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 Anyone use a baby sling?

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ashcordes Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 07:43:34 AM
And if so what brand, any suggestions, etc.
25   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
marisa Posted - Mar 15 2007 : 09:40:04 AM
I wasn't crazy about the Ergo. I'm kind of fleshy up top with a large chest and I could NEVER use it on my back. It made my arms go numb. It was okay in front, but then my kids got to where they wanted to face out. I didn't find it was worth the money.

I'm a big fan of 4-5 yds of stretchy fabric as a wrap.
Otherwise, I just use a simple pouch. But my 1 year old doesn't like to be in it very long!
ArmyWifey Posted - Mar 13 2007 : 9:30:17 PM
I thought I had posted on this already...

I loved my Maya Wrap too! Easy, light, comfy, makes a blanket/strap for the shopping cart, big enough for hubby to wear & pretty! Although I do think the new ones that wrap around look comfy and more balanced.





As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
scgwagner Posted - Mar 13 2007 : 3:01:21 PM
Hello all!
Okay, I have used almost every type of baby carrier known to woman! I have 2 Snuglis (don't use this!! Bad for baby's back!), Maya Wrap (excellent for all ages, but hurts my back and shoulder with all the weight only on one shoulder, also makes me get hot quickly, however, I should add that my sister, Smoothiejuice, who has 7 children, and twins, LOVES the Maya Wrap and is a constant user.). I also have a frame backpack that is uncomfortable so I've never used it, and an Infantino baby carrier that is also bad because all the weight is concentrated on baby's backbone. I've never used the Mei Tai, but have seen it used, and I can't figure out how that can be easy to use. I have two daughters, 4 & 1 1/2, and number three baby on the way, and a husband who needs the EASIEST carrier to put on and off. I have finally gotten an Ergo baby carrier and I can tell you, I have never had any back trouble at all, it is soooooo easy to to put on and off, you don't get tangled in anything and both of my daughters can be carried in it. I don't have the infant insert which makes it like a sling, but my sister is going to make me one! So of all the carriers I have used, researched, read about, talked to others about, by far the BEST in my own experience for time period of use and quality for the money, Ergo is the way to go. Spend the money, buy the Ergo. You will not be sorry. Anyone can use this, even bigger people, like my father (they sell an extension), and not quite adept people like some of my friends. It's not bulky and hot like other slings, and it's not difficult to get baby in and out of (especially while sleeping!). Ergo, it's the way to go.
Sarah
Persephone Posted - Mar 13 2007 : 09:55:46 AM
I can finally reply to this! (I have a lot of free time, dd is napping! :D)

I knew that I wanted to use a sling when I first saw one- this was before any kids. I am always interested in traveling light, and I thought, "a carrier made out of cloth that you can stuff in your diaper bag?? Can't get much "lighter" than that!", and I was pretty much sold. I also heard about how it helps bonding, keeps the baby from crying more, and is better for their spinal development. I was originally going to get an unpadded ring sling, but I wanted ONE carrier that could do any type of carry, and that would be good from newborn all the way through to toddler stage. So, I went with an Ellaroo wrap. I originally was just going to make one (it's just a long piece of cloth, right??), but once I saw one in person- the woven fabric, and the stunning colors- I had to own one. Luckily I found one used for about 40% of the original price. I wore dd in that from about two weeks onward. When she was around 9 or 10 months old, wearing her on my front was getting hard and painful, so I tried to get her on my back. Still haven't figured that one out. I also did end up getting a solarveil sling for showers and pools, and we rarely use it, but I find it more comfortable wearing her in it on my hip than I do the Ellaroo in front. She's 13 months old now,and still really tiny, and I think we may try back carries again this spring, since we'll be taking walks and such. Anyway, I highly recommend the Ellaroo. I love it, and it really became a badge of my motherhood, and a fashion accessory. :)

If I can't end up getting her on my back in the Ellaroo, we may consider a Mei Tai, or an Ergo- but as of right now, no experience with those.
katiedid Posted - Mar 13 2007 : 08:40:02 AM
I am getting interested in the ERGO...chime in if you have used one! I am tempted to buy it, but I want to hear from others first..they *are* pricey!

Libbie, you will love the Mei tai for your older boy, Chloe walks and hikes with us, but when she is tired, it is so much more comfortable to use the carrier than try to carry her on my hip.

Kate

my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com
smoothiejuice Posted - Mar 12 2007 : 7:37:12 PM
My sisters kids are unruly in carriers, but they are quite happy with her ergo.
sdleah Posted - Mar 12 2007 : 7:33:54 PM
I've wanted so badly to wear my babies and both of them hated their slings. Has anyone else had that problem? I've tried a hotsling, a nojo and a snugli and the boys would be happy for a few minutes and then scream and fight to get out. I have wanted to try an ergo but I hesitate to spend that much money when I may not be able to use it!

www.narrowgatemorgans.com
www.crayonartist.blogspot.com
birdie Posted - Mar 10 2007 : 09:35:50 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Libbie

What kind of carriers do you all recommend for a 3-1/2 year old who's coming up on 40lbs? I just ordered a Mei Tai, and I'm so excited - I know it will work great for my little one, but have any of you used them for bigger kids?

