pouch slings

[omelette]

So, I think I've decided to get a sling for the early days and then use a ssc for when babe is a bit bigger and I need something more supportive.
I made my sling for my first (ring sling) and I've lent it out and have no idea where it is. I'm not too fussed about it as it was never quite right anyway.

So this time round I'm thinking of a pouch, but of course I have questions.
Is it hard to get the right fit?
And has anyone heard good things about the Peanut Shell sling?
Is it as versatile as a ring sling for doing different carries?
Thanks.

[clemrose]

For me, ring slings are much more versatile than a pouch sling. With a pouch sling you can fold the fabric at your shoulder for a snugger fit, but I still don't think it made all of the different holds work as well as a ring sling.

I wore my daughter in a ring sling for most of her early days--I could nurse her in it easily (here the ability to loosen it was very handy). The tail, draped across my front and over one shoulder, worked great as a nursing cover and sun/sleep shade for my daughter. And as she got older I did a lot of hip carrying in the sling.

I have two ring slings--one with a padded shoulder (ellaroo) and one without (maya wrap). I like the padding a lot but as my daughter got bigger the maya worked better because it is wider. A nicely constructed ring sling, with padding, is, IMO, a basic babywearing necessity (if you plan on wearing your baby nearly all of your waking hours, as I did).

I liked having a pouch (I had both a new native and a hotsling, I preferred the hotsling) to keep in the trunk or my purse for just in case situations, but rarely used it otherwise. I think they are harder to get baby in and out of.

I've never used a Peanut Shell sling.

Hope that helps!

[CindyCindy]

Is it hard to get the right fit? Eh, it can be. If you do the measurements correctly, you should be fine. You can always ask about return policies and return for a smaller/larger size also.
And has anyone heard good things about the Peanut Shell sling? Yes, I have one. They are just like any other pouch in my opinion. I don't see them being anything extraordinary over hotslings or slinglings.
Is it as versatile as a ring sling for doing different carries? Not. At. All. You can do the same carries, as in hip, tummy 2 tummy, cradle, but you cannot secure them as well as a ringsling.

I like pouches for their ease of use, but if you don't get a good fit, you are screwed. And if you are looking for versatility, a ringsling has it.

[D'sMama]

You could get a Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouch - that way you won't have to worry too much about sizing. I LOVED my KKAFP when DS was a newborn. When he was about 2 months old, though, he demanded to have his legs out, and we couldn't work it in the pouch, so into the Moby/Ergo/MT he went.
I agree that a ringsling is infinitely more adjustable than a pouch, and a better long term investment. I did love my fleece pouch for the newborn stage, though.

[JennTheMomma]

I have a Munchkin Jellybean that I love. Its really comfy for me and its real easy to put Hunter in. But he's almsot 2 years old,not a baby. For my next baby I'm going to get a Peanut Shell and a New Native sling. I have a Moby wrap that I liked, and I made my own ring slings that were nice aswell. It wasn't hard for me to find a good fit. I'm really short and petite and a small or extra small works wonderful for me.