[apcanadianmamma]

Hi Everyone,<br><br>
I am new to this forum and I am hoping that someone can help me <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
I have a 7 1/2 month old baby. I currently own 3 different baby carriers. 1) Baby Bjorn (which I bought for my daughter and I'm not overly keen on for my son for a variety of reasons, I do feel like he is secure when he is in it though so that is a def. plus) 2) a padded Jolly Jumper sling (bought this for my daughter before she was born and I didn't know that there were other slings available <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/eyesroll.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="roll"> I don't feel like I can get it tight enough though - I don't feel like I can wear it with my son because I'm afraid he is going to fall out. Basically it is reserved for outings where I will hip carry him - and I always feel like I have to hold on with one hand) and 3) a homemade unpadded sling - I made this one thinking that it would solve the tightening problems I was having with the JJ - I can't get this one tight enough either! I'm assuming either the material I used was too thick or (a more likely explanation) I am "sling challenged"<br><br>
I am now in the market for a 4th carrier <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
I'd like something where I can be "hands free", The ability to back carry would be neat so I might be able to actually get some housework done. The ability to nurse would be nice as well. Comfort for the babe is paramount though (although I'd like to be comfortable too if thats possible <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> )<br><br>
Any ideas?<br><br>
TIA

 

[cassiemommy]

Have you considered a wrap? There is much more of a learning curve with these, but once you have it on right, they are VERY comfortable and hands free! I still can't say that I have "mastered" the back carries, but when I do have DS on my back properly, I can garden, shovel, etc. You are supposed to be able to nurse in it, but I never seem to be able to nurse in any of my carriers (user error on my part). DS does seem comfortable in them and usually ends up falling asleep when I'm carrying him. The really nice thing about this is that you can easily make your own to try before splurging on something nice and ready-made. Right now, I particularly like my homemade stretchy wrap and seeing that you're Cdn, I got my material for $1.99 a metre at Fabricland, so you can try that cheaply to see if it works for you as well!<br><br>
HTH!

 

[becca011906]

ABC (asian baby carrier) would be good for front and back carry, they also have a learning curve but not as much as a wrap imo, i wasn't able to get the hang of a wrap but the ABC is great!!!

 

[slightly crunchy]

Any good sling or carrier should be hands free.<br><br>
I think the easiest to nurse in is an unpadded ring sling. I wonder if as you said, the reason yours is not working for you is due to the material, or something else. If you can't get it tight enough, is it because it is slipping back through the rings? What kind of rings and material did you use?<br><br>
An Asian Baby Carrier (or mei tai--there are a bunch of different ones available, or they are not that hard to sew on your own) is great for front or back carrying. It is also possible to nurse in it, although for me it is not as discreet as a sling.<br><br>
Although it is not the best for a back carry, a really great sling is a Kangaroo Korner adjustable fleece pouch. I think this one is also great for nursing. Definitely snuggly and hands free. This is the one my baby seemed to like the best, and it was also my favorite for a long time. Most people seem to love it. And it's very quick to put on and easy to use. No fiddling with rings.<br><br>
Since you can sew, maybe you can make yourself another inexpensive unpadded sling with a different material, and then purchase a mei tai for back carrying? Just an idea.

 

[AnnR33]

It sounds like an ABC or mei tei may work best for you. You can wear him in front, back or even hip with some of these. Here's a few with good prices to check out:<br><a href="http://www.doodlebugboutique.com" target="_blank">www.doodlebugboutique.com</a><br><a href="http://www.kolamo.homestead.com" target="_blank">www.kolamo.homestead.com</a> (she also has a link to her mei hip carrier which is awesome and hands free too)<br><a href="http://www.happyslings.com" target="_blank">www.happyslings.com</a><br><a href="http://www.kozycarrier.com" target="_blank">www.kozycarrier.com</a> (wait list is about 8 wks)<br>
You can check out reviews for this type of carrier at <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com" target="_blank">www.thebabywearer.com</a> too and they have lots of great info.<br>
Good luck<br>
Ann