What could be more natural than your little one tucked up next to you, reassured by the sound of your heart beat...?

So, you're interested in babywearing, but don't know where to start - a wrap, mei tai or ring sling...? There is a wonderful choice available for all sizes of baby with styles to suit every mama - and papa.

To help you decide, here is a guide to each type of sling and carrier. If you find yourself still undecided or unsure, don't hesitate to contact us at mail@lovetobenatural.co.uk, or on 0845 095 1314. As babywearing parents, we have years of practical hands-on experience of most slings and carriers.

STRETCHY WRAPS

Stretchy wraps are one long piece of fabric (akin to t-shirt fabric) which are wrapped around your body and keep little one secure, snug and close - the best place to be after nine months in utero. No buckles, rings or fasteners, just soft jersey fabric.

These wraps allow baby to be popped in and out as desired, in different positions, great for nursing on the go, or for discreet nursing.

In general, stretchy wraps are used for front carrying only, with the baby being placed in either an upright, tummy-to-tummy position or in a reclining position. One size fits most wearers and these wraps are very comfortable, particularly, post natal.

Stretchy wraps are a great carrying option for newborns up to around 1 year and beyond if you wish. We particularly recommend them for newborns.

WOVEN WRAPS

Woven wraps are similar to stretchy wraps in that they are one long piece of fabric with no buckles, fasteners or rings. Woven wraps can be tied in different ways for different positioning. Woven wraps differ from stretchy wraps in that woven fabric is far more supportive. It often has a slight diagonal stretch, making it supportive enough to hold a heavy toddler.

Woven wraps can be tied for front, back and hip carries. If you've loved using your stretchy wrap for your smaller baby, then a woven wrap will allow you to continue wrapping with a larger, heavier baby - we have used ours with a 28lb toddler!

Woven wraps are incredibly versatile - depending on the length of the wrap, they can be used for many different carrying positions on the front, hip, and back and from newborn through to toddlers. On average, a 4.5-4.7m wrap will allow for most carrying positions.

There is a learning curve with wraps, however all come with detailed instructions, and we are always able to advise and provide guidance on which wrap is best for you.

MEI TAIS

The basic design of a Mei Tai is a front panel with two pairs of straps. One pair ties across the wearers back and around baby and the other ties around the waist distributing the weight evenly across the shoulders, back and hips.

It is a very simple, yet very, very supportive style. Once again, there are no buckles, or rings, just fabric, and in our Mei Tais, cotton batting for extra support. They can be used for front and back carries and can be used from newborn through to toddler.

Mei Tais are great for nursing on the go. Another advantage is that most are reversible. They are very supportive, relatively easy to use and are available in a gorgeous selection of colours and prints.

SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIER

Soft Structured (or buckle) carriers are versatile and easy to learn. The basic design is a front panel, a waist strap and two shoulder straps, all of which are adjustable to achieve a custom and comfortable fit.

SSC's are very supportive and baby can be worn on the front or back. It is probably the easiest carrier with which to achieve a back carry. Some SSc's like the Manduca can be used from newborn, some like the Boba 2G are designed for use from around 3 months of age, but all can be used right through to pre-school age.

SSC's are great for nursing on the go. They are very supportive, easy to use and are available in a gorgeous selection of colours and prints.

RING SLINGS

The basic design of a ring sling is a long piece of fabric looped through two heavy duty rings forming a seat or cradle for baby. It is worn over one shoulder and is fully adjustable, so can fitted to suit the size of baby and wearer by adjusting each edge of the hanging tail.

Ring slings are great for carrying a newborn, either in an upright or reclining position, and allow very discreet nursing on the go. The ring sling can also be used right up to toddler age (depending on the supportiveness of the fabric).

They can be especially useful with older babies who are at the 'up and down' stage, as it is very quick and easy to place baby in and out of the ring sling, and they fold up nice and neat so can be carried with you.