This fleece baby sling in the black retro style is great for keeping your little one extra-warm when he or she is next to your body. It helps baby snuggle into your warmth and feel comfortable and cozy. This reversible sling is especially appropriate for newborns, as it tends to fit a bit more snugly (since it’s made of fleece). It comes in sizes from X-Small (20″-22″ long) to X-Large (29″-31″ long) and sells for $35 at Wallababy.com.

I remember as a new mom one of the things that frightened me most was baby’s bath time. It just seemed to me that so much could go wrong: baby could slip out of my hands while I was bathing him, hit his head on the sink or baby bathtub, the list went on and on. I really like the idea of this Baby Shower Sling by Bathing Buddies. Made of a soft athletic mesh, it allows a parent to wear the sling over the shoulder, keeping baby close to you while you both get a shower. It can also be used in swimming pools to keep baby close while still enjoying the water. I can’t believe no one thought of this before, because it’s such a great idea. You can view a video on this product at BathingBuddies.com, where the sling sells for $25 and is available in women’s sizes from XS to L.

There’s no shortage of gorgeous infant carriers to choose from these days. This Ophelia Pink & Olive Reversible Baby Sling by Polkadot Papoose recently caught my eye. I love the print–the colors are perfect together. This handcrafted reversible sling can be used for three different carries and features a binkie pocket for convenience. You can purchase one for $64 at jujubeaneboutique.com. It would make a generous new baby gift.

Parents know you can never have enough hands when trying to carry a baby, whether in a sling or in your arms. The makers of the Jazsling Perfect Pouch Baby Sling took that into account when designing the sling, incorporating two well positioned, easy access pockets to stash things such as binkies, toys, even diapers and wipes. Made of 100% cotton, Jazslings are available in a wide variety of colors appropriate for Moms or Dads to wear. They sell for $76.14 at Jazslings.com.au.

There are so many gorgeous baby slings out there to choose from these days. This Karma Baby Ara Sling is another great option. I love the green and white print, which is modern and fun. The fabric is a soft and casual cotton linen blend. It is available in sizes from XS to XL. You can purchase one for $59.95 at mykarmababy.com. The company makes a lot of other equally-attractive slings as well. Instructions for use are included on their Web site, so you can check them out before you buy.

This is a really unique baby carrier. The Mei Tai has four straps, two on the waist, two on the shoulders, and was traditionally used as a back carrier, but can also be used as a front carrier/sling, or even as a hip carrier (my personal favorite). Baby So Smart uses beautiful fabrics and will even custom-make a Mei Tai for you if you send them your fabric/style choice. The styles they already have available, however, are gorgeous. They also make a Toddler Mei-Tai (shown above), with extended body length, padded waist, fold down headrest with snap ties, and wider shoulder straps with extra padding. This could be very useful in crowds, when your squirmy toddler doesn’t want to hold your hand. The Mei Tais start at $75 (Toddler Mei Tai starts at $125) with other options extra, at BabySoSmart.com. From now through August 31, UpscaleBaby.com readers can take 20% off purchases (excluding sale items) by using discount code UBB at checkout.

Serena & Lily’s baby slings have become go-to items for celebrity moms such as Jessica Alba. Their simple style and organic cotton fabric make them perfect for eco-conscious parents on the go. I am in love with this new peacock design. The embroidery is gorgeous and the bright colors really stand out against the crisp white background. This sling is available in three sizes. You can purchase one for $129 at SerenaAndLily.com. It would make a very generous new baby gift.

Baby in a Fishbowl produces handcrafted baby items. One of them is this Custom Made Sling. You choose the color, fabric, size, reversible or non-reversible, and email your specifications to Theresa, who then custom handcrafts your sling. With prices starting at just $15, this is an affordable, fashionable, practical accessory many moms can’t do without. Visit BabyInAFishbowl.com to see the array of choices available.

This First Pearls Cotton Mamma’s Milk Baby Sling has an unusual print that caught my eye. The other thing that caught my eye is the fact that it’s on sale at BarefootBella.net for just $20 (down from $50). It’s a good opportunity to buy a high-quality gift for that special baby shower. It also includes instructions on wearing a sling for those of us who’ve been wanting to master the art of the hands-free sling.

