Frequently asked questions about baby carriers

choosing | safety-comfort | using | tips

Why a baby carrier (sling) instead of a conventional carrier from the shops?

Baby carrier from newborn up to 3 years old The advantages of baby carriers over conventional carriers from the shops have been analysed at various points on this site and on the babywearing blog too. If you want to sum up a few key points, read about the position of the baby’s legs for its hips, about the natural carrying positions for the spine, about the age and weight limits, about cost issues (and value for money). Besides the above, look at the photos and testimonials of parents who use baby carriers with their baby, or personally try a baby carrier to see for yourself the difference in comfort it will offer you and your baby.

You too will understand why there are moms who constantly carry even their three-year-old children in a baby carrier, whereas those who used a conventional carrier complained from the start that their back couldn’t take it.

Why Asteraki Slings instead of other sling brands?

Asteraki sling - the best baby carrier We are very proud of our Asteraki carriers. Every part of them has been carefully studied so that they are definitely the best choice from every point of view. Read specific comparisons with bag-sling type carriers, with padded slings, and more generally with other sling carriers. Read how Asteraki ring slings are made and our amazing mei tais and the features that make them so special, but also try them out in practice with your baby, if you have the chance, to draw your own conclusions!

Note also that with us you’ll find any help you might need while using your sling. It’s no coincidence that we deal exclusively with babywearing and baby carriers, and don’t sell other baby goods, baby layettes, gifts, etc. It’s no coincidence that we chose not to import ready-made slings from countries with low production costs, but to make the most perfect baby carriers, in every respect, according to the strictest quality, comfort and safety standards, without compromise. It’s no coincidence that our Asteraki carriers have held thousands of babies (including our own) since 2005, when we started dealing with babywearing. Through great (voluntary) effort, with articles in magazines, with television appearances, by organising free meetings, we managed to make babywearing known in Greece (beyond specific brands and manufacturers), when the concept of a “baby carrier” was still completely unknown. Our experience with all types of slings and the research we’ve done around babywearing is truly unique in our country. And one thing is certain: we can help you with whatever problem or question you face. The parents who already use our Asteraki carriers can vouch for it!

All Asteraki carriers are ergonomic, acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, made from excellent-quality fabrics, certified according to Standard 100 by Oeko-tex®.

Choosing

1. Which type of carrier should I choose?

Choosing the right type is a very personal matter and there’s a lot to discuss! A good solution, if you like (and if you live in Athens), is to come to the next group meeting to try them out in person (with your baby) and see first-hand what you think you like and what suits you. This may help you more than anything you read here. Sometimes the “feeling” something gives you says far more than all the arguments in the world!

Having said that, you can read in detail about the factors that influence choosing the right baby carrier, or use the relevant selection “tool” we made by gathering experience and opinions from many parents who carry their babies!

read in detail:
Which carrier should I get for my baby

2. Is the mei tai only for older babies?

Newborn in a carrier No! The mei tai is suitable for newborn babies, from the very first day of birth.
The baby is in exactly the same position in all baby carriers!
The fact that the baby doesn’t lie down in the mei tai is not a problem at all for carrying or for the baby’s sleep (read about the upright position in a carrier for babies). Breastfeeding in a mei tai is also very easy and very comfortable (see photos of babies breastfeeding in a mei tai carrier).

“Thank you, Asteraki, you’ve freed up my hands! I’m sending you a little video from our first time at the supermarket with the car. Following your instructions, my baby slept peacefully, and I put on and took off my mei tai without help, without getting it dirty at all, without waking my baby up! Every time, it seems easier and easier to me! I love babywearing and my little carrier!”

