Maya padded ring sling, more limited in carries?

[mynameisMom]

I am on baby #3 but feel like a newbie when it comes to babywearing. I don't like the Bjorn this time around and the hotsling doesn't seem to work well for us either, I may have a sizing issue, I am not sure - but anyway I broke down and shelled out for a Maya lightly padded ring sling.

The sling itself is gorgeous but now I am wondering how useful it's going to be and I'm frustrated. Baby is 5 and a half months, just shy of 18 pounds, and very strong in body and will. Has great head and trunk control. Looking at the DVD that came with the sling, the only carries for babies over 3 months are the "kangaroo", which doesn't work for my son who always spits up in this position, or the hip carry. Yet I am sure I have seen people carrying older babies in more of a cradle-type carry where they can cuddle up and sleep - the hip carry is not going to work for that - is there something I can do with this sling to carry him that way, or would another sling work better?

[Carrruth]

Ring slings are great for all ages! I still use one with my 19 month old. But you'll probably find it to be less comfortable for longer periods of time once your little one gets bigger. Then you'll want to two shoulder carrier for longer carries. A soft structured or other two shoulder carrier will be more comfortable since all the weight won't be on one shoulder. A good one is Action Baby Carriers because they are super affordable, but still comfortable and stylish.

Don't know if these will help or not, but I found these on YouTube:

Here's a video I found on how to to tummy to tummy with an older baby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkb9vZklVpk

And here's one of someone demoing a cradle hold with a bigger baby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmjKvl8lz64

[mynameisMom]

Thank you! Those videos were great, and I watched some of the others by Zolowear also. Great resource for new babywearers or those needing a refresher.