Baby "Slings"

ergo ergo ergo..the best!

http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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).

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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!

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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.

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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.

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