babywearing « Back to Group Discussions

[iixivboots]

How's it going, what are you using and what do you love/hate?
 

We have a few basic cotton ring slings borrowed from friends (both the same kind from a local person, taylormade). Some days I like them and other days I just can't get comfortable/get Lyle comfortable. Definitely not mastered it. DH uses one every night now though to calm him down.

We have a boba/sleepy wrap which I like a lot except it's hot. I put him in it just with a diaper and he still gets pretty sweaty.

Overall with both of these things I don't feel confident enough to put him in them without a mirror, which limits their usefulness out in the world.

I just ordered a Boba 3G in Dusk and I'm SO excited. I'm thinking it'll still be pretty warm but more comfy and hopefully it will keep cooling off here!

[Sol_y_Paz]

I have three but don't love any of them right now.

• Moby - bulky, takes awhile for me to get on, hot
• Normal sling -can't get it to fit right
• Backpack type - hurts my back, a lot, looks like to me it would be uncomfortable for baby but baby likes it 

I would love to learn how to nurse in a carrier or wrap.  That would make life a lot easier. 

[LilyTiger]

We have a sling and a moby that we use right now.  I have an Ergo for later, but I'm not wasting money on the infant insert since I don't need another carrier that's super hot right now. 

The sling is the Balboa Baby/Dr. Sears sling, and reading the Dr. Sears Baby Book really helped me with fit.  For newborns, you actually wear it backward, which I didn't know at first.  We've tried a couple different holds in it, but usually she ends up sort of squashed in there.  She likes it a lot though, so squashed or not we're sticking with it.  DH likes the Moby, but I've only tried it a handful of times and it always feels like she's going to fall out.  We got a slightly better fit today, so I might start using it more.  But putting it on while out and about would still be a pain.  I like the sling for just stuffing her in and heading out.  I do think the Moby will be better for nursing in than the sling -- we've nursed in the sling a few times, but it's not really terribly discreet.  We also got some no-name slings and carriers from people, but we haven't needed to try them yet.

I anticipate that the sling might be less comfortable as she gets older, though the hip carry might be answer to that.

[eleuthia]

- Beco Butterfly II: Great for out and about! He's really secure in it and usually just falls asleep. It is pretty sweaty and too much of a hassle for at home. 

- Ring sling: (Cotton twill from http://sleepingbaby.net - highly recommended) Just got it yesterday and it's the poppable carrier I wish I'd had all along! I need to work on making it more comfortable for me (the lower/outer rail was too tight on my shoulder/lower back) but it's easy to get him secure in it (tummy to tummy). I actually made and ate dinner when I got hungry last night! It's pretty lightweight so it's less sweaty than the beco. 

- Infantino Sync: Tried it but it will work better when he has better head control and can have his legs out. 

- Baby K'tan: A bit too big on me so I'm waiting til he's bigger to try it. I wanted my sister to alter it for me but we didn't get to while she was here. 

- Peanut shell pouch: Returned it. I couldn't make cradle carry work - maybe it's my big boobs? His chin was tucked against his chest and he hated it (I did too). 

- Over the shoulder baby holder: My mom gave this to me (she used it with my 16yr old sister) and holy cow it is PADDED which makes it too freaking hot. Plus it has the same problems as the peanut shell pouch. 

[sallyrae17]

Right now I only use my Moby wrap. I put it on before I can go anywhere, so I just pop Baby M in and out. I would never try to put it on while out and about! That would be a pain!

I have an Ergo for later as well and I absolutely loved it with my son. 

That's all I have and I never had a need for anything else with my son, so I don't see any reason to get another one this time around!

[pennywhistle]

I'm using the Moby and the Beco Gemini.  I love both.  The Gemini has more structure so it's better for long walks, whereas the Moby keeps him more cuddly so it's better for when he's fussy or just needs to be closer to me.

[Veritas Vitae]

Originally Posted by sallyrae17 

Right now I only use my Moby wrap. I put it on before I can go anywhere, so I just pop Baby M in and out. I would never try to put it on while out and about! That would be a pain!

I have an Ergo for later as well and I absolutely loved it with my son. 

That's all I have and I never had a need for anything else with my son, so I don't see any reason to get another one this time around!

This exactly.

[Tizzy]

I have my old standby for out and about, a pouch/peanut shell sling. I'm so happy that baby G. likes it as much as the other babies have because I love it. I made it after the Hotsling pattern (before they were adjustable).

Then for around the house/barn I have a Mei Tei that I made, same concept as all the wraps but so much easier to get on and off.  I love that I can nurse on the go with both of these carriers, funny thing is I just finally figured out how to nurse on the opposite side with the sling now LOL

I used to awkwardly take baby out, switch the shoulder the sling goes on (if I need to nurse on my right side) and make it work, but now I just slide baby and sling around into a football carry and voila! easy access :)

For later on we have a framed backpack which gets a LOT of use around the farm, we don't usually start using it until they are 4-5 months old.
 

[midstreammama]

I love the moby. I tried it at a postpartum doula workshop and fell in love! It's not too hard to get on quickly once you get the practice in. I also used hotslings with my other babes, I liked them alot too..especially when they got older in the hip carry.

