On testOverview of Slings and Carriers<< Back to the Slings and Carriers main test page Here you'll find the best comments, advice and information on all of the slings & carriers on test. Our panel gave the Best Buy award to the Bruin 3 Way Carrier but make sure you read all of the categories to see how the various styles performed under different criteria. Don't forget, if you're a regular user of any of the slings in our test or have an experience you'd like to share, please add a review. Our parent panel comments on the following: Ease of UseAccording to our panel, a carrier or sling that's easy to use is one of the first things you should look for. 'Some carriers look simple but once you get them on, there are so many straps and fastenings, it's just downright confusing' - 'single straps and popper style fastenings will keep your sanity in tact'. + The Bruin 3 way carrier was praised for its 'straightforward instructions' and 'simple to use harness'. 'There are quite a few straps, buckles and poppers with this carrier but it certainly provides extra reassurance for your baby's security. The straps are easily adjustable and baby fits snugly in the harness.' + Our panel found the Red Castle Tikamak carrier one of the easiest to put on: 'you just throw it over one shoulder and under one arm and you're ready to go'. 'One large buckle secures the whole thing in place - the perfect option for impatient parents!' + 'The Baby Bjorn comes in two halves and once the initial set up has taken place, it's very easy to secure your baby. The instructions are lengthy but very easy to follow'. +/- Our panel found the Wilkinet 'a tad fiddly to put on' but since it has 'material straps as opposed to clips and buckles, it is extremely easy to adjust'. 'The carrier also has a website which comes complete with an instruction video'. +/- The Kari me looks a tad intimidating to start off with as there's so much material. It all falls into place however and once the 'basic knot' is overcome, it's very simple to adjust. VersatilityA versatile carrier will allow you to carry your child comfortably when they are sleeping, feeding or simply watching the world go by. Look for models that allow you to carry your baby in several positions - particularly if you're planning to breastfeed whilst on the move. + The Kari-me is extremely versatile and 'your baby can be placed in lots of different positions'. 'Like the Red Castle Tikamak, it's ideal for breastfeeding and offers one of the best positions for feeding on the go'. + 'The Wilkinet carrier is the only one on test that allows you to place the harness and your child on your back single-handedly. It also allows you to use it in four different positions - a great one for every day use'. +/- 'On paper the Red Castle Tikamak carrier looks perfect for parents after a multi-position model. However, this certainly depends on the size of your baby. My 5 month old was cramped in the cradle position and the only position that really suited us was straddling on the hip. I think this carrier is best suited to a smaller baby'. +/- 'The Baby Bjorn Active carrier boasts compatibility for the breastfeeding mother yet no instructions are provided in the manual for how this is likely to be achieved. I followed the picture on the box and found that I had to undo three buttons before I could breastfeed Callum successfully'. +/- Another multi-position carrier is the Rock Star Baby which offers 3 positions for your baby - front facing, facing you and on the back. 'My only snag with this was the need to adjust the straps before putting it on (which is achieved by feeding your arms and legs through) and if it's done incorrectly you have to take it off and start the whole process all over again - not ideal if you're a single parent!' ComfortIf the carrier doesn't meet your comfort requirements, it's likely to end up gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere. To avoid wasting your money, look for styles that offer extra padding on the shoulders and back with plenty of support for your baby's head and neck. You also need to consider adjustability - particularly if both parents are going to be using it. + The Bruin 3 way carrier, Baby Bjorn Active, Red Castle Tikamak and Wilkinet all scored well on comfort with our mums reporting 'continued comfort for parent and child over long periods of time'. The Bruin and Baby Bjorn were both 'easily adjustable to fit both parents' with 'additional head rests and padding for smaller babies'. + A clear winner in the comfort stakes was the Kari-me sling: 'This feels like an extension of your own body, the weight is distributed evenly and there is no need to pull it into place or move it around - the absolute best for comfort'. +/- Our panel were split on the Rock Star Baby 3 way carrier with comments ranging from: 'it is perfectly fine in terms of comfort' to 'the solid panel on the harness made my breasts feel like they were in a corset!' Quality+ Our panel cited the Bruin 3 way carrier as 'a great value for money product - it has some fab quality features at half the price of some of the others on test and it looks good too'. + The Wilkinet is a 'sturdy, well designed carrier that will last several babies', 'it's made from heavy duty cord material that will serve you and your baby well'. +/- The most expensive of the bunch, the Baby Bjorn 'is a tad over-priced' but 'worth the investment for the superb style and quality you get'. +/- 'The Rock Star Baby carrier is sponge clean only but the material is of a good standard and would last for more than one child'. Extras+ The Bruin 3 way carrier is sold with a storage bag, dribble bib and headrest - 'an absolute must-have for my new baby and great for early teethers'. + The Kari-me comes in a machine-washable drawstring pouch that's 'ideal for storage and keeping it clean'. 'It doesn't come with any other extras but it really doesn't need them - it's in a league of its own'. +/- The Baby Bjorn Active carrier doesn't have any extras though 'the benefit of being able to adjust the straps easily outweighs any extras'. Results
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