3. I have a conventional carrier from the shops. Isn’t the mei tai the same?

Not at all! The mei tai doesn’t compare in any way with conventional carriers, both in the amazing comfort it offers whoever wears it (thanks to its excellent weight distribution) and in the comfort and ergonomics it offers the baby (read about the correct position for the baby’s legs/hips). It also differs in the age and weight limits for which it’s suitable (with the mei tai you can carry very heavy and very big children in all positions; read, if you like, about the age and weight limits, and about the position where the baby faces forward with its legs out, which only the mei tai allows you to do). And of course it differs in the ease of use and the possibilities it offers (the mei tai is put on in seconds and with it you can carry your baby in front, on your back, on the side, breastfeed, etc.). Don’t forget either that this is a carrier made from natural fabrics (100% cotton) that breathe and can be washed in the machine without worry.

4. What size should I choose for my ring sling?

All sizes will work for you. Asteraki slings adjust without limit, without padding to get in the way and without a closed tail. Size is more a matter of “taste”! What changes with the size is how far the tail reaches on your body depending on your height and weight (not depending on the baby’s weight). To get a better idea of the size you need, look at the following example:

For a mom who is 1.75 m tall and 80 kilos, in the standard size the tail will reach roughly to the hip (below the waistband), in the small size the tail will reach roughly to the waist (below the chest), while in the large size it will reach to the middle of the thigh.

In general, the standard size is probably the best choice if you are between 1.65 and 1.75 tall, and between 58 and 80 kilos in weight.

5. Will both parents be able to wear the same ring sling?

Yes, in line with the question above, your sling will work for both of you. Even a particularly tall dad can wear the same sling as a petite mom, since usually the dad doesn’t need the coverage of the tail (e.g. for breastfeeding) and wouldn’t have a problem with a short tail. However, for safety reasons, we want the tail to hang about 20 cm past the rings. Given that not all positions use the same length of fabric (e.g. in the cradle position you need more fabric than in the upright or seated position, meaning the tail is shorter), don’t choose the small size if either of you is over 1.80.

read more:
Choosing a size for your Asteraki

6. Are cotton/linen/woven ring slings better?

This is purely a matter of your own preference and personal taste. All the fabrics are suitably selected to be safe and comfortable, and they are all 100% natural fabrics. Read more about choosing fabrics here.

7. Which type of carrier/which fabric is the most suitable choice for the heat in summer?

With the baby in a carrier in summer You should keep in mind that what makes you warmest when carrying your baby is the close contact you have, and that you’ll feel this warmth even if you hold your baby in your arms. It’s clearly cooler for you (but not better for your baby) to sit on your sofa with your baby in a bouncer. If, however, you want/need to hold your baby in your arms, read about the heat and the suitable choice of fabrics and carrier types here and here.

8. I like a fabric I saw in the options for the mei tai. Can I choose it for a ring sling?

Unfortunately, no. The fabrics that are suitable for a mei tai are not suitable for a ring sling (because they won’t pass easily through the rings and will make your sling hard to adjust). The same applies the other way round: the fabrics that are suitable for a ring sling are not suitable for a mei tai (read why, here). Similarly, the fabrics that are suitable for a pouch are not suitable for a ring sling (because they have a slight stretch for comfort, which will make it hard for you to use the tail of your sling). The truth is that finding 100% natural fabrics with the right specifications for each type of carrier is very hard work, and we dedicate a lot of time to it!

9. How are Asteraki Ring slings made?

Learn more about how “Asteraki” ring slings are made, and what the features are that make these carriers so special!

10. How are Asteraki Mei Tais made?
Learn more about how “Asteraki” mei tais are made, and what the features are that make these carriers so special!

