Expecting my second child this summer and trying to determine if I want to purchase and use a sling carrier. Used a Bjorn with my first, and loved it, but now that I will be out and about more chasing after the first while carrying the second, am wondering if a sling is a better option. Looking for experiences, opinions, and brand preferences.
I used a sling (well, several) with my son and will re-use when baby #2 arrives. I love how comfortable they are, how versitile, and the fact that I can actually STILL use mine with my 21-month old son (though he usually wants to walk himself).
I found the reviews at www.thebabywearer.com to be very helpful, plus talking to friends and trying theirs out before buying. I know BeByeBaby up in Lakeview has several choices and may be a good place to try some out.
I have 3 slings plus an ergo baby carrier. The slings are wrap-type slings (you can also get ring-slings but they only go over one shoulder, so they are less comfortable for long walks). My absolute favorite is the Storchenwiege sling. So beautiful and soft. VERY comfortable. A little warm in the hottest part of the summer, so I also have a gauze sling from www.gypsymama.com (Bali Baby Breeze). This one is very pretty and comfortable too - much lighter weight than the Storch - but not quite as comfortable I think. A little less stretchy. I also have a Kangaroo Korner adjustable fleece pouch, which I LOVE - esp. when the weather gets a little cooler outside. If I had to pick one it would be the Storchenwiege. Didymos also makes really nice ones - almost just like the Storch's.
The wrap slings seem intimidating at first, but tying them is like tying your shoes - it takes a little practice and then you forget that you're even doing it because it's automatic.
The slings are better for baby's hip development and back. They "sit" in it rather than having their legs dangle like in the Bjorn. Plus, the weight is carried on your hips instead of shoulders and back. My son was breech so they were worried about hip dysplasia - another compelling reason for me to make sure he was carried in a good position. (he turned out fine)
Hi! I actually like the Bjorn better. I was never able to figure out the sling. I put my #2 and #3 in the Bjorn a lot when they were little. I was still able to use both of my hands and never felt like the baby was going to fall out. My kids also slept great in the Bjorn while I took care of my other kids! Good luck!
I think slings are great but so is the bjorn. I would recommend you wait till baby comes until you decide. I am also due this summer and think I will use my shell sling (by hotslings) with a newborn. It gives them that nice tight feeling and it is a bit more comfortable for me. I have the hotsling and the ergo (for older kiddos).
Hello --
I too loved my Baby Bjorn and had the same question about slings or unstructured carriers. I just did a product review in a website I run called MomViews.net so go there and check out what I wrote about this certain sling that was sent to me by the maker themselves. Maybe even win one.
:-) MJ
Mom of 3 rambunctious kids, wife of 14 years to a funny man.
[email protected]
http://www.MomViews.net
I received a Baby Bjorn but couldn't use it for awhile due to my baby's weight (8 lb. minimum). I bought a Peanut Shell at Nordstrom's and love it but I waited too long for my baby to like it--she's claustrophic in it and much prefers the Baby Bjorn, funny, I know. I wish I would have started the Peanut Shell immediately, but I waited until I could try it on with my baby inside and who wants to bring out a newborn to a germy store in the winter? Anyway, the Peanut Shell allows you to carry your baby 3 ways: sling style, kangaroo style, and on the hip. We're now doing the kangeroo style around the house and it's lots of fun but for outdoors and shopping, I trust the Bjorn because she's "locked in." Too bad they're all not inexpensive, but I have definately gotten my money's worth with the Bjorn and my daughter is only 4 months! Another plus is that the Bjorn isn't as "feminine" looking. My husband originally scoffed at the idea of wearing the baby but now he's the proud papa showing off his daughter in the classic black Bjorn. The Bjorn is a no-brainer for adjustments as we can switch back and forth between our body types in seconds.
Two styles that were recommended were the Hotsling (by a mom) and MobyWrap (by a mom & lactation consultant). If you're in the Suburbs, a great resource is Dundee Pharmacy in Northbrook.
Karen is right about the hip alignment problem. There is concern about spine and hip problems when babies "dangle" in a bjorn type carrier. www.ergobabycarrier.com The Ergo is a great structured carrier to have. A ring sling or pouch would be great for a newborn. Another great carrier is a mei tai. I would say it is my favorite of all that I have. In fact right now I am shopping for a BabyHawk (www.babyhawk.com) because we are going on va-ca and taking the baby on a plane.
Hi Laura,
I have the Moby wrap and love it!! It seems intimidating at first but it is really easy to use and only $35. There is a store in Chicago called Be Bye Baby that has a monthly "baby wearing" class where they show you all the various types of slings and help you figure out which one is right for you. They are at the corner of Lincoln and Roscoe. If you live far, I would still check it out - it was one of the best classes I ever attended!! Well worth the trip!
