Baby slings & carriers

Sling or ergonomic carrier: how to choose and buy at a good price

Updated 20 October 2026

What to choose: sling, wrap or ergonomic carrier

A ring sling goes on quickly and is handy for short outings and babies of different ages, but it loads one shoulder. A wrap (stretchy or woven) spreads the weight more evenly, but you need to know how to tie it. A mei tai and an ergonomic carrier have straps and a waist belt, so they are comfortable on long walks. A hip seat is only a seat on a belt for a child who can already sit.

For a newborn people most often take a stretchy wrap or an ergonomic carrier with an infant adapter or insert. How exactly to carry a baby of a particular age is best learned from a babywearing consultant.

Fabric and season

Linen and thin cotton suit the hot months, stretchy fabric and dense cotton suit cooler weather. For heat, look for mesh ergonomic carriers with ventilation. The fabric should be pleasant for the baby's skin, colourfast and easy to wash. Ask sellers for close-up photos of the fabric.

What to put in your request

• what exactly — ring sling, wrap, mei tai, ergonomic carrier, hip seat;
• baby's age and weight, for example from 4 months;
• brand or model — Ergobaby, Tula, Manduca, Love & Carry;
• fabric — linen, cotton, mesh;
• features — adjustable back panel, carrying positions (facing out, on the back), hood;
• size or length — for example a 4.6 m wrap;
• new or used, budget, delivery city.

Example: “I'm looking for an Ergobaby Omni 360 carrier for a 5-month-old, new or used in good condition. It must allow carrying facing me. Budget up to R 1,600, courier delivery to Johannesburg.”

Size for the parent and how to check a used one

A carrier or mei tai must fit not only the baby but also the person who will carry. Height and waist size affect the length of the straps and belt, so ask about adjustment. For a wrap, length matters: it depends on your clothing size and the way you tie it. Write your size in the request and sellers will suggest the length.

Used slings and carriers are popular, and that is fine. Ask for photos of seams, buckles and straps, and check that the fasteners work. The fabric should have no stretched spots or wear. Wash it before use.

How to compare offers and why BlaBlaPrice helps

Check the model, size, fabric and what is included (hood, adapter, cover), and then delivery. In BlaBlaPrice you describe what you want once, sellers reply in the chat, and the best offer, judged on what it contains, is shown first. Reviews of the seller are next to each one, and contacts are hidden and opened only to the one you choose. More in how it works.

For walks you may also like prams and strollers and car seats.