Help choosing sling - recommendations anyone?

Jessica - posted on 08/24/2009

Love the Moby Wrap, very supportive and comfortable!

Katharine - posted on 06/21/2009

hi congrats, i have tried a few different ones. i do like the ring sling but my little girl doesnt like it so much, wear as my son did when he was older i couod put him on my hip, now i have a kari me sling which you wrap around came with an instruction manual but it is fantastic got a few friends who have them too. cant use a normal carrier cos i have back problems but this i can wear her for ages. its worth trying different ones you can always get them on ebay and sell them on if they are not right for you.

Katrina - posted on 04/07/2009

I have a Kangaroo Korner adjustable cotton pouch. I've been using it for nearly 2 years, my son is now 24 lbs and we both have loved it since the day we first used it! I still wear him all the time and dread the day when he's too heavy. I love those moments when I'm shopping and he falls asleep, it makes me want to just sit on a bench and watch him sleep or shop longer just so I can keep wearing him! If you're not too picky about a pattern they have an outlet store where you can get them cheaper than regular price. The site is www.kangarookorner.com

Molly - posted on 03/27/2009

SLEEPYWRAP sleepywrap.com

You wear it one way.  The baby fits 3 different ways.  One for Newborns, baby facing in, baby facing out.  You can also wear twins in it.

You put it on you tight, and it stretches to fit baby- no readjusting at all! I have carted my kid hiking sand dunes in the middle of winter, to hockey games, traveling, and the list goes on.  It can hold kids up to over 40lbs or something.  I didn't even get a stroller until last week (he's 4.5 months old).  There are also videos on YouTube of people putting 7 year olds in their wraps on their back. So, you can basically use this ONE wrap from birth to walking and beyond.

It is also ergonomical and very comfy for me. 

It also isn't too expensive like the other options out there.

Try this one. You'll like it!

Elizabeth - posted on 03/12/2009

Thank you to everyone who suggested making a wrap sling,  I did (13$ for 2) and my son loves it and i have sold the other one here on face book so thank you VERY MUCH

MaryJane - posted on 02/21/2009

Buy the organic Ergo- you'll have to buy the infant insert as well. I think the organic ones are more sturdy if you're going to use it alot. I used a hotsling I found on sale for the first 2 months and then it started to hurt my back.



Ergo all the way!!!! baby wearing is the way to go for so many reasons!!!



Good luck.

Elizabeth - posted on 02/21/2009

Ergo carrier. Get the insert for newborns.

Anna - posted on 02/19/2009

Hiya

We have a moby wrap and its fab. Love it. Nicholas is my 3rd and I really wish we'd discovered Moby sooner!

Anna

Elizabeth - posted on 02/07/2009

My favorite was the Ergo. I tried um all. But once he started getting heavier, this one put all of the weight in my hips. Back felt great! Also easy to nurse hands-free. And has a nice, built-in nursing cover. Kinda expensive, but I think you can use it for years. And you can carry baby on your back too. My husband also loves using it.

Amy - posted on 02/05/2009

I have a peanut shell (which was helpful for NB), a ring sling (that I will use for hip carrying when m son is a bit older), and a Moby. The Moby is by far my favorite. It spreads out the weight so my back doesn't get as sore and my son is very well protected in it. I like to have a variety of carriers on hand, but if you can only go with one I would highly reccomend the Moby.

Rebecca - posted on 02/04/2009

Personally when they are young I like a sling that wraps around both my shoulders like the sleepy wrap. I have also used one with the rings over one of my shoulders (mya wrap) I liked that but when the get really heavy it does cause a strain for long periods of time.

Lindsay - posted on 01/25/2009

Danette - is it a 'bag sling'? If so, you need to read this: http://babyslingsafety.blogspot.com/

I hope you don't take this as a criticism, just concerned about safety :)

MaryJane - posted on 01/24/2009

Ergo Baby is the best! The infant insert is needed for the first couple mos. You'll save you're back- great company to order from. I recommend the organic one- the waist support is thicker for some reason. One size fits all, really!

Danette - posted on 01/24/2009

I have one made by Boppy and it has mesh ventilation in the sides and works well with my son.  He was 2 months premature and very tiny, so I had to wait a bit to use it.  But he loves it!  I put him in it and he is instantly asleep!  A very happy boy every time he is in it!  I even go on walks w/him in it!

User - posted on 01/23/2009

I agree with Emly and Rachel - Just make your own.  Here is a link for how to make your own now sew wrap: http://www.wearyourbaby.com/Default.aspx...

If you want to buy a wrap style carrier (which is best for newborns), then go with the Moby brand.  Their website also has great instructions for how to use a wrap.  It is well worth the effort to learn how to tie one.

I actually made my own wrap with a very lightweight fleecy material, which was great for our cold winters.  It cost $15 for the fabric and then I had two wraps to give away.  I would wear her in an upright position and was able to zip my coat up to her neck, so just her head was peeking out.  Both of us kept warm and I could always throw a blanket over her head  if needed.  I am blessed with a very petit baby. 

I now use a ring sling when it is convenient.  I bought it online second hand from kijiji.ca.  Or you could check craigslist - some people spend a lot of money, but then can't make it work for them.

Finally, if I was going to buy one now, I would buy an ERGO.  My friend has one, coupled with a babywearing jacket (special zipper in the back so baby can have their head out).

Kelly - posted on 01/23/2009

I like the Beco, buckle/mei tai, SSC the best.  I hate the Moby, they stretch out and have to be repostitioned IME.

