Probably the number-one most common question I’m asked when I’m out and about with Pomme in a sling — well, other than “is that really as comfortable as they say?  — is “where can I get one?”  Time after time I’ve chatted with young moms and older grandfathers and young couples just thinking about having children, and they would love to get a sling for themselves or for their daughters-in-law.  They’ve heard of the benefits.  They’ve struggled with their Baby Bjorns.  But they can’t find them anywhere.

I usually stammer off the best reply I can manage at the time, but what I really want to do is collect a list of the greatest places to find slings in Canada.  Then I can just send them to the list.  So here it is!

First of all, for the most part, you can only get slings online.  Of course, most online shops are located SOMEWHERE, so if you happen to live in the city where they’re located, you’re in luck!  If you don’t, though, you’re stuck with online ordering.  But don’t panic – most of these shops are very small and personal, and will bend over backwards to help you make the right choices!

A few chain stores and specialty baby shops are starting to carry some slings other than the Baby Bjorn-style carriers.  But buyer beware!  Most of these are c-r-a-p.  Overly padded monstrosities that are bulky and difficult to use and occasionally even dangerous!  If you’re new to the slinging game, you might not yet recognize which brands are good, quality carriers, and which are just… well… not.

(Author’s Note:  Please Read This Article About A Shop I Found Later, Which is an Exception to These General Rules)

If in doubt, wherever you’re thinking of buying your sling, first head over to The Baby Wearer and check the user reviews.  Oh, and while you’re there, browse the many great articles and the extensive forum for everything you need to know about babywearing!  It is the single most comprehensive resource on the net!

Quick glossary:

• Pouches – Hotslings is a common brand.  Simple one-shoulder sling, non-adjustable (must get the correct size), very easy to use and inexpensive.
• Ring Slings – Maya Wrap is a common brand.  One-shoulder sling adjusts via a double set of rings.  Long “tail” provides versatility and a touch of elegance.
• Wraps – Moby is a common brand.  Long pieces of cloth which are tied around mother and baby in an enormous variety of holds.  Maximum versatility and comfort, can be one- or two-shouldered, require learning how to tie the different carries.
• Mei Tais – Or Asian-Style Carriers.  Babyhawk is a common brand. Two-shouldered carrier.  Long straps tie over shoulders and around the waist.
• Structured Soft Carriers – or SSC’s.  Ergo and Beco are common brands.  Similar to Mei Tais, but with added buckles, security straps, padding, etc.  Think of a hybrid between Mei Tais and Baby Bjorns.

On to the shops!  These are all located in Canada, and are in no particular order. Many also have tons of other great non-babywearing-related products too, please check them out!

Pooka Baby (Toronto)
Pouches, Ring Slings, Mei Tais, SSC’s, Wraps, a few accessories

Tadpoles and Butterflies (Edmonton)
Pouches, Ring Slings, Mei Tais, SSC’s, Wraps, accessories

Milkface (Ottawa)
Pouches, Ring Slings, Mei Tais, SSC’s, Wraps, accessories

Panda Pouch (Hamilton)
Pouches, Ring Slings, Wraps

Continuum Family (Victoria)
Pouches, SSC’s

Parenting By Nature (Toronto)
Pouches, Ring Slings, Mei Tais, SSC’s, Wraps, accessories

The Baby Sling Shop (Chilliwack)
Pouches, Ring Slings, Mei Tais, SSC’s, Wraps, accessories

Mom and Baby Boutique (Brantford)
Pouches, Ring Slings, SSC’s, Wraps

Finally, don’t neglect second-hand sling shopping!  Once their babies outgrow the slinging ages, many mamas are happy to part with their beloved carriers at reduced costs.  Check the For-Sale-Or-Trade forums at The Babywearer and the Yahoo Group canadianslingswap.  I’ve got a couple I’d like to sell myself – feel free to email me for details.

And please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.  Seasoned babywearers are ecstatically happy to help those considering wearing their babies!  Ask on the forums I’ve mentioned above, ask the retailers themselves, or just ask me!  Happy babywearing!

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