Baby "Slings"

I used a sling with both of my daughters when they were babies (over 30 years ago) and loved it. They just snuggled in & loved the coziness. It was great for shopping, too! They both liked to be held when they were young infants and were not too fond of the stroller.

Ergo all the way! It will last through the toddler years if you want. My daughter has always been very comfy and so have I. My advice? Go to a store that carries them, and try one on. It's the only way you will know if it will work for you.

ergo ergo ergo..the best!

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

I wear my 14 week old son in a hotsling all the time - on walks, to run errands (I don't like to keep him in the car seat), and while doing stuff around the house. Like you, I've found that nursing isn't quite as "hands-free" as they claim, but we're working on it! Good luck, and enjoy wearing your baby! It's a wonderful bonding activity that will reap many rewards for both of you!

Hello J.,

I think baby carriers are great, and my son spent most of his first year in slings.
I don't think you can do whatever though, as your baby would be just a kind of fragile package on you, at least not with a sling or front carrier. In other culturs the baby is wrapped firmly in the back, but here we're using mainly front carrier, which often don't give enough support to a young baby, especially the "Baby Bjorn". Please be careful that your baby's head is supported, as well as his spine- which is not possible in a upright position with no support under the thighs.
I'm a mother and a certified Infant Developmental Movement Educator; I found an interesting website about this issue: www.continuum-concept.org/reading/spinalstress.html
Enjoy your baby and congratulation for breastfeeding him!

I had a pocket sling, which worked okay for some things, like taking walks, handwashing dishes, folding laundry... I was uncomfortable doing anything that required bending over. A lot of what I do to clean, etc. requires bending over!! And the irony of cooking being the perfect position but also ultra dangerous was a little frustrating. I got an ergo when he was over the weight limit, and still use it (32lbs. and running)pretty often. It actually works great for things like the farmers market, taking walks, and shopping (that doesn't require trying things on!!)
Good Luck
D.

Hi J.

Try a Baby Bjorn. They work great and I think you can use them for a longer period of time. My son loved being in the bjorn. We used it for walks, errands, housework. He loved looking around while in it. It works great when you kid gets clingy and you still need to get stuff done.

If you don't want to pay full price for one, check adds on craigslist. We bought one from craigslist, in great condition and for half the price.

I too, just never really liked the sling. Baby Bjorn was perfect for us. You can put them forward facing after a while and they love looking out and seeing what you're doing. The weight is distributed evenly so you don't feel lopsided like with some slings and best of all Dad can use it too. I haven't met many men who would be caught dead in a sling but my husband would wear our daughters in the Bjorn on walks and outings. If you pay full price (they are a bit expensive) you can always sell it when you're done to invest in that backpack you're going to need. Good luck and enjoy every minute!

Hi J.!
I've used the snugli front carrier with both my kids and like it a lot. With our son, we tried one of the side, peanut shell slings. As much as I love the idea, it hurt my back too much to use very often. I hope it works better for you! Good luck!

I LOVE baby carriers - I didn't have a whole lot of luck with simple slings, but we used (and still do) the Moby wrap a ton. Lots of different carries in one carrier, comfy for mom and baby. Love it and can't recommend it enough. Don't let the tying fool you - it's not nearly as complicated as it looks.

You might also look into mei tai carriers - they are extremely versatile and really comfy.

I also love my ring sling (I have the Maya wrap one), but I find that using a sling isn't as condusive to hand's free activity as something like a mei tai or wrap, which holds the baby more securely. I can wash dishes, vacuum, clean, do laundry, etc using a carrier. Frankly, DD likes the movement and falls asleep sometimes. The only things I find hard to do are ones that require bending down a lot (like loading/unloading the dishwasher and getting clothes out of the dryer).

