[Sylith]

So my SIL is expecting her third child, and I'd like to give her a sling or other carrier as a baby gift. She thought my Maya Wrap was cool, but honestly, the Maya has a pretty steep learning curve and I'm looking for something that might be a little less, uh, hardcore. The whole AP thing seems a little much to her, I think, but I think she could get into baby wearing if she felt like it made her life easier, and if it didn't seem too intimidating at the start.

I don't think she'd use it beyond infancy.
I'd like it to be easy to nurse in.
It should, of course, be comfy and simple to use, and not need a lot of fiddling to get it right.
Ideally it would not scream "hippie earth mama here!"
Bonus points if it comes in purple.

I really want to give her something she'd be likely to actually use and enjoy, and not something that'd seem like I'm trying to foist my parenting "agenda" on her, KWIM? Anybody had success with this kind of situation in the past?

 

[yitlan]

Perhaps an OTSBH. The packaging is totally mainstream, I think. And you can get it in solids or non hippie prints. Look!
http://www.babyholder.com/show-product.asp
Purple is the top one!

I found it easy to nurse in.

HTH!

 

[kate-astrophe]

When is she due? If the weather will be on the cool sde (under 75 degrees), I'd give her a Kangaroo Korner Fleece Pouch. They are super comfy and very easy to use. I don't think it's the easiest sling to nurse in, but it's not the hardest either. I've never had a problem nursing in mine. I always give one of these for baby showers, and they go over especially well with mainstream mamas. They come in purple too.

-Kate

 

[fourgrtkidos]

I would say Over the shoulder baby holder too. I see alot of "mainstream" mommas with them.

 

[kofduke]

How about a hotsling ? A pouch is super easy, and the hotsling can be used year-round in all climates. I think there's a purple fabric, too!

 

[*Jessica*]

I have the OTSBH and I don't think it's easy to nurse in. It could just be me though.

 

[yitlan]

I think nursing in a sling is hit or miss. Some people don't think a ring sling is easy to do it in, but I had no problem. It just depends on momma, baby and sling, I guess!

 

[Sylith]

Thanks, these are some great options to choose from. And they all have at least one nice purple fabric!

Looking at them is making me think I want another sling for myself, though. :LOL

For what it's worth, she should be due in September. I'm kind of liking the cozy fleece pouches, since the baby will be little bitty through the winter. OTSBH gets a lot of votes, though, and I know it is popular in general. Hmm, at least I still have some time to decide.

 

[Artisan]

I would get the OTSBH too. And make sure to include the instructional video. That was helpful to me when I was just starting out. I was the only person I knew with a sling.

 

[kofduke]

Oh, if the babe is going to be a winter babe, definately get a fleece pouch. The purple is a beautiful shade (it's what I have). I personally think an OTSBH is going to have the same learning curve problems as maya, no?

 

[kris1225]

I agree with Kristin about the OTSBH. I've seen some people around town wearing those 'crazily' and I have mused in my mind that they must be desperate for a sling, but unsure of what's out there.

I also was extremely put off by all the padding and bulk of the OTSBH (and the Nojo) before I was preggo and thought that's all there was out there. It just wasn't my style, ya know? As an experienced slinger I think the OTSBH is a fine sling with lots of uses, but I am not sure I would give one to a friend as a starter.

I think a fleece pouch would be great! Have you looked at the KKAFP?

 

[KoalaMama]

I think the OTSBH can make a great first sling IF you're intent on slinging. For someone that's not so keen on it to begin with, or might shy away from any learning curve then I don't think it's the way to go.

I think the shortest learning curve and most mainstream looking option is a pouch. I definitely agree that the KKAFP would be a great option, especially for a winter babe. Also, if she really liked the look of your Maya Wrap then why not consider a Maya Pouch? They come in all the same fabrics, and the purple certainly is lovely! (I have that one!) It's also nice that they're adjustable, so if her and her husband fall within the same size range you could get them one to share.

I'd also highly recommend a hotslings pouch. Kristen makes an amazing product, and at that price you could get one for mom and another for dad!

 

[CajunMama]

nak

i would go for a kkafp or a hotsling. ita that the otsbh would have a learning curve like the maya.

hth

 

[zoelovesmom]

Pouches have a look and easy learning curve that seem to appeal to mainstream parents. I have noticed that most celebrities are seen wearing front carriers or pouches. KKAFP seems universally easiest to learn, second would be a well-fitted pouch like a Hotsling - because we know Kristen will get a good fit, unlike some of the better-known pouches that are hit-or-miss on sizing. Mamma's Milk might be another option, or a hybrid adjustable pouch like BabySpace, which has a lower learning curve than a typical ring sling.

I agree that padded and unpadded ring slings have an equal learning curve, except that many padded slings are too big and therefore hard to tighten enough, so parents don't feel like baby is secure. Choosing between those two, unpadded is more streamlined and comfortable, IMO. Seems like a lot of mainstream parents don't care for the tail on unpadded ring slings, but I can't live without mine!

 

[Artisan]

I like the pouch suggestion too. But an OTSBH does not have the same learning curve as the Maya. The Maya has to be threaded, has a loose tail which has to be handled just so, and twist much more easily.

The closed tail was much easier for me as a novice.

 

[maggiemae]

nak

I know how to use a ring sling quite well, but I was in love with my pouch at first try. So easy! I second KKAFP or a hot sling depending on the weather