Ring Sling for Breastfeeding

I had the Maya Wrap too, but I didn't find out how to use it until my baby was older, so I never tried to breastfeed him in it. He did not like the sling or Baby Bjorn until he could face out, then he loved them! I really liked the Maya Wrap until my son got so heavy that the ring kept slipping and I had to adjust it too much. Then I got a Hotsling and LOVED it, and I still use that sometimes (my son is 13 months). Slings are great, good luck!

I had an "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" and used it for TWO years - my son would have still loved it past that age. They are awesome and very versatile, have incredible prints to choose from, and what is more, they have a DVD to show you how to use it, and all the different positions. I have given away soo many for gifts, and I had three at a time in different colors. They worked great in shopping carts, too, to line it and prevent contact with the bar, as well as for changing a diaper in emergency. Find out more at www.parentsafely.com Slings are better for young babies thank some other front carriers, because they can sleep as if they are in mom's arms, and they are not hanging on their crotches and putting that weight onto their spines. Especially not great for boys!Good luck!
S.

I've tried a couple different kinds and I love the Maya wrap. It comes with a dvd that is very helpful to show different positionings and how to use it. It's very easy and it comes in all kinds of different colors. I ordered mine online and it was here in 2 days. I got the one where the tail is loose so you can cover while you're breastfeeding. Good luck!

L.,
I LOVE my Maya Wrap ring sling!!! My son was a very big baby 10lb 2 oz at birth and was over 24 lbs by 4 mnths. It was the only way to carry him comfortably while still being "hands free". I "wore" him all the time until he was almost two and still occasionally carry him on my back (he is almost 4 now). He was exclusively breastfed and it was very easy to get him in a nursing position while in the sling. I would be nursing him while checking out at Walmart and the checker would say...ohhhhh...he's sleeping. I would just smile and agree...no one could tell he was nursing! If you are close to Hemet, I have my sling you could try. I loved mine so much that we became distributors. You can see our slings at www.MamaRhythms.com, we just got a shipment so we have more stock than is listed. Mention MamaSource and we'll give you a discount!!! N.

Hi L.,

If you live in the Hollywood area, you should stop into our store for a free Sling Clinic. Bring your baby and try our slings with our staffs help. This would also be a good opportunity to talk with other mothers who use slings for breastfeeding. Please call ###-###-#### for the current schedule.

We are located at:

The Pump Station
1248 Vine St.
Hollywood, CA 90038
###-###-####

Sincerely,
The Pump Station

Have you heard of the Moby wrap? It is THE BEST BABY CARRIER EVER! You can nurse with it hands free and your baby will love falling asleep on you in it. It is extremely versital and I LOVE mine!

I got mine here: http://www.angelbunz.com/proddetail.php?prod=MobyWrap

Hi L.. I HIGHLY recommend the Ergo Carrier. http://www.ergobabycarrier.com.
It's sooooo great! I can breastfeed while carrying my 5 mos old. My shoulders feel great since the weight is evenly distributed onto my hips. Check it out online. U can carry the baby infront, hips, or even back. It was designed by a mother. It's SUPER great. We took it to Chichen Itza in Mexico and the baby loved it. He's always falling asleep in it. Another great thing about is that once he falls asleep, it's sooooo easy to transfer him to the bed w/out waking him up. yay!!!!

i suggest the ergo carrier. i went through a lot of carriers as well & this was by far the easiest to put on & the baby liked being in it. you can wear it on the front, side & back. i never breast fed in it, but i'm sure you can through on a cover & not worry about it with any of the carriers.
check it out by doing a google search for ergo carriers.
good luck

Hi

I used a mei tai and it worked wonderfully for nursing while walking! Visit the site: www.dreamcarriers.com that's where I got mine & the price was not bad at all! My little boy is about to be 2 and we still get lots of use out of it.

Honestly, I have never had luck with any slings and breast feeding. It is so hard to manuver around everything. I just found it best to go the old fashioned route and stop what you are doing, relax, and let the baby chow down. If you are walking around and doing things while tryin to feed, you are more likely to have an accident and it really hurts when the baby gets pulled off while nursing if you move the wrong way. I know! and soon the baby will feed less frequently. I give you props on breastfeeding though! It is well worth it.