XOXO, Libbie

"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe


Libbie - The Ergo baby carrier is GREAT for bigger kids. All the weight goes on your hips and it has great padding. I LOVE mine. I've pasted their site below, but you can also buy them on ebay, etc.
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
Libbie Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 09:31:56 AM
What kind of carriers do you all recommend for a 3-1/2 year old who's coming up on 40lbs? I just ordered a Mei Tai, and I'm so excited - I know it will work great for my little one, but have any of you used them for bigger kids?

XOXO, Libbie

"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe
smoothiejuice Posted - Feb 24 2007 : 9:14:55 PM
I tried more carriers than I can count for the first six months of my first child, that was 9 years ago, after six months I tried the mayawrap from mayawrap.com and found it to work best for me and my baby. My 2nd, 3rd, and 4th love this carrier, too. When 5th and 6th came as twins I found it great to wear one to carry them both in together until they were about six months old and then I wore two maya wraps and separated the girls one on each side. As they got older I could do one on the front and one on the back. They are good because you can use the same carrier for years, sometimes my 4 year old still climbs in for a ride when he is tired. He is a small kid though and sometimes he carries my 7th in his arms while in the mayawrap, there is enough space for that kind of thing and I have never felt like it was going to fail me or my children. We are avid mayawrap fans at my house and they recently started selling very tiny one so that little children can sling their dolls, too. Most of my kids got those for Christmas from my sister. They also come with a fairly corny, but extremely helpful dvd/video. Just my thoughts on the subject.
simpler1773 Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 8:12:39 PM
I had a hotsling too... pricey but the customer service is top notch. The first one I got was too small, I sent them a picture of me wearing it and they sent me the right size lickety split.

~Ricki~
You can't pour anything out of an empty vessel, take care of yourself!
theonlygirl Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 8:07:59 PM
I have used a different carrier with all 3 boys. First one I used an OTSBH - but I didn't like how bulky it was. With #2 I had some shoulder issues and used a baby bjorn, it was good to use on occassions and even out his weight. A friend gave me a hip hammock - and I used that a lot with #2, but I loaned it out and never got it back :( . With #3 I found hotslings, which after finding the right size (very important). I have enjoyed it. I know some people haven't had success with one, but it has worked for me. I love love love slings. I never used an infant car seat with a handle so I always needed something to carry them in at the grocery store. I still use it and he is 18 months old. I need to look into the mei teis's, they are so cute.

Christi
the only girl - in a house full of boys
****************

birdie Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 10:28:26 AM
There are so many good options out there! I have several baby carriers, because I find that not just one suits my needs. My son Matthew is 16 months old and has been "worn" since week one. I liked the Nojo (Dr. Sears) sling when he was an infant. He spent so much time in it, and loved it! Around 4-5 months he got to be a little heavy and we moved to a Mei Tai. I felt like at that point his legs were big enough to be spread over my hips. Wow, that was wonderful. We also have an Ergo baby carrier. It is by far the most comfortable of all the carriers. All the weight goes on your hips, not your shoulders. We carry that one with us in the car everywhere we go. We've also starting using the Nojo again, this time instead of the cradle hold, Matthew is sitting up and laying his head on my chest. Now that he is at that quirky 16-month-old-I-don't-have-time-to-take-a-nap stage, I'm able to wind him down in that for a nap. I've also used wraps, they are very versitile for different ages/sizes, but they require a little more effort to put together.

A great website to check out...you can find sewing patterns here.
www.thebabywearer.com
And a great book to check out of your library!
www.drmariablois.com

Hope that helps!
Rebekka Mae Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 7:32:59 PM
Thanks for pointing that out Tasha- the upright posture is damaging when all the pressure is put on babies tail bone...like in a snuggly.
Rebekka
oceanfarmgirl Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 7:25:54 PM
I used the sling from Dr. Sears with mine, but I too found the ring to be a pain. I never had the chance to try any others, but I very much recommend wearing! It saves so much sanity!

rachel

See what I'm up to on my blog... http://minetothine.blogspot.com
OR check out my gardening activities at http://oceanfarmgirlsgarden.blogspot.com
GaiasRose Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 6:36:18 PM
If a babe is snuggled up buddha style in front though, in a mei tai, that does not hurt their spine...its the dangling legs that hurt a babes spine.
This hurts my mei tai business cause a little, but you can go into your linen closet, find an older sheet, fold it in half hte long way, and use it as a sling...or a 3-4 yard length of fabric can be used as a sling, you just tie it on and stick the babe inside. There honestly is no reason to spend any amoutn of money on a sling, when you probably already have the necessities right in your linen closet or sewing stash!
Again i direct you to hathor: www.hathorthecowgoddess.com
she has a lot of strips on babywearing and how you can use anything as a sling!


