Slings - Canton, MA

All I would say is to start using it right away. We waited until my son was a month old to start using it, and he HATED it. That may have also been a function of his personality, though, as he was a very active baby. He always preferred his Baby Bjorn.

P.,

I don't know where you live but this group has been highly recommended by friends of mine.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bostonbabywearers/

Good luck,
L. M

I have a mei-tai carrier and I love it. Very comfortable for both of us, and very adjustabl size-wise. It's easy to learn to use, and feels very secure -- the baby will not fall out.

Hi P.,
I used my Over the Shoulder Baby Holder sling a ton last summer when my daughter was born. My older daughter was 2.9 at the time. I think a sling is great, especially when they are little. My daughter is just about 13-months and I still use the sling a few times a week while we're running errands.

I would recommend going to a store to check out a few types of slings to see which you find most comfortable. If you are near an Isis Maternity they carry a few types and are very helpful with fit and advice. I looked at slings there but ordered on-line as I wanted a different material for mine.
Good luck!
S.

I completely agree with Ru R's suggestion below that you go to Isis Maternity. Slings are not one of those items where one size/style fits all. You really need to try them out to know what will work best for YOU. The people who work there are so knowledgeable and helpful. They can explains all the pros and cons of the different brands and styles.

Good luck!

Hi P.,

I have a Hotsling and have loved it. It did take me a couple tries to get the right size (the size chart online made me order a smaller one than I finally ended up with) but I bought a larger size and shrunk it a little in the dryer to make it perfect. It was so helpful when my son was a newborn and wanted to be held all the time (my Baby Bjorn was also amazing for that)...he'd fall asleep whenever he was in them. The Hotsling converts to different wearing positions as the baby gets older...I don't use mine much right now (my son is 4 months) but I will probably use it a little more as he gets bigger to take the weight off my back when he wants to be held. I've heard good things about the slings that adjust with rings (not sure of the brands), too. Good luck and congrats on your little one! :)

Try a few in the store... take the one you find easiest to use..

Hi P.!

Congrats on your second little one! I tried the Hotsling, but even with sizing help from the company themselves, I never found the perfect fit. I finally went to Isis Maternity and they helped me find the sling that has worked best for me, which is the Maya wrap. I know it is hard with a newborn, but Isis and MoCo (Mothers & Company in Boylston) can fit you and your baby with the best sling for you, if you'd like.

I've heard the Hotsling is great, though. I think it is just a matter of getting the right size. I may still try it for the hip hold once my daughter is bigger, but unfortunately no luck yet.

My friends and I also love the Baby Bjorn and Ergo, but I know these don't have the same advantages or uses, necessarily, as a sling.

Good luck finding the one that suits you best.

I heartily recommend the Ergo carrier. It has an infant insert for when the baby is tiny, and yet it allows me to comfortably carry my 35-lb 1-year-old. I have used it more times than I can count, and it is very comfy. It's a bit more expensive than some others, but it's by far the best purchase I made for my little one. But Isis will help you navigate the many sling options. Pop in there. Best of luck!

I had a few carriers. I really liked my New Native sling for the early days, then we used the Bjorn until DS got too big. Now I have an Ergo. I got my sling at a local consignment shop for under $10. That way if it didn't work out I didn't ncessarily feel like I wasted my money.

Slings are great with an infant and toddler! I love my "Lite on Shoulder" Hybrid sling...it was cheap! Which was nice becuase I was unsure if I would use it. There are lots of gorgeous patterns to choose from as well.
www.slingcarrier.com

I don't have a hotsling but I used a similar style of sling and LOVED it. I found it most useful for quick errand runs. It's not that comfortable if you're going to be walking for awhile. I also used it when my daughter was a newborn and I wanted to clean & vacuum! It takes a little getting used to in terms of placing your baby in there, but stick with it and it's great!

Hi P., I am a mom and a postpartum doula and have used MANY baby carriers and really love the hot sling, or that style. There are a couple of brands. This style doesn't pull on your neck like some of the ring slings, just keep it sread over your whole shoulder. But you should remember to switch sides once the baby's over 10 lbs, even though that can feel awkward, to save your back. The great thing about the company is that I think they will exchange it after the birth if the size is not working well. Best of luck and congratulations!
J. T.
MamaDoula
post partum doula

For a cheaper alternative to the Hotsling, try E-I-E-I-O Babygear slings (www.eieiobabygear.com). Mamasource moms also get a 10% discount (use coupon code Mamasource08). I sell these slings and have used them extensively with my two sons. They are almost the same as Hotslings except that they aren't stretchy and don't have any padding (which I've found is not helpful anyway and just adds to the cost). I get the vast majority of my fabric at discounts (often because it is discontinued), so I keep costs down.

Pouchstyle slings like these and Hotslings are the best type in my opinion because (1) they are the easiest and simplest to use, (2) they are the most comfortable for your back, (3) you can use them in a variety of positions with newborns and toddlers, (4) there is nothing to adjust, nothing that will break, nothing that will dig into your shoulder, and no bulk, so they easily fit into a purse or diaper bag. There is only one downside, which is that because they are not adjustable, you do need to buy a separate size for separate users in some cases. Some people also need a smaller size for the sitting position than for the reclining position (i.e., a newborn), although many people don't.

Getting the right size is key to success with a pouchstyle sling, though -- if you can't get the sling to work, definitely consider that you might need a different size.

If you are anywhere near Littleton, MA, I'm also happy to get together for a personalized fitting/use session. We also have a 9-month return policy (as long as you've only tried the sling on and have not used it).

Congratulations on your second baby!

I used a Maya wrap with my son and loved it. Almost every time I put him in it he would fall asleep. Although once he was old enough we switched him to the baby bjorn. I haven't tried the wrap positions for older kids with my maya wrap yet.

I have a slingling and love it. You should check out their website slinglings.com My son is 2 and I still use it I even have used it when babysitting my nephew who is larger then my 2 year old and he fits comfortably in it and its very very comfortable to wear.

I love mine. I don't use it as much as what I thought but it came in hand when I did need it. For example...when she was so colicy and wanted to be held all the time I would put her in the sling so I could also do the things I needed to do with my 3 year old. Also using it in the airport was a dream!