Adjustable AP Pouches or Pouches - hotslings

[grazy101]

I am only 4.5 months pregnant, but have been browsing on tons of baby carriers and can't wait to use one. I cannot decide on whether the Adjustable or pouches i should be getting. I am going to get moby wrap for myself and DH will be having an ERGO. But, I wanted a hotsling too. I just can't decide on which design. please let me know your thoughts and which one is easier to use?

[Asiago]

I had a Hotsling and didn't use it (mine was not adjustable)
I purchased a Maya ring sling instead. The ring sling is easier to use as it adjusts nicely. Although my Kangaroo Korner fleece pouch was nice, it is adjustable also with rows of snaps. So either of those perhaps- the KK pouch or the Maya Wrap ring sling.
That's just my opinion though, there are many very good slings and pouches available.

[clovergirl]

If you are going to buy a pouch before the baby is born, I'd recommend an adjustable one, like the Hotslings AP. After giving birth and over the first couple of months postpartum our bodies go through a lot of changes in size. It can be really hard to guess what size you will be when you are still pregnant, even harder if you can't actually try them on first. Adjustable pouches take some of that guess work out.

[texmati]

If you have a way to try them before buying, I would. I was not able to use a ring sling at all! but a wrap was very easy (got it on the first try!) I know other people have the opposite experience.

[staceychev]

Not a fan of pouches either. Definitely used my ring sling.

[MamieCole]

Honestly, I think a pouch is a great sling to have in your arsenal once your LO is able to be carried in a hip carry. They are super easy to stash in the diaper bag or car, fast on/off, and great for quick in and out trips into stores.

I think for a newborn, however, a ring sling is MUCH better.

[JessicaS]

I loved using a pouch for my newborn but switched to the rings once my child was older.

[MamieCole]

Too funny.

I guess in some ways, babywearing is like art...very subjective.

[somegirl99]

We got a Hotslings AP at my shower (it was on my registry), I was hoping it would work for both me and my DH. However, it is too big for me, even adjusted as small as possible. We hope it will work for him on the largest setting but haven't really tried it yet.

Thankfully I also bought a used Mei Tai and ring sling, the ring sling has been working well for me so far.

[katelove]

My newborn hated being in the pouch (and still does at 10 weeks) but is happy upright in a wrap or ringsling (when I can get it to work ). I'm hoping to get some use out of the pouches for hip carries later on.

[hug-o-war]

If you are certain that it is a pouch you want, I too vote for a Kangaroo Korner. I am admittedly not familiar with the Hotslings AP, but I adore the stretch in the KKAFP (fleece). They have fleece of varying weights, but also some cotton stretches. I would recommend going with a stretch rating of at least a 3.5. The bumper has a wee bit of elastic in it, just enough to bring that baby in they way adjusting a bumper of a ring sling can. I haven't experienced this with any other pouches. Though for nursing and babywearing...maya wrap has my vote

[Asiago]

One quick comment, the pouches are also great for kangaroo carry once baby is a few months of age.

[shnitzel]

I love using a pouch but didn't get one until my baby was bigger. No fuss or adjusting with it so just pop in and out and the smallest carrier for on the go. I also vote for adjustable since you have no idea how big your chest will get after your baby is born and that affects milk supply. Please teach yourself proper positioning if you do get it b/c all the women I have seen using them on the street have ones that are way too big, newborns crunched up lying down at their hip like they are in a purse and it really terrifies me.