Weight group, up to
The weight group determines the
maximum weight of a baby that can be carried in a kangaroo/sling. This weight should not be exceeded: although backpacks and slings are usually made with a margin of safety, but the service life when exceeding the weight is significantly reduced, simply put — the carrier can fail at any time. In addition, the maximum design weight is not only related to durability, but also to the design of the backpack/sling, and if it is exceeded, both the mother and heavy baby may be uncomfortable.
Age group
The recommended age range for kangaroos/slings is somewhat arbitrary, as children of the same age can vary in weight, height, and development. However, it provides a rough estimate of how suitable a particular model may be for your baby at different stages. The lower age limit, though, is more strict; for instance, if a backpack is labeled "3-12 months," it shouldn't be used for newborns as it's not designed for their needs and could potentially harm their bodies.
Now on the market are carriers designed for this age:
from birth,
from 3 months,
from 6 months.
Lumbar support
Lumbar support is primarily designed to provide comfort to the mother while carrying the child. Thanks to this belt, which tightens at the waist, carrying the child for a longer time will not bother. And all thanks to the best distribution of the load on the back.
Material
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Cotton. Natural material based on plant fibers. Cotton is pleasant to the touch and quite durable, and it is also well suited for hot weather due to its permeability. Disadvantages include sensitivity to moisture (it gets wet quickly and takes a long time to dry), as well as difficulty in cleaning from certain contaminants.
—
Polyester. Synthetic material. It is highly durable, considered hypoallergenic, easy to clean and quite resistant to moisture — it gets wet relatively little and dries quickly. On the other hand, polyester is much less pleasant to the touch than cotton and is less suitable for hot weather — the baby will sweat more.
— Cotton/polyester. A combination of the two materials described above in varying proportions. Designed to combine the advantages of cotton and polyester: more durable, more resistant to moisture and dirt than pure cotton, at the same time better suited for hot weather and more pleasant to the touch than polyester. The specific properties depend on the proportions of cotton and polyester, which can vary considerably from model to model.
— 3D (
mesh). In this case, the term "mesh" refers to the structure rather than the material itself, resembling a coarse mesh as the name suggests. These models excel in ventilation, making them ideal for warmer weather as they reduce sweating for the baby. Typically made of s
...ynthetic materials like polyester.
— Jersey. Knitted fabric can be made of pure natural fibers or a blend of natural and synthetic ones. It comes in varying densities and thicknesses, offering both lightweight and warmer options. However, its inherent elasticity and tendency to stretch make it particularly suitable for scarf slings (refer to "Type").
— Cotton fabric. A cotton-based fabric (see above) with the addition of other materials, sometimes synthetic. This increases strength, durability and resistance to creasing compared to the original cotton, while being pleasant to the touch, easy to clean and environmentally friendly.
— Linen. Linen slings and kangaroos are designed for use in the warm season. Linen is well ventilated and has excellent hygroscopicity. The main advantage of linen is the presence of bactericidal properties that prevent the development of pathogenic microbiotics. Additionally, linen fabric has a fairly durable structure. Such carriers are quite reliable and durable products. Usually used for older children whose skin has already become a little rough.
— Linen/cotton. In this fabric, the durability of linen is complemented by the softness of cotton. Cotton linen is predominantly a summer fabric. Such slings and kangaroos are well ventilated, they are hygroscopic and pleasantly fit the body. The ratio of cotton and linen can be different. Most often in the fabric is 50% cotton and 50% linen. But cotton is also found in the ratio of 70% cotton and 30% linen. The more cotton, the softer the fabric is to the touch.
— Cotton/silk. The cotton and silk based fabric is soft and glides perfectly. The mixture of cotton and silk gives the product pronounced hygroscopic properties, such fabric easily absorbs moisture, it is well ventilated. Slings and kangaroos based on cotton and silk have proven themselves in the warm season.
— Cotton/bamboo. Cotton and bamboo baby carriers combine the high durability of bamboo fiber and the softness of cotton. They are hard-wearing and pleasant to the touch. Cotton and bamboo based fabrics are characterized by good air permeability. Bamboo fiber gives slings and kangaroos increased resistance characteristics. At the same time, the material demonstrates pronounced bactericidal properties.
— Silk. Silk slings and kangaroos are ideal for summer use due to their moisture-absorbing and well-ventilated properties. Silk's smooth texture offers a pleasant sensation on the baby's skin, minimizing any potential rubbing. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of skin irritation. However, these products tend to be pricey and demand special care, including hand washing with specific detergents and careful drying due to technical challenges.
