Slings! It's been a while... « Back to Group Discussions

[abouttobe5]

Hello all!

It's been a while since I've used a sling (2+ years) and I actually only used a pouch last time. Was wondering what your experience has been with slings and which ones you loved/didn't like?  I've heard the ring slings can be uncomfortable with the ring digging into your shoulder/back/whatever.  Thoughts?

thanks!

andrea

[CindyCindy]

I primarily use woven wraps, but am able to use all carriers with ease.  I have never heard of rings digging in, sounds like operator error.  I never, ever recommend pouches for a newborn.  Mostly newborns like to be carried upright and with pouches you can't get them snug enough to stay upright or in a true proper position.  Ringslings however are amazing at getting the newborn positioned well and are quite comfortable for the first few weeks, if not months! 

I will be purchasing a very special woven wrap for this little guy and it will take us through toddlerhood, although I will will intermix stuff for fun from the lending library I run.

I love talking baby carriers!!

[TheDivineMrsM]

Love my Baby Ktan. It's easy to use, had decent back support, and there were 8 possible user positions. Best money I spent when I had DD. I'm looking into a Beco carrier as well. One drawback to the Ktan is that it's not adjustable; you order it in your clothing size. If your DH/SO wants to wear the baby and is a different size, they need their own. 

I know several people that swore by their Moby wrap as well. 

[sunmamma]

definitely loved my moby wrap for when babe is little. it's great for wrapping babe on you once they've fallen asleep on your chest and you want to get up and do a few things. There are so many positional/wrapping options.

 I stopped using it when babe was bigger and switched to an ergo. It was way more convenient to get on and off and has a front pocket perfect for keys and money while running errands.

I had a ring sling for baby #1, but gravitated more towards the moby for #2. I liked that I could fine tune adjust the moby more than the ring sling, personally. also, i wrecked my shoulder/neck from the ring sling for my first. as much as i knew i was supposed to switch shoulders, i found it awkward to so always carried on the same side, constantly adjusting, trying to get it off my trapezius muscle! The only time i still used the ring sling second time around was for a quick on the hip assist while getting dinner ready when little one just HAD to be HELD!! :)

[sere234]

I can't wait to wear this baby!! DS hates being in a baby carrier now, apparently walking and running is much more fun!

When DS was tiny I used a homemade Moby (soooo easy to make!) and a homemade ring sling (pretty easy too!). This time I'm going to make some woven wraps and another ring sling. 

Also, I scored a new Beco at a garage sale for $15 over the weekend! Can't wait to use that and the Ergo when baby gets a little bigger :)

[KalaniR]

I just bought the organic ergo baby carrier as well as the infant insert. read some good reviews, blows the baby bjorn out of the water apparently.

[katelove]

I'm not a fan of slings. We have a pouch and a ring sling and I get a sore shoulder within a few minutes no matter what adjustments I make. So two shoulder carriers for me this time.

Last time I loved the Moby but we had a winter baby so it might be too hot for our summer girl. I also love the Beco Gemini but we didnt get it til J was older so not sure whether I'll like it for a tiny person. I'm planning to sell some of my carriers and buy a very light woven. If the Moby is too hot I'll use the woven right from the start and then probably move to the Beco when she's a bit bigger for ease of use.

[faithsstuff]

We plan to get the new Boba, we have gen 2 and love it, our three year old still uses it.  I had thought to get a ring sling too for ease of nursing pure simplicity.  I have two moby wraps I need to pass on, I hear everyone loves them for newborns but I didn't.    

[Therese's Mommy]

It is my experience with the 2 slings I owned that not every sling works with every woman.  I started with a Nojo sling and that thing was awful.  My back hurt so much and I had to hold onto my dd all the time while she was in it.  I found someone who wanted to trade a Nojo for an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder and I have comfortably used that through 2 babies.  I am able to get a great fit with that one.  I also have a Beco that I wish I would have used more, but the sling is just so much easier to use.  Perhaps I will use the Beco more this time around.

[franjapany]

The first two things I have used with DS were a woven wrap (Didymos) and a self made ring sling. The wrap was waaaaay too hot for us and also the sheer amount of fabric rather turned me off. The ring sling took some time to get used to, especially with the new born - but then I used it all the time.

With DD I got a Manduca which is equivalent to the Ergo and I loved it! Still use it with her now (23mo) and wouldn't ever want to be without it. I just gave it a little make-over with some fabric dye :) new baby - new look. love the outcome. We never owned a baby carriage and plan to keep it this way.

I personally love ring slings for when the babies are a little older and want to see what's going on (so the back carry isn't a good option) but still need to be held a lot. They are perfect for lots of ups and downs and in-house activity but not so great for long walks. The Manduca was DD's favorite place to sleep in and I had an awesome fleece jacket to go over it during the cold months (sold online in the german version of etsy: http://de.dawanda.com/product/25464037--feel-good-baby-Tragejacke-SheilaGr-M).

btw, I also sell ring slings online, so do take a peek. :) although I very much doubt that it would make much sense for anyone on here to order a ringsling from germany ;) I don't have many in my shop at the moment anyways (http://de.dawanda.com/shop/franjapany) - too little time for sewing as usual :(
 

[abouttobe5]

Originally Posted by franjapany 

The first two things I have used with DS were a woven wrap (Didymos) and a self made ring sling. The wrap was waaaaay too hot for us and also the sheer amount of fabric rather turned me off. The ring sling took some time to get used to, especially with the new born - but then I used it all the time.

I think this is the challenge I'm having with the wraps - too much fabric!  Every time I see someone wearing one, it looks like a coat.  :)  That's why I loved my pouch as it was so simple and easy to get on, little fabric, and kept me cool.  And contrary to a PP, I found the baby loved it a lot.  Babies are used to being in all sorts os positions so when she cuddled in close against me in the pouch, it was awesome.  Plus easy to get her in and out.  Ahhhh, I can't decide what to do this time around!

[CindyCindy]

Originally Posted by franjapany 

With DD I got a Manduca which is equivalent to the Ergo and I loved it! Still use it with her now (23mo) and wouldn't ever want to be without it. I just gave it a little make-over with some fabric dye :) new baby - new look. love the outcome. We never owned a baby carriage and plan to keep it this way.

I want a Manduca sooooooo bad!

[CindyCindy]

Here are some fantastic pictures and advice on using a sling.  I find that most people have their pouches sized incorrectly and the sling basically swallows them up....this is not good.  Your sling should mimic how they are carried in your arms without the carrier.

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/safety.php