Today’s Edition:
Baby Slings
Are you a baby sling kind of momma?
I’ll tell you, I have never been. I’m a holder and a cuddler and a nurser, certainly, but I’ve never been one to want to wear my baby.
Until now.
This pregnancy and birth is different for me, coming as it does after so much pain & anticipation. I want to stretch out the babymoon for as long…as…possible…and I want to do things “right.”
Because, of course, up until now I’ve done this motherhood thing all wrong.
Hee.
You know what I mean.
Here’s the deal, though. I know next to nothing about baby slings. I own a Baby Björn and use it occasionally. Then, when the baby’s older, I switch to a backpack.
None of this makes me an official baby-wearing momma—not by any stretch. I think, for me, it’s that slings are intimidating—given that there are many different kinds as there are days in the year and then there are all those buckles, ties, and (worst of all!) fabrics that one must choose from.
How does one choose?
How do you?
I’ll take any and all advice that you can sling my way. : )
*The sling that is shown is a Peanut Shell baby carrier and may be purchased here. Photo credit: mommyknows
My breasts are so big, I’d feel they were being crushed, and maybe a leak might happen?
I’m not a front carrier…when they get a little older I use a backpack, like when they want mama when she’s doing the dishes, those work great!
I tried a front carrier once and yes it frees the hands, but you can’t really do much, as the baby is there, like the dishes. I know several mothers though, who love those front slings!
*I do like that one you have pictured, we are having a girl…I don’t know….
I have never worn my baby, but I am thinking of it this time. For some reason, I think it may be easier because of the other kids…I love the one you have pictured…
I just read Jamie’s comment….LOL…feel exactly the same way (about the one you have pictured!
My favorite are the Zolowear Ring Sling and the Babyhawk Mei Tei! Both are very versatile and easy to use!
I was NEVER a babywearer…until my last two boys, adopted at 3 months and 17 months..then yes, for bonding. And hands down my favorite easiest to use (and cutest) sling was the Zolowear ring sling. Very smart design and easiest to use even for a toddler. Kind of pricey but well worth it if you’re gonna be using it daily!
I love carrying my babies – I have used a Sara’s Ride (hip/side carrier) for when they are older. Hard to find, but for ebay…
I had a homemade sling from a friend that was lovely for the first few months — have heard wonderful things about the Moby Wrap, the Mei Tai (here’s a link on slings at a lovely Mama’s website: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/trying_out_my_new_mei_tai) – and I want (VERY much) – the Ergo, as one can carry a kidlet beyond 1 years old in it…) Let us know which you choose! I would recommend asking friends or second hand stores for the cheapest route…of course, check recall warnings too.
😀 elizabeth
My last was eleven years ago . . . never carried them in a sling thing. When I needed to do stuff, I used the bouncy seat and kept the baby in the room I was in. My kids were all content to watch me . . . and when they wanted to be held, they let me know and I never ignored them about that.
Oh, I miss those days!!
my favorite type –
http://www.loveyduds.com
what i love is it grows with baby and there are so many ways to carry them depending on their size and mood. and its SUPER comfy and feels very secure with baby in it, i’m not worried about him falling out AT ALL. plus, its always nice to support a stay at home momma. the tying is not as intimidating as it looks. i can put it on in 10 seconds.
My girlfriend is a proud babywearing mama, my kids got too heavy too fast to really do it for long, but check out her blog, she has a giveaway for one right now!
http://thecococafe.blogspot.com
I wore my last baby a lot. I could cook with him in the sling and I could even nurse him in it whilst shopping and I don’t think anybody knew.They are also super easy to make and you can get a better custom fit that way.
I also have a theory that it eased the transition for my three year old as he couldn’t see me holding the new baby all the time. It just looked like another big bump. Not that I was trying to hide the baby from him, far from it.
One extra thought. Anyone who is planning on using one of these should read up on positional asphyxia as they can smoosh the baby’s neck down into his chest too much, which can restrict the airway if the baby is not positioned carefully.
