Nursing in a Baby Sling

Melissa - posted on 12/15/2008

Thanks to everyone for your help. I have added these to my registry!

Liz - posted on 12/15/2008

I love my Mei Tai. It's also a great carrier and I think it's a little easier on the back. My daughter likes this one the best, (I have a ring and a pouch sling).

Emily - posted on 12/15/2008

If you'll be going out a lot and you have a bad back, I would strongly suggest a wrap. A woven wrap is definitely good, but as another poster said, it does have a learning curve. A stretchy wrap is easier to use and works great with younger babies. Also, once your baby has good neck control, you can start wearing them on your back, which would give you more freedom during your summer nature study. I would suggest a mei tai for that as they are much easier to get little ones on and off your back.

You can check out http://www.mobywrap.com/ for instructions on tying and wearing wraps. There are many ways to wear your baby in a wrap, and it does take some practice, but it's by far the most comfortable carrier I've ever tried. It's also the only carrier I've every successfully nursed completely hands-free in.

Shannon - posted on 12/15/2008

As far as the slings go... the ring sling just got uncomfortable for me anyway.... I wear my pouch style ones (I have two Tiny Angel Hand ones from Canada, and a Peanut shell which I picked up at T@rget I think) for a longer period of time. My only problems with those is that my son likes the hip carry and it tends to make one arm not able to move around as much since the fabric is sooo wide. It really is a personal thing, I suggest getting a couple different styles to try... think eBay and buy at least one of each type... once you know hat you like, then go for more of it and sell the others!

Melissa - posted on 12/15/2008

Was it always uncomfortable or just as the baby got bigger? I have to take her on a summer independent study with me that will involve going out into nature so I will have to carry her. It is not conducive to strollers :) She will be 3-4 months old.

Shannon - posted on 12/13/2008

I have 2 different syles of slings, the one with rings and the pouch style. As far as nursing, I use the ring slings while out in public... they are great for hiding what you are up to if you are in a place that people around frown on nursing in public. However, if you have a bad back... mine isn't great after rolling a jeep 3 times.... I can only stand with my 20lb 16 weeks old in his sling for about an hour.... then I either have to change sides or just stop wearing him all together... dad's turn then... I tried the moby wrap, my son does not like them, so it is up to you, but they do distribute the weight much better....

Tiffany - posted on 12/12/2008

I work at a baby store that sells various carriers and we see women like you all the time. I would definitely suggest a wrap. It will distribute the weight evenly over 2 shoulders and is extremely versatile. I do love my sling too, but only for short periods (and I switch shoulders regularly too). Mobys and Moby Ds (with a woven or silk panel for longer wearability when baby gets heavier) are nice, and we also sell a lot of Sleepy wraps for newborns (very stretchy and forgiving for inexperienced users). If you're really comfortable with a wrap, a woven one is great and will last ages - I've seen mothers carrying 4 year olds in them! That said, woven wraps are very unforgiving to new users and can be frustrating. There are lots of YouTube videos of people using wraps that you can check out. Good luck!

Nicole - posted on 12/12/2008

I made a ring sling and my little one didn't like it at all. I have a bad back too and I am sure a ring sling even if worn properly would still hurt after a while. I haven't personally tried it yet but I just ordered a Moby Wrap. It's distributes weight across both shoulders and back. It is also possible to bf in this type of sling too.