what sling?

[larzanna]

Hi,
I have a 3/4 week old baby.
I have 3 different slings, an Ergo, Moby and a Hugamonkey pocket sling (like a hotsling)
I don't like any of them.
They are all so bulky like there is more sling than there is me or the baby. I am 5ft 3in and a size 2.
I just feel so covered in cloth and/or buckles and they are really complicated to get the baby in and out of.

I really would prefer to sling, but honestly dragging the stupid (heavy) infant carseat around is easier/quicker than any of the slings that i have. Does anyone have an idea of another sling that might be better? Less bulky, less complicated and easier to get the baby in and out of?
Thanks
-L

[baturay]

Well, a pouch is about as light as you can get in terms of bulk, so I'm not sure what to suggest. I'm wondering though if the pouch you have is too big for you? Or too small? Pouches are tricky, since it needs to be the right size or else is just not going to to work. Are you able to post pictures wearing the pouch?

Also, I'm wondering too if it's just a matter of getting used to wearing a sling? It's not something you've ever wore before, so it may feel like "stuff" on you. But, once you get used to wearing slings, you'll find it soooo much easier than tugging the carseat along....which gets heavier and harder to tug along as baby gets bigger.

[Bee21]

I loved my pouch when dd was a newborn. It was all I used.

[limabean]

Sounds like you have a great selection of slings/wraps! I didn't really wear either baby all that much until they were closer to 2 months -- it just felt more comfortable once they had a little more muscle tone/neck control. Maybe you'll find it more comfortable over the next few weeks too.

The Moby is a lot of fabric, especially at this time of year as the weather is warming -- I'm 5'10" and overweight, so I can't imagine how you must be drowning in fabric! For quick in-and-out of a store, maybe for now the bucket is just easier for you (although I agree with the poster who said that as the baby gets heavier you might not feel that way), but for evening strolls or longer shopping trips, it is nice to have your baby cuddled right up on you in a wrap.

[MarcyC]

What about a baby k'tan?

[larzanna]

i'll have to check out the baby k'tan. I looked it up, but can't really tell how it works, but it does seem like less fabric. Does anyone know?
Thanks

[Quirky]

I would hold on to the Ergo. It's not my favorite for little babies, but as your baby grows you may find that it works really well when baby is big enough to ride with legs out.

For a one-shoulder carrier, you might consider an unpadded ring sling. There are lots of great brands out there that are lightweight and reasonably priced -- Maya Wrap, Taylor Made, Sleeping Baby, Pretty Momma all are comfy and easy to adjust. The positioning is the same as in a pouch but the adjustability makes it easy to get a custom fit.

For a two-shoulder carrier, you might consider a buckle carrier like a Connecta or a Pikkolo. These buckle on around the waist and don't have built-in hip belts like the Ergo, so for a front carry they're a lot less bulky. You can cross the straps in the back, and they work quite well on small women.

I would also suggest a mei tai, but you might or might not like the straps. Mei tais are one of my favorites for a newborn.