Hi J.! I tried using a sling with my first 2 children when they were babies, but the one I bought was so cumbersome I ended up never using it. I always had a twinge of guilt because I couldn't seem to make the sling work for me. When my third child was born, I was determined to use a sling, no matter what. By that time I was homeschooling my 2 older children and knew I needed something to help me out with the baby. I was pretty overwhelmed with all the choices, but finally settled on a pouch style sling called Hotsling. Once I got the hang of it, the pouch sling truly was a lifesaver. It did take a little getting used to and lots of practice, but I was able to do all the things you mentioned. What helped me out tremendously was reading tips and advice from other moms on www.thebabywearer.com . That site has it all with product reviews, how to choose a carrier, how to use a carrier, and how to make your own. Good luck and keep trying!

We've had four kids in four different states and been through our share of baby carriers. For our first in Alaska I tried an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder once and was daunted by the fact that he wasn't "strapped" in. I mostly just used a Kelty Kangaroo front pack when we were out which worked well with a cumbersome snow suit and I could wear it over or under my snow clothes as well. For baby #2 in Oregon I mostly used a Baby Bjorn but at around 8 months old she got too big and a friend turned me on the the Maya Wrap sling. I used it for dd until she was 2 1/2 and we were expecting our third. I nursed her in it sitting on my hip wiht the fabric pulled over her head. I actually did a whole COstco shopping trip with her nursing and walking around. She was older so nursing sitting up was easier. She was also a lightweight so it wasn't too much trouble to carry her inthe sling even while pregnant. WIth #3 born on the Gulf Coast I used the Maya Wrap (I had to buy a new one as dd was very jealous) from birth. Starting at around 3 months I could nurse him without holding onto to him, before that he was too floppy. He loved it and I did too but the hot humid deep south summer made any baby carrier uncomfortable. When he was 9 months and 20 pounds we bought an Ergo Carrier and have been using it with him ever since. Hubby often carries him on his back when we go shopping or for walks and he is now 2 1/2 and 32 pounds. With #4 born here in California we have used everything. My sister gave us a pouch sling the New Native Baby Carrier that was awesome as a newborn. It is the only sling/carrier that I have ever used that you can easily transfer a sleeping baby from one person to another. We have tried it as a hip sling but I think she needs to be bigger. She is nine months and 14 pounds. I used a Moby with her that I borrowed from a friend when I flew back to the Midwest just me and the baby. I loved the Moby and it was great for flying but I had trouble breastfeeding in it (I am large breasted). If I could convince my husdband we would buy one. We also have used the Ergo with her but it is difficult to breastfeed in as well so mostly I use the Maya Wrap. Hop this helps.
H.

Hi J.,

I also have a slingrider but it didn't seem as secure to me so I never used it. I also have a new native sling and a moby wrap. The new native sling was nice because it comes in sizes and it made me feel better. The moby wrap is nice also because you can wrap them in different positions.

J.

Slings can be difficult because evryone seems to be comfortable in different ones. I use a Mayawrap sling and an Ergo for long walks and hikes, because a sling can begin to hurt the back. The moby was great for the little one, but it can get hot in the summer! and my baby was 9.5 pound when born, and they tend to not stay put once they are heavier. Also it can take practice to get used to. I never was able to nurse by just giving the breast, with the mayawrap I would actually change positions (I laid her on her back and cinched it up tight).

If you can make it to San Francisco, I would go to Natural Resources. They were sooo helpful and they have a lot of slings and you can try them all on with the help of the store workers (who are generally all doulas and midwives) who know about all of them. They are in the mission district http://www.naturalresources-sf.com/

Iloved my Moby and babies love them too but be sure if you get one where your baby around the house a little so that you both get the feel of it.

good luck

Hi J.,
My son just loved the sling when he was tiny. It was really helpful for me to just have him close and have my hands free. Plus it was very calming for him. It takes a little bit of practice to learn how to use it in the way that works best for you and your baby. Are there other moms in your area who use them? Ask for advice from them. Sometimes stores that sell them can also be good resources on how to use them.

Good luck and happy slinging!
E.