[monkeyscience]

We've tried a Sakura Bloom ring sling, the Ergo Sport, and a homemade carrier that's sort of like a mei tai or SSC.

The verdict:

-I CANNOT get the ring sling to work in any way that seems comfortable and secure for Baby Bird. The fabric seems to slide through the rings, so it doesn't stay tight, and I can't get him in it in a way that gives him decent head support without seeming to smother him. I was so excited for this sling - I thought it would be easy in and out, but it isn't. Luckily, I rented it, so I will be returning it this weekend.

-Baby Bird really likes the homemade carrier, but since his head isn't above the top of it, and his neck gets bent a lot, and it seems like he could fall out the side, I'm not sure it's safe and I've vetoed using it, even though both dh and Baby Bird like it. My mom says I must be doing something wrong, since she used this type of carrier with her itty-bitty babies, but we haven't had a chance for her to check out that theory yet. Maybe next week.

-The Ergo is a decent but not perfect option, and we haven't used it much yet. We don't have the infant insert, because we tried it out, and it seems like Baby Bird doesn't really need it. (He was 22" tall at birth, so that may be part of it.) Plus it seems obscenely hot for using in Houston at this time of year. It's somewhat quick, and somewhat easy to use, but not as quick/easy as I would hope. I will say I think it will get faster with time, and be easier once he is bigger. It is fairly warm even without the insert, especially considering how warm Baby Bird and I are all by ourselves! We don't use it a lot because it is hot and kind of cumbersome, but I expect it will get more use as the weather cools down and he gets bigger. dh also likes this one.

I have to say - I have not found a babywearing solution that meets with my expectations/needs at this point, and that is frustrating!

[LilyTiger]

monkey, I love the Balboa Baby sling.  I don't know what kind you have, but we have no slippage and Piper can sit upright or more reclined without any problems.  Dr. Sears has a great section in his Baby Book on sling positioning, which helped me a lot.  It is frustrating though trying out all the different options.  And for us, all of them are too hot except the sling, so I think we'll have more options as the weather cools like you said.

[NewMumJoy]

Originally Posted by LilyTiger 

The sling is the Balboa Baby/Dr. Sears sling, and reading the Dr. Sears Baby Book really helped me with fit.  For newborns, you actually wear it backward, which I didn't know at first.  We've tried a couple different holds in it, but usually she ends up sort of squashed in there.  She likes it a lot though, so squashed or not we're sticking with it.  

Oh that's funny - we also have the Balboa Baby sling (and the Dr. Sears Baby Book, but I haven't read the baby wearing section yet).... a couple weekends ago DH tried out the sling at a festival - and I was arguing with him about the right way to wear it as he kept putting it on backwards, although William was perfectly content in it.  He hadn't read any instructions - and won't - but I guess he had it right after all, and I should definitely get back to reading that chapter!

I've been having good luck with the Balboa sling wearing William upright (tummy to tummy) and have been using it around the house a lot.  Occasionally I'll have a tough time shimmying him down into the pocket and I worry that his legs or back are too crunched up.  But he sleeps very well in it, w/his face nestled between my boobs.  Its a lifesaver since I can't put him down for long w/o fussing - freeing me up to cook, type, eat, read, brush my teeth, etc.... especially helpful this week while DH is away!!

We also have the Ergo which is working well - great support, but a little bit bulkier.  William fit in just fine at 3 weeks of age, without the infant insert (he was about 10lbs at that point).  We had a couple cooler fall days this week where it's worked better than the stroller on our walks, since he's tucked in nicely and shielded from the wind and I can transfer some warmth to him.  And since I still have some leftover tummy, I find that the lower belt/panel of the Ergo provides nice compression to that area. 

I'm curious how long everyone is wearing their babies for during the day?  Is it a regular practice, or just used as needed (to leave the house, get a free hand, or to calm baby)?   I'm finding that I'm using the sling more and more lately, as I try to get more done around the house.  But at the same time, I worry that I'll never be able to put William back down eventually.  So far, we haven't been able to leave him sitting or laying alone for more than 10-15 minutes before he has a meltdown....

[Tizzy]

Originally Posted by monkeyscience 
-Baby Bird really likes the homemade carrier, but since his head isn't above the top of it, and his neck gets bent a lot, and it seems like he could fall out the side, I'm not sure it's safe and I've vetoed using it, even though both dh and Baby Bird like it. My mom says I must be doing something wrong, since she used this type of carrier with her itty-bitty babies, but we haven't had a chance for her to check out that theory yet. Maybe next week.

With an infant, instead of tying the shoulder straps under their bum, you tie them higher up, almost at their shoulder level so they won't fall out the side.

I find it helpful to use a small single layer receiving blanket to position them, especially for  nursing to help keep their head steady.

I made two, one has a higher back which I prefer for back carrying, the shorter one is nicer for everyday use.

