Have any of you used a baby sling, and if so what is your opinion on them?

Question

I am considering buying a wrap sling like the Maya sling for my new baby. If you have used one, what’s your opinion on them? Did/Do you use them often? Do you like them? Any recommendations on which ones are the best?

Answer 1

I used a Maya Wrap with my daughter from the time she was 4 months (when it got it) until she was 17 months old. She got a little too big for me to comfortably wear her on one shoulder, but I figure over a year of use for an item that I paid $35 for (I got it through La Leche League) wasn't a bad deal. When she was 17 months old I got a mei tai (Asian baby carrier) and I loooooooove that, still use it on my 25 month old. My daughter knows it's her carrier, and the few times I've tried loaning it to friends who needed it turned into a bit of a disaster (she got upset that they were using it and wanted it right away!) Personally, with this new baby (I'm due in October) I plan on using a pouch when it's a newborn, a ring sling (like a Maya Wrap) when it's an infant, and a mei tai when it's a toddler, using a wrap (simple piece of cloth.) I'm a certified babycarrier junkie, lol.

For a newbie, I would suggest going to a Nine In Nine Out meeting. Nine In Nine Out (NINO) is a group devoted to teaching people about babywearing. They'll let you try out the different baby carriers so you can find the one that best fits you and your needs. You might also try registering for an account on thebabywearer.com's (TBW) forums. You can find used carriers for relatively cheap (you have to search and research your brands. Some carriers will seem expensive, because people are asking for $100 for them, but they're quality materials and a good name brand. Personally, my husband would never be ok with me spending that kind of money on a carrier, but I hear they're fantastic!) Between the NINO meetings and TBW, you should be able to save yourself a lot of time and money. I also recommend buying the DVD "Tummy to Tummy," it's sold by NINO and it's AMAZING! I've learned SO much from the DVD, it's the best $20 you can spend if you're seriously interested in babywearing.

Answer 2

I'm not familiar with the maya wrap. As a newborn, I used one of the shoulder slings. Then I found the site kangarookorner.com, and bought one there. I've even put my 2year old nephew in that one, it can be used from birth through age 4ish.
I definitely think a sling of any kind is a must. I was able to wear my baby and do simple chores around the house. It was also a great way to soothe him. Try that website to see if you like any of those.

Answer 3

I have had a ring-style sling since my 2nd child was born (almost 12 years ago!). First I had several Over the Shoulder Baby Holders over several years, then with my 5th and 6th babies I began using plain sarong/rebozo style wraps to "tie on" the baby in certain carries. I also owned a Mei Tai with my last, and enjoyed that as well, but overall prefer the sling/wrap.

I personally consider a good carrier as an essential baby item, listed right after "diapers" and before "lots of clothes". It allowed me to hold my baby as much as possible, while leaving my hands free for chores, cooking, playing with other children, just living. It was a safe place for baby to observe our little world, and when they were ready, to interact with it within the safety of mama's arms. It made shopping trips, walks, hikes in the mountains, and a few trips to theme parks a lot easier along the way. It provided a reasonably private space to breastfeed when I (or baby) felt the need for privacy. It was a blanket, a changing pad, a lovie at different times.

Now I have only one child left who could still be carried in the sling, and she is growing too old to want to be carried any more. :( I will miss my old friend and parenting partner, my sling.

Answer 4

I have the Nojo sling by Dr. Sears for my 8 week old and it is an absolute miracle! My daughter will fall asleep in it as soon as 5 seconds! She loves it. The only thing is that she resisted it at first, and it took us about a week to get used to using it. Now I could not live without it. It helps to free up my hands so that I can play with my 21 month old. It only starts to hurt my back after about 1 1/2 hours. I've worn her in it for up to 3 hours though. Believe me...it's nothing compared to the pain of carrying her for that long.

Good luck!

Answer 5

i have tried them all and i can tell you if you think your back hurts now just wait until you have used the sling. and over the shoulder sling is going to kill your neck and shoulders. backpacks are more ergonomically correct for the body...it distributes weight evenly. if you are looking for something that you can fold away and stash in a diaper bag i bought this thing called the moby wrap. it's basically just a really large piece of fabric that you wrap around your body. you can carry baby in this sling in so many different ways. it will grow with your child and can be used as long as you are willing to carry your kid around. you can buy this on the web at mobywrap.com

Answer 6

I do have a baby sling. I do use it once and awhile. I do like it because it is so much easier to carry the baby while you are out shopping or going outside for a walk and etc. I was nervous at first using it because I was afraid the baby will fall out but as long as you secure the baby..the baby wont fall out. I do recommend it for mothers who are active going outside and etc.

Answer 7

Moi, did you study the question? they're alot less demanding on the lower back, yet because of the fact my daughter replace into nosy from an early age she have been given bored! the ring slings are rather sturdy, and particularly much less costly, we tried the premax infant sling from mothercare as nicely besides the fact that if this is rather problematic to get infant placed very rather in it, while in a hoop sling this is basic.

Answer 8

They can take a while to get use to them, but once you do they are a godsend (especially if you have more than one child) I use mine around the house, and once I got over the feeling that she was going to fall out it was all good. I haven't had any problems with my back and shoulders with it, I actually find it very comfortable. I have the type thats one big loop. If thats the way you go, make sure you get the right size.
For my first child I had the harder one that their legs go through and I could hardly use it. That thing hurt me badly. And I found it harder to get baby out when they were sleeping, not too mention it taking forever to get her into it.

Answer 9

I loved my Maya Wrap, but i have BAD back problems and had to give it away. I still miss it on days when he is sick and needs cuddling all day.

The ERGO http://www.ergobabycarrier.com saved our babywearing relationship. It is so very very comfortable and it doesn't let the baby dangle by his crotch!

I have also used a number of MeiTais and they are quite comfortable and stylish too.

Answer 10

i don't like the slings like wraps, they make me nervous. i like the one shoulder tough material ones. where your baby faces you and his/her legs go in the slots. in can hurt your back for prolonged use as well as your shoulder. it is excellent on shopping trips and walking around in an airport but once that baby gets big enough, you wont need it.