Suggestions for Plus Size

[greenbean]

I hate the thread title but it honestly describes to topic of my post so here goes!

I currently have a Baby Bjorn and a XL Maya Wrap. I am not in love with either of these and honestly considering the sale of them both.

I am due in April and live in a hot and humid climate. I also have an almost 3yo to run around with as well.

I adore the Mei Tai but I feel like the straps would not be very flattering to my body type.

What actually looks like the best options are pouches. I have read reviews and visited babywearer.com and I am still on the fence about what I should get. I am considering a Hotsling and from the chart I need a size 8 or 9. I am also considering a Peanut Shell and that would need to be an XL. I wonder how they compare in fit, comfort, and durability? Also what is the better fabric to consider since we live in a hot/humid climate? I have been pondering the stretch cotton.

TIA for advice/help.

[Cloth4Colin]

Hi mama!

Babywearing is a lot of fun and I think very versatile to many body types. Pouches are great - especially for newborns and small infants. Living in a hot and humid climate, I would think a stretch cotton would work well for you.

Have you ever considered a wrap? I'm not as familiar with them personally, but I know a lot of babywearers really enjoy them and I would imagine they would flatter any body type, too.

Best of luck in your babywearing ventures! Sometimes it just takes a little trial and error to find what works for you. You may want to check out thebabywearer.com boards - they have a for sell or trade section with TONS of variety that would allow you to try out some different things without paying "new" prices for them.

HUGS!

[Tripletmommy]

Kangaroo Korner has some great slings that are thin and breathable! Many slings come in "extra long" for all shaped momms. I personally love "wrap" Style carriers. They aren't as hot as you think and they are my fave for NBs.

HTH

[frogguruami]

When I was larger I was partial to a ring sling.

I am no petite flower now and I use a mei tei. No it isn't the most flattering but for carrying a larger child it is SOOO much more comfortable. I did make my own though because the ones I tried on had tiny (in comparrison to my G chest) straps that cut across my chest. SO I made one with very wide straps that sorta cover my chest (I wear it criss crossed not back pack style).

The ring sling is more fashionably flattering but for carrying my 45lb son around the mei tei is more comfortable if I am going any distance.

I have been experimenting with a pouch and with my sons size I don't feel comfortable with it. I don't find it anymore flattering than the ring sling.

AM

ps. Oh and I am in FL and the mei tei is FAAARRRRR more comfortable to wear in the heat.

[mrsfatty]

I'm a plus-sized mama...I enjoy my XL Peanut Shell (microfleece)--have you measured yourself? I would call talk to the owner and ask her what she'd recommend (she's very helpful)--tell her your measurements...and ask her if she thinks the XL will work--if not, would she consider making you a "custom" sling. I LOVE her sling--so I'm recommending it...I don't know how the microfleece would be in hot/humid weather...it's been fine here (I'm in IA)...I don't anticipate problems when the summer comes...I hope this helps!

[BabyGow]

Honestly, if you are wanting slings..go for http://slinglings.com/ She has awesome customer service..LOTS of fabric choices(twill, sateen adn corduroy...all in stretch fabric!!) She has buy 2 get 1 free also (makes the slings cost about $22 per sling) She is wonderful about emailing with sizing help also! In addition to all of that, she offers a wonderful exchange/return policy in which you can even wash and dry the sling if they are too big and if they still don't fit you can exchange them! I HIGHLY recommend her. I have 3 on the way! HTH!..In addition, there are many ways to tie a MT so you can find a more flattering way to tie it rather than the ever popular "Madonna- boob" look
Check out http://www.thebabywearer.com/ for even more help on choosing a carrier! Lots of great mamas willing to help out!

[greenbean]

Ahh more responses!

Okay I have a ring sling (a maya wrap) and while I do like it- there is a learning curve and I did not have much success with slinging my dd (who is now 3yo). I believe I started too late with her. Plus the extra fabric is a PITA and even though it is cotton, it is really warm.

I had been visiting babywearer.com and from the information there, it appears that a pouch is less of a learning curve and good for newborns. I can't look for the items they have on the sale/trade board because I am a new member and do not meet the requirements in time or posts.

I looked at the reviews and from that picked the 2 types of pouches with good feedback and what appears to be a reputable business: hotslings and peanut shell.

[Lilheifer]

You should be able to get on the FSOT board on TBW, the only requirement for new members is on the OT-FSOT board...but the regular one is open to everyone! I LOVE my hotsling! It's very comfy and is easy to use! HTH!!

[TEAK's Mom]

It is hard to go wrong with a pouch for a newborn. They are easy and quick. But, it looks like you are going to be chasing a bigger kid, too. For that reason, you might want to consider a good wrap. Nothing beats a wrap for stability and hand-free nursing.

German-style wraps are spendy, but your kiddo will never outgrow it. Seriously, I could carry my dh in one if I were strong enough. Some people love stretch wraps for newborns and they are snuggly, but they only work for a couple of months and I found that mine made me look like a sausage in a tube. I don't find that with my woven wraps, though.

When it comes to woven wraps, they are all awesome and the choice comes down to what colorway you prefer. Consider: Storchenwiege, Didymos, Bebina, Easycare.

[Kristine233]

I want to add that not all ring sligns are created equal either. Depending on the shoulder style some have a lower learning curve than others. The Maya has a shoulder cap and while its comfortable it does have a slightly higher learning curve for some.

For plus sized ring slings I recommend something with a wide shoulder and unpadded.

For in general plus size wearing you can also se mei tais, wraps and onbuhimos and tie them tibetan style which helps eliminate the waist tying step and doesnt increase the "fluffy" look on mom. For back carries they can be tied above your breasts on your chest and its a completely different look.

Goodluck!