Baby Slings

[shellynn24]

I have read postings on here before about a one piece cloth sling for babies through toddlers. Maybe a hotsling, but I do not know the name. I should be taking a 2 month old to WDW in December and was interested in this sling, could someone help me find it? I have tried to look for the posting where I read about it, but thought it would be easier just to ask. TIA!

 

[linda_loo]

I bought a woven-fabric one from www.hotslings.com, but it wasn't adjustable and I never was quite happy with the fit (passed it on to a friend who loved it).

I LOVED my adjustable fleece pouch from www.kangarookorner.com:

http://www.kangarookorner.com/k_shop_pouches_custom.shtml

They are pricey now, I bought mine in like 2003 and I swear it was $30-something... but I'd still buy it today, even if it were $75. I seriously feel like it was some of my best money spent. It was SO easy to get my baby in it, when she was a toddler and I was pregnant with our 2nd child, it was comfy. KK has a lot of slings, and some really great information in the links on the left side of the page... to help you pick one.

ETA: Hey, I think this post made me a Mouseketeer!!!

 

[TandyR]

I used a sling from http://www.mayawrap.com/ It was awesome. I don't know what I would do without it. I used it with my youngest from the time she was born until she was over 4 years old. Which would mean that it went on 3 WDW trips. We also used it as a blanket for our youngest when she fell alseep in the stroller because it was so light weight that it didn't make her hot, but kept her from being burnt. I just undid the cloth from the rings. I had it in a dark purple so my husband used it also, but not as often as I did. I can't say how much I loved my Maya Wrap.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

check ebay for a ring sling. i got mine brand new for $11.00 including shipping.

 

[frogmommy]

I used a sling from http://www.mayawrap.com/ It was awesome. I don't know what I would do without it. I used it with my youngest from the time she was born until she was over 4 years old. Which would mean that it went on 3 WDW trips. We also used it as a blanket for our youngest when she fell alseep in the stroller because it was so light weight that it didn't make her hot, but kept her from being burnt. I just undid the cloth from the rings. I had it in a dark purple so my husband used it also, but not as often as I did. I can't say how much I loved my Maya Wrap.

Ditto this post. I think I paid about $45.00 for mine. The Maya wrap is also very compact when not in use - it's easy tossed in a bookbag. The wrap comes with a video that shows how to use it. It's important that you put it on correctly so that it's not twisted - you want to make sure that the weight is distributed correctly so that you don't have back strain. I guess this would be true with any sling type carrier. Also, be sure to practice with it before you ever get to the parks.

The Baby Book by Dr. Sears is a good source for how to use wraps - it has a chapter devoted to the topic. You can probably find a copy in your local library.

 

[Ariel8676]

I use a Peanut shell, you can get them at http://goo-ga.com/, they are great. The microfleece is so warm and soft(not too warm though)., and its nice and stretchy, so its easy to get the baby in and out, good luck!

 

[nancy drew]

i have a maya wrap and a kangaroo korner fleece pouch and the fleece pouch is hands down the easier of the two. the maya takes some time to learn (took me 5-6 months to master it, and that was with watching the instructional dvd) and if you dont wear it the right way it will hurt like heck. you really cant go wrong with a pouch sling. if you dont like fleece, kangaroo korner has cotton pouches too. and if the price is intimidating, there are often "seconds" for sale at a steep discount. thats how i ended up with 2 fleece pouches.

i also recommend a solarveil sling, as it blocks UV rays. its a little easier to use than the maya, whose fabric seemed too slippery to me. the solarveil doesnt slip at all and it can be used as a stroller shade too. thats what i used last year with my 15 month old while we were waiting in line. then when it was naptime i hung it over the front of the stroller and it kept her protected from the sun while she napped.

 

[AngieWin]

I have a maya-style wrap, a maya pouch and a NOJO sling. The pouch is ok, but I like the way the slings adjust better. The Nojo was the cheapest of the 3 (consignment store), and while it has its uses, it is the hottest one to use for both mom and baby. I am awaiting a solarveil sling right now and I am very excited about it. It can also be worn in the water (pool, shower etc).

The maya-style wrap (a friend of mine makes them and sells them, much cheaper, but wonderful) I have used since DS2 was 4 weeks old. We did Disney when he was 2 months and he lived in it. Wonderful to nurse in.

 

[shellynn24]

Wow! Thanks for all the info. I had no idea there were so many to choose from. I have a lot of research to do. Any more ideas?

 

[Samers532]

Hi!

Another vote for the kangaroo korner adjustable fleece pouch (also the adjustable cotton pouch) I (and baby) loved mine and used it more than any other sling I have owned (so far I have 2 mei tais, a moby wrap, a solarveil ring sling, a cotton pouch, an ellaroo wrap and a padded khanga ring sling).

