Different slings suit different people -- this is why it's great to meet up with a group of mums and try out different sorts of slings (Slingmeet and La Leche League meetings are good places for this). Over four children I've managed to build quite a sling collection (17 at last count) -- sometimes buying them for looks, sometimes because the technology improves (8 years ago there were only a handful of choices), sometimes because I want to do different things at different stages (carry baby on back, be able to get baby in and out of sling quickly, be able to carry for long periods of time). With each baby I've had different "favourite" slings. At least one of the main UK online sling shops rents out slings by the week so that you can try before you buy -- this is useful (it's either Little Possums or Big Mama Slings -- google to find their websites). I think you may be able to use the rental cost against the purchase of a new one, but I'm not sure - again, check the website. One hint though -- the earlier you start 'slinging' your baby the easier it will be. Even from the first couple of days, having baby nestled into a ring sling so that your hands are free is really useful. If you wait longer they may protest a bit, particularly if you aren't moving. Again, simply get walking, and baby will almost certainly settle. Many mothers find the Huggababy ring sling an easy first sling because you adjust it once to fit, then simply slip it on (rather than adjust once it is on). It's not as versatile as many newer models, but it is a good starter sling -- there's very little to go wrong. They can also often be found second hand on eBay. Always adjust the sling so that it's like a "Miss World" sash -- i.e. close to your body, not hanging down, then slip baby in. A common mistake is to have the sling too loose, so that baby is dangling around your waist. This is unsafe for baby and bad for your back: the closer a baby is to your body, and the higher he's positioned, the less strain it puts on your back. Some slings -- e.g. Maya Wrap -- come with a "how to" dvd. I'm sure there are plenty of sling tutorials on YouTube as well. HTH - happy slinging! All the best Agathoise