The rule of thumb, I believe, is that the baby’s back and neck should be straight, which can be achieved by placing a small receiving blanket under the baby’s back.
I LUVed wearing my babies. I could nurse so discretly and I had read about the neurological benefits to the baby. Google that! I wish I had the kind that I see today with a bit of spandex.
I’d also like to invite you to blog about Our Lady during May – SOMETHING ABOUT MARY. Visit me.
I had one of the Peanut Shell slings for my fourth baby, but neither he nor I were comfortable w/ it.
I saw on Elizabth Foss' blog that she used a Moby Wrap. I couldn't afford my own, but I did a Google search & found a way to make my own – no sewing required! I just purchased 6 yds. of a comfortable, stretchy material, cut it down the middle, & followed the directions on the Moby website for wrapping my DS in it. He's 9 mths old now & still loves it! It can be worn in a variety of ways & used until they are about 3 yrs. old.
That being said, I don't think there is any perfect sling or wrap. Each baby & mother is different & what one may find perfect, may not work for another.
Keeping you in my prayers throughout the rest of your pregnancy. I'm so happy for you & your family!
Also a nurser and a cuddler, but not a wearer. I have a Baby Bjorn also but thought it was too much of a pain to wear. I didn’t find that it freed me that much to do anything else, so I might as well just sit down and rock/nurse the baby and enjoy myself.
babywearing is super convenient when they are small and smooshy 🙂 i loved popping my son in and out of the sling around the house and around town until about 15lbs. and then my back wanted to break. until then, THIS is an amazing sling and very reasonable (and you can use gift cards that you might get as baby gifts!):
http://www.target.com/Parents-Invention-Infant-Carrier-Sling/dp/B000S8IZVK/sr=1-1/qid=1241288831/ref=sr_1_1/175-8696523-5811666?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Aring%20sling&page=1
then, my MIL got me an ERGO carrier:
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
which is GREAT for once they're big enough to sit up, and once they're even bigger, you can throw them on your back 🙂 it has GREAT padding and weight distribution, so that it sets the weight on your hips so your back REALLY doesn't hurt. and that says a lot cuz my back hurts a lot when i'm not carrying babies! 🙂
ps. my husband likes both of these too. he really like the sling, and the best part of a ring sling, as opposed to the fitted kind which is what the peanut sling you have pictured is, is that it can be worn by people of all sizes. nothing is cuter than a hubby wearing his baby 🙂
I am going to try a sling when baby #2 is born this summer. Always wanted to use one so we could skip the stroller with Princess and give me more options for carrying her around while my hands were free but didn’t want to shell out the money.
I regret it. The Bjorn didn’t work well with her because she had torticollis and it didn’t give her enough neck support/comfort. So I’ve been reading Steph’s blog (Adventures in Babywearing) and some sling sellers have some great tutorial videos. I think I’ll be successful this time.
My youngest is 7 so I missed the whole baby wearing sling thing. I’m pretty much a minimalist when it comes to stuff, so babywearing would probably have appealed to me especially when I had my first two babies. By the time I had my last baby, my older children would hold the baby when I had to do things, so I don’t know if I would have needed a wrap, or even used it. I would put the baby down in one of those bouncy seats and the baby would be happy just watching her brother and sisters running around.
I have a Baby Bjorn, too. Great for outings when they’re little, but I don’t use it around the house…like Jamie said, you really can’t get anything done b/c they’re in the way.
I got an ERGO when my 4th baby was bigger and the Baby Bjorn was hurting my back. My dh wears it, too, and we love being able to wear an older baby-toddler on our back (we are still using it with our 2 1/2yo). I mostly use it outside the home, but it comes in handy when he wants to be held and I need to get some chore done quickly.
