Best All Around Sling

I can't say enough good things about the Ergo, I love, love, love it.

Also good is a Mei Tai style carrier, a Moby or a Hot Sling. My favorite is the Ergo though. But it's not as stylish as the others if that's a consideration to you.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE LASCAL M1 Carrier

http://www.rightstart.com/global/store/product~item~7264....

Read ALL about it! It's amazing!!!!!!!!!!

Try The Peanutshell or Hotslings. I'm not familiar with the 'Ergo', but it's worth a try to look into these. I've tried both, from newborn to just about a year now and liked both.
Good luck, there're soo many out there.
Y.

I have two ergos, the old style and the new style. I love love love my Ergo. I used it with my first from about 6mos until past 3 and with my second from newborn and up. The newborn carry takes some practice but it is possible. Also, I was able to nurse both in it.

I highly recommend it, plus www.ergobabycarrier.com has a great return policy if you aren't happy with it. Or search craigslist for a used one.

Good luck!
M.

I have a baby bjorn as well, but really enjoy using the ERGO carrier. It was great on my back and if it wasn't for the price, right now, I would own my own. For now, I will have to borrow my friends for really long hikes.

I loved the ERGO..it distributes the weight evenly. I haven't had back issues with it.

LOVE my Maya Wrap! Hated the Baby Bjorn when we used it for my son! Totally hurt my back. Tried the Maya Pouch with my son. Loved it while he was still small enough to use it. He grew out of it by 6 months. Bought a slightly used Maya Wrap from www.mayawrap.com for my DD before she was born. I used it daily from the time she was 3 weeks old to about 10 months. Now I just use it sporadically when she won't sit in her stroller or just wants extra snuggle time with Mommy when we are out and about. I also use it as a burp cloth or snuggle blanket when we are on the go and it folds up nicely into my diaper bag (or rather it gets shoved nicely into it) and it's wash and wear so easy to care for.

Kind of pricey, but you can google the pattern to make one if you are good at sewing.

I recommend the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. It has shoulder padding which makes it comfortable on your shoulder. I have used mine for all three of my kids and they all love it. It can get kind of hot in the summer since it's padded but it has the most support for a newborn. I have another sling carrier that's not padded but it does not offer as much support for newborns.
I highly recommend the OSBH. It's light, comfortable (or as comfortable as they can get), and quite easy to used once you get used to it.
I've used the Bjorn too and it is too painful on the back.

I don't know if this wrap has been mentioned yet but yesterday @ Nordstrom Fashion Valley in the little boys' department, I picked up a flyer for Moby Wrap, Inc. There's going to be trunk show on June 7th for this wrap. It looks really neat. I told the lady ringing me up, "All I need now is another baby so I can try this sling out!" Anyway, might be worth checking out. www.mobywrap.com ____@____.com 888/879-1153

I know alot of people who really liked the hotsling. Usually you can find one on ebay for about $30.

I used two - I liked them both for different reasons. The native Carrier packs easily, and keeps baby really snug. Tough for little newborns - their heads get floppy in there, but they do make a pillow for it. I also used the Moby wrap. It is basically a really long piece of material that you wrap around you and your baby. I really liked that one, and used it until my baby was just over a year. This one is nice because there are many different holds it can be wrapped to accomodate - baby can be on your front, back, facing you or outward.
Good Luck!
LL

I bought my sling from www.thingamasling.com. I love it. It is a ring sling, and the tail has pockets to hold cell phone, wallet, etc. It is one that has different positions for carrying your little one, and grows with baby. They are custom made (made for your height and weight, weight meaning length of the sling), have a variety of fabrics to choose from. The owner is great to work with, will listen to what you want/need, and will get you your order within a week. The owner told me that she went to Florida for a week, and used the sling for 10+ hours a day every day and did not bother her back at all. I don't have any problems with my back when I use the sling, but when I use a front pack, my back kills me with in a 1/2 hour. So I highly recommend this sling.

Good luck!

