Newborn Baby Wearing « Back to Group Discussions

[sraplayas]

Hi Mamas! I know this is being discussed in other groups, and I just thought it would be interesting to get June Mamas input on their baby wearing preferences...

With DD, I used the New Native Pouch for the newborn stage, then I transitioned to the Sutemi pack (kind an Ergo idea).

When I had DS, I used a gauzy Maya Wrap, another pouch sling, and then encountered major shoulder pain and had to look for something more supportive than the Sutemi. Then I found the AMAZING Chunei (from Housa USA). I loved it so much and so did DS. It distributes the baby's weight evening across your torso, so no neck/shoulder pain.

This time I am not planning on using a ring sling or a pouch, so what I am really left with that will not stress my neck and shoulders?

I plan on using the Chunei later on, maybe at 6 months, but I am really interested in the idea of using a wrap and wondering how supportive they can be, etc. and if a stretchy wrap is just out of the question for a June baby? Gauze better?

[jocelyndale]

When Aenea comes home, we'll be using a gauze wrap--gypsy mama bali baby breeze.  I'll have a stretchy wrap (loaner) for cooler days/nights, but those pass quickly down here.

[calapitters]

Wraps in general are very comfortable and supportive, and stretchy wraps are good for newborn baby wearing because you can tie them up around you before you put the baby into it.  The baby is light enough that he'll stretch it just enough to feel supported.  But you really can't use a stretchy wrap after the first couple of months, so they are not my favorite carrier.  

Even though it is heavier and takes a bit of getting used to, I love a woven wrap!   

My favorite carrier, hands down, for supportive newborn wearing and ease of using is a mei tai.  Find one with wide straps and a wide body for the best support.  Kozy, Freehand, and BabyHawk are some of the more popular brands.  I actually saw one made by Infantino at Babies R Us not too long ago and it looked sturdy and well made.  If you sew, you can make your own fairly easily.  I've made a inch, including two that are going on their third baby.  

[becoming]

I've got a cheap pouch from Seven Slings, and I registered a Hotslings pouch on my baby registry. I don't love pouches that much, but for a quick grocery trip or whatever in the very beginning, I'll use them. I'm also getting a Beco Butterfly II and a Moby wrap.

[mudhugger]

I also love the wrapsody (formerly gypsy mama) wraps.  I have a breeze that I adore-- They're versatile, breathable, and GORGEOUS.  Plus the woman who owns the company is an awesome mama to support.  I didn't start using my mei tai until DS was a bit older, but I see my friends using them with itsy-bitsies and they love them.

[Nicole730]

I have three wraps, all homemade, that I plan on using with my newborn.  I LOVED wearing my daughter in the wrap last time.  I am so looking forward to it this time around.  It's so cozy and safe feeling.  I feel totally comfortable being hands-free with a newborn in a wrap.  If it's too hot for the ones I have, maybe I'll ask my mom to quick make me a gauze wrap.   I thought a non-stretchy wrap wouldn't be as comfy as a stretchy one, but it totally is.  Now I'm all excited, seriously, newborn baby wearing is my favorite!

[tinams8]

I think I'm going to use a pouch (lightweight, made it from a sheet) and a mei tai for the beginning. I've never had a wrap but I don't feel inspired to start when it's hot out. I also have like 4 ring slings for when she outgrows the pouch.

[MamaInTheDesert]

I've got an Infantino sling from when DD was a baby. I'm also hoping that someone gets me a Moby wrap off of my registry. Once my finances have recouped I'd like to save up and get a woven wrap as well. I've been looking at the Wrapsody breeze. Eventually, I'd also like an Ergo, but I've heard so many negative things about the newborn inserts that it's really low on my list of wants.

[BroodyWoodsgal]

My favorite wrap for "itty bittys" is the moby....that's just because I figured out how to nurse hands-free in it...so, yeah, super freakin' slick to be walking around the grocery store, hands free nursing a happy newborn!

But for "quick trips" into places or just walking around the yard..I really like the fleece peanut shells. The fleece material ones are VERY nice and stretchy...but not too too stretchy, so they work very well.

For babies over four months old or so, the Ergo is IT for me, hands down. I'm still wearing my son on my back when I need to and he's almost 2.5 years old. Seriously...anything that is comfortable enough that I can wear a 2.5 year old while almost 30 weeks pregnant is a pretty good piece of gear in my mind!