I have never worn a sling that I liked…or that my babies liked. I’ve never tried a Moby wrap or a Mei Tai. I chose an ERGO over a Mei Tai b/c I saw that ERGO had the highest resale value if I didn’t like it…plus it seemed like it would be more straightforward to use and more durable. It is still in great condition, and I’m thinking of selling our Baby Bjorn and buying an ERGO infant insert for our next baby!
Carrying your baby is one of the best things you can do to help promote your child’s social development.
Hi Margaret! I'm a newcomer to the blog, and felt compelled to comment for the first b/c this is something I feel passionately about! 🙂
I love, love, LOVE my Moby Wrap! I can't recommend it highly enough. A friend got it for me when I was expecting #3 last spring. I don't know how I would have survived his first year without it! I especially loved it for being out & about so I wouldn't have to tote that bulky carseat around. I could pop baby in the sling and then have BOTH hands free to hold other kids' hands when crossing streets, e.g.
That said, here are the cons:
-it takes a little while to learn how to tie it. But once I saw someone else put it on herself, and then looked carefully at the (very good) instructions included w/it, I was able to master it.
-as you wear it, the heat from your body tends to stretch it out. I find it starts pulling on my lower back if I don't tighten it up again.
-they're not cheap.
-they're a little warm in the summer, with all the criss-crossed layers.
-I never did figure out how to nurse in it.
-I also can't do the back carry — you really need someone to help you with that hold.
And the pros:
-unlike a shoulder sling, this distributes the weight evenly between both shoulders and your back so you don't get that characteristic one arm ache from a sling.
-it's SO comfortable — like wearing a big, soft, stretchy T-shirt (with a cuddle bunny in it!). 🙂
-easily washable.
-infinitely adjustable, for both mom and baby, from birth to whenever! I used it every day when my 1yo was a newborn, and I just tucked him in it again yesterday so he could nap while I was out grocery shopping!
-it folds up compactly so you can easily slip it into the diaper bag.
-babies love it — it keeps them close to Mommy where they're happy!
Good luck choosing!
Love the Ergo, but it’s not exactly a wrap. I think the Maya-tie looks interesting, too. good luck!! so many choices…
You must, must try the Cuddly Wrap. It takes some practice using, and I’ll admit I was intimidated by it at first, but you hardly feel like you are wearing anything, and baby is oh so snugly in it. It can be worn on the back, and is the only one I can use for extended periods of time. All the other ones eventually make my shoulder, neck, or back hurt, but this one doesn’t.
Plus it is my friends company and she is a wonderful mommy with three beautiful boys (one of whom she carried in the wrap until age three!!….shameful plug, I know!) But seriously this thing is a life-saver!!
My sister loves loves loves her moby wrap. I always had gigantic babies, so the only one I ever managed was a baby bjorn….but I wished I had known about moby wraps.
I love the Moby wrap in the beginning before they get too big- so comfortable and great for discreet nursing (and aren’t they always hungry in the beginning right when you’re at a big kid’s activity:)? You get the hang of how to put it on pretty quickly. I borrowed a Bjorn for months from a friend but it really killed my back after a 1/2 hr or so, but I knew I needed a way to hold the little one close when she was sick this winter. I’ve invested in an Ergo and have to say I’m amazed at the difference in comfort. The band around the waist really distributes the weight to the hips so my shoulders and back don’t ache. This lovely contraption has allowed me to go to mass when little one was sick with earaches and needed to snuggle close on the front and now at 1 1/2 she can’t get away from me to climb the pew etc and my arms aren’t broken from holding her when I have to take her to the back when she gets fussy. At 25 lbs little one is still loving the backpack config when I’m shopping or doing dishes or at the library. I’m going to try the side/hip config during mass tomorrow since she’s getting bigger and more interested in seeing what’s going on. I always have visions of her figuring out how to grab the cup or the host so having my hands free to keep her from swiping them makes me feel more comfortable. Hah! All the best wishes to you finding what works for you and your angel.
