So what is the difference between baby pouches and baby slings? They both help you carry your child from infant into toddlerhood and make life much easier. These types of baby carriers fall into the sling category, and baby pouches are related to baby slings in construction in that they are a continuous loop of fabric that allows a parent to "wear" his or her baby close to the body. The pouch, however, is a bit deeper than a sling, allowing for a more comfortable kangaroo style ride for the baby. Most baby pouches are designed to mold against the wearer's body and to hold baby to the wearer, which again makes them similar to the sling.

Why Baby Pouches and Are They Hard to Use?

Once your baby is born, you will have to figure out which methods of carrying him or her work best for you and your family. Much research proves that baby pouches (and baby slings) offer many benefits for mother and baby, including less crying, better sleeping and sleep cycles, and better breathing for the baby. Baby pouches leave mother's hands free to tend to other children or to do chores. And whoever is wearing the baby in the baby pouch gets that little bit of extra exercise during the day, which is always helpful!

Wearing baby pouches can take a little bit of practice before it becomes comfortable and natural. But after learning the skill, parents who use the pouch say they can't imagine using anything else.

What are the Differences Between Baby Pouches and Slings?

Although they fall into the same category of baby carriers, there are a few differences between baby pouches and slings. One major difference is that pouches are not usually adjustable, and are therefore not as easily shared between wearers. There are some models which are adjustable, but the majority of pouches do not adjust sizing. Since there are no rings to adjust, there are generally fewer ways to wear baby in baby pouches.

Another difference is that baby pouches tend to weigh less than other styles of baby carriers. Because of this they are easy to slip into a diaper bag or large pocketbook when not in use holding baby. And dads tend to like the more minimalistic look compared to the more elaborate ring slings or mei tai styles of baby wearing.

So Who Can Ride?

Babies from birth to toddlers weighing up to thirty five pounds can safety be carried in baby pouches. Premature babies can also benefit from riding in pouches, since the baby pouch tends to emulate the familiar womb environment. On the higher end of the spectrum, there are even some models that can accommodate toddlers weighing up to forty pounds.

Sometimes newborns and smaller babies tend to look "lost" or overwhelmed by the pouch since the pouch allows them to assume the traditional curled-up fetal position more easily than does a sling or a molded plastic carrier. Proponents of attachment parenting find baby pouches and slings as key elements in developing strong parent-child bonding.

OK, How do I Choose?

When choosing to wear your baby, it is important to ask yourself what style of carrier would you be most comfortable using? Keep this in mind; a ‘high and tight ride' for baby will help keep mom or dad most comfortable, with baby's bottom somewhere between the wearer's belly button and hip. Once you start wearing baby, you will find which position is best for you and you baby. Some babies prefer the cradling position, while others prefer a more snuggly position. Every baby is different!

Baby pouches come in a variety of patterns and colors, and although we see more mothers using them, dads are also enjoying the benefits of baby wearing using baby pouches.