I want to get a sling or backpack to carry my baby in, but I have no idea which one to get! I've seen some women carrying their babies in slings that look very simple, they look like just a long strip of fabric that they tie around the waist and over the shoulder. They look very comfortable. I'm trying to find out where to get that style but I can't find anything like it when I search. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? What are they called and where can I buy one?
Or, is there anyone in the know who can tell me which is the best sling for comfort and healthy positioning?
2007-12-07 08:20:59 · 14 answers · asked by Sky 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Wow thanks everyone! I think what I saw was the Moby or the Didymos. I was just using totally the wrong search terms! You are all so helpful I wish I could give everyone 10 points!
2007-12-07 13:18:17 · update #1
I have both a sling- which is a one piece of fabric that goes around you, almost like a tube- and a wrap, which is a long section of fabric that you wrap around yourself several times.
I LOVE my sling. I use a Hotsling and have been very happy with it. The one piece slings go off of your measurements, like what size shirt you have. You'll need to measure yourself for the best fit. I found a good price for one on eBay.
I also love my Moby wrap--which is what you described-- it's just one long piece of soft jersey type fabric that's basically one size fits most. I also bought it on eBay. I particularly liked it in the beginning as it's really adjustable.
I'll link to a site on baby wearing so you can see all the different kinds of slings/wraps and decide what works for you. I also made a baby sling from one of the patterns on the site. It turned out well, but I'm not crazy about the fabric I picked (too scratchy) so I don't often use it. Even if you know very little about sewing, the project is really easy.
I never use my bjorn, not ever. The slings are so much cuter and more convenient with all the ways you can wear them, plus they fold up to be very small. I get so many compliments on mine all the time. Just this morning I had my 8 month old in my Hotsling on my back while I was doing the dishes.
Get ready to get noticed! People are just tickled when they see a baby in a sling or wrap. I get compliments and nice comments all the time. I especially love when they're like, "Who thought of that?! They never had those when I had a baby!" I never say to them, well, slings/wraps have been around for thousands of years, it's hardly a new idea, it's just an old idea that we rediscovered, haha.
2007-12-07 08:30:24 · answer #1 · answered by maegs33 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
re. "Most people who are "baby wearers" have more than one carrier" -- true, I suspect. We have four and I want more...
Is this
http://www.parentingbynature.com/moby-wrap.htm
the sort of wrap you were thinking of?
Anyway, I recommend trying what you can first-hand, and, more than anything else, I recommend having a variety. It's just so much easier on the back and shoulders if you switch around the styles.
I'm typing this with my daughter sleeping on me in a 'mei tai,' and it's super-comfy. It can also be a bit of a pain to tie just so sometimes. But I really recommend the mei tai styles -- they fold up and fit anywhere, they distribute the weight nicely, and a lot of them are pretty nice-looking, too.
We also have a Baby Bjorn, which was a total cry-stopper and a real around-the-house workhorse for the early months, but which I'm no so fond of anymore (the 'Active' version might've been worth the money...), and a 'Bill Amberg Papoose,' an overpriced leather-and-sheepskin super-luxury thing that's our on-the-town posh carrier for when Mummy is dressed up, and a padded ring sling.
The padded ring sling is pretty comfy, and also a workhorse.
Another reason to have more than one is that they tend to be covered in spit-up/drool/worse just when you need them most.
And do keep climate in mind -- I am starting to wish I had an insulated mei tai, worried that my coats leave gaps between the buttons when I do them up over the carrier. The right sort of winter coat would fix that, though.
I do not have a stroller and have no intention of getting one -- they look like a pain to me. Having a baby nap on you is a real treat, and life is, I suspect, a lot more interesting for a baby when up at adult level so often. Enjoy whichever you choose!
2007-12-07 08:38:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
There are tons of companies making baby slings. You can find a ton online. A few brands:
Hotsling
Ellaroo
Didymos
Maya
You can also make your own, the website below has instructions:
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/index.html
Lots of people like Baby Bjorns (front carrier only) and Ergo baby carriers (this can be used in front, back and side carry positions) too.
Most people who are "baby wearers" have more than one carrier.
I have a Pea Pod Creations Cuddly Wrap, Baby Bjorn Active carrier and a Hot sling. They all serve different purposes.
Do a search on Google for "baby wearing" you will find tons of sites with products and advice. A lot of sites have a feature to help you pick the best type of carrier for you, your baby and your lifestyle.
Good luck! A baby who is worn next to their parents' heart is a happy baby!
2007-12-07 08:31:40 · answer #3 · answered by Alberta Mama 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to try out a few different styles and see what is the most comfortable for you. I went through 5 or 6 slings/carriers/wraps before I settled on the Didymos.
The kind you describe sounds like a rebozo, and is one you can easily make yourself. When my daughter was walking and wanting in and out and in and out of the sling, I made one like this (without the fringe), and I also made a little one for her to carry her dolls in.
http://www.borntolove.com/frugal-column9.html
This site has lots of good info., too:
http://peppermint.com
2007-12-07 08:33:14 · answer #4 · answered by daa 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can order them online at lots of different sites. Just google it and be sure to get a sling that goes over both shoulders. They're wonderful. I had a sling that I used all the time with my middle child and it only went over one shoulder. I ended up having to get physical therapy for that shoulder because of it. If you do choose one that goes over only one shoulder, be sure to switch shoulders every now and then to avoid this problem.
2007-12-07 09:12:01 · answer #5 · answered by Kristi had her baby boy! 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
http://www.thebabywearer.com is a great resource for carriers. They list all the different types, the ages they are best for, pros and cons of each carrier, and list online stores where you can find them.
I have many different carrier styles, and love them all. The only one I have found a great dislike for was the baby bjorn, I ended up selling it at a yard sale. The way baby's feet dangle down and can cause stress between the baby's legs and on the spine.
Here are the ones I have:
Moby wrap - wrap style carrier:
great for the newborn stage, seems complicated but is really easy to master.
http://www.mobywrap.com/
Ring sling:
the easiest to use and most versatile, in my opinion. Gets the most use in our home. Easy to nurse in.
http://peppermint.com/padded-maya-baby-sling.html
Hotsling - pouch sling:
Comfy, easy to use. Fits to you specific size, so no hassles with adjusting like the ring sling.
http://www.hotslings.com/
Mei tei:
Another easy to use, can wear on front or back. I find older babies sleep better in these....at least mine did. Unlike the bjorn, baby is sitting on it butt, does not have the pressure between the legs.
http://peppermint.com/ellaroo-mei-tai.html
2007-12-07 08:38:47 · answer #6 · answered by iamhis0 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I had a Peanut Shell (bought it at goo-ga.com) and it worked very well.
I went on a hike with my daughter's Brownies troop when my son was 3 weeks old though and used a snugli because we were climbing a very rocky trail up a steep hill and I needed the extra security.
Target now carries hotslings too if you want to see one in person. Good luck!
2007-12-07 08:26:43 · answer #7 · answered by Mandy 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what is best but I saw on the CPSC website they have recalled some of the Infantino slings (the toile pattern) so be careful!
2007-12-07 09:06:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
www.mothercare.co.uk. has a few Baby Slings like the ones you are describing. They are really durable and Healthy for the baby and you.
2007-12-07 08:32:15 · answer #9 · answered by Ashley 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i used the "snuggle" you can put it in the front for newborns and the switch it to the back when baby is a bit bigger. I'm from Canada and you can buy them at the mall in Walmart in the baby section. It is adjustable to fit your body comfortably.
Google snuggle baby carriers or even just baby carriers and you can see prices and pictures,
2007-12-07 08:34:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