I had one of those fancy slings but it left my baby "too squished" also. The best thing I found was a wrap/sling from an Indian tribe in Mexico. My mom picked it up on vacation there, so if you know anyone heading south of the border, ask them to grab one for you. Instead of a ring, you just tie a knot so it is always adjustable, very comfortable for you and baby, and not expensive.

I suggest "The Ultimate Baby Wrap". I'm currently nursing my 3rd baby in one & I LOVE it!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266782

I used a Maya wrap with my second son and loved it. I found it very easy to adjust and it came with a video showing exactly how to use and adjust it. When he was your baby's age he often fell asleep when I was carrying him in it (I suppose that could be good or bad depending on how you're hoping to influence your baby's sleep schedule!). It was also great when he got a bit older and could sit up, because I could have him in a hip carry position when I was out and about. I also had problems with Bjorn-type carriers because they hurt my lower back; the Maya wrap seemed to distribute my baby's weight better.

Hope this is helpful--good luck with your little one!

I LOVE my Maya wrap. i have used it for 2 babies now. When you buy one it comes with a dvd to show you all the uses. I suggest finding a sling class too. The Pump Station in Hollywood and Santa Monica have them. You can try out all types of slings and wraps as well as have the instructor (a mom) help you with your.
Good Luck!

The Moby wrap is perfect.

I used the LOOPI (loopi.com). It is actually two rings plus a wrap around belt, and it ends up looking like one of those long slings wrapped around you, but since it's rings, it doesn't come apart. I loved it! When they are really little, you can use only one ring and the baby fit swell and can breastfeed.
Good luck!

I used my Maya until I tried the Zolowear and once I tried it I never ever used the Maya again.
The Zolo is made differently, so it hugs the shoulder and does not slip like the Maya will do. I recommend that you get one water sling (it is also UV resistant)and one regular cotton sling. Some Zolowears are difficult to adjust and others are really easy. It depends on the material. You cannot go wrong with the organic cotton one. I push the water one, because I have needed it so many times, at the beach, the pool, even the shower. I have actually nursed while washing my hair in the shower! You will probably need support with using it, as they are just a little difficult to get the hang of - Magical Child in Encinitas will give you help and they have a variety of different slings for sale there. Good luck! Slings revolutionized my life when I found them - the baby feels so secure and it is easier to get them in and out. Zolowear slings have zippered pockets, so no more need for a purse if you are going into a store. I cannot recommend them enough. xo

Check out www.snugglesling.com they are the best I used them with both of my kids from newborn to age 2. They are easy to put on you can breastfeed, and they are the most comfortable baby carrier I have ever used...and ive tried all of them.

We had several different types of ring slings with baby #4, and loved them all. I breast fed through year two, and the sling was perfect for nursing. With the first three we used other types of front carriers and wish we had discovered the sling way back when baby #1 was born. Slings are natural, comfortable, versatile, and great for napping and feeding. I traveled from Switzerland to California when #4 was 6 weeks old, with three plane changes. Without my sling, the trip would have been a terrible ordeal. When your baby is older, a sling makes hip carrying a breeze. Once you experience how wonderful slings are, you'll look at Bjorn users and wonder why on earth they are subjecting their baby to such a contraption. :0)

I used the Maya Wrap with my second and third children and I loved it! It was so easy to use and to clean. I even had a small bag that attached to the ring so that I was able to hold necessities without using a separate purse. I used it all the way through toddler age to carry them on my hip and even piggyback. I did carry an extra baby blanket for warmth when they were very little because mine did not have extra padding. And it takes a little bit of practice. Compared to my first sling though, it was easier to manipulate and lasted for a longer period of growing. Good luck!

I used to nurse while my son was in the Bjorn. It was not the Bjorn active but the regular Bjorn. I would just loosen the strap on the side he would be nursing on and lift my top or if wearing a nursing top just adjust as needed. This worked so well I could walk while he nursed. Good luck!

