Should I buy a baby sling

[sdoll]

I was looking at another post and saw a lot of info on a baby sling. So I started to think would that be handy for our upcoming cruise and WDW trip? I have a 7 mos old. I was planning on taking my Borjn but that can kill my back after a short while. So any one have any experience. I was thinking the hot slings looked nice.

 

[Ariel8676]

For a 7 month old a Hotslings would be good for a hip carry, but something a bit more adjustable like a ring sling might be a better option... http://www.sleepingbaby.net/ these are my favorite, the shoulder is so comfy..you could get one with a solarveil material that has sun protection and you can go in water with it on!! ( Not sure how much longer they are available for though) Anyway i know she is on a break for a little while, there are a ton of great ring slings out there..if you are interested let me know and ill get you more links!!!
Another option is a Mei Tei carrier..you can wear on the front (for sleeping or snuggles) or on your back my favorite is http://www.babyhawk.com/
Also there are carriers like an Ergo or Beco (and a ton of other Soft structured carriers (SSC's) i would suggest going to
http://www.thebabywearer.com/ and seeing all of your choices and then make a decision.. there is also a FSOT (for sale or trade) forum on there that you can find gently used carriers for great prices.
Seriously PM me if you have any questions, i would be more than happy to help!!!

 

[PrincessBoo]

I'm sure glad that you guys are on top of things...I didn't even think about a sling! THat is a great idea..I had a friend make me one for a shower gift but have never used it...You guys are the best! Thanks!

 

[sukhakuli]

You know, for a 7 month old I would buy one pouch, like a Hotsling. If you can sew at all, they are a snap to make, but even if you can't there are loads of different pouch makers out there. You may want to consider a "solarveil" pouch. It can be worn in the pool, gives UV protection, and is very cool to wear in the heat.

Also, I would consider a "soft structured carrier" (SSC) so you can carry your baby on your back. Mei Tais are a good option, but I think for a beginner SSC's might be better. You will get more longevity out of it, too. I can still carry my almost 3 year old on my back, but he's too heavy for my pouches. Check out the Ergo Baby Carrier, and the Beco Baby Carrier. If you buy those 2, then you are pretty set.

If you decide that you love babywearing, then check out www.thebabywearer.com. They have forums as well, and reviews, etc. Good luck, and enjoy!!

 

[elderfam]

My son is still just over 3 months, so dont know which to recommend for a 7 mo old yet. I will say that we took him to Disney and LOVED our sling! I found a lady up in New Jersey who custom makes them (under $30.) to your size and mine was quilted. This turned out to be important because, my "peanut shell" had to much stretch and the quilting added some sound proofing when I held my hand over his ears. He didnt make a sound during the fireworks but was able to look up and see them.
PM me if you want the website of the custome slings. Is your husband going? I also bought him a sling so we could share baby duty and he had sooo many women stop and tell him how wonderful he was! ha ha BIG ego boost for him! ha ha

 

[PrincessBoo]

I can sew. Do they have a pattern to purchase online anywhere?

 

[brightvalleyjrts]

I have a few that a friend made for me. They are my favorite. But I also have the Ellaroo Hip Sling. It's pretty handy too for hip carry. I will be taking 2 or 3 with me to Disneyworld for my 2 year old. He still does well in the sling. Heck even my almost 5 year old likes to be carried in the sling still! LOL!!

This is my oldest that turns 5 in Feb. These are the slings that my friend made for me. They are the most comfortable b/c they are easy to just slip on and no straps to deal with.

 

[Nom]

I have a Maya Pouch and it is awesome. Dd is 3 and still likes to use it.

I could never get how to adjust ring slings, so the maya was a great alternative becasue you just put it on like a sash and throw the baby in there. I say, go for it!

 

[Princess Roo]

I can sew. Do they have a pattern to purchase online anywhere?

You don't even need a pattern. There are instructions at http://www.chicslings.com/pages/how_to_make_a_baby_sling.php. That's where I bought mine from and I love it. It looks like she only makes adjustable ones now, which are more expensive.

The best thing about the pouches is that they take only about as much space as a baby's outfit in a diaper bag, so even if you don't use it much you don't regret bringing it. I used it a lot with my niece in a "Buddha carry" when she was 6 or 7 months and now I use it all the time with my infant in a "cradle carry". Keeps the hands free to chase the toddler! There are good instructions about the different ways to use it, with video, at hotslings.com.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hotslings are terrific (I can't believe how mainstream they are now!), as are mammasmilk.com slings.

But in case you want to make one, this site is good, too. http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/tubesling.html I'm a NON-sewer, sew-er? seamstress? And I made one in an evening out of fancy fabric as part of a family Halloween costume. I was Mrs Incredible and DS was Jack-Jack...the sling was in satin like "my" shirt would be, and I wore it under an overshirt, so it was like "my" body had created the sling for Jack-Jack. Anyway, b/c of the cheapie fabric it wasn't OK for normal use, but it did work and was fairly easy!!!

 

[PrincessBoo]

You don't even need a pattern. There are instructions at http://www.chicslings.com/pages/how_to_make_a_baby_sling.php. That's where I bought mine from and I love it. It looks like she only makes adjustable ones now, which are more expensive.

The best thing about the pouches is that they take only about as much space as a baby's outfit in a diaper bag, so even if you don't use it much you don't regret bringing it. I used it a lot with my niece in a "Buddha carry" when she was 6 or 7 months and now I use it all the time with my infant in a "cradle carry". Keeps the hands free to chase the toddler! There are good instructions about the different ways to use it, with video, at hotslings.com.

Thank you so much! I will be able to make one this week!

 

[tanyaandallie]

At 7 mos I would recommend a 2 shouldered carrier. I love pouches and ring slings, but if you are going to do some long term carries at WDW, I'd get either a Mei Tai or a SSC. They are far more comfy with a 7 mos old when carrying all day long.

I took my ds to DL when he was 7 mos and used my mei tais. They worked out great. My favorites - www.babyhawk.com and www.kozycarrier.com.

When he was about 10 mos we got our first SSC and never looked back. If you can get comfy with a back carry, it's the most darn comfy carrier you will ever have. They also work on the front but I prefer my mei tai for a front carry. My fav ssc is the Beco. www.becobabycarrier.com. They rock!!!!!

You can also find patterns online to make a mei tai so if you are going to make something, I'd do a mei tai over a SSC. I hear SSCs are much more difficult to make.