slings and carriers

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On test Slings and Carriers


Bruin 3 Way Carrier Score:28/30	Kari-Me Score:26.5/30



Baby Bjorn Active Baby Carrier Score:25/30	Wilkinet Baby Carrier Score:24/30


Red Castle Tikamak Carrier Score:23.5/30	Rock Star Baby Carrier Score:23/30

Consumer Editor says...

Lara Thomas and Finn, Consumer Editor and Product Tester!

If you want a practical and lightweight option for transporting baby, a sling or carrier is an essential addition to your new baby checklist. Modern carriers are designed with you and your baby's needs in mind and are a refreshing and highly portable alternative to buggies and prams.

Features to look out for include: -

Several carrying positions
Easily adjustable harness to fit your growing baby
Plenty of support for baby's head, neck and back
Cushioned lining and material
Padded shoulder straps
Accessories such as pockets for nappies and toy attachments

Carrier benefits

Babies generally like to be held close to you and a carrier will leave your hands free to soothe them whilst getting things done. They also offer a hassle-free way of navigating shops, parks and public transport and many mums find them especially useful during the first few months when their babies are lighter.

There are lots of different styles available so make sure you go for one that suits your needs. If you suffer from back problems or have a heavy baby, a carrier with extra padding on the shoulders and back will be the best option. On the other hand, if you're a breastfeeding mum who wants to be able to feed on the go, you might prefer a sling which will hold your baby in a lay flat position. To help you find the best model for you, this month's panel have been busy testing six different slings and carriers.

What we tested

What we tested for

Bruin 3 way Carrier
Baby Bjorn Active Baby Carrier
Kari-Me Sling
Red Castle Tikamak Carrier
Hauck Rock Star Baby Carrier
Wilkinet Baby Carrier

Ease of Use
Versatility
Comfort
Quality
Extras
Value for money

Review highlights

'Padded straps and an easily adjustable harness are essential for new mums - especially if you have a big baby and want a good few months use out of it'. Our panel also found that even weight distribution was key to comfort: 'A carrier that spreads the weight evenly across your body is a godsend as it provides more support for your back and front and you can use it comfortably as your baby grows'.

The Bruin 3 Way Carrier was awarded 'Best Buy' as our panel agreed it offered 'all of the features you want and need from a carrier' with 'one of the most secure and comfortable harnesses'. Scoring tops on 'value for money' was the Kari-Me baby sling: 'the quality is fantastic and it will last for ever, it's also the perfect option for breastfeeding mums who want to combine shopping with discreet feeding'.

To avoid a pricey mistake, our panel advise that you 'look for carriers that adapt to your body' - 'if it feels like it's hanging off you, you've got the wrong design'. It's also important to 'invest in one that can be worn in numerous different positions' - 'your baby will soon become bored of nuzzling against your chest and will crave a more interesting view of the world'.

The parent panel reviews will give you further information on all of the slings and carriers on test, but if you want to see how they compared under different criteria, make sure you read the Test Overview.

Meet our panel of parents

This month's panel are local friends from Rutland who enjoy meeting regularly for coffee, play and trips to the park. Lianna's husband Mark was keen to get involved with the testing and enjoyed putting his views forward - despite getting a tad muddled over the instructions!