Slings

[Amiens]

Anyone use one? Any recommendations? I am thinking about using a sling and want to get a good one. I have a Baby Bjorn carrier, and like it but have heard you can breastfeed on the go with a sling.

Thanks in advance...

Crystal

If we have a third, I am trying a sling. A friend her had (recently sold) her own sling business and she swears by them. Seeing her use hers convinced me. Here's one to consider:
http://www.chicpapoose.com/

When I worked at the baby store (I mean baby product store), the ones we sold seemed really uncomfortable and awkward. As with so many things, I think some are better than others.

[Malpka]

I have owned several slings, and like using them so well I rarely use a stroller.
I like the maya wrap ( http://www.mayawrap.com) or the zolo ( http://www.zolowear.com ) ring slings. Not too bulky, and you can sinch the baby very close to you. A must for mobile breastfeeding!

[Cumberland]

I used the New Native Baby Carrier. It was nice bc it was one large piece, no buckles, etc. I got the organic cotton and it was so soft. I could nurse in it, and it doubled as a blanket, a cover up, a pillow on a plane, etc.
http://www.newnativebaby.com/

[Sheherezade]

I'm a sling fan as well. They are awkward the first time you put them on - particularly with a smushy newborn - but you figure out how to adjust them quickly. The simple design can morph to hold the baby in many different ways (and from age 0-5!) and the fabric can be expanded to cover more or less baby. It is great for nursing in public. I even nursed my daughter to sleep once walking through a mall. I also liked being able to use the sling as a make shift blanket. I could take the baby off and put him/her down to sleep still snuggled in the sling. Easy transfers and no waking up. I don't remember which brand I have -- but it expands to about 4 feet of fabric with soft padded borders on each side. The only "feature" I'd look for if I was buying one today is how much adjustablity the cinching strap provides. Mine had a strap attached to the body of the sling - after the strap ended the sling couldn't really be pulled any tighter.

[samssugarmomma]

We have one but I don't like it very much...I wish that I'd bought a maya wrap instead. I bought a SlingEZ but didn't spring for the video and we've had trouble figuring it out.

Mayawrap and New Native are the slings of choice amongst my nursing mommy friends.

[Rapunzel]

I tried slings with both of my youngest and they didn't work out very well. While comfortable for me my babies seem to be too long to fit well into the things. My kids just don't like having all of that pressure on their feet it seems and they REALLY hate having their legs bent. They all loved (or currently love in Eleanor's case) the baby Bjorn, though. Their legs get to hang down loose and free and nothing is touching their tootsies. Unfortunately, Ella is now so huge (5 months next week and around 22 lbs and VERY LONG) that she is almost too tall and too heavy for the baby Bjorn. I'm thinking she has about two more months with that thing and then I'm up the creek.

I don't know - maybe slings work better with smaller babies and the super-jumbo sized ones I have just don't fit?

I like the idea at least....

Jennifer

Eleanor really is a big baby - proportionally big at that. She's wearing size 12 months comfortably and will outgrow them by Christmas at the rate she's going. My back KILLS me by the end of the day from carrying her around and lifting her. She's longer/taller and heavier at almost five months than just about every toddler we know! I have spawned a race of giants!!!!

Maybe in two months she will be able to go in a backpack?

My 21 month old weighed in at 22 pounds at her 18 month visit....I imagine your back is killing you.

[Sheherezade]

No dice Jennifer. My babies were both 10+ lbs and loved the slings. I guess you could try one out before investing? Babies are particular, and heaven knows you want to keep them happy!!!

[Rapunzel]

No dice Jennifer. My babies were both 10+ lbs and loved the slings.

Oh great, I just have weird babies. I was worried about that....

Jennifer

I really wanted to use a sling and purchased a maya wrap adjustable ring sling before Henry was born. We used it a few times when he was small, but most of the time he was in it he fussed. In the beginning, he wanted to nurse every time he got close to my chest. (But I couldn't figure out how to nurse with him in the sling). As he got a little older, he hated it because he couldn't see out. Now, he is too heavy for the cradle hold, and I haven't been able to figure out any of the other positions. I have friends that love them. I guess it just depends on the kid.

[Cumberland]

I frequent another message board- mothering.com- and people over there are very pro-sling ( and attachment parenting). Some people sling their kids til they are 4 years old. After my DD was old enough to sit up, she wasnt interested anymore, but I think for some people, esp those that really believe in being attached, they teach their kids to get used to the sling.

[Sheherezade]

My kids are very attached. Too much so. I did use the sling, (although sparingly) when they were 3 and 4 as a hip holder. It works just like an arm and leaves your hands free. But you have to be careful you don't wack your child into a doorway when you are rushing around.....not that I'd know from personal experience or anything...

[Amiens]

So I think I found a sling that I like.

http://www.hotslings.com-- right price, and the material is what I want. I bought one in black to start. Plus I have read some great reviews. If it goes well I might get another one with a "funky mama" print.

Crystal