There is no shortage of slings on the market these days, as more and more parents are discovering their many benefits.  I have recently seen a lot of press for pouches from Kangaroo Korner.  They were recently featured in American Baby Magazine, and have previously been featured on parents.com and in Motehring Magazine.

Designed by a mom who couldn’t find exactly the right sling for her family, these pouches are avaialble in a number of attractive prints and in a wide range of fabrics–fleece, mesh, you name it.  There are even slings that are designed for use in water.  Organic fabrics are also available.  I really like this All Season Adjustable Pouch.  I was initially drawn to it because I love the fabric, but it offers some great features.  Designed for children from birth to 25 pounds, this pouch is adjustable, so it grows with your baby and your changing shape as you take off the baby weight.  I love that this pouch has some stretch to it.  That is my biggest complaint about my current sling.  It makes a huge difference.

You can purchase one of these slings, which costs $62, or browse the entire collection at KangarooKorner.com.

Since I’ve never used a sling before, I would probably start with this Baby Carrier by Baby K’tan because it doesn’t require any wrapping. This carrier is a cross between a sling and a more structured front baby carrier. There’s no wrapping, no buckles, rings, clasps, snaps, bulky padding, metal or plastic. How do they do it? A unique sliding lumbar support band distributes baby’s weight evenly and has a double loop design that adds more security and comfort. Hat & sash are included with each carrier. You can also choose to have the carrier personalized. You are provided with two lines, 10 letters per line and choice of font style and color.

The Baby Carrier by Baby K’tan is made of 100% cotton. It is machine washable & dryer safe. It comes in the following colors: White, Black, Tie Dye Blue, Camouflage, Heather Gray, Navy Blue, Cocoa; and sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge. This sling holds babies & toddlers from birth to 40 lbs. You can purchase your own for $64.98 at lalaBabyBoutique.com.

I have never used a Mei Tai carrier, but I have always admired them and I know many moms, my sister included, who swear by them.  Mei Tais have been used in Asia for thousands of years to keep babies safe while allowing mothers to carry out necessary tasks.  The adjustable design allows these carriers to be used for front, back, or side carrying, and they are one-size-fits all, so anyone can use it–Mom, Dad, Grandma, or the babysitter.

I like the fun print on this Mei Tai from With Child.  The blue retro guitar print shown above is fun and hip and the color combination is eye-catching.  It can also be reversed to plain brown, should you desire a more subdued look.  It is cleverly designed with a loop for attaching toys or keys and a hidden pocket where you can stick cash,a cell phone, or other small necessities while you are out with your baby.  As a bonus, the Mei Tai Baby Carrier can be used for discreet nursing.

This carrier is made from 100% cotton/twill and canvas, and can support a child up to 35 pounds.  You can purchase one for $75 at UrbanBabyRunway.com.

Mamma’s Milk has sold its famous baby carriers/baby slings to celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Naomi Watts. This particular design is promoted as a “fabulous combination of function and style.”

At one time, the baby carrier was considered to be a novelty item. Now, it’s become a must-have accessory for all parents, not just celebrities. Mamma’s Milk offers its baby carriers and slings in many fabrics and colors, ranging in price from $45.00 to $85.00. You can view the many styles available and photos of celebrities who have purchased them at MammasMilk.com

Jessica Alba recently purchased a Serena & Lily Market Sling for her new baby, and it is easy to see the appeal. The sling has a very earthy vibe about it, and yet it is quite stylish at the same time. This hand-embroidered sling is made of 100% organic cotton to be as gently and soft to your baby as it is kind to the Earth. Your commitment to your child and to the environment will be obvious to others whenever you use this sling.

The sling is made of one piece that eliminates the need for buckles or straps. You simply slip it on and you are ready to go. It is available in three sizes and various colors. You can purchase one for $129 at Babybox.com.

All three of my children are close in age. So while I was running after my two toddler boys I was also trying to hold onto my infant girl! Someone had given me a metal-framed baby carrier (almost like a hiker’s backpack) but it was just too bulky and cumbersome for everyday use.

Coming across the Karma Baby Sling online I immediately recognized how useful this product would have been with its soft, natural materials and unique shape. Mykarmababy.com offers a wide variety of fabrics and patterns to fit your personal needs and tastes. When you visit this site, take time to read the “About” page.

The creator of the Karma Baby shares some very helpful and insightful information about the true benefits of the the Karma Baby Sling. Prices begin at $46.95 and up.