Slings are fabulous! I tried and still use a variety of them. If you are in San Francisco, Natural Resources lends them out for members. But they are helpful in choosing one at any rate. I liked the Moby Wrap in the beginning, and although it seems daunting at first, at the store they taught me how to put it on and it was a snap after that. I also liked Kangaroo Korner pouches (http://www.kangarookorner.com) in the beginning and now regularly use it with my 14 month old as a hip sling. And we've used the Ergo regularly throughout too, both in front and on the back. You need an insert for infants. Try different ones, they are great!

I have two sons and they couldn't have been more different in their preference for slings. The one common thing, however, is that it took each of them a while to get used to being them. The first couple of times I had them in for just 15 minutes, and then I gradually made it longer. My older son like the Baby Bjorn, first facing in (obviously), but then he really like facing out. I would grocery shop with him like that, and sometimes walk, but he wasn't keen on my doing household chores while holding him. It's actually a little hard on the lower back with so much weight in the front, and trying to reach the sink for doing dishes gets tiring. My younger son loved a basic sling when he was an infant, and it was a great carrier for when he was asleep, but he didn't like it when he was awake. I could do a few chores, but mostly used it for when he was sleeping and my older son wanted to go the park or for a walk. Now I put him in an ERGO carrier when I need to carry him about (he is 14 months). I can usually transfer him from the car seat to the carrier if he's fallen asleep, and again, I can grocery shop with him, or go to the park with my older son, and he'll sometimes just continue to nap.
Cheers,
S.

I have an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder (sling) , a Snugli and my own home made version of the Moby wrap. My daughter hates the sling and the Snugli kills my back. The only thing I like is my wrap (and I’ve used it for hands free nursing while I do dishes or make a salad). If you would like to know how to make one send me a personal message. Moby has instructions on how to tie them on their web site http://www.mobywrap.com/t-instructions.aspx

Good luck.

PS
LOL!! I love the comment about your husband being afraid of diapers. My guy is the same way, he's getting over it though.

We initially was given the Baby Bjorn as a baby shower present which it what we wanted. But when it came time to actually use it with our son, you can really feel the weight on your shoulders and in your back. I don't recommend the Baby Bjorn at all. So now we have the Ergo Baby Carrier. I LOVE it!!! You should totally get that one. As someone else mentioned, the only draw back is that the baby can't forward face out. But as far as feeling the pressure on the shoulders and back, I don't. That's why I love it so much. It is a bit expensive and so we ended up getting a cheaper version (for my husband, because I didn't want him to mess with my straps), is the carrier made by Infantino. Just look for the one that provides lower back support. My husband seems to like this one a lot better than the Baby Bjorn. I hope this helps you out.

I used the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder sling with both of my children. I bought it when my first was 9 days old, and I'm still using it with my 32-lb 2-year-old. I also used a Baby Bjorn for chores around the house, but the sling was much more versatile. I liked this brand because it was more adjustable than the one my friends were using. I knew that I had made the right choice when I was able to eat corn on the cob and BBQ'd ribs while my son nursed. I did have to put some effort into learning to use it, but it was well worth it. I enjoyed the freedom of being able to attend social gatherings and MLB games while still being close to my baby and providing nurishment and security. Test one out in the store and see how it works for you. Good luck!

Since my baby boy was born 6 months ago, I've used various kinds of slings and carriers. For housework, I used the "over the shoulder baby holder" because it's well-padded for your comfort and has the adjustable rings (which you could use for nursing). For errands around town, I used the "New Native" which you can just roll up and put in your diaper bag. They're great for naps too when everything else fails and you just need the baby to sleep. Now, I'm shopping for an Ergo because my boy is so heavy (20 pounds!) and he's outgrowing the others but I still love to have him close to me. Lots of people rave about the Ergo, so I'm going to try that. Good luck, baby-wearing is the way to go!

