Ellie There are two basic kinds of carriers for baby's first year: the traditional front carrier; and the sling. For safety reasons, backpacks shouldn't be used until after one year of age.

Childbirth charities are warning parents that hands-free breastfeeding or bottle feeding, when a baby is being carried in a sling, is unsafe. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and the Lullaby ...

The updated guidance on their website states: "Using a sling for at least an hour a day is linked to more frequent breastfeeding (the baby should always be taken out of the carrier to feed)".