Sizing for a hotsling/fitted pouch sling

[mrsfrenchy]

I'm due to have baby #2 in a few months. I didn't BW a lot with DD, but I think that was largely due to the fact that she was the first baby and I didn't really need to do anything but hold her all day. I used a Moby with her, but I never nursed in it and I didn't use it terribly often. This time, I'll have an 18 month old AND a newborn, so I'm anticipating needing my hands free more often.

I'm still planning on using the Moby but I'd like to get a fitted pouch sling this time around too.

If I get a hotsling, I'm right in between a size 2 and a size 3 according to their size chart. (this was done measuring on my back, if you measure on my front--and around my pregnant belly--I'm a size 3 or a 4) Unfortunately, I don't have any friends who BW and we don't really have any shops around here that carry slings (besides BRU), so I can't try it on before I buy.

So, if I'm hoping to nurse in it, would you get a 2 or a 3? I'm leaning towards 3 since my boobs will almost definitely get bigger once my milk comes in (I'm still nursing DD1, but am at least a cup size smaller than I was during her first 6 months of life). I do have a long torso, but I'm not sure how much that would affect sizing since I'm concerned about my breasts matching up with the sling, not with my stomach/hips matching up.

What do you guys think??

disclaimer: I know the suggestion of many will be to get a ring sling. I'm considering getting one of these as well, but would still like to try out a pouch sling anyway, so please tell me what you think about sizing for pouch slings. Thanks.

[AnnR33]

Do you have a Target? Because I know they carry Hotslings so if you did get the wrong size you could take it back.

As far as the size...I tend to say go with the smaller size because babies should not hang below your waist and they should fit snug. Many moms go with the bigger size then regret it later when baby hangs too low and mom has back pain.
When you nurse you are adjusting the pouch and baby sideways so a smaller pouch won't really hinder nursing IMO but I don't nurse in my pouch often either.

You can also check the for sale board at thebabywearer.com and find pouches really cheap ($15-$25) so you can try both sizes and sell whichever you don't like.

Look at the size chart at www.slinglings.com too-they have a nice sizing chart that gives more information.

[MamaPhD]

I'd actually say get a larger one. Try it and if it's too big, you can easily adjust it by sawing a straight line at the shoulder seam. But if it's too small, then it can't be adjusted easily.

[Quirky]

I'd vote for the new Hotslings adjustable pouch. That way you can get a custom fit, and it's easy to use. It's also easy to lower the baby if necessary to nurse and then scoot her back up again into a good carrying position.

I love pouches, but the fitted pouch thing can be a real PITA. I definitely get people who end up using two sizes, a larger one for after the birth/bigger nursing boobs and a smaller one as things settle back to normal.

[FMB]

I have a hotsling and a moby and I highly favor the moby. The hotsling just never seemed to fit me correctly! Maybe that is because I sized up when i was between sizes (got a size 3) but it has always felt too big. Because of the fit (or maybe just the design of the hotsling) I never felt truly hands free in it. Do you still have your moby from your first baby? They're so nice with babies because you can get them so securely wrapped and then you have that fabric to go over their heads, too. that said, the hotsling is great to have something that's super easy to just throw on -- if you're eating, etc.

hope you find something that works for you! my vote on size is to go for the smaller size.

[larzanna]

I personally liked my huga monkey pouch sling better than the hotsling.
I have a hotsling too though, and i would get the bigger size, and then if its a little big, throw it in the dryer, since you arn't supposed to as they have stretch in them.
Oh and the huga monkeys have free shipping, and free returns.

-L