11. Is there a shop?

The “shop” is online! If, however, you would like to see the available fabrics in person or buy a ready-made carrier on the spot, contact us to arrange an appointment. In the demonstration/training space (where the Asteraki carriers are created), you’ll find several ready-made slings and mei tais as well as all the fabrics and designs to choose from. The space is specially set up (with mirrors) to serve the training process, and the special model dolls (with weight and with the need for head support) will help you understand how you’ll wear your Asteraki, even if your baby is still in your belly!
Our meetings could be a good opportunity to try slings and find which type of carrier suits you and your baby. Note, however, that no sales take place at the meetings and you won’t find slings for sale there.

read:
An appointment where the Asteraki carriers are

Safety – Ergonomics – Comfort for the baby

1. Are baby carriers safe?

Comfort and safety in a baby carrier Absolutely, as long as you use them correctly. Make sure you follow the basic safety rules and the instructions for the type of carrier you’re using. Asteraki Slings are made with the utmost care (they hold our own children too, after all!), with high-strength, high-quality fabrics that are specially selected for each type of carrier. Don’t fail to also read this, before choosing a carrier for your baby.

2. Are newborn babies allowed to be in an upright position?
Not only is it allowed, but in certain cases (e.g. reflux, etc.) it is recommended. Read all the details about the upright position here and about the spine and breathing in newborn babies here.

Upright position for newborn babies

3. Is it good that the baby’s legs are spread?
It is the absolute goal according to all doctors, orthopaedists and paediatricians! Read all the details here.

Spread legs for the baby in a baby carrier

4. What are the baby’s legs like when it’s inside the carrier?

When you carry your baby in baby carriers with its legs inside, your baby will fold its little legs by itself like a little frog, to the right and left of its body, as all newborn babies do. See it here.

5. How should the baby’s arms be when it’s inside the carrier?

Generally, the answer is “wherever the baby wants”! Just as when you hold your baby in your arms you don’t place its arms in specific positions, you’ll let your baby decide how it wants its little arms to be. Still, for babies who don’t yet support their own heads, you want the fabric of your sling to cover at least the back of the neck, so the baby’s arms should be inside the carrier. Once head support no longer concerns you, your baby will choose by itself whether it wants its arms in or out!

Using

1. Which position should I start with for my ring sling?

Baby in the upright position with legs out in a sling carrier We suggest the upright position with legs out (even if your baby is a newborn). It’s very easy, it’s ideal for the baby and its development, and it’s the position you’ll use the longest (and therefore it’s worth learning). See easy instructions with video for this position here. If, however, your baby prefers to be “tucked in” and “snuggled” against you, as newborns sometimes love, then your first choice could also be the upright position with legs inside. Read more about this position here.

2. Will I find it hard to learn?

Depending on the type of carrier you’ve chosen, you may need more or less time to get familiar with it. Think about what it was like when you were learning to drive: you had to be taught the gears and how to handle the gear lever, but now, when you drive, you don’t think about it at all, your movements come naturally, without even needing to look at the gearbox. It’ll be the same with the baby carrier: you’ll need to learn how to use it and follow its rules, but after very little time, it won’t take you more than a few seconds to put your baby in your arms!

Of course, the babywearing group is at your disposal for advice and hands-on guidance, and wherever in Greece you live, you can contact us for help!

3. Can I breastfeed my baby in the carrier (or feed it with a bottle)?

Of course! It will make things much easier for you, it will lighten the baby’s weight, it will let you move around and have the baby in the correct position without needing pillows, and it will offer you discretion (if that’s what you’re after). Read the details here.

Breastfeeding and feeding your baby in a baby carrier

4. My baby has colic and cries. Will babywearing help me?

It will literally free up your hands! Carrying your baby in a baby carrier will not only make things easier when you’re trying to comfort your baby while it’s crying, but it will help your baby avoid reaching the stage of intense colic and stay calm and quiet even when you’re not carrying it. Read why in the relevant article:

Infant colic and solutions that work!

Summer holidays with a child in the carrier

5. Up to how many kilos can each type of carrier hold?

Really more than you could manage to carry! Read the details in the article about the age and weight limits for our baby carriers.

6. My ring sling tires me out/hurts me. Is that natural?

No! Under no circumstances should your sling hurt you or make you feel bad! If you feel pain at some specific point on your body, first of all make sure you’re wearing your sling correctly by reading this.