I only have experience with one kind of sling but it was a ring sling and I liked it. I only needed to breastfeed once in public while also needing to carry my baby but it worked quite well. If you do buy one make sure it has plenty extra fabric, which is good for extra coverage. The brand I used was the Lil Bugger Snugger. I especially liked the versatility.

Hi L.-

I am the leader of the Koala LA babywearing group. We have 5 FREE meetings a month. We can show you how to nurse in your ring sling, we have a Zolowear in our lending library you could borrow as well as check out all the other carriers available to you including all the brands mentioned! I posted the info on the first of the month- but always feel free to email me direct with any questions!

T.

My first ring sling was a perfect fabric, but was too small once my son discovered the art of twisting around! I found the fabric of the Maya wrap to be annoying. I would prefer a smooth cotton so that when I adjust it it won't catch my clothes twisting them so badly that my stomach or other parts are exposed. However, the size of the Maya wrap is perfect. The width and length are fantastic.

I used the babysling when my kids were little and it was great! You can nurse in them and comfortably carry the baby around in them. Adjusting them is a litle difficult, but once you get the right adjustment they work really well.
Good luck and let me know how it goes! Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!

I have never used any of the slings they sell in stores. For daily use i would use the bjorn baby carrier. For breast feeding comfort, i wrapped a sarong (wrap-around) around my back and shoulders and tied it extremely tightly, positioning my baby just right for breast feeding. Obviously I couldn't go on an all day shopping spree using this method, but it was extremely helpful breastfeeding at home (and certain public places ie laundry mat) and still get chores done (or just move around a little). Hope this helps.

Hi L.,
I have a Maya Wrap and love it. It is easy to adjust and you can breast feed. My only issue with it was that the fabric wasn't that soft for a little baby and my baby got lost in it until he was 3 months old. You would probably be happy with an Over The Shoulder Baby Holder. They are really soft and have adjustable rings and they are recommended by chiropractors and La Leche League. You can breast feed in it easily. I mostly used this one and when your baby can hold his head up you can put him crossed legged facing outward in it to see the world. It has batting where the legs go when you hip carry. I have used a New Native when he was little, then the OTSBH and the Maya Wrap more often now. Good Luck!
D.

I have used my Maya Wrap with both my children and I breastfeed while I do the dishes! Lol. I love the maya wrap and I've even bought a second cheap one from a mom who makes them and I haven't been as satisfied as I am with the maya wrap. Not sure what the difference is, but I LOVE my maya.

Hi L.,

I LOVED my sling. It's still one of my favorite gifts to give to new moms. It was incredibly versatile and gave great support for nursing. I found it was also wonderful for travelling and used it for each of my kids until they were about 3 years old. After a little a practice, I could very easily transfer a sleeping chid into or out of the sling without waking them up. When the the kids were toddlers, I used it as a back carrier as well as a front carrier.

I'm not familiar with the new brands, but the one I had was padded at the shoulder and on the borders. The border padding acted as kind of a safety ledge.

R.

L.,
Although I never had the opportunity to try it, my sister-in-law SWEARS by the "Ultimate Baby Wrap". It looks overwhelming at first, but it really is quite easy to use and amazing. The interior wrap exposes your breasts, so it's easier to feed your baby, while still covered. My nieces LOVED being in it. I think you can order it on-line.

I have used and loved my Maya wrap for both my girls (now 7 and 4.75) It is great for nursing because it has the extra fabric which works for shade/privacy screen if you want it. With not much practice I could nurse and walk around if I wanted to. However, this is also a natural way for Mommy to get rest is to sit, relax and recover while you are nursing. So if you want to nurse, say out side in the fresh air, just raise up your maya wrap so that the sling holds your baby up where they need to be to nurse, so you can relax your shoulders and enjoy gazing at your beautiful baby. If you need help adjusting, try Milk Made at home, or someplace where there are nursing support folks who can help you fiddle with you baby in your sling till you both are comfortable.

Have fun
E.

I used the maya ring sling with my first then when she got bigger I used the Ergo Baby Carrier (my favorite carrier of all). I used a Kangaroo pouch with my second and again the Ergo when he was a little older. The Ergo is great and you can nurse in it from birth to ??? All slings/pouches may take some getting used to but if you are patient and have someone that can help you out a bit then they can be a dream!