Congrats and good luck!!
Tracy
I have a very active 3 yr old and a 5 month old. I never used a baby carrier with the first, but the 2nd time around I use the ergo baby carrier with the 2nd. It is so much easier for me to be able to follow around the 3yr old when the baby is safely in her carrier....infact I just wore it this week at a bowling playdate for the 3yr old. I bought mine from www.ergobaby.com I bought one of the open ones for 78.00 .... I really love it. (They have a infant insert for when the baby is under 5 months of age, its great.)
I HIGHLY recommend a Mei Tai. Two name brands are Baby Hawk and Beanslings. They are available online and customizable -pretty. You can check ebay, but be careful, many don't have reinforced seams or sturdy fabric. Cheap isn't always better. Anyhow, my son wouldn't touch a bjorn but was content as can be in the mei tai.
Baby can go it them right off and stay in them until over 30lbs. Seriously, not sure I would have left my house without mine for months, and Daddy used it to put baby to sleep each night for some really nice bonding time.
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Hi, I am mom to a 5,2,1 year olds. I finally got a sling with my last baby and I LOVED IT. I wish I would had gotten one sooner. I got mine form hotslings.com Good luck I have nothing but good to say about my sling.
I used a sling for my second and it was fantastic. It was hands-free and I could easily chase my first one around. I used it until the baby was too heavy for me to carry her that way. The sling allows the baby to sleep in a very comfortable position too.
Karen
I have used a sling with four of my five. The only reason I'm not slinging #5 is because she's warmer in her carseat for now. When the weather warms up, I will use the sling for her, too. I love it because I can put it in the bottom of the stroller, use it as a changing pad (if there's no other option) and it feels better on my back.
I carried #2 around Tokyo for 8 hours in it, and I didn't have any discomfort. It is also great for breastfeeding discreetly on the go.
It totally depends on the baby and also how soon you put them in the sling. My little one loved the Bjorn but hated slings but I think I waited a little too long to put her in. Also, slings come in different types. My little one hated the type that bend their necks a bit. She preferred to be more upright. It is hard to know ahead of time. If you have some friends that you can borrow from, that is what I would do.
I made my own. I ran into a woman wearing one when I was coming out of the hospital and she said the only difference between making it myself and buying it was the purse compartment. She even said she made her own and just used a bed sheet. I went and purchased a nice fabric, some of that hem glue, embroidery floss and two O rings. I got so many compliments on it. My daughter adored being in it...and I was also able to allow myself enough fabric to throw across in case she got hungry and I wanted to breast feed. It also did not cause me any back or shoulder pain, and I carried my daughter in it up until just a few months ago...I probably still could if we were going somewhere really busy and she's 15 months now.
I really liked the Infantino sling. It's secure, and my son really liked it when he was really little. He preferred it to the Bjorn. I even used it when he was about 5 or 6 months old and going through a very clingy/fussy stage. Helped so much when he wanted to be held but I needed the use of my hands.
It's only about $25 at Target. There are some that are a lot more expensive, but I found this one to be really comfortable and easy to use. One benefit to this one over others is that you can adjust the length for you or your husband. My hubby really liked carrying our son in the sling, made him feel more connected to him. He loved feeling the little guy stretch or kick while wearing the sling.
I tried two different slings with my daughter and disliked both. My daughter also disliked them. She would cry until I got her out. She loved the Bjorn carrier. I felt she hung too low and I never felt that she was safe.
Bjorn all the way! I used it with 3 babies and I love it, love it, love it! The sling always seemed so big and cumbersome and just not as secure as the Bjorn. Prior to the Bjorn, I tried two other carriers and the Bjorn is, hands down, the best.
Hi Laua! I had both a sling and a bjorn. I found that the sling was a bit easier when you have to be very active with another child. My kids are all between 1 to 2 years apart and with them that close together there was always a time when I would need to pick up one while carrying the baby. The sling is easy becouse you can just slide it to your side insead of in front of you. It is also great if the baby falls asleep while in it. I was able to slide it off without taking the baby out and then just lay the baby down in the car seat or bassinet. I then would be able to pick our baby up again, still in the sling, and get it on without our little one ever waking. I still did use our Bjorn, but not as much as the sling. I also have a neighbor who has two slings and would carry her baby in one on one hip and her toddle in another on the other hip. It was very convienent for her. Also, depending on your height the slings can always be sown alittle to adjust the height so it is comfy and safe. Good luck!
Dana