If you do decide on a kangaroo korner fleece pouch they do have an outlet section of the store where they sell their "previously loved" (worn once or twice or washed and returned) and their seconds (a stitch or two off, binding crooked etc.) for half the price. Which is where I purchased both my fleece pouch and my cotton pouch and never really could tell why they were seconds.

My second choice would be a Mei Tai (Asian Baby Carrier) our favorite (dh and me both) was made by Kaire of freehandbaby.

Hope this helps!

 

[Nikel]

Another vote for the Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouches. If I was going to Disney with an infant, that's def. what I'd bring for me. I had the stretch cotton instead of the fleece though. I loved that sling. I have a hotsling too, but I just don't like it as much. I never could get the hang of a ring sling, although my dh can use them fine. I LOVE my mei tai and never go anywhere without it, but I personally wouldn't use it with a 2 month old. We didn't start using it until around 6 months, but our babe is on the small side. (12 lb 9 oz at 6 months)

 

[AMaloy314]

I would suggest trying it out before you spend a lot of money on a sling. I know that many people swear by them, but they aren't everyone's cup of tea. I have 3 kids and I bought a sling for each of the first two before giving them away. I never felt like they were comfortable or all that safe. I know that it was probably just me and needing to get used to them, but I just didn't have the time to work with it. By DS #3, I broke down and bought a Baby Bjorn. I SOOOO wish that I had spent that money way back with #1. I love this carrier and would recommend it to anyone.

Everyone has their own preferences (even among sling users), so I would advise the old Try-Before-You-Buy adage.

 

[sconnell]

My SIL bought from monkeybum.com and when it came in, we decided we could make them. I have two (1 for each kid) that we made and they are great! DH can carry DD and I carry DS. (DS's is buzz lightyear material. )

 

[traej73]

I have a hotsling and loved it. My daughter is too big for it now even though she is not quite two and 30 pounds. We used it at disney when she was 5 months old. Worked so well. www.hotslings.com

 

[shellynn24]

My SIL bought from monkeybum.com and when it came in, we decided we could make them. I have two (1 for each kid) that we made and they are great! DH can carry DD and I carry DS. (DS's is buzz lightyear material. )

That is cool, I'd like to see a picture if you have one. I love homemade stuff it is more unique.

 

[shellynn24]

I would suggest trying it out before you spend a lot of money on a sling. I know that many people swear by them, but they aren't everyone's cup of tea. I have 3 kids and I bought a sling for each of the first two before giving them away. I never felt like they were comfortable or all that safe. I know that it was probably just me and needing to get used to them, but I just didn't have the time to work with it. By DS #3, I broke down and bought a Baby Bjorn. I SOOOO wish that I had spent that money way back with #1. I love this carrier and would recommend it to anyone.

Everyone has their own preferences (even among sling users), so I would advise the old Try-Before-You-Buy adage.

I have a really nice carrier that I used with the first two. I thought the breast feeding would be easier with a sling, but I have never tried it.

 

[PaulaSue]

I have a nojo (and a maya one that I made). I took mine in Jan and it really helped especailly, when she was tired and wouldn't settle down in the stoller to sleep. She would just snuggle me, pass out and then go into the stroller if needed. Ashley is 2 1/2 and 25 pounds. I don't usue it as much anymore but it is great for long days.

P.S. BF is GREAT in a sling. Practice in front of a mirror first to get the hang of it and make sure all is covered. I did it all the time anywhere and everywhere all 3 of my girls. We have season passes to Hershypark and always on the go. I bet I nursed them anywhere you can think but NEVER in a bathroom.

 

[hddanis]

I'll chime in for the Maya Wrap! I just loved mine. It was great all the way up to about age 3. Even if I didn't use it as a sling, I could use it as a harness.

 

[Marmus]

Hi! I have six slings...shh...dont tell DH! My faves when my babies were new were the Hotsling and Peanut Shell. They loved being squished and I could nurse while wearing them. I have a Didymos, but have never gotten the hang of it. Loved all the reviews at thebabywearer, since I had to buy all mine sight unseen.

 

[shellynn24]

Hi! I have six slings...shh...dont tell DH! My faves when my babies were new were the Hotsling and Peanut Shell. They loved being squished and I could nurse while wearing them. I have a Didymos, but have never gotten the hang of it. Loved all the reviews at thebabywearer, since I had to buy all mine sight unseen.

OMG! I know what you mean about not telling DH. I bought a new double stroller while he was in Iraq even though he told me not to But when he got home he found out that he liked the new stroller.