Here is the link for the Ergo if you are interested:
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
Good luck!
M.

hi L.!! I have two great suggestions!!! when my baby was born I bought the fleece pouch at kangarookorner.com they have some wonderful ones (and you can see the how to videos on youtube) but the fleece was too hot for the summer so I had to buy a diff. material for the hotter weather. The baby fist super snuggly and I love it. On their website they have a special one for nursing as well. I just discovered one that I love even more (though I still loved having the kangaroo for when my baby was small). I just bought the ERGO. It's awesome!! my baby is now 20 lbs (10 months) and I put it on and I swear my back doesn't hurt (I also have the baby bjorn and after like 20 min. my back KILLS). they also have a supplement for your baby. I really recommend you get this one. You can wear your baby in front, on the side or on the back. You'll be happy with either one. good luck!!!!

L.~
I've used both the maya and zolo (as well as many more!) and I love the Zolo. I found the material and ring on the maya to be heavier and more difficult to adjust and both of my boys expressed discontent while situated inside the maya. From the second I put my son in the Zolo, he relaxed and snuggled up, even when I needed to move him around and adjust it. They sell them at Magical Child and the staff are very experienced and will help you learn how to position your baby as he/she grows. Good luck!

I really didn't like my Maya wrap! It is popular yes but it absolutely killed my back! What I ended up doing is using just a wrap that was one really big piece of material and figured out a way to wrap it myself! The Moby wrap is where I had the best luck and they have great suggestions!

Another thing.....I learned from my chiropractor that the Bjorn is NOT ergonomically correct and is NOT good for the babies spine at all! I bought the ERGO sling and it is about $92 dollars and the best thing I ever did! You can not even tell that you are carrying a baby and you can have it on you front hip and back up to 45 lbs! It is amazing!

I'm in the same boat as you! My daughter is 10 weeks and I have 3 slings. The Dr. Sears, very bulky and haven't had any success with breast feeding with it. The Hot Sling that she is too squished in ad the Premaxx. The Premaxx I can carry her around in while sleeping, but my shoulder gets very sore and I can't use it to feed her. So unfortunately I can only tell not to purchase these.
Good luck in your quest, I'd love to find a good one myself.

I enjoyed the Maya Wrap- and my husband LOVED it! Once I figured it out, it was really easy to adjust (my husband is an engineer, so what was obvious to him took me a little time). By the time our son was 6 months, though it was in the drawer because the weight was too much on my shoulder. At that point, we got the Ergo, which I highly recommend for an older baby. It can be used front or back and places most of the weight on your hips, which is much easier on the back. The Ergo requires them to have some balance and be stable in the neck. I hope you find a little more freedom to get off the couch soon!
S.

I LOVE my Maya Wrap! It has been a lifesaver in so many ways. Especially when my little guy (now 16 months) was tiny. The wrap comes with a DVD with instructions but it is totally easy to use! I ordered the medium size and there is plenty of fabric left over so you can be totally covered while nursing. We have used the wrap often. In fact, my son just got over the flu, and while he was ill he just wanted to be held, which is a little impractical when you have to other children to take care of, not to mention he weighs 24 lbs.! So I used the wrap with him for a couple of days and the difference in weight distribution vs. just carrying him was amazing and the added benefit of being able to use BOTH hands! Plus he was content because he was close to mama! Good luck!

I love my MAYA WRAP!!! I sell baby carriers, in fact, and my good old Maya Wrap is still my favorite, hands down. I could nurse, walk, and push my older child's stroller all at the same time. LOL!

ETA: Okay... couldn't resist a shameless business promotion...

www.KeenBambino.com

I've had a lot of success with the mobywrap (mobywrap.com). It takes a little work to get used to putting it on, but it's worth it. I've nursed my son in it while walking around a book store, etc. What I like about it is it is usable for newborns up to 3 - 4 yr. olds.
good luck,
T.