The Moby or Maya wrap is the one to get especially for a more experienced mom who needs her hands free. It is basically a very long piece of lycra material. It wraps around you and baby. Can be worn front, side or back. Holds baby nice and close so weight feels part of you rather then hanging off shoulders. They are about 40 dollars.
Jenny Kelly
I’ve used the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder for 5 of the 8 babies because I didn’t know about it for the first 3. But, my 8th child went through 3 different types of carriers. One MobiWrap that was OK, but cumbersome to wrap her up in and made me too warm when I wore it, a front carrier and the OTSBH. The Mobi was also too long and I’m a tall gal. Turns out she’s not a baby holder gal. She just isn’t a cuddling baby type. I wish she were because she’s sadly our last wee one. She’s quite wiggly and squirmy and at two, she has the mobility of an olympic gymnast! She walked early too – well, probably a “normal” age compared to babies 2-7 who walked between 14 – 19 months of age. I love late walkers. They are heavy to carry around but I love the cuddling and immobility! I also love that they tended to be longer nursers. Miss Mobility weaned very young too. She and my first born could have been twins born nearly 16 years apart!
If you have very large breasts, these carriers come in a variety of sizes and come with an adjustable ring you pull to size the carrier to tighten them up to fit to your proportions. They can also fit petite women. I’ve had some BIG babies and had to purchase larger carriers. Often times you can find these carriers at resale shops or at a local breast pump rental center. If you’re prone to mastitis, be sure to switch the sides you wear the baby on. You don’t want a baby resting against the breast if you’re prone to mastitis on that side. It just inflames that breast. I also recommend you keep at least a good manual pump on hand if you’re prone to clogged ducts too.
I mention this because my sixth son loved to be in the carrier but I kept suffering with mastitis in one breast. Turns out it was because he didn’t like to nurse from one side and he was resting his little head against that breast when he was cuddling in the carrier. I just had to switch to a football hold to nurse him from that side and switch him in the carrier to resolve the problem.
I can nurse in this carrier without difficulty. You may need to prop a newborn up with a blanket under her at first to give her a boost because they tend to burry themselves deep in the pocket. The nice thing is the sling does tend to keep strangers from peaking too far in at the baby.
I didn’t suffer leakage from the carriers, but I am smaller chested. I don’t know if front carriers would cause more issues with crushing/clogging ducts etc. if you have larger breasts or not. I do know a little about breast pumps should you find you need one: My 7th child was a born with polysplenia. He spent quite some time in the NICU and in the hospital following his birth. (He was diagnosed in utero. I was the size of a woman carrying full term quads when I was 22 weeks.) When he was in the hospital I needed to pump, I rented a diaphragm breast pump – it was a dream machine compared to the old manual pumps and the torturous electric pumps. If you ever find yourself in need of a pump, do yourself and your chest a favor and rent a good pump.
I suggest that you get two different kinds of slings/wraps. First, I would get something similar to a ring sling or hotsling for ease and quick uses. The slings are compact and can be put on in a matter or seconds. The problem with them as others have noted is that you can get a one shoulder/arm ache and it is difficult to work with a large bundle hanging in front of you.
I would also recommend a woven wrap such as this http://www.storchenwiege.com/. The woven wraps are like a Moby wrap, but without the stretch, which actually makes them more sturdy. You can wear the baby from day one through 3 years in one of those. It is very versatile and quite beautiful.
Happy shopping.
Come to me, my dear and I will make you two! One wrap style and one sling style, made for your height (many are going to be too long for your short waisted, petite body). I have made several of my own. I’m glad to do it! REALLY!!!!
Oh, and forgot to mention I can make one for your hubby in camo 😉
Hi Margaret!
I have used my baby sling (we call it the pouch!) for 5 out of my 6 babies. I did not know of it with my first or he would have been in it too 🙂
I have to say that it is not really my choice to have them always on me – b/c really, I need my room too- but there was no other solution. when the baby is crying and nothing soothes him/her except going into the sling…well, I would go absolutely NUTS if I did not put them into it!