Hi J.,

I am a first time mom of twins (girl & boy). I used the Baby Bjorn with my daughter. She wanted arms and had a hard time sleeping if she was not being rocked or bounced to sleep during the day. It was hard to get anything done. So I used my baby bjorn and I was able to do house work and she fell asleep. It was the best thing.

I would try it and see how it works for you.

Take care

Here's a great article: http://www.nurturecenter.com/slings.html

I have three favorites:
1. the Moby Wrap (http://www.mobywrap.com/) is fabulous but it takes a little while to learn and is a little cumbersome to just throw on if you're running around. Our hands down favorite though for comfort, closeness, flexibility, etc.

2. regular baby sling - we liked Slingling (http://www.slinglings.com/) it was snug and secure and the best thing when I was just running out the door. I could jump out of the car, throw on the sling, slide the baby in and go. The Moby Wrap feels more secure and comfortable on my back for long hauls and vigorous activities though.

3. Ergo carrier (http://www.ergobabycarriers.com/) is also great - my husband's favorite. It looks a little better than the Moby and is easier to put on and off quickly. The only problem is they don't face out - for that the moby or sling is better.

i just got an ergo baby carrier and highly recomend it! my son is 4 months old and getting too heavy to carry in the bijorn. the ergo is great because it can work for an infant or an older baby and can be worn on the front or the back. i find it much more supportive than the bijorn. my son didn't like to be down on a sling much after the first few weeks. but now he falls asleep on me and i have two hands free to do other stuff. you can sit with it on and bend over and nurse! i have never tried it with a smaller baby but they do make an infant attachment that looks pretty good.

I also used the mobi wrap when he was smaller. whick was great! i liked the front position but the back position didn't feel secure to me. good luck, L.

Hi J.,
I loved the sling when my girls were babies. I did use it all the time. Just nice to have your hands free. Be careful with your back. If people tell you your baby will be spoiled because you hold him all the time, well just tell them "thats ok because you are the one doing it." Have a great time with him because they grow way to fast.
My girls are 22 and 20 so its been along time. And YES I spoiled them.

I have a Oopa baby ring sling (www.oopababy.com). They have gorgeous slings, in great fabrics and patterns. I'm pretty short, 5', so I bought their petite size. They are a bit pricey, but are very sturdy, comfortable, and adjustable! The ring sling is nice since it allows you to sorta "cinch" and tighten in your kid. I also love the built in pocket to carry keys and wallet. I've used it since the day my son was born, and it's still going strong (12 months later)! He's big (almost 25 pounds), but I believe it will hold up to 35 pounds. When he was a newborn I used the cradle position, and it was nice that the tail offered discreet nursing coverage. When he was an infant, he loved the kangaroo position (facing out) and the snuggly position with his feet in. When he was about 6 months old he liked his feet hanging out...and now that he's almost a year, I put him on my hip! I've used the thing doing laundry, vacuuming, dusting, running into a store for a quick errand when a stroller is too much bother. I highly recommend this sling, and I've received so many compliments about it, too!

We LOVEd the MobyWrap until my daughter was about 10 mos. Check it out at www.mobywrap.com.

I have a homemade sling that we uses now, she's 15 mos.

Good luck!
A.

www.overtheshoulderbabyholder.com

They are awsome and can be used in a variety of ways. My DH even used it w/o complaint.

Hi J., Congrats on the birth of Jacob! I used the Baby Bjorn for the first few months and it worked perfectly for day to day chores, etc. also, shopping too. My daughter is quite large for her age, 25 lbs. at 10 months, and grew out of the Bjorn a few months ago. Since then, I've been using the Ergo Baby Carrier and love it even more! It is really versatile and super comfy! I love "wearing" my daughter whenever I can. Enjoy your little one... they get big so fast!!!