Hi M.,
I have a carrier soft structured carrier similar to the ERGO but, with a cute/stylish pattern called Angelpack LX. It is for babies 10-35 pounds and my baby loved it more than the New Native Sling. I loved it more than the Bjorn which caused me major back pain. I can carry my 18 pound 4 month old comfortably and it's easy to use. I have also carried my 32 pound 2 year old on my back with comfort. You can check the site for more info and retailers/ etailer http://www.angelpack.com/index.html

Two other similar carriers are the Beco http://www.becobabycarrier.com/ and Pikkolo (which does forward facing front carry like the Bjorn) http://www.tendercargo.com/catalog/New-PIKKOLO-Carrier.html

Good luck with picking out a carrier!

I tried a lot of slings and totally loved The Maya Wrap. I used it with both of my kids for years. You can use it with the smallest new born up to a bigger kid (my second wa in it at times at 4 and a half believe it or not). I loved them so much I used to distribute them but don't anymore. You can look online to find a distributor near you. By the way I think their new gently padded sling is really great and even easier to put on then the older one. Good luck, The sling was the most important piece of equipment I had, I don't know how people manage without them. M.

Hi M.,

I have a 5 month old. I started out with the baby bjorn & it hurt my back too. When she was 3 months I purchased the Ergo & love it; I highly recommend it. The Ergo does have an incert for a newborn, which you purchase separately. I go on daily walks with her in it for about an hour & it does not hurt my back (she is now up to 15 lbs). I also have one of those wrap slings called the Baby Pouch, which I also purchased when she was 3 months. I wished I had the Baby Pouch when she was born. Both are really comfortable for both me & my husband.
Similar & cheaper than the Baby Pouch is a wrap called the Moby. The difference is the Baby Pouch is made of a 4 way stretch fabric & the Moby, only a 2 way stretch. Being she was a little bigger when I purchased mine, I liked the 4 way stretch because it was easier to get her in & out of.

You might want to check out the Pump Station in Hollywood. They have a weekly carrier clinic where they demonstrate all of the available wraps & carriers. They will even help you out if you bring in your carrier & need help adjusting it. It helped me that I went when she was 3 months because I was able to try them with her, however I wish I went sooner!

I'm not sure about slings as I have never found one that my baby liked being in but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Ergo carrier. I bought mine when my baby was about 6 months old so I'm not too sure how well it works for newborns but I agree with the person who said it was liberating! My "baby" is 21 months now and around 26 pounds and I will still use it to carry him around when he doesn't feel like walking. It really is easy on your back!

Hi M.! I love my ERGO! I also love my Maya Wrap, my EllaRoo, my New Native Pouch, my MamaRoo, my Moby... yeah, I know I have a problem... LOL!

I actually have a local group for baby-wearing and/or cloth diapering moms. You're welcome to join if you'd like to chat with other baby-wearing moms in the area:

http://attachmentparenting.meetup.com/401/

I love the MOBY. It is really comfortable and easier on my back.

M.,
I know that the majority of people like the ERGO, but just look at The Ultimate Baby Carrier. It has a lot of material, but, once you get the hang of it, it is just the most yummy for both you and the baby. All of the other carriers either put the weight of the baby on one shoulder or on both; the UBC distributes the weight equally. It wasn't available when I had my kids, but my SIL has raised four girls with this thing - as a lactation educator, I love it because it encourages natural feeding and allows for skin to skin contact. J.

I had a wonderful sling when I had my son, 4 years ago, but haven't been able to find anything similar. I am due in June with baby #2 and I bought the Moby Wrap. I haven't gotten a chance to use it yet, but it had great reviews and you can wear it numerous ways. It accomidates a preemie baby up to 35 lbs. I can't wait to use mine. Just google Moby Wrap and see if it is something that would work well for you. Hope this helps.

Jenn

P.S. I bought mine at Mollywogs in Templeton, on Main St. It was the same price as on the website, but I didn't have to pay the shipping or wait for it to get delivered.

