Sling Newbie

[Kat's Mommy]

Hello Mamas!

DD is 8 months old...a very happy baby...except in the car and stroller . Before knowing about slings, I purchased the Baby Bjorn carrier. DD is quite happy to be in there, but it's not comfortable for me anymore (she's getting heavy!).

Someone mentioned that I should let DD CIO in the stroller so that she gets used to sitting in there, but that's just cruel. I think the answer to my problems would be a sling.

So, as a Sling Newbie, what do I need to know about slings? I think I would prefer the hip slings. There must be different types of them and different price ranges. How do I know which one I should purchase? Ideally, DH and I would wear the sling and I would like to continue wearing the sling while she is a toddler (I'm assuming that DD will always hate the stroller )

Any tips/advice would be really helpful.

Thank you!

[Caryliz]

Yes, yes, go for a sling!

As for what to get, well, I'll jump in here and say that basically the world of slings falls into 2 groups: one-shoulder carriers and two-shoulder carriers. Some people swear by one or the other, but just about everyone I know who is toting a toddler has ended up with a 2-shoulder model (even if they use a one-shoulder one sometimes).

Among one-shoulder models are ring slings (padded and unpadded), pouches, and hip carriers like the hip hammock.

Two-shoulder carriers include mei tais (also called ABCs or Asian Baby Carriers), soft backpack-style carriers like the Ergo and the Sutemi, and baby backpacks (with frames) like the Kelty.

And then there are wraps, which, being long pieces of cloth, can be tied/wrapped in any number of configurations, usually involving two shoulders, but sometimes only one, or even none at all!

A good place to start in all this is peppermint.com's guide to choosing a baby carrier: http://www.peppermint.com/guide.htm Then once you know what style you're looking for, you can start playing around with color, fabric and price.

HTH!

[Kat's Mommy]

Thank You!

Caryliz - thank you, thank you, thank you for your reply. Great information. I can't wait to purchase a sling

[NataliaMama]

If you are looking for something easy and similar to a Bjorn, you might want to try an Ergo. They are incredibly comfortable, and so easy to get on and off. Plus it can be worn on front, back or hip. And it is adjustable to fit you and your dh. I am planning to buy one as my next baby carrier purchase! Because after trying my friend's for a few days I was amazed at how comfortable and easy to use it was!

Also, don't think you need only one carrier! Different carriers work for different things at different times. I loved my pouch for dd when she was an infant, but now it isn't working very well for us. Thus the intrest in an Ergo.

CIO sounds pretty cruel to me to! Eventually she might like the stroller, but why push it if she doesn't? I would rather carry my daughter all day long then have to lug our huge stroller around.

HTH!
Sarah

[Tripletmommy]

A say "JUMP IN"!! Slings are great! I love my Heart 2 Heart padded ring sling. The shoulder padding is really helpfull with heavier babies! I love slings and will never go back!

[Minoh]

I concur, definitely try out a sling. It's such a wonderful way to spend time with your baby. I've tried a few styles but can't wait to get the woven wrap I just ordered from www.hipbundles.com, a Canadian company in Ontario. You might even be in the area of the store and could try out different styles, something I wish I could have done before buying something!

Have fun finding your carrier(s)!

[Kat's Mommy]

can someone critique my choices?

Thanks so much for replying.

I've chosen 2 slings that I am most interested in - an EllaRoo Mei Hip or an Ergo Baby Carrier. If possible, can someone critique (positive or negative) my choices. I really am just going at full speed with this, and I may be overlooking something.

Thank you!!!

http://www.pookababy.com/ellaroo-meihip.html

http://www.pookababy.com/ergo.html

[cmmrk1974]

I would definitely go for the Ergo over the Mei Hip. My experience is that it's hard to get much done with your baby in a hip carry - it's hard to reach around them and still be able to do laundry, wash dishes, wash your hands - you name it. With the Ergo you can put the baby on your back and then the world is your oyster! You can be so much more productive!

[inchwormz]

You can find some reviews for the products at the top of the threads here. That might help in your decision. I agree, though, the Ergo is probably a better option over the Mei Hip. You might also consider a Mei Tai. My dd is one now ane we use our almost exclusivly now. They are super comfortable and very easy to use. GREAT for back carries as well!!

Good luck finding what your looking for!