Baby Sling....Ring, Pouch or Neither??

I absolutely loved the new native sling. It was a pouch of sorts, and worked great for my newborn. I could nurse with it too, and later it was great for hip carrying. They go by your pre pregnancy size, so I got a medium (5'4", 125 lbs, medium sized boobs). I couldn't live without that thing when I was a new mom of two, the oldest a 2 year old running around. I could grocery shop, do anything in it. I would turn the car around if I left the house without it. It was very soft, and the most important thing is that it was very comfortable for me and on my back.

good luck!

A.

I am a die-hard fan of the baby bjorn. I started using it when my baby was about three weeks old. It does have head support for newborns if they are facing you, and every time my baby was in the bjorn as a newborn she fell right to sleep. She is six months now and I still use it. Now she faces out and likes to look at everything around her. Babies seem to outgrow the slings very quickly, and mine was never very comfortable in her sling, which is why I always stuck with the baby bjorn. Hope this helps!

I had both a snugli and an infantino sling for my daughter. Pro's were that both were inexpensive <$30, and my daughter liked being in both when she was < 6 mos old. On the not so great side, both were a little uncomforatable, especially as she started gaining weight (16 lbs at 6 mos). My daughter liked to bury her face in the sling fabric, which caused us to check on her all the time and keep moving her around, which became a bit troublesome. I kept the sling and will use it with the next one, but I'll probably also make my own ring sling or pouch sling out of a more lightweight fabric. Also, I had heard great things about being able to use the sling as a cover during breastfeeding, but I never could figure that out with the infantino sling.

I used the E-Z Sling with my youngest son. There were times when it was the only thing that would soothe him. I liked it because it had padding and never "cut" into my shoulders. The padding did make it a little bulky, but I gladly traded the bulk for the comfort. I even ended up buying a second one in a different color. It also comes with a very helpful DVD that shows you all the various ways you can wear it.

I used a sling and LOVED it!! Mine had the ring and was very comfortable. I didn't have it sized but you want to be sure the baby is positioned high enough that the wieght is balanced and doesn't hurt your back.

With my third child, I broke down and got a really nice pouch. I ordered it from a company out of California. The website is called www.rockinbabyslings.com and I have loved it every minute. My daughter started riding in when she was about 2 days old and still loves it at 10 months. My husband and I tried several different front packs and things with my first two but they were never comfortable for both of us. The pouch that we ended up buying from the company had zippers that made it comfortable for both of us.

i bought a sling from peanutshell.com i love it, you can use it up to 3 years of age. The only problem i didn't get the larger size. It will give you a size, but i suggest going one larger. That way you have more room to move the baby around.

We have 3 different baby carriers and I love them all for different reasons (besides their machine washability)...

we started out with the Hotsling (www.hotslings.com) and used all the time from the day we came home from the hospital until our daughter was almost 5 months old--at which time she began objecting to lying down b/c she wanted to see what was around. Now that she is 8 months and has good body control I plan to start leaving this one in the car to use for shopping etc in the hip carry position. My husband couldn't use this with the baby after she was about 2-3 months old b/c it was sized for me not him. We got the less expensive khaki stretch sateen one and it coordinated well all my outfits as well as being comfy for me and baby.

Next we started using the original Moby wrap (www.mobywrap.com) when our baby didn't fit in the cradle hold of the hotsling on my husband any longer. It took two people for the first few days to get whomever was wearing the baby and the baby put together with the moby but was a cinch after getting used to it. I love that it could fit anyone of any shape in our family that wanted to carry the baby & love all the various holds/positions that can be used for a long time to come. My husband complained that it was too much wrapping to use when going to the store for something quick.

Therefore we ordered 2 different baby bjorns (www.babybjorn.com) to try as an easier option for errands. After trying both baby bjorns we kept the "air" carrier b/c the added back support of the "synergy" one didn't fit me correctly to be comfortable. This one is easy for all to use but limits you to only front carrying (either facing in or facing out). Just b/c it is the "air" model doesn't mean that you won't get hot where the straps wrap around you, but my friends with one that is more fleecy states that ours is much cooler.
If you get a baby bjorn be sure and order the bib for it--this was so nice b/c we didn't have to keep washing the whole carrier everytime our baby decided to chew on the part in front of her if she was facing out.

Bottom line: Out of the ones that we have the Moby has been the most versatile and comfortable for me to wear. It could be the only one needed if my husband didn't mind the few extra seconds of wrapping and tying that it requires--good thing he didn't have to grow a human inside for 40 weeks and then get it to this side of the world!

Good luck and good job on babywearing--it will allow you to do so much while being close to your little one!

P.S. We were given an Infantino Slingrider in a cute toile pattern but no matter how I adjusted it, I could not get comfortable to relieve pressure on my back so I returned it after 2 days of trying.