M.,
The Ergo is awesome for older babies. My 10 month old loves it and it's great on my back. But when he was a newborn I started with the New Native Sling, then when he could hold his head up I moved into the Maya Wrap and alternated with the Over the shoulder baby holder. In these I could sit him crossed legged facing outward or have him reclined to nurse. Now I use the Ergo. Don't use a carrier that forces a babies legs apart and don't have him face outward without being able to look back to you for support. It can be scary if the baby is forced to look at strangers and can't turn his head back to you for comfort.
Good For you for wanting to wear your babies!!
D.

After 3 kids and NUMEROUS slings, wraps and carriers - hands down it's the Moby Wrap. www.mobywrap.com I was a bit intimidated when I saw pics of it, but after getting it and following their directions, it was easy. I LOVE IT. I even took her to the mall when she was 3 days old and I was able to nurse her in it and stay completely covered....and shop with BOTH hands!

Congrats on your upcoming baby! I have a few friends who loved the Hot Sling.. it was available at Target in the store or on-line. I bought one also..but my son (who was 10 pounds at birth) seemed huge in it.. HOWEVER.. after I returned it I was told I should've just used the next size bigger. According to their sizing chart, I was a medium..but a few people have told me they "upgraded" to the next size up.. it's good for breastfeeding & it's very cute & comfy! One last thing..my lactation consultant said it's not a good idea to use the baby bjorn for babies under 3 months of age..it forces their hips out in too far of an angle..Good luck & congrats again! (p.s. Now I use the bjorn..for our 6 month old, and have been since after 3 months-but obviously not for nursing.. :)

Hi there -- I read through what other people used and was surprised not to see the NOJO original baby sling. We used ours with our first son till about age 3 or so and bought a new one to use with our new son -- now age 4 months ( our oldest is now 5). For the price and ease of use, I really recommend it. There is minimal adjusting and it is very easy to get used to using. aloha jp

I love my Moby Wrap! I had two - one regular and one Moby-D with the silk. I loved them both but found the Moby-D gave a little extra support especially as the baby got bigger. Plus it makes it a little prettier. I used the regular one for park trips and always had it in the car in case I forgot the good one.

The Ergo is the most liberating thing I have tried. My daughter weighss 21 lbs and I do not feel the weight of her whatsoever! I can be hands free all the time when she is in it and I love having the option to carry her three ways. The snap on hoodie is great for head support and and she will typically fall asleep in it as soon as I snap it over her. I cannot say enough good things about this carrier. I just wish I had discovered it sooner than six months! I now have two of them; one for hubby and one for me and it is a LIFESAVER. Don't even hesitate on this one!

I just bought the Moby and I love it. A parent at my school had one and she used it till her son was walking, which really impressed me. I used the Baby Bjorn with my first son, but this is so much more comfortable. I bought mine at Right Start in Carmel Mtn. Ranch, but they have more colors online.

M.,

I had a baby bjorn the first time around too and it killed my back. When my second son was born I used an ultimate baby wrap when he was tiny and an Ergo when he was older (the UBW is about the same price as the infant insert for the Ergo and comes in great colors - I have the bright orange one). I loved the UBW when my son was tiny but it is so stretch it is hard to use with a bigger baby. The Ergo worked great as my son got bigger. Both the UBW and the Ergo are much easier on my back than the baby bjorn. If there are any slings or carriers that work just as well for a newborn as a 2 y.o. I haven't seen them yet. I hope you find something that works. I do have a regular sling but I found it painful to use (too much weight on one shoulder) as my baby got older plus he was constantly trying to slip out of it which killed the hands free aspect. I didn't like using it when he was a newborn because I was always afraid he'd suffocate.

:-)T.

I have just about every carrying device out there. I could literally open my own store at this point! The Ergo carrier is good and I use it for hiking in hot weather but the Moby Wrap is the best thing ever. My son loves it and can be worn facing in or out, on your front or back. He had his first airplane ride in it and slept through the whole thing! They are wonderful. My son HATED our sling... won't go in it at all! I too have the Bjorn which I never really used because I read something about spine compression from crotch carriers... yikes! I highly recommend the Moby Wrap for your baby's comfort and your own. They are brilliant and can be used for a long time! Super easy maintenance as well, just throw 'em in the washing machine! Good luck!

