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Parenting & Farm Kids:  Anyone use a baby sling?  |
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ashcordes
True Blue Farmgirl
197 Posts
Ashley
Roann
IN
USA
197 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 07:43:34 AM
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| And if so what brand, any suggestions, etc. |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 08:18:43 AM
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I used a New Native Baby brand of sling for when my babe's were newborns, it is similar to the Dr. Sears sling, but without a ring. The ring would always dig into my skin after a while. Loved the New Native.
Once the babe's could hold their head up, I used the Mei Tai, a friend made me a beautiful one...I should talk to Tasha about making me another! I need one with really long straps so Eldon can wear it too!
I LOVE wearing my babies. With my third, I wouldn't have gotten anything done, she was a high-need baby who was perfectly calm...as long as she was next to Mama!!
Emme is 19 months, and when we go for walks, or shopping, I usually use the Mei Tai..she climbs around in carts, and if I push a stroller, I don't have room for groceries!!
Chloe happily rode in a Mei Tai this summer, when we walked farther than her 3 year old legs could go...she loved being on my back.
My 12 year old loves to wear the babies too!
Feel free to ask more!
K
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 08:19:36 AM
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I use the New Native baby sling and love it.
http://www.newnativebaby.com/
It worked great when Jackson was a teeny one and still works now as a toddler. No rings, nothing to adjust, just one big pocket. I always have it in my diaper bag and it gets whipped out often for naps in the sling or just cuddling with Mom.
We used the Baby Bjorn quite a bit from about 3 months to 9 months, but that wasn't as versatile. Great for walks outside though and walks with Daddy. Jackson LOVED to be facing out in that thing on a bright summer day!
Good luck!
Catherine
http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 08:21:37 AM
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Kate! We were posting at the same minute because I didn't see your post first. I didn't know you also used a New Native...cool! :)
Ashley, I forgot to mention too that the current issue of Mothering magazine is all about "how to wear your baby" with great tips on all types of carriers. You should check that out!
Catherine
http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com |
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vintagechica
True Blue Farmgirl
438 Posts
Eren
Poolville
TX
USA
438 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 08:30:37 AM
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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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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 08:48:57 AM
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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 |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 10:25:59 AM
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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 |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Knittymama
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Knittymama
Minneapolis
MN
19 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 4:36:01 PM
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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 |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 5:15:25 PM
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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. |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Rebekka Mae
True Blue Farmgirl
965 Posts
Rebekka
Moscow
ID
USA
965 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 6:29:43 PM
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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 |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 6:36:18 PM
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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 |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 7:25:54 PM
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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 |
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Rebekka Mae
True Blue Farmgirl
965 Posts
Rebekka
Moscow
ID
USA
965 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 7:32:59 PM
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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 |
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birdie
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Amy
Hilliard
OH
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 10:28:26 AM
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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! |
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theonlygirl
Farmgirl at Heart
6 Posts
Christi
Kaysville
Utah
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 8:07:59 PM
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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
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simpler1773
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Ricki
Ashland
Wisconsin
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 8:12:39 PM
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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! |
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smoothiejuice
True Blue Farmgirl
6309 Posts
Jessica
Bloomington
Indiana
USA
6309 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2007 : 9:14:55 PM
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| 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. |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 09:31:56 AM
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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 |
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birdie
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Amy
Hilliard
OH
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 10 2007 : 09:35:50 AM
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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/ |
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sdleah
True Blue Farmgirl
93 Posts
Leah
Pittsburg
TX
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2007 : 7:33:54 PM
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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 |
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smoothiejuice
True Blue Farmgirl
6309 Posts
Jessica
Bloomington
Indiana
USA
6309 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2007 : 7:37:12 PM
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| My sisters kids are unruly in carriers, but they are quite happy with her ergo. |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2007 : 08:40:02 AM
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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 |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: Anyone use a baby sling? |
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Anyone use a baby sling?
