It can be confusing to pick out a carrier if you are not familiar with all of the terms and definitions. Hopefully this will help you understand the difference between the different types of carriers.

Sling:
Can be used to refer to any cloth baby carrier, but it usually refers to a 'ring sling'. A ring sling is a carrier that consists of a continuous piece of fabric that has a pair of rings on one end. The rings sit at the front of your shoulder, and the rest of the fabric goes down across your back and under your opposite arm, across the front of your body, and is threaded through the rings so that the rings provide tension in the fabric. The fabric that comes in front of your body forms a 'pouch' or 'pocket' to carry your baby in. Some ring slings have padding in the shoulder, some do not. Some have an 'open tail', other have a 'closed tail'. The tail is the extra fabric that hangs down from the rings. This carrier is usually used for front and hip carries, but some people find them useful for back carries as well.

Pouch:
Is commonly refered to as a sling. A pouch is very similar to a ring sling except that a pouch is sewn into a fixed length and is very limited on adjustability. It is a one shouldered carrier. Some pouches are 'adjustable' with a row of snaps, buttons, or zippers. Usually they are still sized though. Because of the more limited adjustability, it is very important that you have the correct size. This carrier is used mostly for front and hip carries, but some people use them for back carries also.

Wrap:
Refers to a continuous piece of fabric that is 'wrapped' around the wearer and the baby and the ends are tied in a knot, or tucked in. Most wraps are made and sold exclusively as baby carriers, but you can also improvise with a bedsheet or length of cloth purchased from the fabric store. Wraps come in different lengths, but most lengths can be used on most people for at least one carry position. A longer wrap can be 'wrapped' in limitless ways, one shoulder carry, two shoulder carry, back carry, front carry, hip carry, and variations on all of those as well.

Soft pack:
Most commonly refers to a Mei Tai (may-tie). Carriers sold as mei tais are a variation of the traditional chinese carrier. The basic design is a rectangle with four straps, one sewn to each corner. Some times two of the straps are sewn along one short side as a continuous strap. The carrier is tied on with the straps, two around the waist, and two over the shoulders and around the wearers body. The baby sits in the rectangle. Many people like this carrier since it supports the legs and the bottom of the baby, which is thought to provide better hip support and spine alignment than the narrow leg openings of a front pack. These carriers can be used on the front, back and hip.

Structured:
Most commonly refers to a front pack carrier. Usually consists of lots of buckles and adjustment hardware. Most front packs can only be used in the front, there are models that can be used on the back also. This can also refer to the frame backpacks that some people use for hiking.


The wonderful thing about baby carriers that are on the market today is that they come in lots of different fabrics, colors, and patterns. Each manufacturer gives their own flavor to their interpretation of how that carrier should look and feel. It is very important that you do a little bit of research when it comes to buying a baby carrier. When you do get one, practice. Some require more of a learning curve, others are easier to learn. Please make sure that you are wearing the carrier correctly for the safety of you and your baby.