I had great success and years of comfortable wearing, walking and nursing with a Dr. Sears sling. I believe they are available now at a website called www.askdrsears.com. We were living back and forth in Ireland, so the sling was awesome in airports especially. I remember feeling very empowered wearing my daughter and still having hands free. Although the fabrics weren't as hip as other slings, I found it the easiest and most comfortable to use. Give yourself a few days of walking to get used to it. The baby bumps around with you, but it gets smoother and is a great beginning for the tandem ride of motherhood. Good luck! Megan in Prescott, AZ

i love the ergo baby carrier. check out thier website. it works great for when theyre older too because you can use it on the hip and back as well. You will probable needthe newborn attachment though.

If you want to check out different wraps you should try going to "KIDS DOUBLE TIME" 715 Torrance Blvd. Or call them and see which ones they may have on hand...###-###-####. You can put them on and see which are comfortable.

Every time I go there to search through toys and clothes for my grand-daughter I notice how many carry wraps they have. Excellent place. Swear by them. Excellent staff. Great deals.

I used the over "the shoulder baby holder" and loved it. I used it while nursing., but I was sitting when I did it. But, I think you could use it nursing and standing. I just didn't for some reason. I did feel like when the baby got older, I needed to have one hand on the baby (for security) while the baby was in the sling. The sling is very adaptable and can even be used on 4 year olds just to give your back support while you hold your 4 year old on your hip. I have a friend who used it for her child up until he was 7 years old for that purpose. He was a small child though. I loved my sling. If you have a store near you ask the clerk if you can try it out in the store before purchasing it. Some babies don't like being tucked in the sling, but my children loved it. One loved being tucked way in there and the other one wanted to sit up in it from day one. As the child gets older and wants to see everything, you can sit them face forward crossed leg and sinch up the sling so it comes up to almost their shoulders. They love that position. They can see everything, but they are snugged in next to your chest. Good Luck! C. in Santa Barbara

Hi L....I have the ultimate wrap from babies r us, it's really comfortable but i've never really been able to nurse in it, not sure if i want to. anyway,i was just at the park and saw a mom nursing her baby (standing up). I was pretty amazed at this mom nursing at the play structure while watching her older kid so I had to ask her about it. She said it was really comfortable and that it's an asian inspired model called the kozy carrier. You can google kozy carrier. good luck and congratulations!

If you join the Yahoo group OC Babywearers, you can come to a meeting, or ask a leader to come to you, and try a bunch. They can also show you how to BF in your wrap, and many do. I used my Moby Wrap for nursing until 4ish months, and then switched to a Beco, though now I think I'd rather have an Ergo.

Personally I have tried EVERY baby carrier and sling out there.... and if I had it to do over again I would only get the ERGO! I love it so much. You can carry a newborn in it and feed easily hands free, and you can keep carrying that same child in it for such a long time! I stll VERY COMFORTABLY carry my five year old on my back and hardly feel her! I own my own business and she loves being on my ack while I work when she needs snuggle time :) I actually love the Ergo so much that we now sell them :) check it out on our site at www.butterfly-boutique.org and email me for current colors in stock (I don't think I am up to date on those on the site.... time you know!)
Good luck in your quest and happy baby wearing!

Just what you need is more to choose from, but I would check out the Moby Wrap at www.mobywrap.com It works great from preemie, newborn stage and even for twins and you can breastfeed with it too. It's also just great for skin to skin contact around the house. Check out the instruction page for some pictures of newborns. It's super easy to put on and you can also completely cover the baby if you're out and don't want the baby exposed to others.

I am a huge fan of the ring sling (the kind you can adjust with a two-ring thing). I have used it with both my boys (3 & 1). First, the newborn can be cradled in it like in a hammock. Then from age 4 months or so, they sit up in it like in a kangaroo pouch. Then around 10 months you can perch them on your hip, as you regularly hold bigger kids, and the sling will take the weight so your arms don't have to. Mine has a shoulder pad to make it feel more comfy. The one I use was made in Lake Arrowhead, CA by Parenting Concepts 1-800-727-3683 $40. Target has the Nojo sling and this is a close second, even though it has a thicker padded edging than mine. I was able to nurse my second, while pushing my oldest on the swings since the sling held the babies weight for me. but at first the sling seems awkward! Just persevere and it will work out.

