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Have any of you ladies used a sling with your babies? Do you have any advice on how to choose, which style, brands, etc.?

Sorry, I don't have any experience with one that I would recommend. But, I can tell you one that I would not recommend. I got this one when Will was a newborn:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=6457350
I returned it because it was uncomfortable. It seemed to hang to low and did not support Will very well. He sort of folded up inside of it.

I swapped it for a Snugli front style infant carrier. I don't use it very often. It's very difficult to get Will into it by myself and now that he's getting heavier, it hurts my back.

I'd still like to try another sling, though, either for #2 (which isn't anytime soon) or now for Will. Don't they make some slings that work in different positions and fit older babies and toddlers?

I had 2 slings.

I had heard so many good things about the Maya wrap, but I didn't like it at all. It comes with a how-to dvd if that tells you anything. I didn't like the long piece of material hanging down. I understand it is so the sling can grow with your child, and helps with nursing, but it always really bugged me, and Ben was never very comfy in it. Though, I have friends who loved it. Here are some pics....

http://www.mayawrap.com/products.php

This one, I loved.....

http://www.hotslings.com/

I've used a Lucky Baby Sling and a BabyHawk mei tai type carrier.

I loved my pouch sling for when my DD was tiny. I used it from the time she was 3 weeks old until she was 9 months old on a daily basis. I would have used it earlier if I had it then.

The Lucky Baby is very similar to the hotsling but more inexpensive.

If you haven't already check out The Baby Wearer. They have all sorts of info, reviews and recommendations.

I wore Jack in a Jeep Carrier. He absolutely loved that thing. And we didn't mind wearing it either.

http://www.babyearth.com/jeep-2-in-1-baby-carrier.html

Ms Clavel- Tell me about the Baby Hawk please. DD is 16 months old, 22lbs. DH and I have talked about getting something like that to use when we are at places like the park or zoo.

When the LOs were very small, I occasionally used one of those front packs similar to what kristi linked to (but not as nice). I tried a sling, but never got the hang of getting them in/out. I probably gave up too quickly.

However, now that I have a toddler, I (and LO) LOVE our harness buddy. It looks like a stuffed animal (Monkey) and his tail is a leash.


Monkey Buddy Leash

FM- We have a harness and at the current time Olivia HATES it. She wants to go her own way and just lays down and cries. I am going to try it again when she gets a little older and understands us a little better.
http://www.tommiguard.com/buybasic.htm

Thanks, y'all for the great info! I'm going to check out all the links.
Kristi, I tried the Baby Bjorn, similar in style I think to the one you posted a link to, and I couldn't stand it. It killed my back. My husband loved it and used it with both babies, but it just hurt my back too much. So I'm wondering if a sling wouldn't be easier on the back. Those who have used them, are they back-friendly?

My husband loved the Baby Bjorn, but it hurt my back, too. I found the sling much more comfortable because I could use my hip and arm to cradle him.

Jen The BabyHawk is a unstructured carrier that you can use to carry your child on your front, back or hip. The body is a large square and off of each corner is a strap. Two straps are shorter and tie around your waist. Two straps are padded like backpack straps and they go over your shoulders and tie in various places depending on how you want to carry your child.

It folds or rolls down into nothing and both you and your husband can use it. It is really good at distributing the weight over your full back and shoulders. I bought it when it became uncomfortable to carry my DD in the sling for long periods. The sling only goes over one shoulder and, while it distributes the weight well, I can't carry my DD for long now without my shoulder hurting. Plus, once she became really wiggly, the sling didn't seem that secure.

My DD loves the BabyHawk. Especially if I use the back carry. She's at adult height and can see SOOOO much. She's a nosy child and wants to be in the middle of everything. It's also great for getting her to sleep when we are out and about. The movement of me walking while she is snuggled up against me will put a sleepy toddler right out.

LawMommy I haven't used the Bjorn so I can't compare it to my carriers. I didn't have any back problems with carrying my DD until she was around 9 months old. In fact, it was so much easier on my arms and back to carry her in the sling than not.

And I believe that the pouches (or ring slings, have you seen them? Adjustable versions of the pouches) are better for baby as far as positioning goes. They can snuggle right in and be extra close to Mom. And mom can get stuff done too. I've even nursed in VERY public places while wearing DD in the sling and NOBODY could tell.

Sorry for the book, y'all. I love babywearing.

LivisMom, weekend before last, the LO and I walked from home to a coffe shop on University Blvd. and back with him on the leash. According to google maps, this would be about a mile, round trip! There's no way I could have walked with him out of the stroller along that street. Of course, we did have a long break at the coffee shop before our return trip. And, we had many stops along the way to pick up rocks, explore the dirt, look at leaves and such. (Which I had anticipated.) I was worried at first that we'd get there and then I'd have to carry him back. But, he walked the entire distance without any objection. (could have kept on going, actually!) I can't remember when we first used it...mainly it was just playing in or around the house. He would want it on and would walk around holding the end of the tail himself, like that was some big deal!
LOL

Edited to say: When we use it, I cannot count the number of drivers that point, chuckle and wave. It gets a lot of attention!

I like PeanutShells and HotSlings. They are both pouch-type carriers, but with no straps and yucky ties. I just got a water sling to carry on vacation for DD.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I still haven't gotten one yet. Anyone used the New Native carrier?