What is a good baby sling that is comfortable and causes minimal back pain?

Question

I am looking for a good quality and hopefully cute baby sling for a baby shower gift. I really don't want to spend more than $100.

Answer 1

Personally, I like the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder (OTSBH). It comes in a lot of fabrics and several sizes (based on the size of the adult, not the baby--it can be worn as long as the baby is carried). But mostly, I like it because it is so good for my back.

I have always had back problems, but when I bought my first OTSBH, I had been carrying my child in an aluminum frame backpack. My back and neck were so sore that I could turn my head from side to side more than a tiny bit. I bought the OTSBH in desperation. Wearing my child (then 1 1/2) in it for many hours a day actually *healed* my sore back!! Two days later, I had full movement back (other times when I've had the same problem it took months and repeated therapeutic massage).

A sling is better than other kinds of baby carriers because they are more flexible. A baby can lie down in front of you in at least 2 different positions, and it supports her/his back perfectly. When they're a little older, they can sit in front of you, facing outwards with you supporting the back and head. And a toddler can sit on your hip or back.

I'm sure most brands of slings are similar; the important thing is that a sling is worn with the fabric spread out along the entire back and baby's weight is also supported on the hip and opposite shoulder. So it supports the back and spreads the weight evenly on the parent's upper body. But the OTSBH is also better (in my opinion) because it has padding (along both long sides and on the parent's shoulder), and is adjustable. Some slings are sewn closed and cannot be adjusted; this means you need a different one for each parent, and it makes it harder to get it on and off. And the padding makes it more comfortable on the wearer's shoulder, and makes me feel more sure that the baby can't fall out the side (although I'm sure the unpadded ones are safe--it just *feels* safer). Unpadded slings have the advantage of taking less room to pack up, but I'll keep the comfort and skip the ease of packing.

They retail for about $45 and are widely available on baby stores on the Web. I think all slings are in the same price range.

Answer 2

I ended up buying a Moby Wrap... it's not exactly a sling but a large piece of fabric that you wrap in a certain way and it evenly distributes the babies weight over your shoulders and back. It's great! It's also much easier than you initially think it would be. It has an easy to follow instruction manual with photographs. I have a very large 6 month old (28 lbs!) and this moby wrap doesn't hurt my shoulders or back at all. Highly recommended.

Answer 3

i have a nojo sling as well as the bjorn carrier. at first my son was happy in the sling but when he was about a month old he started to hate it. he really doesnt like to be carried laying down, prefers to be upright. as soon as i tried the bjorn he was much happier and so much more secure. with my sling i always felt i had to keep one hand on him to make sure he didnt fall out. so now he is 2 months old and we use the bjorn everyday for hours at a time sometimes and no problems. it also distributes his weight better than the sling so less back pain for me.
that said, i think he will outgrow the bjorn pretty quickly and as soon as he can sit on my hip i plan on going back to the sling. i used the sling for my older son this way.
so i guess to answer your question, you never know what will be the best choice. i suggest if you go with a sling get something easily adjustable and well made but not fancy with extra pockets and stuff. if you go with another style i suggest bjorn. i tried others and it is the best. good luck. just be sure to give her the gift reciept with the present.

Answer 4

If you travel a lot, then convenience is essential, especially when you have a baby. Take your little one to Europe and don't worry about packing a bulky stroller. You can visit an art museum and shop an open-air market, all with your baby snuggled against your chest. Baby slings can be used on airplanes, urban trains and hiking trails alike.

Answer 5

I still use one on my baby who is 10 months now. It's a lifesaver, even now...and I know your friend will love hers.

We have a slingeZee
http://www.parentingconcepts.com/

There are so many styles to choose from. If I had to pick again I would choose a ergo baby carrier...
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
under $100, she could use it up until the baby is way into toddlerhood.

Hope this info helps. There is a yahoo groups that deals with baby carrying. That's how I found out about the ergo.

Answer 6

I would check eBay. There are a lot of WAHMs who make great slings and sell them online for cheap.

It's also really easy to make your own... I prefer the mei tai style because I bend over without baby falling out (although a Moby would work too) and learned to sew my own mei tai...

Good luck!

Answer 7

dude go to walmart and they have a sling really cute and less than 60 dollars someone got it for my sisters baby shower not long ago its really worth it i think its called fisher price just ask the walmart staff

Answer 8

Deffently go with the snugli they are very comfertable i also got mine as a gift..i am not sure if you are canadian or American or what ever but in Canada they are like $25 tops soo they are cheap to boot.

Answer 9

I use Snuggli. Got it as a gift but I don't think it's too expensive. My son is 17 lb 10 oz. and it's comfortable to me.

Answer 10

There's really none say and comfortable for a baby. Research say it hurts the babies spine. It also blocks their air way, they can't breathe while there on your back.