Sling Suggestions?

I used a pouch sling and found it to be great! My son loved being in it and I felt comfortable wearing him. My husband would also wear it. It can be adjusted in size so it is versatile. I found mine at KangarooKorner.com

I too had one of those "fussy" newborns and tried everything under the sun to calm him, so I sympathize with you. I bought a sling early on when I was at my wit's end and it did help. I have the infantino snugrider. It's adjustable which was nice because both my husband and I could use it. It was also relatively cheap compared to some other slings and they carry it at Target. It did make my neck and shoulder a bit sore as my son got heavier, but I'd still recommend it.

My now 23 mo. old would never sit or lay in a pouch wrap. She always wanted to see everything. We used the Ultimate Baby Wrap which is basically a Moby wrap see---http://www.ebabycarriers.com/Ultimate-Baby-Wrap-p/330.htm... . It fit my plus frame. I don't use it any more, just use the Ergo. If you would like it, I can mail it to you(no charge, no strings)with the instructions--takes a bit of learning. I live in the Portland area. Just let me know.

Basically my conclusion is during the first 5-6 months it is best to use a ring sling or pouch. After that, Ergo or Mei Tai. I love the ergo but was unable to use it before 5 months w/my babies ('infant insert' is useless). I liked the Moby wrap okay, but prefer ring slings or pouches with newborns - 5 months b/c my son overheated with the wrap. I liked either the "Lite on Shoulder" from Amazon because it is a light cotton material and won't overheat in summer, or the original Nojo sling by Dr. Sears (basically same as Over-the-Shoulder Holder).

If you liked the Moby wrap, you might also like the Mama Baby Ring Sling which uses the same kind of material and has plenty of material and stretch to it.

I liked the pouches almost as much as the ring slings too -- I found Hotslings and New Native Baby carrier equally helpful as well as another brand I used but can't remember the name to. (Yes, I have a carrier acquiring problem...) In short, from my experience just about any ring sling or pouch was helpful with my infant sized baby. Hope this helps!

As for calming, you're on the right track with baby holders. You may already know that babies who are held an extra 3 hours per day (over just feeding?) cry 40% less and that this effect is lasting. Keep holding her as much as possible to reduce fussiness -- perhaps just finding the right kind of carrier will take care of this problem. Otherwise, just make sure you have extra help to make it through -- sometimes they are just energetic! Good luck!

I use the mei tai similar to the ergo but has straps so you can tie it as snug as possible.

my first screamed all the time. We found out she had acid reflux (she didn't spit up that much so we didn't know it for a while) anyway we put her on some med. and it helped. Since you bottle feed you could try switching her formula to enfamil a.r. (it's for acid reflux and has rice flour in it which helps formula stay down and stop burning the throat) if it helps then great if not then switch back

I've owned every sling and b.bjorn. My first LOVED the baby bjorn as long as she was facing out she would stay there and be very happy. My second really likes the moby but hates ever other sling...i think they just like what is comfortable for them

I don't have any suggestions except to say that when I first got my Ergo my baby was 12 weeks old and I tried it on and left. Well for the life of me whule we were walking around the Portland Saturday Market I couldn't figure out what the big fuss was over these carriers. I mean I had read the reviews which is why we finally got that one as I had tried many others. Well finally I said something to my husband and stopped a lady wearing hers with an older baby= experienced with device mama. She moved this and tightened that and fixed everything. I couldn't believe the difference. So, my advice would be to maybe take it with you somewhere and ask another mama what's going on because it really has been the best one I have ever used.

You might try www.etsy.com and search for sling - I got one for a friend for $10 from SnuggleBug. My own sling is a Hotsling but there wasn't anything magic about it. I loved the Ergo and so did my 2 kids.

You might try http://zolowear.com/Shop.aspx as they have slings and the adjustable ones. They look pretty good.

If you're doing formula, you might try Nestle GoodStart as my kids did really well with it - it didn't hurt their tummy at all.

Hi M.,
My daughter (now 3) was very clingy and somewhat fussy as well. When she was very young I used a pocket style sling that was great. You can find easy to make patterns for them on line or buy them online as well. We used that for a long time and I am also XL and it was very comfortable for me to wear. As she got older I used a Maya wrap and LOVED it. It's very adjustable and can the baby/toddler can be worn in a variety of ways. I have also known several mom's who have sworn by the Ergo. Perhaps you might think about taking in to a shop and having someone help to fit you with it. Just to make sure you are wearing it the best way. Just a thought. If you are here in Portland then I sugest Mother Nature's they are very knowledeable and there and have a large variety of slings to choose from as well. Good luck! A.

No sling suggestion, but for the fussiness, try taking her to a chiropractor. The spine correlates with every part of your body so misalignment can cause all kinds of problems from spit up and bowel problems to ear infections and allergy problems and so many things in between. Its worth a try. The one I see in Tacoma is great, but I'm sure there are good options in Seattle too. They charge $15 to adjust a child which I think is pretty reasonable. Here's a link to their website its pretty informative. http://www.chirotacoma.com/index.php
Hope things get better for you and your little one soon.
I just found a link on their site specifically for colic so here's that. http://www.chirotacoma.com/wellness_topics/14_colic.html

I loved my Slinglings pouches - they're pretty basic, made locally. They come in tons of fabrics and sizes. When my guys were tiny, they fit all the way inside the pouch, and as they grew their little heads emerged. Very secure and cozy. I carried my older guy in one until he was about 18 months (hip carry), and carried my little one until he was about 8.5 months. At that point, he was accustomed to being carried but he was getting too wiggly. I got an Ergo and am using that now.