I have three carriers, but I use my ring sling the most by far. If there is a choice in sizes for a ring sling, go with the longest one because it just adds more tail not more bulk. I've used my Maya Wrap ring sling for both of my birth children. I even carried my stepson in it until he was about 5 when we had to take him to the ER for his asthma. When I've been without the kids, I've used it to carry in groceries, visual aids when I used to teach breastfeeding classes, as a hair cover in the rain, and a light blanket when chilled. It's also great to use as a changing table cover, a tether for the walking children, a shopping cart seatbelt when the built in one was missing or broken, etc.

The other two I have are a mei tai/ABC and an infantino inward facing carrier. I don't like the infantino carrier as the straps are too narrow and cut into my shoulders. The mei tai is really better for smaller babies in a front carry and larger babies in a back carry. And again, you should be sure to have the longest straps you can get to be sure that they fit both you and your husband.

The problems I've heard about pouch slings is that once the baby is bigger you can't use it any more, you have to get sized, and they're not adjustable.

I have the Maya Wrap Ring Sling and I LOVE it!!! It is just so much more versatile than the carrier I used with my first son. I use it in a cradle hold to breastfeed in public without anyone seeing, chest to chest when he wants to be comforted while I need to get stuff done, and kangaroo style when he is curious and wants to look around. I can also still use it with my 2 1/2 year old to hold him on my hip. They are normally about $55 on the Maya Wrap website, but I got mine off of eBay for $30, or if you are crafty you can get the pattern for free from the Maya Wrap website and sew your own. OH!!! another thing I liked about it is that it is 100% cotton so it breaths on hot days and me and baby don't get half as sweaty as I did with the baby carrier.

you can get a one sized sling such as the ones my friend sells:

http://s238.photobucket.com/albums/ff129/sparks6102/spark...
they are one sized for the most part unless you are a very large person. Alot of moms I know use these kind and love them. My kids hate slings or anything else that requires my hands nto to be on them,lol. But i have also tried the snugglies, baby bjorn, ect they were okay when they were infants.

I think it depends on how you're going to use it. I've heard great things about the Baby Bjorn carrier with lumbar support-I didn't get that one b/c it's about $80. I had a sling that was fine for trips shopping and church when she was very tiny, but when she got bigger she didn't care for it much, so I think much of it depends on the baby as well. I couldn't adjust mine right for breastfeeding, so I would for sure try it out a bit before you buy.

Several moms have already replied they like the Moby Wrap. I do not know how much they cost but they are basically a long piece of material. I made one like that for my daughter to carry my granddaughter. They both like it and I have worn it too, when we are out shopping together. The hard part is learning how to wrap it around yourself and how to put the baby into it. If you can get someone to show you how to do it, all you need is a very long piece of material. My daughter's is stretchy t-shirt-type material about 30 inches wide that I hemmed all around. I do not know how long it is. It depends on how big you are, and if you want it to tie in the back or the front, how long you'll need it to be.

S.

Personally, I'm not a fan of slings, but I looooooooove the Baby Bjorn front carrier. It has been a lifesaver. My baby loves being in it. She was not a fan of being swaddled so she doesn't like the feeling of being confined, so no sling for her, but I've been soooooooooo happy with the Baby Bjorn.

I LOVE my hotsling, which is a pouch style. My son just turned one and I am 8 months pregnant with our second and can still use it to carry him. Sizing is important with this style of sling. I can only use it now because he is old enough to carry behind me now, (I use it mostly when he's fussy/clingy and I really need to get something done around the house). He doesn't fit in the front or even on the side very well anymore. Hotslings and slinglings both give sizing charts and have pretty good return/exchange policies in case it doesn't fit the way you like it. I am not a fan of rings, but some of my friends swear by those and the maya wrap. It really just comes down to personal preference. Good luck to you!

I LOVE my Pouch...I got it from Kangaroo Korner (online) and it is adjustable I believe they come in s m and l and the are available for right or left handed individuals. I have the adjustable fleece pouch and I believe I paid 65 for it... I can wear this thing for hours before it begins to bother me... it is comfortable and you can nurs in it. It can be used right from birth too!!

I have a ring sling (Maya Wrap) and it is the best baby gadget I own! We have a Baby Bjorn, bouncy seat, swing, etc... but nothing calms and soothes my baby like the Maya wrap. Ever since he was born he has loved it. You can wear them many different ways and it comes with a DVD to show you the many possibilities. The great thing about a ring sling is you don't have to be fitted because you can adjust it so it fits perfectly. Many slings are a set size so they are less secure for the baby. The Maya wrap has a flap that hangs down that you can pull both edges to make the sling tighter. People are always commenting on how good and calm my baby is, and I contribute it 100% to the soothing aspect of the sling.

Hi=)
I was going thru the same issues after I had my baby. He is 6 months old now and WE love the Moby Wrap. It was well worth every penny spent. There are lots of ways to wear it and it holds a baby up to 45+.
It is extremely comfortable for both the baby and the person wearing it. Easy to put on... The bay faces you, faces out, on your back, on your hip... I just swear by it=)
They have their own web site. You need to check it out for yourself...
Hope you like it.

