Where do I start??

[CT Mommy]

Hi all,

I am currently pregnant w/my 4th child and have been a bit of a failure on the baby wearing front. My first 2 children were born in a suburban area and we drove just about everywhere. I found it difficult to wake them from their carseat to put them in a sling, so I usually lugged around the carseat or put it in the stroller. At home, I usually used a baby bjorn that was given to me as a shower gift. I found it difficult to use b/c the baby was right in front of me--I would have much preferred the lo to be off to the side. It was also impossible to get on/off for nursing a newborn...

I bought a hotsling w/#3 which I started to use when he was around 5 months old when we moved to Minneapolis. I carried him sitting on my hip. It was great, but at a certain point, around 20 pounds or so, he stopped wanting to be worn and it was a real struggle to get him into the sling. I also have a bit of a hip issue so I couldn't have carried him for much longer anyway.

So, I'm pregnant w/#4 and I want to try this again from the start. I chalk part of my baby wearing failures to my own lack of knowledge and perhaps, not have the right sling for me/my child? Also, my physical restrictions...

So, where do I start? I really liked the hotsling's fit/feel. Is it OK for a newborn? Is there anything that's easy on the back/hips? Also, it is FREEZING most of the winter here so the sling has to be able to work under my coat (the ring slings probably won't work b/c of the excess fabric, for example).

PLEASE, any advice you have for this newbee of 4 kids is greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

[Michigan Mama]

Hi Mama! There are so many options out there, I'm sure you'll find something that will work for you.

The most versitile carrier, I believe, is a wrap. There is a learning curve, and it takes a couple minutes to get on, especially when you are learning, but then you can wear them front or back in many different carries, so you're sure to find a comfortable one for you. Also, you'll do better with a two-shouldered carry, particularly as baby gets older, if you're already prone to hip trouble.

That said, yes, the hotsling does work for a newborn, you can just play with where you both feel most comfortable. They have wearing instructions on their website (menu is on the left for which carry). Another one that looks intriguing to me is the blue celery, but I haven't tried it. i might try to make one!

There are other options, too, but that's what comes to mind for now. For winter, I've seen people make/use a poncho with an extra large neck hole so it covers you and baby both, so that's an idea...

[KristyDi]

In a cold climate, w/ a new born I'd go stretchy wrap. Something like a Moby. It's warm, snuggly and easy to learn. However, it won't last forever. Around 20lbs the stretch gets uncomfortable.

[vegasgrl]

Yesterday I watched a solid hour of Moby videos on YouTube. I feel much more prepared, even though I don't have a baby yet to practice with.

It seems like a Moby wrap or other stretchy wrap would be the best fit for you. There are videos on how to nurse with baby in the wrap, and there are a lot of different ways you can load the baby. Side carrying probably isn't a good idea until they're older, but you can do a cradle carry that may work for you, as baby wouldn't be directly out in front of you.

I'm so hoping my LO loves the wrap - it's my first and as yet only baby purchase. Good luck!

[spmamma]

I loved my pouch sling when DD was a newborn, but she quickly grew to be too heavy for me to carry her in it, especially since I never quite got the hang of the hip carry.

After that I switched to the Bjorn, but that didn't last long either because she was simply too heavy. Her weight pulled on my shoulders and back and I hurt everywhere.

Finally, I bought a mei tai. I swear to you, it saved my sanity and my aching body! Not only was DD much more comfortable in it, but it distributed her weight much more effectively. I wore her in it on my back up until she was about 20 MO. The back carry was by far the best part - I could get so much done and take her anywhere in it. And she was always happy!

[CT Mommy]

Thanks for all of the GREAT suggestions. I was really sold on the Moby wrap after reading your posts, but then I saw a woman at the playground today w/a Sleepy Wrap. She was wearing her 3 month, 16 pound infant. I asked her about her wrap compared to the Moby (which she also has) and she said that the Sleepy Wrap was better for newborns b/c the fabric was stretchy, unlike the Moby which doesn't stretch at all. I checked on their website and the Moby folks said it does stretch, but not that much.

Anyone familiar w/the Sleepy Wrap?? Other suggestions?

THANKS!

[joshs_girl]

The Moby is very stretchy ... it's a jersey fabric so it stretches just like a t-shirt.

I think that would be your best bet because you could tie it on before leaving the house and put your coat on over it. And since it's a wrap and multiple layers cover where the baby goes, it keeps them very cozy as well.

[marmo]

I have a 2 mo. old and a sleepy wrap! I love it, it puts her to sleep every time. It's nice and stretchy, but also a bit warm in the summer time. I tie it up before we go places and pop her in it now that she's a tad older and it works quite well. People seem a little less in our personal space when I am wearing her so close, too. She's too little for me to put her on my back yet, but it seems pretty versatile. I thought when I got it that you could use it for a forward carry, but their website says it's not good for babies? Is this true of all carriers/wraps? She's starting to love facing forward when I carry her in my arms, it would be nice to have my hands free!

[MamaKickyPants]

From what I know, the sleepy wrap is the stretchiest of the stretchy wraps. This is not necessarily a good thing, as it will limit the usefulness of the wrap. The stretchier it is, the more your baby will sag as they get bigger. Even the Moby will not work much past 15-18 lbs. That said, it is a good choice for a newborn. Easy to get the babe in and out, super comfy, etc. I would aslo check into the Mei Tai option. It really is a very comfortable and versatile carrier. Check out these brands to start with: Babyhawk, Freehand, Kozy. Good luck!

[CT Mommy]

HMMM..that's interesting about not carrying the baby forward. The woman I saw at the playground WAS carrying her dd forward facing. The baby seemed happy, but it looked like the "x" of the wrap was right at her neck, which I cannot imagine would be too comfy.

I'll check out the other recommendations. I would like to get just one that will last the longest.

THANKS!

[baturay]

Originally Posted by CT Mommy

HMMM..that's interesting about not carrying the baby forward. The woman I saw at the playground WAS carrying her dd forward facing. The baby seemed happy, but it looked like the "x" of the wrap was right at her neck, which I cannot imagine would be too comfy.

I'll check out the other recommendations. I would like to get just one that will last the longest.

THANKS!

You can do front facing in a wrap with a little one, especially doing the kangaroo type carry. It's just that you need to be aware of baby getting overstimulated and as baby gets heavier, it's not so easy on your back. For short times and with a baby that insists on front facing (been babywearing group leader now for years...there are such babies) it's doable. There are other carries though that may achieve what your baby needs/wants such as semi reclined in a way that baby can look out, hip carries, and back carries.

Both Moby and Sleepy Wrap are equally good, IME. But, if you want something that will last you a long time, then it's a woven wrap that you should get. Costs more than stretchy, but will last you through preschool!