Baby Sling

[DisneyCowgirl]

I know everyone hates the never-ending onslaught of stroller questions, but I haven't seen the question of slings addressed.

I have an average-sized 5 month old who likes to be carried. Would a sling help me with that? Could it be used to help carry him when we go to WDW in December when he will be 13 months? How do they work?

 

[NotUrsula]

The short answer is yes and yes. As to how they work, there are a number of styles and a number of methods, so I'll refer you to
www.thebabywearer.com for all that info.

I used a solarveil ring-sling for DD in the parks when she was little. It was great because being mesh I could also wear her into the swimming pool.
Now she's 21 months old and 22 lbs, so we still do use the ring-sling for hip-carrying while in ride lines, but for serious walking such as day-hikes, we use our Ergo carrier.

 

[disneybridetobe]

Yes! I carried my then 14 month old daughter often in our pouch-style sling, and even though she's almost 2, I'm still going to bring it with us in May. It was perfect for waiting in lines, because you just put it on, put the kiddo in, and go!

I love our sling!

 

[msmama]

I second The Babywearer website.

Personally I would go with a carrier with more back support if you're thinking all day at Disney. I used a Mei Tei (Babyhawk) and a Moby Wrap for our trip. I've heard amazing things about the Ergo, too.

So, while I love my ring sling for errands, I wouldn't carry my 20+ pounder in it all day.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

A sling worked great in WDW for our 6mo. His dad mostly carried him. he could look out when he was alert and enjoy the sights, but then snuggle back in for a nap. DH could still go on most family-type rides while wearing him. We also brought a stroller, but the baby slept better in the sling.

Not all babies like all types of slings, so if possible, try before you buy. And certainly, try before you get to WDW.

 

[DisneyAprilFool]

I have a wrap and I love it. I used it when my son was first born, but he got really big, really fast, and I just recently busted it back out and started using it again. It DEFINITELY helps carry him- he's over 23 pounds at 7 months and I can carry him various ways and my back doesn't ache afterwards!

 

[ldymcbth]

I have an Ergo and I LOVE it. I had a Baby Bjorn with my first and it was so uncomfortable that we rarely used it. The Ergo is comfortable and easy - we've used it a TON, especially on vacations. I am planning on putting my 1-yr-old in it during our upcoming Disney trip when we are in lines, etc.

 

[patchchild]

An Ergo or a Mei Tai would most likely be your better bets for that age and size. I think I'd lean towards an Ergo if you can afford it, it's quicker to get on and off.

 

[FancyO'Nancy]

I had a Hotsling that I loved and I also have a Babyhawk. Used them for 2/3 of my kids. LOVE both of them. I sold the Hotsling because I noticed I was using the Babyhawk more. I still can throw my almost 4yo in it if I want to.

 

[karen624]

I had a hotsling and a zolowear for my youngest, LOVED the Zolo ringsling, only loved the hotsling when she was very small. Used the zolo until she was well over age 1. It will wear on your shoulder after awhile, so I wouldn't want to carry a child in it for hours. I think a front carrier like an ergo or mei tai type that balanced the weight more would be good.

 

[two-foxes]

I would also skip the sling and go straight to the Ergo for longevity. For a 5 month old, I found the hip carry with the Ergo to be the best and when you guys want to use it for the baby as they get older, I found the back carry to be the best for WDW. I have slings and carriers and I would certainly go the Ergo route for WDW!

 

[disneytriplets]

Another vote for the Babyhawk! Love it!!

 

[Zeebs]

We did have our stroller as well, but I found this sling so helpful for the lines, and just wandering around. With my first I tried a backpack type thing and it hurt my shoulders that 1 go was enough to end my baby wearing days. My sister sent me this to try and it was fab, I never got sore anything wearing him in it. Here are a few photos. He was 10 months old at the time.

Kirsten

 

[PatricenPete]

We use our good old fashioned baby bjorn! u

 

[txloopnlil]

Once you find the right carriers, they are amazing! I was able to double carry twins for a total of 70 lbs well into their third year. Definately check out the babywearer site.

I found the mesh solar veil slings great for swimming, but a little scratchy for daily use. I used MayaWrap and (homemade) silk slings in hot and humid South Texas when they were younger.

At 5 months I'd get something where you support the weight on 2 shoulders. I used BabyHawk Mei Tai's and loved them, but wraps, MT's etc have a little bit of learning curve, so you need to try them out and get down the most comfortable way of wearing those before you leave home.

The soft structured carriers are really easy to use. I loved my Ergo, though I found the Beco a bit cooler in the hot months, it not as comfy at the heavier toddler weights for long periods, but for less than 18 months it was fine.

 

[Octoberbabiesrus]

I second The Babywearer website.

Personally I would go with a carrier with more back support if you're thinking all day at Disney. I used a Mei Tei (Babyhawk) and a Moby Wrap for our trip.

Ditto that and these two slings, They spread the weight across the back and shoulders. I can carry my 20 lbs 18month old all day and not be in pain.