Hi L., I used the Maya wrap with my fourth and though it is easy to adjust, it has no padding for your shoulder so if you're wearing it for any length of time, and as the baby gets bigger, it starts to dig in. When my fifth came along I found one called the over the shoulder baby holder, which is also a sling, and easy to adjust, but the shoulder has really nice padding and feels so much better when carrying baby around all day, it also comes in lots of different fabrics. My little guy isn't so little anymore, 23 months and 31 pounds, but I still used it to carry him around while shopping or just out until a few months ago. Good luck!
My kids are 18, 16, 8, 4, and 23 months (4 girls+ 1 boy)
D. M.

I used Over the Shoulder baby sling with a ring for my first son. He breastfed every two hours and never wanted to be put down. It worked well for me. I like my Moby wrap the best now because it holds the baby close to me and evenly distributes his weight. It isn't as easy to breastfeed because it is a very long piece of fabric wound around me. It is impossible to lift my shirt up. If I had breastfeeding tops, that would probably work.
H.

Hi L.. I used the Maya wrap a lot for breastfeeding while doing other stuff and I found it did the job well. I remember breastfeeding my 6 month old while shopping for fabrics for a client and no one had a clue what was going on. =) What I like about the Maya wrap is it is longer than the other wraps out there (I have 3 different ones) so you can drape it over your shoulder for extra coverage while breastfeeding. I hope this helps.

HI I am a mom of two and i had a maya wrap for my second baby. it was hard for me to get used to using. when she was an infant i was afraid to put her in it. but this child had had complications from birth so i was extra cautious. i wish i would have used it sooner, it was hard for me to learn to use but I loved it once i used it from about 8months to two years, then i gave ot to my sis with a newborn, b ut i could still be using it for how much my just turned 3 year old still wants to be carried ugh.
i definatel reccomend it.

I liked the maya wrap for breastfeeding in public because you can use the extra fabric for privacy. Unfortunately, I was never able to figure out how to master the on-the-go breastfeeding, but I liked the required breaks in my day. My husband thought the maya wrap was too "granola." I loved my peanut shell when my son was older for carrying, especially because it doesn't take up much room in the diaper bag. I also had an over the shoulder baby holder with that special fabric that's a sunscreen, it was perfect in the summer and in the pool. The shoulder padding was nice too. Yes, I'm a sling enthusiast (I miss those days).

The Pump Station in Hollywood and in Santa Monica has a sling clinic and they can show you how to use those slings to nurse.

Hi L.!

I own a Maya wrap and also borrowed a zolo- I find the Maya easier to adjust and the fabric is really soft. It's definitely possible to nurse in it- I did it at my Dr.'s and he didn't even know! If you want help with babywearing you can check out this website:

www.thebabywearer.com

as well as this yahoogroup:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/koalaLA/

The yahoogroup meets each monday at different locations in L.A. and they help you use your wrap. It's free and the moms are really nice. I go once a month and that's how I learned to nurse in my sling. Now my baby is bigger and heavier so I also use a mei tai and I can nurse her in that, too. It's a great place to try new carriers or get help with the ones you already have.

Good luck!

I have seen and tried ( wanting to buy now!) the slinling. It is awesome! A friend of mine uses it with her 7 month old. It can also be turned to be used as a hip carrier. www.slingling.com

One of my friends swears by the didymos. It is basically a large piece of fabric and similar to wraps women in Africa and South America wear their babies in. There are a million ways to wrap it, and you can use it for a long time. They are expensive, but my friend literally used hers every day for about 18 months.
Here is a link.
http://www.attachedtobaby.com/DIDYMOS-Wrap-Stripes-P17.as...

You need a Moby! They are the best slings ever! My daughter is almost nine months and you can still use it. With my other two kids I used a Snugli, which was total junk but all I could afford. Once you get the hang of wrapping it the Moby is your best friend. Wow, I kinda sound like a salesman, but serious, they are good.

http://store.theslingstation.com/index.html

It looks like you've received a lot of great tips and advice already, but check out this website:

http://slingsbysarah.com

This mom from North Las Vegas, Sarah Jones, makes nice ring slings and mei tais at a very affordable price: ring slings-$30 and mei tais-$55 (even doll slings for $10!), plus shipping. Discount for two or more. Plus, they come with a free instructional dvd. Her main motive is to promote babywearing, not make money, so I like to support her. Plus, she does great work with high-quality and various fabrics.
She knows all about breastfeeding in the sling and other carriers, so she'd be great to ask specific questions to.

