Used a pouch sling 8 years ago, now what?

[SweetMama34]

I have a Kangaroo Korner fleece pouch that I absolutely adored - we used that sucker for years and years. It's the only piece of baby gear I saved - that's how much I loved it.

Besides the fact that my last baby was a November baby and this one on the way is a June baby (no way can I carry an infant in fleece in July/August!) - I've been reading that the pouch slings aren't really acceptable anymore? At least for small infants? I can imagine it's still alright for a hip carry (although I found it much more comfortable early on).

I have no idea what to do. I loved how quick and easy the KK sling was - I could pop it on, pop baby in and be moving within 20 seconds. Everything else I see seems to be more cumbersome, have substantially more material or will take much longer to get baby positioned properly - and if that's the case, I'm afraid I won't even want to do much babywearing. :(

So help me out if you know more than I do! I'm totally overwhelmed with where to start and what my choices are. I had a Maya wrap once upon a time (10 years ago with my first baby) and barely ever reached for it. I just didn't like how much material I had to deal with, it wasn't as portable as the KK pouch and the sling would slip after some use, no matter what I tried to do differently.

Is there an awesome pouch style that's acceptable? Or a super, super easy sling that provides quick in and out for baby?

Thanks so much!

[bearandotter]

I don't think pouches are a complete no for a newborn. You just need to ensure the fit is good (for you) and that you are very very aware of positioning and the baby's status at all times. I like the TICKS acronym:

Tight: Baby is hugged close to body. No slack in fabric allowing baby to slump

In View at all Times

Close Enough to Kiss

Keep Chin off Chest: Atleast a finger width seperate

Supported Back: If you put a hand on their back the baby does not uncurl and press into you more. 

That being said, I personally think a ring sling is an awesome carrier for a newborn. Very adjustible for different wearers and as baby grows. Can use on high chest, midchest, and then hip and back as baby grows. If you get a size appropriate for you there won't be a ton of extra fabric. Sleeping Baby Productions does an extremely high quality, low cost ring sling. Ring slings also come in a variety of fabrics, I would recommend a single layer linen for your June Baby. In the summer (or when cold) the tail on the sling can make a great sun or wind shade for baby (not totally covering of course)

p.s. Hi - we are both due in June together!!!

[SweetMama34]

Thank you so much for responding! I'm looking into the sling you rec'd. I'm willing to try something new, but will so miss my fleece KK pouch!

[Escaping]

I used a Seven Slings (and actually liked it!) until my baby outgrew it. There are usually offers on the web for a "free" sling (you just pay for the shipping) so I had a sling for like $12. People complain that the material is cheap but I liked how light it was and the fabric was pretty stylish.
I saw reviews that it wasn't very popular with most people but I was pretty happy with mine.