~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose

Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com
Birth is safe, interferrance is risky; TRUST BIRTH
Rebekka Mae Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 6:29:43 PM
I had quite a time finding a style I liked- you may have to try a couple to see what works- is there a store that sells them nearbye? Some girls love the type with rings but they really hurt me and I was never into the straps and buckles on others...
Another idea is making your own sling, it is really quite easy if you have a good pattern or a sling you love to copy. I make a pouch style slings that I sell with patterns so you can make many more for yourself and girlfriends (just not for sale)- similar to a new native but with a bigger pouch which seems more secure to me. The nice thing about them is that they are custom fit so there is no adjusting and they work up to 35 pounds. I am happy to send you some pictures if you want. With a pattern for personal use my slings are $45- they come in great prints or I can work with your fabric.
Any way you can find to keep baby close is great! Just don't have baby upright to early in a front carrier, it puts alot of pressure on their little spines. It is better to have them side lying in a sling until about four months when they can hold their heads up.

Good luck! Rebekka
Bebe Bella
www.bebebella.com
amamaswork@yahoo.com
GaiasRose Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 6:06:48 PM
knittymama, I like to wear Zoe way up high Tibetan style. that is the most comfy for us when I have Z on my back, Grace I wear rucksack, or piggy back style...


~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose

Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com
Birth is safe, interferrance is risky; TRUST BIRTH
abbasgurl Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 5:15:25 PM
OK, might sound crazy...but when my boys were babes I had about 2 yards of soft t-shirt fabric that could be wrapped in various ways to form a baby "sling" of sorts. Depending on the wrap they could ride front, back, side and there were even wraps for toddlers. The wraps were very easy to do as I recall.
I learned how to wrap from an OLD issue of mothering magazine, years ago. This is something done in many cultures so I am thinking it would not be hard to find some traditional ways of wrapping babes using an online search. Anyone?
Rhonda

I'm a one girl revolution.
Knittymama Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 4:36:01 PM
I've got a ring sling from zolowear.com that is my favorite, I can't live w/out it!

I also have a homeade mei tai and moby.

For those who love their mei tai's, any tricks for the back carry? I've just started using mine for the back carry, as my ten month old has been getting fussy when I need to make dinner. He loves it, but I just can't seem to get comfortable in it.

http://knittymama.blogspot.com
GaiasRose Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 10:37:51 AM
I will sometimes, like while out thrifting all day, wear Grace on my back piggy back style, and Zoe on front, at the same time, either facing in or out.



~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose

Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com
Birth is safe, interferrance is risky; TRUST BIRTH
GaiasRose Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 10:36:49 AM
I know where you can get one for a good price and very well made ;)


~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose

Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com
Birth is safe, interferrance is risky; TRUST BIRTH
katiedid Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 10:25:59 AM
Eren, it sounds like you need a Mei Tai... they rock! I know you can get free patterns on the internet, or look around on ebay, or etsy...I love mine, and I am looking forward to getting another! Thanks Tasha...

I love wearing older kids (2,3,4 even5) on my back with the Mei tai, it is like giving a piggy-back ride, but hands are free, and kiddo sits in a pouch. Like Tasha said, the weight is even on both shoulders and hips...Love it.

C~
YOu might like a Mei Tai now that Jack is getting bigger....

K~

my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com
GaiasRose Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 08:48:57 AM
I STILL wear Grace from time to time and I am telling you, the meit tai feels the best, because it evenly displaces the weight across you instead of on one shoulder. It is the one I swear by. Kate, I got your email about the Mei Tai....its a sure thing. I'll eamil you back about the cost and colors and such. I have one that I made especially for Rob since he is build sturdy...He needs a bit longer straps because he is tall and he likes his straps wide. He is the one who wears Zoe most of the time when we go on our walks in the Woods.

Hathor has a strip right now on a no sew ring sling. You all should check it out: www.hathorthecowgoddess.com

I love Hathor!


~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose

Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com
Birth is safe, interferrance is risky; TRUST BIRTH
vintagechica Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 08:30:37 AM
Love this thread ladies! I used a OTSBH for my twins and then with #3 (loved it). However it is getting a little ragged to say the least. My youngest is now almost 2 and still loves to be on my back or hip. Any advice on which one would be good to get for an older child? We also have a Kelty backpack stroller that my husband likes to use when we go hiking and such, but I thought there might be something a little better to use for everyday around the house kinds of carrying. Any ideas?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.

www.vintagechica.typepad.com

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