In addition, Pediatrician Graham Barr has found that babies who are carried cry 43 per cent less overall and 54 per cent less during the evening hours. It is believed that holding baby close helps parents become more finely attuned to facial expressions, letting them know when baby is hungry or needs a nappy change.

Babyworld also draws on the point that fathers do not have the automatic bond with their children that mothers build up during pregnancy. By wearing baby in a sling, they become familiar with the sound of his heartbeat, breathing and movements.

There are many types of baby carrier available, falling into three main categories: slings, front packs and backpacks. Asking a range of lifestyle questions is vital if you are to ascertain which type of carrier is right for your customer.

Slings are made of fabric and available in a variety of styles, worn sash style over the shoulder to hold baby in front. Online consumer portal www.pregnancy.org highlights a number of benefits that are well worth passing on to your own customers: they are perfect for the newborn months when baby needs to be held often; great for carrying baby around the house while leaving two arms free to go about daily tasks; creating privacy for breast feeding and as a blanket or cover-up. What’s more, says the site, you can even get baby in and out of a sling without waking her and being small, lightweight and easy to transport, are great to use when a stroller would be inconvenient, such as up stairs, through large crowds or narrow aisle-ways. They also have longevity, as some can be used right up to toddlerhood, when baby gets tired of walking.

Front Packs meanwhile, have a seat that attaches to the front of mum or dad with straps that criss cross behind to secure the carrier. While the benefits are similar to those of a sling, it is worth advising customers that getting baby in and out of one of these will require slightly more effort and that moving a sleeping baby can be difficult, unless the seat unbuckles separately from the harness. They are very well suited to older babies who are able to hold their heads upright, allowing for greater opportunities to engage with the world around them.

A Back Carrier is similar to a camping back pack – it has a seat for baby that attaches to the back with a frame and straps that cross over the shoulders. Back packs are great for outdoors types who love walking and rambling, as many have integral storage facilities. They are also suitable for an older baby who loves to look around and be carried high on mum or dad’s shoulders.

In many ways, selling a sling or carrier demands many of the principles used in the sale of a stroller or travel system. Be sure to ask how often the carrier will be used, by whom and where, explaining the features and benefits of each.

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