I use the OVER THE SHOULDER BABY HOLDER (OTSBH). It is great! I have the baby bijorn too- my hubby likes to wear that one b/c it is black and just more masculine. I also just got one that is called the Kozy Karrier- my hubby bought it for me for Christmas (isn’t he sweeeeeet?!). My OTSBH was completely worn out. I am still trying to figure that one out b/c as much as I like how it feels once he is in it, I am not liking the big long straps and I need 2 hands. You see, with the OTSBH, I can do it with only 1 hand! So,I hold the baby in 1 hand, and put on the OTSBH in 1 hand. It works out really well. I use it at Mass ALL THE TIME. that’s how people know me- they see the baby and me and him in the OTSBH.
I can’t praise it enough. It has saved me so much b/c when the babies are young, they have such gas and w/ their legs up tight, it gives them great relief and quiets them down.
I am not kiddin’! My life is so loud and if I can lessen it just a wee bit, then I will do it. WIth the OTSBH, that’s what works.
Oh, I want to mention that as the child grows, you can position it so it goes on your hip or even your back if you want. The baby can lie down, nurse or sit upright front or back.
it takes time to learn but do it! You will be so pleased. Then your hands will be free to hold your other kids too.
I frequently have to hold my 2 or 3 year old too and they go on 1 hip while the baby is in the pouch.
As for getting the dishes down etc…well, while you do that, have your older kids hold the baby! then when your done- wahla! 🙂 you get the baby back. No biggie.
Well, hope that helps. God bless and BTW, Can’t wait to see what you’re having!!! so excited 🙂
God bless, Mary @ cheerios
My advice is, don’t think that you have to buy ONE SLING that can do it all. It’s good to have a couple of different types. I think these three are a good set:
(1) a ring sling, good for nursing a newborn because you can get them quickly into position for nursing and then back up into position for carrying.
(2) a “drop in and go” sling. The ideal one, IMO, is a Kangaroo Korner Fleece Pouch, although those are kind of hot in the summer. Still, they are very cozy, and you can’t beat it for easy. An alternative is a Mexican rebozo/shawl style. You have to tie the knot, but once you get the knot tied just right, you really never have to untie it again (till baby gets bigger) and it becomes a drop-in-and-go sling.
(3) a versatile, long wrap-type sling (not necessary until baby can sit up) that can be used for a hip carry, a front carry, or a back carry.
And you should have a friend who is willing to come over several times, several days in a row, to help you get used to slinging. I think it’s a little bit like learning to breastfeed for the first time. It helps to have ongoing assistance from someone experienced till you get on your feet.
Much like getting one’s regular exercise (hee hee), the best way to get into the habit of babywearing — assuming you really want to — is to make it a priority and to assume you MUST do it. Avoid the temptation to put the baby down or hand the baby to a sibling to get something done, like chop an onion. Instead, assume that it is indeed possible to chop the onion while wearing the baby in the sling, and go do it. You will figure out how to accomplish tasks with the baby in the sling, it will get easier, and after a while you will wonder why you never did this before.
(BTW they sell several kinds at Peapods)
I’ve used a Over the Shoulder Baby Holder for both of my chicklings. I actually didn’t pick it, a friend of mine gave it to me when she got a new one. I only used it a little with my first, and did use it more with my second, to go shopping with and stuff, but not really throughout the day. Once they get bigger, I don’t “wear” them as much. It’s uncomfortable for me, and I find it hard to chase after the toddler. 😉
One thing though, if you can’t get the little one to sleep, a sling works like a charm. Both of my kids (who are vastly different) would fall asleep after only a minute or two in the sling.
I used to use a Baby Bjorn, but after a car accident that injured my back and neck, the bjorn became too painful.