I've used ring slings with my two children and love them! It just takes a little time to figure it out just right. I think they're the fastest and easiest (and least bulky) to use, once you know how. I've breastfed a few times in them. My biggest issue on that is wearing the right outfit, like a tank underneath or a jacket over the top that I can button/zip on the bottom to hide my belly. I can walk around anywhere and nobody knows the difference, usually just think my baby's sleeping. Mei tais (and Ergos) are better for older babies(4+ months) and for wearing for long periods of time, since they more evenly distribute the weight.
Good luck,
N.

Hey L. C... I loved my sling! I breastfed all my babies (I have 3 boys) and only discovered my sling this last one. It was wonderful! Here is the one I bought:
http://stores.ebay.com/Sling-A-Roo-Baby
I loved it because it has an extra long tail and I could feed discretely AND it had strong steel rings... I've given tons for gifts and all my friends have said the same. Also, mine is still alove and kicking, I sometimes carry my 30 pond 22 month old in it (mainly on the back while I sweep and vacuum)----He loves it still!!!

Good luck on your hunt!!

J.

You must get The Baby Pouch, or something similar--it's one very long piece of soft cotton material that you wrap around you. It's great for newborns and you can breastfeed with it anywhere. It's very discrete--and comfortable. Many of my new mama friends have used this with great success. I used that and then the Bjorn as well after about 2 months because my little one loved to look out. I hated my ring sling. Never used it. I also recommend the Ergo carrier when the baby gets older. It takes all the weight off your lower back.

I got my wrap at The Pump Station in Santa Monica. They also have weekly sling clinics that you can attend for free to try on various slings, or bring the one you have and they'll help you put it on. (www.pumpstation.com) Good Luck!

I used the snugger bugger ring sling for my daughter from 2 months until she was almost 2. I could breast feed her, nap comfortable when we were out and about.It was great was she got fussy. I would just put her in the sling and she would mellow out.

I used a Mayan wrap until my daughter was almost 3... and I LOVED it! (I also used the abby bjorn to walk since it is more structured and better for the back for long walks) I went EVERYWHERE with it, and she could be napping or breast-feeding safely tucked in there and out of the public eye (while I was in public doing what I needed to do: walking, grocery shopping, talking on the phone, working on the computer etc etc). Make sure where you buy it they show you how to wear it correctly so you feel comfortable and can adjust it to your baby--- I love the wrap so much (and it comes in so many colors of this gorgeous Guatemalan amazing fabric) that I still have it and have kept it -- it also keeps your smell and soon your child will love it (you do not need to wash it too much). Best of luck with your breast-feeding in a moving planet...
G.

I highly recommend the Baby K'tan carrier (I bought mine from www.mom4life.com) It is so easy to nurse in, even hands free, and no one even knows. I use the tummy to tummy position and just adjust my baby a little lower during nursing. She is sitting straight up(which reduces spitup) and can easily nurse on either side. I also us a "hooter hider" nursing cover (also at www.mom4life.com) to add extra privacy when needed. Good luck and keep nursing... it's so worth it!

I've used both the Maya sling and the Nojo sling (both use a ring). When my babies were younger, I preferred the Nojo, because it has cushioned rails that helped. When they were older, the rails got in the way, and the Maya was wonderful.

To breastfeed, use the "football" clutch. Put the baby's head at your breast and his/her body on your side rather than in front of you. The sling will support this especially well, and no one will know you're nursing -- I frequently did this while walking in a grocery store.

Now that my sons are even older (2.5 and 4) I use the Ergo backpack, which is awesome. It's cloth and you can do in front or in back. They have an attachment for younger babies that looks like it would be great, but I didn't find this until my boys were too old for it so I don't have any experience. The Maya sling still works well, but because it's asymmetric and they're heavy now it hurts my back.

Good luck!