Babywearing at the beach

[Midwesterner04]

Hi Mamas,

I am planning a beach trip with my 23-24 pound young toddler, who adores any and all water. She hasn't yet been to the ocean, and I was thinking that wearing her in would be a good introduction. I currently have a Hotslings pouch, which we love for hip carries, and a Pikkolo (also a Zolowear ring sling that hasn't really worked for us). It seems like a water sling might be a good investment. Would you all suggest going with something like a Sleeping Baby Productions mesh ring sling, or do you think I could wear my cotton Hotslings into the water and put the money I'd have spent on a water sling toward a woven ring sling or wrap? I would be grateful for any BTDT advice!

Thank you all!

[GoGoGirl]

You can definitely wear your hotsling in the water, but be prepared for it to be ruined (like stained and bleached out).  I do have a mesh ring sling, but I've only used it in the shower.  I don't think I'd buy one just for one trip.  I did buy a water carrier for a vacation when DD was about 1...it was a solarveil mei tai.  DD really just wanted to be held in my arms, she was NOT having the mei tai.  I think in your case I'd just wear the hotsling (or maybe buy a cheapy used hotsling, you can usually find them used for like $15 on the baby carrier selling boards) and save money for a woven wrap.  But I'm totally in love with woven wraps, so I'd definitely prioritize being able to budget for one over adding basically any other carrier to your stash.

[Monkey Keeper]

My solarveil RS has been a wonderful investment!!  I bought it when DD1 was 12m, and it has gotten a ton of use with each child. PLUS I have lent it out to a ton of friends. It's well-traveled ;)  So I would vote for buying the water-friendly sling.

That said, if you're not reaching for your ZW sling (I have one; they are super uncomfy unless you remove the stitching to change the shoulder), use it in the water. If it gets ruined, you're not out much.

[Fulhouse]

I used a denim / cotton hip hammock (not by playtex, by the original maker), which dried easily and I could wear it again and again the whole trip.  She is Nancie Swank on Etsy but for some reason Etsy isn't coming up for me.  Great hip carrier for babies over 15 lbs.  The cotton or nylon would be great for the water.

[ABO Mama]

For a one time trip, I would use what you already have. 

[wishin'&hopin']

Originally Posted by PinkBunch \

That said, if you're not reaching for your ZW sling (I have one; they are super uncomfy unless you remove the stitching to change the shoulder), use it in the water. If it gets ruined, you're not out much.

Tutorial for this?

[Monkey Keeper]

Originally Posted by wishin'&hopin' 

Tutorial for this?

I had the old shoulder (circa 2006?), not the new pleated one. About 4 inches from the flat band near the rings, the shoulder was pleated and then sewn down so that the fabric stayed flat. I took a seam ripper and completely--carefully--removed that seam. Then I washed the sling in hot water and spread out the fabric when it was wet to work out some of the creases and then dried it.  

It did improve the wear of it, and it was free from a friend, so I was glad to be able to use it. It still wasn't as comfy as my SBP slings, but it did the job. I did have to have the rings slightly lower than corsage to make it fit at all right, but it wasn't too bad. 

If yours does not have the sewn down portion there's really not much you can do to "fix" the shoulder. 

[Adaline'sMama]

I recently took my 20 lb water loving toddler to the beach. We wore her in and that lasted for about 2 minutes. She was all about the waves and sand and wanted to run in and get knocked over. I dont know how old your little one is, but he may want to get down and play immediately, so I wouldnt worry too much about the hotsling getting too bleached out. I think itll be fine as long as you arent wearing it in the water all day long.