D

After using both slings and carriers, I would say they are equally good - but just serves different purposes. I love baby wearing for the convenience when going out and also while traveling. Based on my own experience, I'll share the cons for each type...

Baby Slings:

~ great for newborns because their neck are not stable to turn and hold up on their own.

~ super snug, makes babies feel like they're carried in Mummy's arms.

~ breastfeeding outdoors are easier.

Baby Carriers:

~ easier to wear as compared to slings. 

~ distributes baby's weight evenly thus reduces backaches especially one-sided aches on shoulder/back.

~ can be used until baby is older (may differ for brands).

~ when baby can turn their heads and are awake more in the day, being in a carrier lets them look around.

Do bear in mind the TICKS checklist for safe babywearing.

Investing in a good baby sling/carrier is important for baby wearing. Choosing between a baby sling or baby carrier depends on a few factors to consider. And ultimately, the one who really chooses which to use is really your baby. So it's always a good idea to try out the sling/carrier before committing to purchase. Happy trying & shopping Mummies & Daddies! 

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Merry Xmas & Happy New Year! : )