- Carrie

Hello
i used the sling untell he was about a year old it did wonders for me i have 2 other children then him and me and him were unseprable for about 6 months i would cook dinner and clean the house do just about any thing including the bathroom and it will work for breastfeeding if the sling is postioned the right way and tight to your body just watch him as you do so

hope this helps
J. 12ESH

thesnugglewrap.com
This is the most comfortable carrier for little babies! I can't recommend it highly enough. The website even has a comparison chart for all the slings on the market. Now that my son can sit, I used the Ergo Baby carrier, but for the first nine months it was all snuggle wrap! You will get very good at squatting, enjoy!

I really like the New Native pouch sling, but my very favorite carrier is a wrap. One made out of a cotton spandex bled is my very favorite. It is the most funtional and most comfortable carrier I have used. Keep carrying. I haven't had much luck nursing is carriers either.

J.,

While I have not used that brand of sling I have used two others. When he was little I used the regular sling that went over one shoulder. It was about the only way I got things done and it gave me freedom. He loved it. To nurse with it I pulled it up tight, tighter than I would normally. It seemed weird to do it at first. and then pulled the front flap so that it covered him but that I could still see him. I know it worked because people at church would come up to me when I was in the lobby nursing and want to see him. I still found when I did chores that I needed to keep one hand on him because if you bend over they sling away from the body. It made me nervous.

The other one I used after he started getting to big for the sling was the Moby Wrap. Caution this one seems daunting when you take it out of the package. It is a ton of cloth. I like it because it disperses the weight over both shoulders and the waist. Once you figure out how tight to wrap it it works really well and is handy. There are about8 or 9 different ways to yat you can position your baby in them. Worked great. I still use mine in the hip hold position because my toddler freaks when I use the vacume or carpet cleaner unless he is being held. You can use it like a backpack carrier when they are older too.

Hope this helps if you have any more questions let me know.

K.

Check out Birthways.org
There is a class on babywearing offered through them. It is really difficult to offer usable advice about babywearing without seeing a person's body, appreciating how they carry themselves and understanding what they consider comfortable.
It is possible. It is a fabulous way to get things done while bonding with your child. Best of luck!

I used the Moby until my little man got too heavy then switched to the Ergo. I love them both. The Moby has a little bit of a learning curve since you have to learn to wrap it and then take the time to do that each time you want to use it, but it distributes the weight well, allows you to have your baby right next to you, and my son always seemed really comfortable in it. As he's gotten bigger the Ergo has been as fantastic as the other moms have said, and I can definitely nurse in it. I don't know how it is for younger babies since we bought it when he was about 6 1/2 months old. Good luck!

That's awesome that you want to try a sling, the right one can be a lifesaver! The one that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE is called a hotsling and the website is, I believe, hotsling.com (or you can get used ones off ebay). I tried 4 different types (of slings, backpacks, you name it) with my oldest and none felt just right. With my second, the hotsling was a gift from my cousin and that little guy LIVED in it for months and months. He was a very, very colicky baby and it was really the only thing that soothed him, so it was a godsend for us. With our third, who is still a newborn, it is incredible to use. I'm able to snuggle him, hold him and nurse him in it while my hands are free with the other boys. Two days ago, I nursed him in it while mowing the lawn (strange, but true!), and shopping in it is awesome because he's able to be in my arms while I can still maneuver the shopping cart. Hotslings are basically like a kangaroo-type pouch that the baby can lay in when they are young, like yours and mine are. Then as they get older, you can side-hold them on your hip, using the sling as a support instead of a hand, basically. I can't tell you how many mommies see it and ask about it and I just reply that I was fortunate enough to receive it as a gift, one of the best gifts ever! The other great thing about mine is that the fabric is breatheable and is u.v. protected, which makes a mommy feel good about being outside with your little one in it. Hands down, I recommend this , your baby will love to snuggle you and will sleep beautifully so close to your chest, hearing your breathing and voice. Best of luck!

Hi J. -

There are alot of baby slings out there. I am not familiar with the one you are talking about, but the ones from kangaroo korner might work better with the breast feeding. They are customized for body size to hold the little ones where they need to be. Two of my best friends just had babies and we purchased some for them, they love them. A right fit makes all the difference! Good luck!