Beyond that, see babywearing a bit like doing exercise: if you start with a small baby who gradually gains weight and you carry it every day, then you’ll end up carrying your baby past the age of 2 and you won’t even have noticed! But if you carry it once today and again a month later, bear in mind that in a month the baby may have gained a whole kilo, and on your body that’s a sudden change. Also, if you’re starting with a big and heavy child, it’s better to carry it for a little while the first few times and gradually increase the time, so as to give your body the chance to adjust. Don’t forget, after all, that you really are exercising by carrying your baby (the muscles that support your spine work harder)!

7. Is there a chance the fabric could slip out of the rings of my ring sling and come open?

Absolutely none! The baby’s weight “locks” the rings and no matter how hard you try, you won’t manage to pull it out while you’re carrying your baby. See it with video: How to set up your sling correctly so that it’s safe and comfortable.

8. Someone gave me a second-hand sling. Can I use it comfortably?

As long as it’s in good condition, of course! If your sling is an Asteraki, make sure you’ve read the instructions for its correct use carefully on this site (especially if you were given the carrier without the instructions that come with it)! If it’s made by another manufacturer, look for the correct instructions and follow them. In any case, always take into account the durability of any fabric carrier in relation to the use it has been through and its lifespan!

Little tips and tricks

1. How should I dress my baby when I carry it in the carrier?

In winter in a mei tai baby carrier The same way you would dress it if you were holding it in your arms.

The body-to-body contact you have with the baby is the best “insulation” against the cold. You could wear your own jacket and have the baby wear its own, and put your Asteraki on over it (this works with all carrier types except the pouch, which is the only one that doesn’t adjust in size and so won’t fit you well over a thick jacket). You could also carry your baby in your Asteraki directly against you (with your clothes on) and put your jacket on over the top. You can wrap the baby with your own jacket or fasten a little blanket (or the baby’s jacket) around the carrier.

In summer, dress your baby lightly (as you’re dressed too). Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen, and protect your baby from the sun, as you would if you were holding it in your arms.

read more:
Out with the baby in the cold!

2. Do I have to wash my Asteraki before using it?

All the fabrics are new and have not been pre-washed. If you wash all the new clothes you buy for your baby before putting them on, then you should probably do the same with your sling too. (In fact, if you use a special detergent, e.g. for newborn babies, then it would be a good idea to do the same with your sling.) In general, think of the baby carrier as a piece of (the baby’s) clothing and treat it the same way!

3. Can I put the rings of my ring sling in the washing machine?

Of course! The rings have been specially designed and can be washed in the machine without worry. Nothing will happen to them, nor of course to your washing machine. If the noise the rings might make as they “clatter” in the drum bothers you, you can put a pair of socks over the rings (slipping them on like a glove) before putting your sling in for a wash. The socks will act as a “cushion” and your rings won’t make noise any more!

4. What are the washing instructions?

The little instruction booklet you’ll receive with your baby carrier gives washing instructions and you should follow them. In any case, since the fabrics are 100% cotton, it would be a good idea to use colour-catcher sheets in the first 1-2 washes, especially if you’ve chosen a combination with strong colour contrast. Cotton has the property of releasing colour, so (just like with a cotton T-shirt) it’s expected that the colours won’t be as intense after a few washes.

5. I really like the back positions, but my baby pulls my hair there, what should I do?

You’re not the only one! It seems babies have a soft spot for our hair, and when we carry them on our backs we put it in the perfect spot for them to practise their hairdressing “talents”! Don’t worry, there are solutions for every problem. Read some ideas for your hair when you carry your baby on your back here!

6. What else can I do with my Asteraki carriers besides carrying my baby?

You’ll find that your Asteraki is valuable in various situations. Besides being an excellent carrier, your Asteraki can be a little blanket, a burp cloth, a feeding seat, a car sunshade, even a swing. See alternative uses for the carriers here, as inventive moms thought them up and put them into practice! Baby Carrier Industry Alliance Member - Asteraki Slings