New to babywearing...need some direction

[SummerLynn]

Hi,
I'm new to baby wearing and have not actually done it yet. I am due in early feb with a lil boy and really would like to have a sling on hand...from what i've read and looked at I think a pouch sling suits us best, and I would love some direction on where to get a good one. I actually have been searching for home made from WAHM as opposed to store bought. I'm also on a very very tight budget as times are tough. So is there such a thing as a "cheap" pouch sling? Thanks in advance ladies!!!

[katelove]

We have bought 3 Continuum Family slings. Haven't started using them for a baby yet but they are very comfortable when carrying my 4.5kg cat

The prices vary depending on the fabric and options (leg padding, pocket) you choose but they are quite reasonable IMO.

[Michigan Mama]

If you look at the trading post you might find something used at a good price!

I for one, though love love love to use a wrap. It can seem a little complicated to wrap at first, but it's so comfy and versitile. Any you can buy your own fabric at Joann's or whatever to make your own. Worth a thought...

[springbride]

Check out your local baby consignment stores. They often have nice slings at over 1/2 off retail. Craigslist is another good place I've found decent carriers.

[April Dawn]

One thing I would recommend is to see if you can get some hands on help. Is there a local babywearing group that you can attend and try on some carriers/wraps/slings before buying? If not, are there babywearing mamas from MDC who meet up locally through the Finding Your Tribe section?

I thought I wanted a sling and after buying a pricey one, I discovered that I find them very uncomfortable. I ended up loving a Moby wrap, but it took a few months of trial and error to discover that. I also bought a mei tai and could not for the life of me figure out the back carry until I met up with some other mothers from MDC locally and one of them taught me. Having help from someone experienced is great if you can find it!

Good luck!

[KristyDi]

Have you checked out The BabyWearer? Their FSoT usually has great carriers of all types for good prices.

[lovepiggie]

I bought a peanutshell sling, which I thought looked great, but I still never really got it figured out. I took it to a store to get some help with it, and the clerk said that a lot of people don't like them for their little babies, but they're great for hip carrying!

I really like my stretchy wrap though!

[Quirky]

Can you sew? If so, there are directions at www.mamatoto.org for making your own carriers -- there's even a no-sew wrap.

Quite honestly though I would caution you against a non-adjustable pouch -- IME so many people are drawn to them because they come in pretty fabrics and they hold out the promise of being simple and easy to use, but they're deceptively simple. If you get one that fits just right, and you're willing to put the work into learning to use it, they can be great carriers, but the sizing is absolutely crucial to comfort and usability.

I'd recommend a ring sling instead -- it's not harder to learn to use but you get infinite adjustability. If you can sew, then make one using Jan's pattern from www.sleepingbaby.net, or else consider buying one from her -- her sewing is impeccable, her design is outstanding, and she is a solo WAHM (does all her own work herself).

Or if you want some longer-term versatility, i.e. ability to do front and back carries and have more hands-free ability, I'd consider a mei tai. Those you can definitely get great bargains on from places like TBW and the Trading Post here -- and sizing is not so much a factor.

If you are going to buy used, get LOTS of pictures and ask any and all questions about sizing, measurements, etc. because once you buy it, it's yours. Research brands here and on TBW.

Congratulations on your baby to be!

[MamaPhD]

Are there a local mother's club in your area? I'm in one and got some great used supplies/toys from it. I got my used hotslings for $7 and it's great! I actually got another one in different print for $15 and that one is great, too.

As far as which wrap/sling, I feel different ones have their own strengths depending on baby's age and situation. I have 2 hotslings as I said, moby wrap, and ergo.

Hotslings (pouch): I use mostly for quick hip carries with my DD since she was 6 mo (now 12 mo). I always have one in my diaper bag.
Moby: I think I got mine too late when DD was ~4 mo and she was already too heavy for it, sagging down, so didn't get much use, though I think it would've been great when she was a newborn.
Ergo: my go-to carrier for longer carries. Got it when DD was 8 mo and use it all the time now! DD is 22lb and still pretty comfy in the front carry.

It will depend on the baby, too, what he prefers. So keep an open mind and have fun babywearing!
-Sue