Everyone I know raves about Phil & Teds strollers. The company certainly has a reputation for quality and innovation. This carrier recently caught my eye with its simple, striking style. Similar to the popular Bjorn, it looks like it has added support for moms and dads who will no doubt appreciate it. A Merino lining is super comfy for little passengers. It comes with a newborn head and neck support for the youngest users. You can purchase one of these practical carriers on sale for $79.99 ($10 off) at http://www.allmodernbaby.com/philandteds-CP7-PTJ1019.html. Shipping is free.

Recently I was introduced to AYU baby slings, manufactured with handicraft adornments made by Colombian Wayuu natives located in the Guajira zone. The fabric of these slings is rich on designs that come from environmental elements and imply a mystical meaning. Many of the natives creating these slings have been displaced by violence and live in very unstable conditions. Through the sale of their handicrafts, they try to survive. More information on these unique slings, including how to purchase them, can be found at PortabebesAUY.blogspot.com.

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 think everyone has heard the benefits of babywearing by now. There are so many options out there, however, and they aren’t inexpensive. Sometimes it is hard to know which kind to buy, knowing that you are making a substantial financial commitment. If you are leaning toward a Mei Tai, here is a chance to purchase one at a substantial discount. Global Enfant is currently featuring a sale on several different patterns of Ellaroo Mei Tais. This sturdy carrier can be worn on either the front or back, and is simple and attractive. The original retail was $94, but you can currently buy one for $56.40 at http://www.globalenfant.com/ellaroo-mei-tai-baby-carrier-hershey-p-260.html.

For a limited time, you can save on a number of gorgeous wraps at Sugar Sweet Baby’s End of the Year Clearance Event. Prices of clearance items range from $50-$60. Included is this great pink and off white bamboo wrap which I personally own and love ($60). You can check out all of the clearance items at sugarsweetbaby.com. Instructions for use are included on the site.

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.

In this age of social networking and online dating, why not let your offspring advertise the way you and your partner met? Of all the tees at BlakelyInk.com, this one caught my eye. Imagine the conversations this cute tee would start. It’s a great way to advertise the virtues of meeting online, and to teach your child early that there are many ways to meet the one you’ll spend the rest of your life with. The My Parents Met Online tee by Blakely Ink is available in sizes from 3-6 months (short sleeved or long sleeved onesie) up to 4T (short sleeved or long sleeved tee) for $26 at BlakelyInk.com. You can also opt to have the tee placed in a gift basket ($10 extra) with a name painted on the front ($4 extra).

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.

BabiesRUs.com is currently offering 25% off all of its Parents of Invention brand baby slings, including The Ultimate Wrap (pictured). This deal is only offered online, not in their brick-and-mortar stores, but they are also offering free shipping on these slings. You can view the entire line of slings on sale at BabiesRUs.com.

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.

Any parent who has ever visited an online parenting discussion forum knows all about the superior brand of mommy who knows it all and does everything perfectly. I was recently flabbergasted by a post in a community I belong to accusing stroller users of being lazy and unnatural when babywearing is clearly the way to go. Since I am a fan of both options, depending on circumstances, I tried to stay calm (and remember how lucky I am that I can afford these options). The conversation quickly degenerated into much finger pointing and a discussion of which modes of carrying a baby are really babywearing (wraps and ring slings) and which are dangerous and unnatural ways of suspending a baby for the mother’s convenience (Bjorn baby carriers).

Now, I have used all three of these. I don’t feel one is superior. I use the Bjorn fairly frequently, and I don’t believe it is hurting my baby’s spine. Neither, by the way, does our chiropractor. I would continue to recommend this carrier to new parents, and try to take online comments with a grain of salt. If you wish to join me in my selfishly unnatural child suspending ways, you can purchase one on sale for $49.99 at AlbeeBaby.com.