I borrowed a couple of different slings from friends (a good idea before you buy) to see if it hurt my back and neck. As long as I wore them correctly (a lot come with how to wear videos) I loved them. I can still carry my 22 month old on my hip with them. I am expecting baby #4 in August and plan to use them again.
I love the mamababy ring sling…tshirt like material great for newbornshttp://www.mayawrap.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=100005&UnitCde=1&Desc=MamaBaby%20Sling&Search=N
Also the adjustable fleece pouch was great for winter time.
http://www.kangarookorner.com/p-26-adjustable-fleece-pouch.aspx
Okay, we’re expecting no. 6 and I have tried just about every method of baby wearing out there. Oh the money and time I have spent. Some with limited success,(ring sling, yikes my hips; the Ergo, complicated and ungainly) I’m sure due to my lack of grace. For our last baby, who’s 8 months now, I finally got it right. We bought a Cuddly Wrap – exactly like a Moby, and it is FANTASTIC. I can wear the baby and still have full use of BOTH hands, he was secure and content, and my hips/back do NOT ache. Please count on my prayers.
I’ve always used a sling. I wore the first one out after three kids – it did wash well, thank goodness.
My next two were purchased from Cotton Babies – someone already linked it. I used the ergo (denim fabric) the most and my hubby also used it. However, I also used a striped all-cotton sling with rings (do not remember the name, but from, same website) for when Graham was younger. This one is also a great cover-up for nursing.
Sometimes the baby dictates whether the sling works or not, my dd did not like being in the sling for as long as my boys. Just her personality.
If you can, borrow a sling from a friend before you invest. That’s a great way to see if that particular sling/carrier works for you.
Lots of ideas and advice:)
I would say if you are able to have a couple different ones. We have a moby, ring sling, pouch sling (similar to a hotsling), an ergo, and my new one for the summer–a mesh sling (for the pool!). They are wonderful for us since we don’t have a baby carrier seat and our little one is a little too excited in her stroller (she tries to escape). The slings are great at keeping her close, secure and safe.
I registered for ours and then also got the ring slings from lovely ladies on Etsy.
Hope you are feeling well!
I tried a Bjorn and ring sling with no. 1 and a Hotsling with no. 2 but just never felt comfortable.
I was excited to see this post b/c I thought I might get a miracle answer for no. 3 but the comments left me more at a loss. LOL.
I hope you let us fellow wannabe-babywearers know what works (or doesn’t) for you once the little one arrives.
Slings are fantastic! You’ve gotten some great advice already–I second the advice on seeing if any sling-loving local friends will let you test out theirs, and also the tip that perhaps more than one carrier may work for you at different times or for different ages/positions, and more than one carrier can thus be a sound investment.
One of the most basic and versatile carriers is a simple unpadded ring sling, such as a Maya Wrap or one of the many similar ones made by smaller companies or stay-at-home moms. They are perfect for cradling a newborn, holding an older baby (about 4-10 months) upright, and later for securing an older baby (6 months all the way to an older toddler) on your hip. Lots of moms know how to use them, so the learning curve is not steep and help is easy to find. They’re also washable, sturdy, easy to adjust, and fairly inexpensive.
With regard to Marianne’s caveat: certain kinds of slings are poorly designed and DO pose a safety risk because of poor positioning. These are the kind of “bag slings” that look like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015E7XZ0 Of course you should always check for proper positioning when using any baby carrier, but my understanding is these particular slings are unsafe by their very design, whereas most slings (simpler, normal-looking ones like ring slings) are very safe and easy to use properly.
Another carrier that’s great is a Moby Wrap (or similar styles), but the learning curve’s a bit steeper, positions fewer, and you’ll likely need to switch to another carrier as your baby gets older. But a younger baby is well-supported in one, and centered on your chest with his or her weight evenly distributed, which is very good.
