Basic Sling Question

[scarlett8808]

Okay, my daughter is 6 months old - 27 inches long and almost 19lbs. I've been using a Baby Bjorn since she was about 3.5 months old and I like it, but I'm short (5'3") and she's getting so long, her legs are being beaten up by my knees when I go up and down stairs.

I bought a couple of slings from Target back before she was born and right after, but couldn't find the right fit, so I gave up on slings and switched to the Bjorn.

I'd really like to try another carrier style, especially a sling, but I don't know where to start.

Like I said, I'm 5'3" and fluffy, and my daughter is almost 19lbs and 27 inches long, if that matters. Being able to nurse with a sling would be nice, too.

Help me?

[JamieCatheryn]

A ring sling is quite good to nurse in, this is a simple design and you can find many online made by work at home moms. Just a big wide strip of cloth woven through the 2 rings at one end to adjust and secure it. Totally adjustable you just pull on the tail to tighten it up. But as your baby gets bigger you might find a mei tei or ergo carrier that goes over both your shoulders and behind your back to spread the weight better, similar to your bjorn but better.

[syd'smom]

Yep - a good ring sling is great for nursing, hip carries and tummy to tummy carries. My favourite is SBP (sleeping babies production) - the shoulder is so comfy and easy to adjust. Check out thebabywearer.com for advice, tips and reviews. When buying a ringsling, be sure to find out what kind of rings they used, as there are good ones and unsafe ones.

As pp suggested, a nice mei tai or soft structured carrier (like the ergo or aplx) will enable you to do a super comfy back carry (and front carry). They distribute the weight really well; I carry my 2yo, and I've seen 3 and 4yos in them!

[baturay]

Lots of choices out there that will be much more comfortable for you. I'd get something adjustable and something that works well for fluffy mamas.

Ring slings are adjustable and you could do a hip carry, tummy to tummy, and even back carry (though it's not nearly as comfortable in a back carry as other carriers are). It's a one shoulder carrier though, so if you are liking a two shoulder carrier, than I'd bypass the ring sling or other one shoulder carriers.

Mei tai would also make a good choice and you can get one with XL straps too. You can do a front and back carry in one comfortably. There are instructions for hip carry in one, but it's not the best choice carrier if you think you'll be doing a lot of hip carries.

Soft structure carrier is nice and some find them easy to use, but they don't typically work well for fluffy mamas. I'd pick a mei tai over a SSC in that case.

Woven wrap is also good because it's adjustable and it's versatile. You can do just about any carry under the sun in a woven wrap. I'd avoid a stretchy one at this point though and go for a good supportive woven wrap.

What else in particular are you wanting the sling to do for you? That would help to narrow down the options.

[lifeguard]

My ds is about the same size as your babe & we've been exclusively using the ring sling. I am quite a bit bigger than you & I am finding the one shoulder thing is getting harder now. I switch each time I wear him but having all the weight on one shoulder is just awkward. It is really nice for nursing in though.

[scarlett8808]

While I love the Bjorn, it's hard to do a lot of things with it sometimes since she's right in front of me. It seems like it would be easier to move about with a sling in a hip carry or something. Am I right in thinking this?

I'm a SAHM and it'd be nice to keep her in a sling while I'm doing dishes, laundry, that sort of thing.

Plus, I kind of want a sling... Haha. I always wanted a sling, but couldn't get one to work for me, so I gave up on them and got the Bjorn.