another question about baby carriers/slings at park....

[happy-go-lucky]

I know there have been a ton of posts regarding strollers vs. baby carriers vs. baby slings. But I would like to hear from those who have used different things that they would recommend. We will have a 7 month old and had planned on taking her stroller but would also like to take a baby carrier of some kind as well. Can you recommend any?? For a 7 month old, which type/brand/style is better? Something that faces out so she can see, I'm sure....

 

[Camno's Mama]

Depending on how heavy she is I would recommend the Baby Bjorn. I've used it with both my boys, and they love it. It can get a little heavy, especially as they get bigger, but it is handy.

I also have the Maya Wrap which has been recommended to me by several people, but I have never been able to figure it out! The slings are nice because you can use your hip to diplace some of the weight as they get older, but the metal ring on it always digs into my shoulder. I think I'm using it wrong though!

I haven't decided which one I'm bringing since my four month old is already nineteen pounds, and we're not going for another month! Guess I should practice with the sling.

Courtney

 

[RangerPooh]

When we took DD we used the snugglie pack more than we did a stroller. But when she was 7 months we switched to a Kelty backpack as she was getting too heavy. We're planning on bringong the Kelty pack this time as well as the sunshade for it. DD likes it much more than the stroller. When DD was really little I tried a sling but 1. she didn't like it, and 2. she outgrew it by month 3. I ahven't tried a hiphamock but some people like those. DH and I prefer the backpack anyday.

 

[TravelinGal]

I also have the Maya Wrap which has been recommended to me by several people, but I have never been able to figure it out! The slings are nice because you can use your hip to displace some of the weight as they get older, but the metal ring on it always digs into my shoulder. I think I'm using it wrong though!

I haven't decided which one I'm bringing since my four month old is already nineteen pounds, and we're not going for another month! Guess I should practice with the sling.

Courtney

The rings should sit in the same position where a corsage would be pinned.

Hope that helps!!

I could position the Maya Wrap fine, but DS just never liked it.

If you get a sling, make sure it is an adjustable one like the Maya Wrap - You can carry a good sized toddler in them - (in other words - they will not outgrow them at 3 months old...)

My DS is on the small side and he still fits in the Baby Bjorn at 1 year old (at least he did when I tried it at 1 year - Haven't tried it in the past 2 months...) The weight limit on a BB is 25 lbs and he is still under that weight.

The Baby Bjorn can hold the baby facing you (good for sleeping) or facing out. The baby's arms are supposed to go under the flap when facing forward but I always put the flap under DS's arms. He hates having them held down - but he's a very solid (muscular) baby (rolling over/holding head up in the first month - sitting at 3 months - standing at 4 months etc...) Maybe a less muscular baby would like having the flap over the top of their arms.

The Maya Wrap (view info here: http://www.mayawrap.com/ but check eBay for good prices!!) can be used in a TON of different positions. It can even be used as a harness when they start walking - pretty bulky, but good in a pinch... It also folds up smaller than the padded ones.

If I wasn't Pooh sized, I might look at the Hip Hammock - but I don't carry DS on my hip - his poor legs can't fit around my girth...

 

[Bird-Mom]

A baby should not outgrow a sling by 3 months. They are good until 35 pounds and can be used in many positions. (My almost 4 year old occasionally asks for her turn in the sling, so I will carry her around a bit and she is 42 pounds!) If you are having a tough time figuring out your sling, go to a La Leche League meeting. Many of the mamas there are very skilled with the sling and will show you how to use it.

I have taken both the maya wrap and baby bjorn on a few trips, and I prefer the maya if I had to choose one.

 

[rt2dz]

I have never been good with slings. I can't get that ring thing right. However, I found a premax baby sling that is different that most slings, and I have no problem using it. I love it!! I use it with my older child as a hip carrier since he was 14 months old (and I 5 months pregnant) and he is now two. I used it with the baby as a newborn.

I also use, and love, the baby b'jorn. It is great for that middle time--about 3 months to a year or so, give or take. When they are adjusted correctly (that X should be at where your properly fitted bra hits your back; I see so many people who don't have them on correctly...) it is wonderful, regardless of baby size (my oldest was quite large for his age & I never had a problem with him in it till he outgrew it). I also like the baby b'jorn because it easily goes from forward facing (awake mode, as I call it) to rear facing (newborn and napping mode).