I just used a SSC when DS was a newborn (and on) and tucked his little legs inside.  It worked fine.  And I agree, very easy to make, though I've never done it.  I have a friend that makes and sells them.

Emily - posted on 01/22/2009

No offense taken... I completely agree that babies should have proper ventilation, and should never be completely zipped into a coat and if baby is totally sweating, they're probably too hot. But other than that... keeping my coat around my babies legs and back is one of the best ways to keep them warm, and to keep me warm. Though... now that my baby is a year old, she doesn't fit with my coat around her anymore... so I put her in her own snowsuit, then in the wrap and leave my coat unzipped completely. It's been colder than usual here, and when I run errands she's too big for me to put in the wrap before we get out of the car... so I like that she's bundled on her own for when I take her in and out of the car before putting her in a carrier.

Angela - posted on 01/21/2009

No offence intended Emily. I'm not sure if it's an old wive's tale, but I heard once that a baby suffocated under a mom's coat when she was zipped inside for warmth, while the mom was walking her older kids to school. Just wanted to make sure it was out there. Safety first.
To be honest, I put my daughter in the Ergo inside my husband's coat. His coat is big enough to fit around the 2 of us and still be able to zip, but I only zip to the back of her neck. I always leave her head out and wear a hat on her. I also tuck a receiving blanket in between us at the top so she has something to support her head when she falls asleep without getting too hot (mommy's a furnace), and to keep out the cold in the space between us while she's awake. If I put a jacket on her as well she would roast and wouldn't fall asleep. She stays toasty warm and I can usually peel everything off and put her right into bed without waking her up.
The look of utter trust and love that you get from your child just before she falls asleep on a cold winter's night when you go for a walk, because can't get her to sleep any other way due to teething or a cold or whatever, is very touching. It's something every mom should experience.

Emily - posted on 01/21/2009

When I wear my kids under my coat, it's almost always unzipped. If my baby is small enough, then I zip it up to the middle of the baby's back... I agree that you would never want to completely zip a baby into your coat. The most I ever bundled my baby was when she was 6 weeks old. I had her in a snowsuit, in my wrap, with my coat zipped up to her back. I think she also had a hat on under the snowsuit... this was because we spent the day in the snow watching my brother in a ski race. It was extremely cold that day (though it wasn't snowing), and my normal super-heater baby didn't sweat at all. She was comfortably warm and cozy and happy as we hiked around the mountain.

Angela - posted on 01/20/2009

I was a little concerned with Emily's post about wearing the baby under your coat. You can do this, but please be sure the baby has proper ventilation.
I have the Ergo and the Bjorn Active. I also have an Ultimate Baby Wrap. All are effective, but I like my Ergo best because I feel that my baby is the most secure and comfortable in it. I found in the summer time the Ergo to be too thick though and my baby overheated easily and wanted out. The Bjorn Active has the best back support and ventilation of my two soft carriers, but I found that she "swings" as the part that attaches the baby to you is very small compared to the Ergo. The Ultimate Baby Wrap
is nice because you can easily adjust the size. I found that it is too stretchy though and the heavier the baby got the more it sagged. It also has a learning curve to figure out how to use it. :)
Good luck with your search!

Rachel - posted on 01/17/2009

If you have access to a sewing machine and a little know how you can make a variety of carriers for WAY cheaper than buying them!! I made ring slings, mei tais, and wrap slings from FREE patterns I found online.



The wraps were easiest, just hem the ends, or use rubber bands for a no sew option. Wraps are good for front and back carries with a range of ages. They take some getting used to and require some technique to tie on. Comfy though!!



Ring slings are also easy to make. Rings can be purchased at www.slingrings.com and are pretty cheap. Fabric can be expensive, but doesn't have to be. My favorite sling is a ring sling I made while pregnant with my DD. I've tried to duplicate it many times, but the original is the best. Easy to adjust and takes no time to put on. I made mine with a long tail to be used as a nursing cover, spit rag, blanket, etc.



Mei tais are also easy to make. Many patterns can be found FREE online. Or you can make your own. They are easy to put on and can be used for front and back carries. Even hip carries if you experiment a little.

Krystal - posted on 01/14/2009

I have a Moby Wrap & a Hotsling. They're both great! In the 1st few wks of life my little girl was very gassy & being held in an upright position worked wonders. She slept on me & I could still get things done as I had 2 free hands. Now she's 6 months & moving around a lot I wear her less but it still comes in handy esp now she's teething & cranky. Good Luck!

Emily - posted on 01/12/2009

Wraps are AWESOME for newborns, and for cold weather (because you can easily wear them under your coat).

I like adjustable ring slings for older babies and warmer weather, when I don't need a jacket. Mei Tai's are my preferred carrier for toddlers and any kind of back carry. I suggest you start practicing back carries when your little one is about 3-4 months... before they start rolling. It's easier to learn before baby is old enough to squirm, and once baby gets used to it, they won't move while you get them secured. My 12 month old now holds onto my shoulders while I strap her on my back... she loves to be carried. :)

As for brands... I actually preferred to make all my own carriers, so I don't have any experience with specific brands. I can't afford most baby carriers, but they're relatively cheap to make. I got some good instructions from http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/

Angela - posted on 01/11/2009

I used the Kangaroo Korner adjustable fleece pouch with my son.  He liked to be carried--and nurse--in a more vertical position so the KK pouch was perfect for that.  My husband also found it really easy to use.  Great "popability."  The Moby Wrap is also a great option for newborns since it allows you to carry in a variety of positions, but there is a little bit more of a learning curve!  Hope that helps!

Angela