My son, now almost 4, LIVED in the Maya Wrap until he could walk confidently, and my daughter, just turned 1, still hangs out in it when we shop. I never mastered the newborn position, but it's possible, and I've been stopped more times than I can count by questions about the wonderful thing I was carrying my baby in! I highly recommend it.

I use a sling by slinglings.com - there are multiple positions you can put baby in. Same goes for peanut shell baby slings. You can find both online.

Hi M.
I got the Ergo baby carrier on the advice of a Mom when my son was 4 months old and I have to say it it absolutely the BEST piece of baby equipment I have owned!!!! My son is now two and I still use it regularly when I am out and about, it is the only thing that keeps him from skipping off when we are in public places. I can also still carry him on the front (my son is light for his age) but this is so lovely because I feel like we get to have super close time. He loves it and I have travelled internationally several times over the two years and it was the perfect airport accessory. It is extremely comfortable and although I didn't have it when he was newborn I believe it has a newborn insert which I am sure works great. Can't say enough about it. It is definitely worth the investment!

No question about it....the ERGO is the best carrier around and I've tried quite a few. My son is a very big boy and I can't even feel his weight. The ERGO is also the only carrier that he actually enjoys. Totally worth the money!

I liked a plain old sling. Got mine from www.Babymoonslings.com. I had the Bjorn with back support and liked it OK when my baby was very small, but overall the sling was more useful. As my baby has gotten bigger, I can continue to use it.

http://www.babymineslings.com/store/Default.asp

this site will explain all you need...I swear by my sling...my baby girl is 8 months old and i still use mine

M.,

I used the "Hotsling" and really liked it. My daughter was 17 months old when her new sister came along so we got her one too! They come in child size :) She loved it and carried around her doll while I carried her sister. We also have the Baby Bjorn Sport, but it's too bulky for me, so we just went from the Hotsling to holding her or the stroller. You can use the Hotsling up to 30 pounds I think, but ouch!

Here is the info...

http://www.hotslings.com/

All the best! S.

I like the egrocarrier it doesn't hurt me at all! and you can use it when they're toddlers!

Hi M.,
We tried the Maya, the Bjorn and then the Ergo. Both my husband and I love the Ergo and we can still use it with our son at 15 months of age without it stressing our backs. I really think it's worth every penny. The only thing I do not know is if it can be used with a newborn, because we didn't get ours until our son was a few months old. All the best,
S.

most people I know absolutely LOVE the Ergo. I'm not crazy about it, because my little one likes being carried forward-facing. I loved the moby wrap, but it can be hot! It's very inexpensive and my daughter (who hated slings) loved the moby. www.mobywrap.com.

I use one called a Moby. It is the wrap around kind that you tie. You can carry a newborn up to 35 lbs (don't quote me on those lbs but it is pretty high up there). You can breast feed in it discreetly. there are several ways to position them facing out/in, on your back and on your side.It is way more comfortable for my back that the other kinds that snap. It takes a little getting used to for tying it and feeling comfortable moving around with the baby, but with a couple tries I was ok. Hope this helps. Oh yeah I got it from usa baby.

Try the Peanut Shell. I love mine! They are about $65 & are available online. Just google Peanut Shell infant sling.

Any pouch sling will work, check out ebay they have a ton!

I really like my sling which is a Maya Wrap. If you go to their website www.mayawrap.com they show you all the ways you can use it and can buy direct from them. Some stores carry them but they mark up the price. I got a used one from the website and was brand new looking. I think "used" means a returned item so it's really not used at all.

Good luck!
G.

The Ergo Baby Carrier is ideal for a mom on the go!!! It was recommended to me and after purchasing 5, yes 5-slings, pouches and carriers- the Ergo exceeds them all. In fact my son will be 2 in a couple of weeks and we still carrier him around in it to baseball games and other such events. He is pushing 38lbs and I have a sensitive back, but the Ergo does exactly what it says it does! Hope this helps.

