Baby Sling Advice

M.,
I have a 2 month old baby girl and i too wanted to know what sling would be best. My friend who has two boys strongly recommended native baby slings. I went ahead and bought one, and have been pleased with the product. its light, easy to fold and you can throw in the wash whenever its needed. I hope this, I went ahead and added the link below-

M.(Army wife stationed in Bamberg Germany)

helps.http://www.newnativebaby.com/

I've had two different types. One was a brand name one (can't remember it now) and the other was homemade by a friend of a friend. I LOVE slings and have used them since my son was 2 months old and am still using one (He is now 10 mos. old). I think I could use ANY sling anyone gave me. Since you're on Okinawa, you could buy one sold at the Kid's Cottage on Lester behind the hospital (I work on Foster). I guess adjustable is best since I had to give the first one up since my son grew out of it. I love to use the sling on the airplane when we travel so that when we both take naps he's not going to accidently slide out of my arms. Good luck! ~M. F.

I bought the Aprica one from the Japanese Babys-r-us here in Iwakuni, Japan (cost $80.00). DO NOT BUY IT. It was uncomfortable, did not support my kiddos head, and very awkward. My advice is this: If you have friends on the base that have one that you like, see if you can borrow it for two hours. Go to the commissary, buy a large bag of flour, put the entire unopened bag of flour in a large ziploc bag. Put on the sling and place your "flour baby" in the sling. Carry it around for two hours to see how the "baby" fits in there, possibly falls, etc. That should be a good 6-7 lbs and should give you some ideas. I would look for a sling that had some extra support for your neck or back area. Many of the slings I see on base, the ladies have folded washcloths over the neck area to ease the strain. You should not have to do this, there are too many choices out there. Also, how good is your thrift store? The one we have is awesome, most of the kid clothes still have tags on them. I have picked up bags of Christian Dior sleepers for my son when he was born with tags still attached. I would not spend a lot of money on baby clothes either. They will not wear most of them more than three months. Even though my son was our second kiddo, I still had clothes with tags on them that went to the thrift store. (For four dollars a bag you cannot beat it.) If you need any mainland assistance contact me DSN ###-###-#### -Chris

I have a Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. They can be found on www.slingbaby.com. Lots of great prints and a dvd on how to use it. I bought this with my second child and did not use it alot. Now with child number three (6 months old) I have used it quite a bit. It does take practice. They also sell slings at the Kids Cottage on Camp Lester (navy gift shop). I think the have some good ones at Jusco. Also there is a Babies R us in Naha that has a good selection. good luck

I really liked the New Native Carrier. I had (still have) a Maya Wrap before that which I got for its versatility, but it was just too much fiddling for me. The New Native has no fiddling! For a small baby you might want to fold the corner up over your shoulder a bit for more security. As a bigger baby they can sit in it with their legs around you on your hip (inside the sling).

Good luck!

check out www.thebabywearer.com for TONS of advice concerning carriers and a list of websites that you can buy a sling from. I have purchased a couple of pouch slings from WAHM's, and made several wraps (long rectangle of fabric that you literally wrap around yourself and baby and tie), and one hmong (like a mei tai, but with two straps instead of 4), and love every single one of them for different reasons.

Personally, having the option to wear my baby as opposed to carrying him around was SUCH a blessing to me, and I know I'll appreciate it even more when my 2nd baby is born (DS1 will be 2). I DEFINITELY recommend that you try to find a carrier that works for your lifestyle and budget, you won't regret it.

I love the Beco and Ergo carriers. They are both soft-structured carriers. You can wear your baby on your front, back or hip (front for infants). It is rated up to 40 lbs. My son is 18 months old and I still use them. I have breastfed him in these carriers while hiking up a mountain in the desert of Egypt, changing terminals at JFK and other terrible airports and for daily life. The weight distribution is much better than the Bjorn because the baby faces in. Facing in keeps them calmer and, especially when they are little, they will fall asleep better. Babies can still see, but if they are overstimulated, they can turn in. They are worth every penny. I bought both because I wanted something that would work so I tried both. You only need one, of course.

I like these carriers because they are extremely easy to use and adjust (my husband is 6' 2" and he can use the same carrier). I found slings difficult to position the baby securely. He also did not like to lay day unless he was eating. They also have pockets which are great for the airport.

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com
http://www.becobabycarrier.com

both:
http://www.sobebabies.com

Before I bought these carriers, I tried an Ellaroo ring sling, a pocket sling that I made, and the Baby Bjorn. The Beco and the Ergo are the best, most well-used product I have purchased. I highly recommend them.

The differences between the two: the Beco is lighter, thinner and comes in limited edition cotton prints. The Ergo is made from cotton canvas so it is more durable. Both are great. Both will work. I am petite and I like both. If you are tall, big-busted or otherwise voluptuous, I think the Ergo is better. If you are petite, the Beco is slightly better.

Use the carrier (or sling) early and often. I almost never use a stroller. I just moved to Korea on Monday and the carrier was still the best method of getting through the airport.

As a side note, on the stroller, think about when and where you are going to use your stroller. Do you need it to fit in the car, fit on public transport, hold your groceries, go over rough terrain, etc. That will help you determine what kind to buy.

Had the Baby Bjorn w/my first. Great but she outgrew it pretty quickly. With our son my sister gave me the Moby Sling. It is great but a bit tricky to put on. I also have a traditional sling I got at a yardsale and that works well too. So, I would say to skip the Bjorn and either go w/a traditional one or a wrap.

perhaps look into a mei tei. They are affordable, and confortable, and infanitely adjustable to your child's size. Doesn't have to be name brand either. www.hyenacart.com/meadowdesigns is where I got mine from.

Hi M.,
There is a lady here on island(I am on Okinawa also) who has an ad on www.japanupdate.com, in the infant and nursing section, and she handmakes slings. Just thought you might want to check her out. Good luck with your search, and Congrats on the little one!!!

I have a hotsling and I love it!!!! I used it with our first daughter until she was 1yr and now I am using it with our newborn who is a little fussy and likes to be in it ALL day. I think one of the beset things is I could fold it up and put it in my purse or diaper bag. It was especially helpful while traveling.

I also have a mei tai carrier (www.babyhawk.com) which I also LOVE but it is not very portable. It won't fit in my diaper bag/purse.

I bought a sling off of Lucky-baby.com and I love it. I used it on my daughter when she was first born to carry her around on walks and such, and now I use it on her at 11 months so she can sit on my hip and such. It is so easy to use, folds up to fit into my purse or diaper bag, has a pocket to store keys in and BONUS: you can put it on all by yourself. There are several different fabrics to choose from. I love mine. Good luck!!