[LilyTiger]

I had two babywearing successes today!  DH and I went out to dinner at a nice restaurant and I wore Piper in the sling, at one point nursing her under a wrap without any latch pain (we finally got the angle right!).  She was quiet and slept in the sling the whole time after she finished nursing, so we had a wonderful dinner.  Then we stopped off at a store to grab some things and I managed to nurse her again while walking around.  It was very exciting to finally get comfortable enough to not have to worry about where we were or positioning.  The sling made nursing so much easier.  Love it.   

Originally Posted by NewMumJoy 

I'm curious how long everyone is wearing their babies for during the day?  Is it a regular practice, or just used as needed (to leave the house, get a free hand, or to calm baby)?   I'm finding that I'm using the sling more and more lately, as I try to get more done around the house.  But at the same time, I worry that I'll never be able to put William back down eventually.  So far, we haven't been able to leave him sitting or laying alone for more than 10-15 minutes before he has a meltdown....

Piper is the same way, NewMum.  She can't be put down really at all, unless she's totally zonked (which only happens at night).  So I wear her all the time.  Unless I'm sitting and nursing or something, she's pretty much on me.  When DH isn't home, I even go to the bathroom with the sling on (yeah, gross I know).  Piper's only naps occur when she's in the sling because she won't sleep in a bassinet or crib during the day.  The worst part about her not being able to be put down is that she also hates the car seat, so shopping is awesome while we're using the sling and walking around but is painful as soon as she has to go in the car.  I so badly wanted to just keep her in the sling instead of the car seat today when we were out shopping, but my maternal safety sense prevailed.

[NewMumJoy]

LilyTiger - yeah sounds a lot like William as far as always being held.....  I'm even thinking 10-15 minutes is an overly optimistic limit for him these days.  I can get him in the bouncy seat, immediately after he's been fed, for about 5 minutes and then I can't get the sling on fast enough before he blows his top!  We've basically spent the last 2 days in bed (cluster feeding like crazy), since I'm still pretty sleep deprived (and have been home ALONE for the past 6 days) I've been trying to nap w/him laying on me after he nurses.  I'm afraid that DH will come home to find this inconsolable little creature and say "WHAT have you done!?!?" ... but alas there's only so much one can do, when alone....

William seems to have an issue w/laying flat on his back, or not being held tight... I should probably try swaddling him again to see if that helps....

.... And figuring out how to go to the bathroom last week while wearing him was THE most glorious highlight of my week!!

[Tizzy]

Any luck with a swing? I call it the neglect-o-matic but sometimes it's just.what they need - to be swaddled and rocked by someone other than myself..and the 5yr old doesn't haveva long enough attention span LOL

[Sol_y_Paz]

Originally Posted by LilyTiger 

I had two babywearing successes today!  DH and I went out to dinner at a nice restaurant and I wore Piper in the sling, at one point nursing her under a wrap without any latch pain (we finally got the angle right!).  She was quiet and slept in the sling the whole time after she finished nursing, so we had a wonderful dinner.  Then we stopped off at a store to grab some things and I managed to nurse her again while walking around.  It was very exciting to finally get comfortable enough to not have to worry about where we were or positioning.  The sling made nursing so much easier.  Love it.   

Congrats on your two successes!  That is wonderful! What type of sling?  I would LOVE for this to happen! 

I have been trying to for bottles (the pump) for our outings and it is a pain - and literally too.  He has yet to take one.  It would be far easier just to nurse him discreetly and go on with life.

NewMumJoy, same thing here but it is rare to have 10 mins - occasionally if DS is really into something, like the fan or a mirror.  He doesn't like being put down unless he is really sleepy, like at night. 

Edited by Sol_y_Paz - 9/15/12 at 8:26pm

[ilovetchotchkes]

I ADORE my ergo. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. I can't wait until she's big enough and i can strap her on my back and cook dinner. 

I have an ergo, a mei tai (which is toddler sized and we use it for the toddler), 2 ring slings and a moby. I hate the moby. As soon as I find the instruction booklet, i'm selling it on ebay. 

My son hated baby wearing until we recently got the mei tai- he's 2 1/2 now.... getting a bit old for it almost! But little miss loves it. 

[ilovetchotchkes]

Originally Posted by Tizzy 

Any luck with a swing? I call it the neglect-o-matic but sometimes it's just.what they need - to be swaddled and rocked by someone other than myself..and the 5yr old doesn't haveva long enough attention span LOL

I have what my BIL calls a "baby catapault" one of those bouncers. I got it because somehow I HAVE to cook dinner. Once she's big enough, I have a "circle of neglect" (exersaucer) that'll be put up in the kitchen for cooking dinner. 

[Ninetales]

I seem to have forgotten how to use the Moby.  I got super frustrated the other day trying to put Ozzy in it.  I like the way it holds them and supports them but I can't use it for in-and-out things.  I can't put it on easily when out, and I can't put it on before because I need to tie it at the back and then riding in a car is uncomfortable.

The ring sling works well for grocery shopping, but I can't use it around the house.  He hates cradle hold (Elsa did too) and needs to be tummy to tummy, and he really only tolerates it if I'm doing a consistent movement, like walking.  Around the house he gets ticked off.

I used the Beco Butterfly II at the zoo and it worked out really well, but I find a buckle carrier too bulky and heavy for stuff like housework.  So all in all I'm not really freed up yet.