I used the Bjorn with my first child, but found the Ergo baby carrier when my second child was 4 months old. I thought it was pricey, but all of the on-line reviews were so positive. I've used it on many occassions (mostly in the front) and when my child was 5-months, we travelled away from home for about ten days. I discreetly breastfed my child, while shopping, eatting at buffets, and at a bonfire, without anyone aware of what I was doing. It's so sturdy and yet comfortable for both parent and child. The Bjorn and sling used to hurt my back, but the Ergo didn't cause any discomfort, even after hours of use. At 10-months old, my child is almost 22 pounds, so she's too big to discreetly feed using the Ergo now, but she loves being in it. I've used it, placing her on my back, doing chores and she often falls asleep with the motion. It can go up to holding up to 40 pounds or so, so you shouldn't need to buy more than one carrier. I highly recommend it.

I really love my Ergo baby carrier. I started using it when my son was about 4 months, but I know there is an insert so you can use it with newborns. He is now almost 12 months and use it all the time, we barely ever use a strolller. I ordered mine from www.myfavoritebabycarrier.com. They have a 90-day money back guarantee, so you can try it out and if you don't like it you can return it. That was critical for me because at the point when I ordered it, I had already tried 3 other baby carriers which I didn't like. Thankfully they were all hand-me-downs otherwise I would have been out a lot of money!

I had the same issues. I tried them all. Hotslings and Native Carrier are great when baby is little, and then later as a hip carrier and are great in a hurry and fold into nearly nothing. I had and still have a Hip Hammock which I used the other day for my 7 mos old and later with my 3 1/2 year old who was having a tantrum -so it's versatile and a great investment ($29 at target or wal-mart). I also received a Moby wrap as a gift and a Baby Pouch as a gift. I must say that these, by FAR are the most versatile and really easy to use. They are extremely long pieces of fabric that you wrap around your body and tie around your waste. I carried my newborn in it as a sling and as a pouch. I breastfed in them while walking around and making dinner. I have used it as a front rider with both the baby facing in and out. I will try it next as a back carrier. If I was to only have one carrier, I would have to say either the Movy Wrap or the Baby Pouch ($80 babypouch.biz). Good Luck!

I have an Ergo Carrier and LOVE IT! It is SOOO much better than the Baby Bjorn b/c the weight of the baby is not on your shoulders (like the Bjorn), but rather on your hips. We live at the beach and I'm able to walk much further with the Ergo than the Baby Bjorn. Supposedly they way the baby sits in the Ergo is better for their hips or something. =) For a newborn though you do need to buy an extra piece. If you want a tighter fitting sling for a newborn, I have one from the following website: http://www.sleepingbaby.net/
She only makes several each day so you just have to order when she has 'points' available...seems a bit confusing at first, but it's not and the lady making the slings was wonderful to work with. Good luck!

I use the maya wrap...at first it can be a little complicated but once you get the hang of it it is great! you can use if for nursing, cradling your baby, when he is older he can rest on your hip and be supported by the wrap, he can even be on your back when he is a toddler..it's great! My daughter is 11 months old and still uses it. My sister in law used her wrap for all three of her kids and used it on all until they turned 2 1/2. Hope this helps.

Check out Moby Wrap - http://www.mobywrap.com. There are also a bunch of companies that make slings that are going to be at BabyTime Expo at Cashman Center 6/14-15. You can check it out at www.BabyTimeExpo.com.
Good luck!
K.

Hi Monkia, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Ergo.
You have to buy an insert in order to carry a newborn, however. But later you can wear the baby in the front, on your side or even on your back. It is so much more comfortable than any other carrier ( I tried all of them!!)

If you want more of a sling until the baby is a little older, I also reccomend a really simple sling that you can get at Target. It has a padded shoulder strap and the sides of the sack-part are gathered. I can't remember the name of it, but it may be evenflo and I have seen them at the second hand store all the time.
Good luck!
E.

I also love the Moby. I invested in almost every sling out there and this is by far the most comfortable for me and for baby.