Hey J. I have a 5 month old son that I wear in a Moby. We absolutely love it and have been using it since he was a newborn. I can nurse him in it in privacy and it's his favorite way to be worn during the day. Check it out at www.mobywrap.com
It's very comfortable for both mom and baby. If you are near a store that sells them like I am, they usually have someone there who can show you exactly how to use it and adjust it for yourself. It's a big stretchy piece of material, and it's relatively inexpensive. I think the ones that don't have UV protection are about $40. The other one we use is the Ergo. The Ergo has a special insert for newborns. Thatr system is more expensive, but well worth the money.

I hope I've helped you!

I am N., mom of four amazing children 16 years, 13 years, 10 years and 5 months. Married to a wondreful man.

Hi J.. You have lots of replies and I don't have time to read them, but here's my two cents. I have used the New Native sling (over the shoulder) and really love it. my baby girl loves it and even at 21 lbs. still fits in it and loves it. The problem is that if i wear it for more than 20 minutes my back, neck and shoulders hurt like crazy. I've had back problems before, but just the nature of the over-one-shoulder sling sets you up for that. I like using the baby Bjorn, but she is so long now that she doesn't fit it anymore. I just got a Moby wrap, and I love it! It wraps around both shoulders, and uses your whole back for support. She was fussy yesterday and I put her in it (facing me) and walked around the house picking things up and straightening for an hour, and I hardly even noticed her! My back did not hurt. Plus, when she falls asleep I can pull one of the pieces of fabric over her head to support it. The way this wraps around you, you can do all sorts of things without worrying about how to support her. My daughter is long, 8 1/2 mo. old, and 21 lbs, and she will fit in this wrap for another couple of years. Your little baby would fit great too. I got mine on ebay for 40 dollars with free shipping from mamma2be......I think that was the seller's name. I highly recommend this sling, especially if baby is fussy or not wanting to sleep. Later on, you can put him facing forward, or even on your back or side. Worth every penny!

I almost forgot- it can be intimidating to learn how to wrap this on you, but there's some great step-by-step videos on youtube on how to do it. Also, I tried my friend's Ergo carrier and it messed up my back more than anything, but I know some love it. The moby has a more individualized fit that is comfortable for everyone.

It took me a while and a few slings before I found the one that worked for me. I ended up happily with an "Over The Shoulder Baby Holder" that I picked up used at a consignment store, and later got an Ergo, which I could not live without (my son is now 14 months).

There are a lot of choices, and it can be daunting. A few resources to try:

The Nurture Center in Lafayette has lots of choices and will assist you in trying them on, nursing in them, etc... They also have info on local groups (attachment parenting) that are available to check out to learn more. There is also Bay Area Babywearers, and my friend in that group regularly holds park play dates where people bring many different types for everyone to try out, along with their advice on using.

Also, you can visit the Holistic Moms Network chapter near you. There are three in the Bay Area, and many of our parents are familiar with babywearing. And finally, try out a local La Leche League meeting, where there are also sling wearing mamas available for help.

If you need more info, contact me. Hang in there, you will find the one you like, and it WILL make your life easier!!!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BayAreaBabywearers/
This is a great group that can answer all of your questions. Also, it is free! Many people have ones that they let you try. There is also a carrier library. It really helped me.
Good luck!

Hi there,
I have found that when it comes to "baby wearing" one should have several different styles to try out. Different carriers are helpful in different situations. One that has an easy in and out is good for running errands, like a baby bjorn or a pouch style sling. Ring slings are good for some chores around the house or for when you are out and the baby is napping. Moby wraps are good for day long outtings as you wear then almost like a shirt and the baby can be taken in and out multiple times. As they get a little bigger the mei tai's, ergo's and back packs are awesome. Also it is good to try many because you may find one that just really works for you and your baby and there's no need for anything else. Good luck with your baby wearing!
T.