As for soothing - I'm a big fan of the exercise ball. My older son was bounced to sleep on it for an entire year. The rhythmic bouncing (usually combined with some of my bad singing) did wonders. He sometimes struggled a little, but if we held him tight, he calmed right down. Sometimes a change of scenery is soothing - we used to hold our older son upside down for a few seconds just to surprise him into calming down.

I'm a 1x sized woman. I've found the ring sling to be the most versatile for how ever my kids needed to be held. And yes, I also found my second to be more fussy than my first. During those first 8 weeks I had to employ ALL techniques to get him to relax for a bit. Those being white noise, swaddling, absolute silence from the rest of the house, Hylands colic tablets, walking, swaying, dancing. Not eating garlic, onions, and soy. Co-sleeping, and breast feeding on demand. Etc. My ob nurse friend reminded me that their fussiness will peak at 8 weeks and get much better after that. It was true for us. I sure hope it's true for you. Best of luck.

I loved my pouch sling. Very simple and easy to use. I am a size small though. My friends on the other hand who are XL and above have also used them and liked them.

May I suggest you taking your new little girl to the chiropractor to help with her fussiness. I cannot put in words how wonderful the chiropractor can be on helping a very, very fussy child... as we have been there!

I don't have a sling suggestion, but as for calming - my little one soothed instantly when we sat on a large exercize ball and bounced up and down. BIG bounces (of course, making sure that his head wasn't jostling up and down!) He'd usually go from hard crying to sleeping within 2 minutes. Good luck!

Hi M.,

My friend, who lives in Mulino, near Molalla, makes slings. I used one of hers for my baby, and I loved it. Hers are similar to the New Native Baby Carrier/Sling. She can make it in your size, and she does a fantastic job. Here's her site info: http://www.jacksling.blogspot.com/ Good luck in your search!

Sounds like you and I wear the same size. I've had great luck with my ring sling. It's adjustable so it fits me or my husband both equally well. I don't think the brand matters so much though. Any ring sling should work well. Padding at the shoulder isn't necessary. My sister made mine of duponi silk and I like that because it's thin enough that it vents well during the hot summer months. I wore my daughter in it regularly until she started walking and it became a little cumbersome. I still use it with her, but not nearly as much.

Hi M.,

You might want to see if you can find a Mei Tai type of carrier. I have a Kozy Karrier that's pretty nice and comfortable.

Also, I am happy to work with you on the Moby. I have had many moms have difficulties with it only to realize it was twisted against the baby or putting pressure in the wrong spot making them uncomfortable. A few adjustments might solve the problem without your having to buy another carrier.

Anyway, if you want to see if you can get the Moby to work, you are welcome to contact me or come by. It doesn't matter where you bought your Moby from, I help all mamas with baby wearing - no charge!

Punkin Butt
9025 SW Burnham St
Tigard, OR 97223

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M-W 10am to 5pm
Th-Fr Noon to 6pm
Evenings and Weekends by Appt.

A.

I used a pouch sling with my first which I really liked.

For my second I bought a different pouch sling. It was silk and adjustable. I bought it because it was beautiful and I used it because it was awesome. It has some adjustability which was great to find in a pouch sling.

The best thing was that it was silk. Once you get the baby in it easy to slide them around and adjust them. I actually give them as gifts now. I can't say enough good things. the brand that I purchased was Mammasmilk

good luck

I really like my peanut shell slings:

http://www.thepeanutshell.com/

They come in a variety of fabrics and sizes. I wasn't a big fan of the fleece, it was too stretchy, but the cordouroy and the cotton ones are great. Really cute patterns too!

I just wanted to chime in to see if you have tried the different ways of wearing her in the Moby. Sometimes they find different positions better than others. I'm sorry if that's not helpful! Our son just lived in the Moby, and so I'm hoping that it will end up working for you too. :) Good luck in any case!

I have a sweet little fussy babe too. :) I have used the ergo with the infant insert which is pretty snug to the body. Have you tried that??

I recommend a yoga ball for calming her. Bouncing the baby on the ball worked like magic for me! Also turn on a blow dryer or vacuum! magic!
Dr. Sears online also has lots of good tips for a fussy baby, good luck!

The gal who sold me my Pikkolo and Moby is local and knowledgable, I'd give her a call...

http://www.sweet-pickles.com/

I too had the fussy reflux babies.

I absolutely recommend the Moby wrap. It is very generous and can tie in front or back depending on size.

The Moby is much easier on your back and shoulders than the slings. It is a bit tricky the first 2-3 times of putting it on and tucking in baby, but practice a few times and you got it made.

The Moby can be worn all day with very little adjustment (with or without baby, it is comfortable). I liked that I didn't have to take it off when getting in the car, just take out baby and put her/him in carseat and leave the wrap on for when you get to your destination and need it again. You do need some adjustment now and then if baby is in and out of it during the day.

Baby is more upright and snuggled up against mommy for comfort. It can be used forward facing or toward mommy, as a sling, if desired, or w/ baby on back.

The Moby seems to be one of the most versitile baby carriers that I found.

If you are in the Portland area and go to one of the New Mom groups at Providence Hospitals, you can get a discount at Mother Natures on SE 26th and Clinton.

I also recommend putting the little one on a probiotic for the gas/reflux/colic -whatever you want to call it- it will help the digestive tract and calm some of the fussiness.

Good luck to you,
D.

M.,
I've been really happy with my Hot Sling (www.hotsling.com). They come in sizes (I'm a XL top and ordered a HS size 6 that fits great).

My other suggestion would be to check out Happiest Baby On The Block. The book has great suggestions for calming down fussy babies.