A mei tai or Ergo carrier would be a fantastic alternative to a Baby Bjorn. Baby’s positioning in the Bjorn is sub-optimal (kind of like being in a parachute harness, supported by the crotch) and not healthy for his or her spine. With a mei tai or Ergo, a baby can also be upright, but with their bottom supported and their legs supported and raised in a more natural position. These carriers can be used for either a front or back carry, from newborn to older toddler. A mei tai is more traditional looking, with straps that you tie, whereas an Ergo has more of a modern sporty design with buckles and inserts. Both are great.
Hope this helps!
Mrs. Bear
Check out http://www.zolowear.com. These slings are gorgeous!!!
I love the Moby wrap for newborns to 3/4 months. I also love my sling from Posh Papoose for older babies and toddlers.
I love the Ergo carrier. My son is just now old enough to use it – and it's fantastic (keeps my back & shoulders from hurting). I am also thrilled that he will continue to use it as he grows. He loves being cuddled next to me and his daddy. He also loves to chew on the straps (teething time).
As a large chested woman, I was really disappointed in the ring sling and pouch slings. I felt like the slings were too small (buy based on chest size, not clothing size) and my son seemed too long to fit in them properly. With a large chest also comes inherent back problems, so putting baby in front just made my back hurt more, as well as my shoulder from the asymmetrical design. I haven't given up on the ring sling concept, but I wasn't able to use it to hold my newborn.
I haven’t read all the replies yet so this may be a repeat suggestion, but I HIGHLY recommend using a mei tai baby carrier. I’ve made my own, but I know Baby Hawk comes with high praise–a friend of mine bought on after having her third baby (she’d seen my carrier and liked it but I was in the throes of morning sickness and couldn’t make one for her). You can carry them from newborns and for as long after that as you want. I could carry my 6 year old on my back in the mei tai if I wanted to! Carrying an infant on the front I can discretely breastfeed inside with no one the wiser. I didn’t have one until my third baby, and I fully intend to use it on a near constant basis with this (my 4th) baby. I’ve never had back pain the way I have with some carriers; the way it straps on evenly distributes the baby’s weight and gives your body better support than most snugli and Bjorn-type carriers. One of the best parts is you only need the ONE carrier, it’s completely versatile (and machine washable) so you can use it through every stage of your baby’s development. Really, I cannot rave enough about it. I LOVE my mei tai.
I forgot to add, as she got older (12-18 months) my third baby (the one I first used a mei tai with) would actually request to be but in her carrier. Especially if she was tired. If I was having a hard time getting her to take a nap I’d just throw her on my back in the mei tai and go about my business cleaning the house and whatnot–she’d be out like a light in under 5 minutes.
My friend that bought a mei tai from BabyHawk just recently went on a 3 mile hike, carried her 6 month old on the front for the whole hike with no problems. (They’re just THAT great.)
I LOVE my hotsling – I keep it in my diaper bag and use it all the time. For longer walks I got a Moby Wrap. I just tried it with my 2 week old today and it was fabulous 🙂
I would recommend a Moby Wrap and a ZoloWear Sling. Also, check out http://www.thebabywearer.com. They have great forums and a FSOT section. You might borrow a few styles from friends after the baby is born to see what you like best. Once you find what works for you, it is heaven! Good luck!
I thought about it for Toddler D, but it just looked heavy. Maybe if you’re a Hollywood type and can get the nanny to take the baby but I figured I would need all the energy I could get.
Where do you start when looking for a baby carrier? There are so many different types of carriers it is important to know what you want out of the carrier. Will you share the baby sling, wear it for long or short periods, etc. Check out this informative post to help get you on the right track, and let me know if you want help narrowing down your choices. Best!
http://lastellablu.com/blog/?p=12
Hi Margaret! I love reading your blog!
I LOVE my ring sling – they are light-weight, fully adjustable, and allow for several positions of baby-wearing. (snuggle, front-facing, hip.) Since your next-youngest is pretty independent you won’t have to worry about it being totally hands-free (which I found it harder to do as Baby gets a little bigger and starts wiggling more. I have had 2 very wiggly babies.)
