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.

Slings and baby carriers are growing in popularity and so are fun patterns for them. Perfectly pretty for spring and summer, Josephine Aqua Reversible Baby Sling by Polkadot Papoose is nothing short of pleasing to the eye, as all of the available 100 % Cotton patterned fabrics are. In sizes XS to XL with specific instructions on how to measure yourself on the site, the designers haven’t missed a detail, so slipping baby inside and heading off to go about your day should be no problem. I like the ease of use this sling offers; spit-up is no issue, as it is machine washable and slipping it into the diaper bag should be fine, as it’s lightweight. Pretty leaves for mom on one side and geometric pattern on the other for dad make it seem like you’ve got yourself two-in-one, something I always like to look for in items such as this. Offered by polkadotwhale.com for $63.99, it’s a nice option for hands-free baby care.