do/did you use a baby sling?? if so....?

Question

what brand/kind did you use?
was it padded...are they really hotter to wear??
any tips on usage??
was breastfeeding really easy and discreet with it??

i'm looking for one that's comfy and preferably around $50.
i want it for nursing in public or at home and for walks (live in warm climate).

thanks!!!

Answer 1

I have used an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder and a Mayawrap Mother Baby Sling.

Both are ring-style slings. The Baby Holder is padded. They Mayawrap is unpadded.

I used the padded one in the heat of the Central CA summer (110 + temps), and it worked just fine. I'd arrange us so the padded rail was between him and me and holding him AWAY from my body (instead of close to it), so he had air blowing on all sides.

I prefer the padded "rails" with small babies, as it gives a soft place to cradle their head, without worrying about the edge of the fabric cutting into them.

And yes, it's totally discreet to nurse in one. The only people who knew were the ones who asked. (One cashier comes to mind, who had the sense to ask "Eating or sleeping?" before leaning to take a peek. =D ) When Baby's nursing, the most anyone can see is a leg or arm sticking out.

My all-purpose sling wearing instructions, for ANY position:

1.) Hold the baby in your arms. Forget about the sling and hold the baby however you want to.

2.) With the sling adjusted as loose as it goes (if it adjusts, that is), drape it over the two of you.

3.) Forget about the sling and hold the baby however you want to.

4.) Now that you're comfortable again, seat the baby's butt firmly in the "bucket" of the sling. Don't worry about any other body part at first, just make sure the butt is contained firmly in the sling. (This may mean pulling some fabric up between their body & yours, or making sure one rail is firmly against the back of their legs... it all depends on how you're holding them.) For a cradle-carry, you'll kind of drop their butt in the hammock. For a kangaroo carry, you'll pull some up behind them and tuck their legs in. For a hip carry, you'll pull the edge up under their legs... etc. Just catch that butt!

5.) Pull the fabric up so the head and back are supported, and tighten. (If you're wearing a non-adjustable sling, and have too much slack, you can often "tighten" by tucking some fabric behind your arm or adjusting how it's sitting on your shoulder.)


Finally, a common mistake I see is women wearing their sling on their neck and shoulder.

It shouldn't touch your neck at all. It belongs on your ARM and shoulder. If you wear it too high, it gets uncomfortable fast. You may even experience tingling fingers. Keep it low on your shoulder.

Most of the slings I've seen range from $35-$50, often depending on fabric choice. (I think the price is so consistent because of the cost of that much fabric!)

I'd advise against the New Native, as most moms I've known who bought one complained that it stretched out too quickly. (It's a non-adjustable, pouch-style sling.) If you like the style of the New Native, consider a Hotsling instead.

Answer 2

I just bought a sling off of e-bay and I love it! I have a 4 week old boy that is fussy. I put him in the sling and took a walk and he was asleep within minutes! The one I bought was only 15.00 and it is an Infantino baby sling. They are a little warmer to use, but so totally worth it. From what I can tell it is also very discreet for your BF needs. Also, it is easy on the back and carries up to 35 lbs.

Answer 3

I used a NoJo when my 10 y.o was a baby. She rode in it for 3 years!
It was padded and not the best.

i don't think they are hot unless you get fleece one. Kangaroo corner makes a great fleece pouch though.

With my son I had a Maya wrap ring sling, the fabric was breathable and the tail made for great nursing coverage. They cost around $50 I think. Hotslings are also cool, they come in awsome fabrics!

I have a bad back,, so when he was 3 months old we switched to an ERGO. It is the best baby carrier EVER!!!! It can go on your front or back and the baby isn't being dangled by their crotch like in a bjorn or snugli. It was the best investment! I still wear him in it and he is 20 months old. It can carry a kid up to 60 pounds (if you need to lol!-)

Answer 4

The bjorn gets various undesirable rep, and that i ought to declare it seems uncomfortable for the baby at superb. My son loves his Bondolino, an ergonomic service like the Ergo you will have heard approximately. Ergonomic for the baby: curved lower back and knees larger than bum. I ordered a hoop sling on the instant for procuring greater in simple terms out and in of whilst wearing him at domicile, and genuinely improvised a sling on the instant to positioned on him on my hip. He enjoyed that too.

Answer 5

I didn't care for it too much. They aren't too expensive, they are good for what you are wanting it for however. I didn't realize there was more than one brand but it was padded and my son liked it just fine, I just didn't love it.

My son was 10 lbs out of the shooter, carrying him around in such a manner was not ideal for me plus he was born in July in Oklahoma.

I know others that have absolutely loved it though. As breastfeeding is easier and more discreet with them.

Answer 6

I've used a baby bjorn, a wrap and made my own mei tai.
Love them!
Makes getting things done around the house so much easier!
Check out this link: http://thebabywearer.com/ for LOTS of info on baby wearing.

Answer 7

My daughter had 3 different types. They all failed. They just didn't work right or hurt her shoulder. Big waste of money.

Answer 8

I never used them I was always afraid of squishing the baby :-(

Answer 9

Or just try carrying the freakin' kid like a parent. Who the hell just puts a kid in a bag?