For Baby #2, just 17 months after Baby #1, I was concerned with having total containment, so I borrowed a BabyHawk. I love it, but I wouldn’t pay $80. The Mai-tie? wrap? is also great, colorful, and cheaper from what I understand. For the latter 2 you can wear on either your front or back.
I guess what I really wanted to say,, though, is that I LOVE carrying my Babies around in these. THey fall asleep still snuggled next to you, extending that in-the-womb feeling for both of you… but with less sciatica and urges to pee. I love the closeness, and they love it. For my first, who was super-colicky, it was a lifesaver.
note: I am not, however, a super-crunchy fanatic. I wear when it works for us, and I put them down when I’m tired.
I’m so excited for you, and will continue the prayers!!!
I really love the idea of slings and babywearing but find the whole thing just so intimidating. I was hoping for a magic bullet here but so far not.
For all the wonderful enthusiasm from baby wearers and all the research I’ve tried to do online, it always seems to come down to different things work for different people. I’ve not found a sling that works for us.
The last two babies came when money was super tight. My husband lost his job less than 2 weeks after baby 1 so going out and buying lots of products to see which would work was not an option. And I couldn’t see shelling out big $ which so many of these are for something that might not even work for me.
Plus both times I had a c-section and it was weeks and weeks before I was really up and about. I tried an over the shoulder baby holder someone gave us a couple of times with baby #2 but she screamed every time I put her in and I just didn’t go out enough to make me push past it to see if she’d eventually get used to it.
Also does it make a difference if you’re really tall? I’m 5 11 and I keep wondering if advice from short women will be applicable to me.
I want some of these fabulous babywearing friends with extra slings to loan out. Can some of you move to my neck of the woods? Please? No one I know uses a sling.
Sorry for taking over your comments, Margaret, this is one of those topics that’s been eating me more and more as I get closer to baby B’s arrival. I would like to find the perfect dreamy sling that just works but sorting through all the advice leaves me feeling paralyzed and frustrated.
Melanie (and Margaret),
One of the best things you can do if you don’t know where to start is to see if you can find a store near you that sells different kinds of baby wraps.
When I was looking for a baby wrap, I decided I liked the looks of the Moby wrap and probably wanted one. But I wanted to try it out first just to be sure. So I looked at their website and found a store near me that sells Mobys and went there in person with my 2-week old baby. This ended up being a very good idea, because I found out that even 10-15 minutes of Moby-wearing in the store left me overheated. I ended up buying one of the GypsyMama wraps instead – it’s called the BaliBabyBreeze, it ties the same way a Moby does, but the material is more breathable, so I haven’t had any serious overheating problems. (The material is also less stretchy than a Moby, so I can still use it even though my baby is now some 20 lbs. Also, I got the really long kind, so there is umm… enough length to wrap around my ample self. 😉 )
Moby website has a store locater that can help you see if there is a store in your area that sells Moby's, and there is a good chance that those stores will also have other baby carriers to check out. The clerk at the store I went to was very helpful in comparing the different kinds of carriers to help me narrow down what would work best for me. Once you know what kind you want, you can look around to see if you can find a better deal elsewhere, if you want.
That said, I will also say that, while I love my Bali Baby Breeze, most of the mamas in my Moms&Tots group swear by Ergos, and several of them have tried other carriers first. If I was ever going to switch carriers, I would probably try an Ergo.
God bless and good luck on your babywearing!
– Anna
new native – incredible!
I’m waaaaayyy behind on my blog reading, but I love wearing my babies (they’re the best accessories). My favorite carried (and I’ve tried a lot of them) is the Ergo. I have a whole post devoted to babywearing that includes reviews and resources: http://www.katewicker.com/2008/01/baby-carrier-reviews-resources.html
Hope you’re feeling well!
Blessings!