Babywearing, anyone?

[mickee311]

I need a good recommendation for a sling. I'll be popping sometime soon, 52 days left and I'm trying to get it in gear by getting gear I would like to utilize now, rather than later and forget. Anyone had sling experience?

[Timedess]

yes- lots. i've used the over the shoulder baby holder, the kangaroo pouch gosh i can't remember the name of it, lol! and a homemade one that a friend gave me. i have also used the elizabeth lee-pattern one and a snugli. and i also took a very long strip of fabric and tried my hand at 'wrapping'. there are lots of good sites about babywearing!

[druidessemily]

I've used a ring sling, a baby bjorn, and a mei tai. When Asher was under 3 months, I loved the sling cause he could lie in it and sleep. But I also had a problem with all of the weight going onto one shoulder. I absolutely love my mei tai!! A friend made it and surprised me with it on Asher's 1st birthday :)

[Berkley69]

I got a hand-me-down NOJO Babysling from my SIL and I never used it. She also gave me her Baby Bjorn and I used it a few times, now my son is about 20 lbs. and it kills my shoulders if I wear it for more than 3 minutes. I asked my mom to get me the Playtex Hip Hammock (I think that's what it's called) for Christmas because it goes up to 35 lbs. and with the Baby Bjorn because the baby's right in front of me I couldn't eat/drink hot things or pretty much do things I wanted to. I think that if he's on my hip it would be easier to do things. HTH!

[Timedess]

Now that I'm not holding the baby anymore....

Babywearing is a very personal, "YMMV" type situation. Some moms and babies love it, others hate it. And some just have to find their balance with it.

I had a sling (OTSBH) with my first two, and didn't use it *much*. With the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, I tried various other slings, including a different OTSBH, two Elizabeth Lee design slings, and a fleece pouch. I have to say I like the fleece pouch the best of all of those (I got it online). It spread the weight out across my back the best. I did NOT like the two-shoulder, skinny-strapped front carriers that I tried (with #3, I think).

With #8, I didn't need to use the sling much because someone was always there and I didn't have to take her out with me unless I just wanted to. I did use the fleece pouch most with her, though. It is hot in the summertime, though.

With this baby, #9... I did that long strip-of-cloth thing that I tied similarly to the Mei Tie. I found instructions online, and once I got the hang of it, it was pretty easy, and the baby loved it! However, my x9 baby body did not. It does not like for me to wear the baby in anything. It causes me to get out of alignment. I guess it's just been too much wear and tear on me physically, LOL! (and my dh is a massage therapist, but it isn't worth it to NEED a massage like that!)

So I am keeping the fleece pouch and the sling that a friend made for me for this baby, and they are "for the memories". I doubt I'll use either again. Even if I ever do have another baby- I know my limitations at this point.

Look up "babywearing" on Google- there are OODLES of sites with TONS of information out there, from they whys to the wherefores to the how-to's on using and making your own baby carriers. Even though I don't wear my baby anymore, I still believe in the concept and I know that most babies thrive with it.

And congratulations on your soon-to-arrive little bundle!

[jmwolff]

I LOVE the moby wrap...I have tried the snugli/mei tai/maya sling and hands down the moby wrap is the most comfortable...you can spread the weight across your entire back and shoulders...so nothing is digging into you...6 ladies on myy block all had babies in the last year and we all converted to moby's and love them

[Timedess]

Oh, I have heard GREAT things about the moby wrap!

[Coupon-Crazy]

I have a Maya Wrap and a Snugli. I use the maya wrap when my babies are small and then the Snugli when the get older. I was just looking at the Mei Tai's. I'd like to have one of those!

[MrsPinecone]

There are several links in the DIY Baby Items thread in the Arts & Crafts forums if you want to make your own.

I have a Hotsling that someone gave me and a ring sling that I need to finish so that I can use it. DS loved the Hotsling, and will probably be cool with the ring sling, too. I am looking forward to the ring sling, because it's adjustable.

[Berkley69]

I just took my Nojo baby sling out of the closet and I wanted to see a pic of someone with it on and with a baby in it and I found one pic online and I cannot get my kid to look like the pic! Maybe he's too big!