I think the whole point of a ring sling is that it is adjustable. More than one person can wear it because it can go from small to extra-large.

A great site for babywearing info is http://www.thebabywearer.com/ You have to register to use the forums but it's well worth it. HTH, and congratulations on your baby. :)

Hahaha, I'm carrying my baby in a wrap this very moment! I love it. It's very cuddly and keeps my hands free. It also keeps my arms and back from aching from holding her so much. (Sure, I could leave her in her co-sleeper, but why have her in a "box" on the other side of the house?)

I have the Storchenweigen (sp? It's German) and while it takes a minute to tie it up, it's very secure and handy. We also got a basic sling. It's a good idea to get two or three different types of carriers, for various purposes. The sling is more errand-friendly; the wrap I'm wearing, while versatile - can tie in all kinds of ways - and has the cuddly quality - we're tummy to tummy right now - is long and unwieldy.

Those moms who tell you their babies hated slings or other carriers might not have been fortunate enough to hear the advice that when you first put your baby in, it's really helpful to get moving right away, preferably outdoors. It helps settle them into something new. My baby does seem to feel a little claustrophobic in the sling, but moving helps her to feel okay in it after the first couple of minutes.

I got a Honeywear sling, which doesn't need sizing. Great for sharing with Dad and other caregivers. (I like Honeywear because the cotton's organic, and the baby will be spending so much time in there; plus, it's mother-owned and employs moms, supporting families in a small community. Gorgeous silks, too; I got a shiny brownish grey one that dresses up or down and matches *everything*, yet is distinctive.) Also, if you get a sling that needs sizing, and you don't get around to it till later in your pregnancy, it's simple: just measure from the *back* of your shoulder to the *back* of your opposite hip, instead of across the front.

Oh, and about justifying the cost of getting a couple or several (organic!) carriers: we didn't even get a stroller. Well, just a cheap umbrella one for when she's bigger. A big "travel system" stroller didn't seem convenient, and we knew it would keep the baby too far from our arms. Babies need to be held a lot, and studies show over and over again that hte more babies are held, the less they cry. I'm all for that! And anyway, how to steer that thing around town? Seemed too much trouble. So that saved us far more money than we put in for our two carriers.

Have fun with your pregnancy It's such a special time!

L.

I got mine at http://www.tot-to-go.com/store/Default.asp. I love this sling...it is easy to use...folds up so it fits in the diaper bag or in the back of the car. My daughter loves it because it kept her right next to me, and I love it because I was hands free to take care of my 3 year old.

I think these Moby wraps are amazing. They are great for newborns all the way up until the toddler stage. They are very comfortable and support your back so that you aren't slouching. Check out the website attached. It shows you the different ways you can wrap. I tried the other slings, and carriers too, but this was my favorite! I get one for all of my friends who have babies. Hope this is helpful.

http://www.mobywrap.com/t-instructions-NewBorn.aspx

I've used pouches, ring slings, soft carriers and wraps. By far my favorite is the wrap, Moby for newborns and Maya for older babies and toddlers. If you have more questions, try my friend www.babywearingdoula.com. She does baby wearing classes and knows just about everything there is to know about baby carriers!

I am the QUEEN of carriers. It was a constant search for one that allowed me to carry my son, who was born 9 lb 9 oz, and never small, not stress a weak back and not cause me to sweat like a pig.

I have tried so many - snugli - back pain; slings - my son hated them and heart my shoulder; a hip seat that he liked but chewed up my shoulder; a moby wrap - interesting but I started sweating as soon as I put it on; and, a kelti backpack which started so heavy that it had a limited lifetime.

I went back to work while my daughter was an infant. Not surprisingly, she wanted me to hold her constantly when I got back home. This was not so easy with a 3 year old and a husband overseas. I finally saw and purchased an Ergo Baby Carrier. I LOVE IT!!! My daughter is now 13 months old and 24 pounds. I can still throw her up on my back and carry her with ease. In fact, I just walked with her on my back through Atlanta's airport with no discomfort.

They are not cheap - but you get what you pay for. A friend of mine is still using hers occassionally for her 3 year old.

I wish that I could buy stock in this company.

You need to watch the video to see how to wear them, but it is the best piece of baby equipment, other than a car seat, that I have purchased.

You can get them at http://www.ergobaby.com.

Best of luck!

Peace

I have used my hotsling with all 4 of my kiddos and it is the greatest!!!! I have tried many styles, but this one is the most comfortable, easy on my back, and puts my 2mo. old son to sleep every time I wear it. I ordered from babysnazz.com and found prices ranging from $25-$60
Good Luck

Hi, I have tried slings, pouch and carriers. They all hurt my back and were uncomfortable. I bought a Baby Bjorn with the lumbar support, and it is awesome!!! I used it with my daughter who is 2 now. And we have an almost 5 month old that is loving it. It is a bit pricey, but worth every penny. I have four children, and it gives me the opportunity to have my hands free while I shop or if we go out to eat. We got ours on Ebay and found a new one for a lower price.