So, I have my Moby and little pocket slings for the early days and the Ergo from then on out. I'm also considering getting an infant insert for the Ergo this time...just to see if I could like it! But really, the Moby wins for hands free nursing ability when it comes to new babies.

[swelldoula]

Originally Posted by BroodyWoodsgal 

My favorite wrap for "itty bittys" is the moby....that's just because I figured out how to nurse hands-free in it...so, yeah, super freakin' slick to be walking around the grocery store, hands free nursing a happy newborn!

But for "quick trips" into places or just walking around the yard..I really like the fleece peanut shells. The fleece material ones are VERY nice and stretchy...but not too too stretchy, so they work very well.

For babies over four months old or so, the Ergo is IT for me, hands down. I'm still wearing my son on my back when I need to and he's almost 2.5 years old. Seriously...anything that is comfortable enough that I can wear a 2.5 year old while almost 30 weeks pregnant is a pretty good piece of gear in my mind!

So, I have my Moby and little pocket slings for the early days and the Ergo from then on out. I'm also considering getting an infant insert for the Ergo this time...just to see if I could like it! But really, the Moby wins for hands free nursing ability when it comes to new babies.

I thought about getting one of these too (the infant insert), but the reviews for them aren't very good... I think I read some on Amazon. I think the general consensus is that you don't really need them-  but, let me know what you think if you do get one!

[Monkey's Mum]

I have the ergo infant insert and I really liked it. It made positioning the itty bitty guy easier (I could nurse while walking with my 2 week old). It's really not that technical though. I'm sure a blanket folded or sewed similarly would work just as well.

[kjourdan]

I know that they have re-designed the infant insert for the Ergo.  I have the older version from late 2008 and we were happy with it.  I think the newer version has parts that are more padded?

I also had a peanut sling that I used in the first months, and also later on I kept it in the car and would do a side carry if necessary.  I made a Moby-style wrap and used it the least of the three, but partially because I never got totally comfortable with tying it, and my daughter was very happy in the sling.

[mirandamiranda]

I loved the ergo too, especially for older babies and toddlers. We had the old newborn insert and DH really liked it (he is not keen on slings generally - he says he gets too hot!) I found it awkward though and preferred a now given away sling the name of which has slipped my mind. But I just got a second hand moby and I'm really excited about using it!

Last time with twins I never tried wearing both, and mostly only wore one when I was out and about. I felt bad wearing one and not the other! So this time I'm looking forward to it more, especially with running round over the bigger ones all day.

[rebirth]

I'll be wearing baby in woven wraps and ring slings for the most part :)

[butterfly_mommy]

I will be using my woven wrap (a Storch) and my wrap conversion ring sling (a Didymos). I had a stretchy wrap for DS but lent it out and well it never came home :( If I can find a cheap used stretchy wrap I may pick it up as I do like the stretchy wrap for a newborn and DH will wear the stretchy wrap as I can tie it on him and then pop baby in.

[bodhicitta3]

I bought a beco 2.  I also plan on buying a baby hawk oh snap.  I do like wraps but it may be too hot in June for that.

 

[Nicole730]

Originally Posted by butterfly_mommy 

I will be using my woven wrap (a Storch) and my wrap conversion ring sling (a Didymos). I had a stretchy wrap for DS but lent it out and well it never came home :( If I can find a cheap used stretchy wrap I may pick it up as I do like the stretchy wrap for a newborn and DH will wear the stretchy wrap as I can tie it on him and then pop baby in.

Stretchy wraps are soooo easy to make!  Just buy a length of cotton jersey knit fabric and cut it to size.  That's it, no sewing, no hemming.  Maybe check in discount fabric bins?

[sraplayas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole730 

Stretchy wraps are soooo easy to make!  Just buy a length of cotton jersey knit fabric and cut it to size.  That's it, no sewing, no hemming.  Maybe check in discount fabric bins?

Nicole--How do you determine the length and width of the fabric?
 

[Nicole730]

Originally Posted by sraplayas 

Quote:

Nicole--How do you determine the length and width of the fabric?
 

length I have done about 6 yards, but it probably could be shorter.  For my  first nonstretchy wrap it was about 20in wide.  worked well for front carries, but not enough fabric for back carries, so my new one is 30in wide.  my stretcy wrap is 30 in wide because the fabric started out 60 wide and I just cut it in half.   it seems like a little too much though.  I think ideally I would do 25in.

[kjourdan]

You could also read the packaging on some of the commercially-made ones to see the dimensions....