Best sling/wrap?

Question

Any suggestions for the best sling and/or wrap for a plus-size mom having a c-section, that's never used one before?

One of my best friends is having a baby in December. She's never used a sling/wrap before and was very interested when I told her about them. I showed her a Moby wrap and she thought it looked too complicated, however, she loved the idea of it.

Any ideas on which would be best for her? Something uncomplicated, size-friendly and won't irritate her c-section incision?

Answer 1

I got a wrap from www.kangarookorner.com. They have a lot of different options on their site, plus they explain them well.

Answer 2

ok well if she has someone to help her the moby would be the most comfortable but all that twisting would be to much for her do do alone. try to encourage her that it only seems complicated after doing it once you pretty much have it. the second best option would be a Maya sling or ring sling style. they are the easiest to use that i have found as far as adjustable ones go. the down side is since it is only using one shoulder it tends to get a little uncomfortable after a wile but it wouldn't be as much of an issue with a newborn. she can also adjust it so that is sits at her chest and puts little pressure on her tummy. she needs to be careful of measurements though some of them are shorter than others. i am a big girl also but i make my own so i just make them to my size. i do make allot of them in the more standard size and i can still use them but i have less room and they are very snug to fit a toddler in. i actually have like 5 or so that i made to either sell or give as gifts hanging in my spare bedroom. if she can sew I'm going to put a couple links with patterns and more info.

Answer 3

My son is 8 months old and absolutely loves being in the Heart 2 Heart carrier.
I love the Heart 2 Heart carrier because...
• it can be used when baby is a newborn all the way up to a toddler. The maximum recommended weight is 40 pounds.
• my baby hardly ever cries when he is in the Heart 2 Heart carrier
• its a great baby sling for dads. Dads are particularly fond of the baby slings, as it allows dad to spend intimate time with baby!
• I use the Heart 2 Heart carrier when my baby is crying and he almost always stops crying when I put him into the sling
• the sling makes it easy to hold baby, and I find that the more babies are held the more content they are and the less they cry
• it makes me happy because I know that babies love to be close and feel the security of a parent or caregiver. The Heart 2 Heart carrier really allows this closeness, while allowing for your comfort at the same time.
• I breast feed my baby. The Heart2Heart makes it easy to breastfeed anywhere and I can do it with confidence knowing that the sling is providing me and my boy with privacy. In fact, because the sling has such a generous amount of fabric in the “hammock” where the baby is held it is very easy to breastfeed on both sides just by moving baby from one side to another without having to take him out of the sling. How easy is that?
• the Heart2Heart sling is truly hands free. When I want to get things done around the house I face my baby outwards so that he can see what is going on while I get things done around the house. When I want baby to 'settle down' and I change his position so that he is snug up against me. He settles down and I am still able to accomplish tasks around the house, like writing this article.
• it makes it easy when traveling. For example, on an airplane during take off I just secure him snuggly to me. I feel better and I know that he does too.
• allows baby to be in 10 or more positions
• comes with a an instructional DVD, which clearly shows you how to put your sling on and adjust it for different situations and positions.
• is really hands free. Other child carriers say that they are hands free, but this one is so adjustable with the upper and lower edges, which can be independently tightened, that you really are able to get things done, and keep baby comfortable at the same time.
• is exceptionally comfortable. The padding in the shoulder makes it easy to carry any baby. I have tried several different sling type carriers and have never found one so easy to use and so comfortable.

Answer 4

Well a wrap is usually the most useful and allows you to carry the baby in a lot of positions so it should be easy to find one that doesn't irritate the c-section. However they are kind of hard to learn. I just sew my own wraps though, maybe you could sew her a wrap and buy her a sling? With her having the baby in December you could even do a fleece no-sew wrap.

I can't help with slings, I can't use them at all because of a neck problem.

Have you considered an Asian Baby Carrier? They are easy to use as well.

For sewing patterns, instructional videos, and more about baby-wearing:
http://www.mamatoto.org

Answer 5

I am not plus sized, but I had two c-sections. The ring sling is great! Don't go with something like a snuggli or baby bjorn, as they are being scientifically proven to be bad for baby's spine. A ring sling is easiest for baby wearing newbies, I have now upgraded to a hotsling and am going to make a wrap this weekend. I am giving my old ring sling away to a mama by me who needs it, so it can also be passed down the line!

Answer 6

well coming from a size 18 csection mom.... ring sling for me thanks :)

I had a Maya Wrap ring sling... those moby and any brand in that wrap style are awesome... but they do take some practice, not entirely complicated, but slings/pouches are simpler for sure, especially at first... if getting a pouch, make sure to get an adjustable one... in my Maya sling, though I'm plus sized, I'm short at 5'2" so the medium sized sling has been wonderful for me and my 5'10" medium build husband.

so unless she's several sizes bigger than I am, and many inches taller... a medium Maya would be fine. I still had plenty of tail leftover for nursing cover up (though I usually had it tucked into my jeans to cover up my fat rolls while nursing, not my baby/breast!!)

Answer 7

I make a few different kinds of wraps. My favorite that I used for my son was a tube wrap. Now that he is older I am using a ring sling, which can also be used when they are newborn. A ring sling would probably be better for her being that it is adjustable.
I always get compliments on mine. If you can't find them anywhere, I would be happy to make one, just contact me.

Answer 8

i agree with the lady up aheads answer, the ring sling is great, i made one too
the instructions are easy to find on the net,, all u need it 2.5meters of cotton material, and 2 rings-bangle size made of alluminium, u just hem the material, sew the two rings on one side, then the other side slips through both rings and out one ring so it dosent slip off, like a belt
its pretty easy and comfy for baby, goodluck, x
and that was very nice of her to offer to make u one,

Answer 9

I like the "baby bjorn" range of slings/carriers as they are the best on your back, easy to use and take baby out of and can be used facing you/facing out, adjustable straps to have sitting higher and not near her pubic area. (although if a sling/carrier is sitting that far down it would be so uncomfortable to carry around.) They aren't cheap but ($120new) but worth every cent as you can use them for months (12mths) and for consecutive children. They do have the best backsupport you will find as well.
best of luck to your friend.