sling trouble :(

[Kim Allen]

I cannot figure out how to use these things lol. I have a New Native that i bought with ds1 that we never used because i couldnt figure it out right.

Now I really would like to use it with DS2 because he is such a cuddler and I need my hands for ds1 alot of the times lol. It just doesnt feel right when i have him in it so i am sure i am doing it wrong. any help?

[Abraisme]

I've never been a fan on any one shoulder sling. Perhaps you should try a different carrier like the Moby, Ergo or Mei Tai. I love my Moby carrier for the first 6+ months and then I switch to a Mei Tai carrier. Both distribute the baby's weight and feel much more snug than a one shoulder carrier. Most people just have to try a lot of different styles and see what works for them. Perhaps there a store in your area where you can try on different carriers with your baby. Good luck!

[sunshynbaby]

I can't figure out the sling either! I have a one shoulder ring type sling, and it just seems the put his poor head at an unusual angle. He doesn't like the backpack type front carrying ones at all.

[brooklynbabymama]

best source for all things babywearing

[babykaoss]

I am also a Moby or stretchy wrap user and then Mei Tai for the little babes. What helps us in the teeny stages is doing a tummy to tummy carry rather than a cradle hold when they are that small. Brooklynbabymama posted the best link out there, it is THE best place for info, pictures, advice, details on what works....definitely check it out.

[Koalamom]

Instead of laying my baby in the sling, I curl his legs out in fromt and let him face foward. Also you could place your baby facing you and tighten it up so he is against you but the sling is supporting his bum and his feet hang out underneath. My ds loved that position yesterday as we tried it for the first time. Here is a pic of dd in the feet curled up position (she is alot bigger though).
http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/o...a/evesling.jpg
http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/o...ma/evebaby.jpg

I also have a mei tie and I love it, but it takes alot more effort to put it on so I don't use it as much.

[Kim Allen]

thank you!

[wombatclay]

With dd1 I needed hands on help... our local festival was a little after her birth, a WAHM had a stall selling ring slings, and she helped me get dd1 settled properly. It made a HUGE difference to have a real person, real baby, real sling!

Some of the local mama/babe shops offer babywearing workshops or assistance from employees (one shop here even offers free trials of different carriers), many parenting groups can also offer hands on help (LLL, AP, NINO, Holistic Moms), and some midwives and doulas offer babywearing instructions/assistance.

That said, I'm not a fan of slings for the brand new babe period. I usually go from the moby, to a sling, to the ergo. DH generally sticks with an infantino soft cloth front pack style carrier though (legs up and "frogged" as a newborn).

[Mom&BabyChiro]

Anyone use an Ergo with the infant insert? I've heard mixed reviews...but a couple of people who love them. Trying to decide if I should invest in one for the carrier a friend gave me, especially if I can't find one used.