Question About Baby Gear

The Bjorn is fantastic! When my baby got a bit older, about 4-5 mos. I love the HotSling. It was thin and light and not so hot. I could fit it in her bag. She loved it and I "wore" her until about 10-11 mos. My husband always preferred the Bjorn. The HotSling is pretty size specific and it didn't fit him, only me.

I second all the Ergo recommendations! I found that after about 20lbs the ring sling style carriers twist my back a bit. I used the ring sling with #1 until she was 2yrs or so - not often, but enough that I noticed I didn't want to use the ring sling as much (she weighed close to 30lbs by the time I stopped using the ring sling).
With #2, I used the ring sling constantly from the time he was 2 days old until he first hit 22lbs. He's now 1yr old and still around 22lbs, just a lot longer than he was at 6mos :-) I still use the sling for quick in-and-out errands, but I use the Ergo for grocery shopping or anything else that will take a while. I wish that I had owned an Ergo with #1, it would have saved some back ache.
Something I didn't see mentioned about the Ergo (but may have read too fast) is this -- although the legs are spread, the baby's weight is not on the hips. The baby sits on his/her bottom with legs spread out in front, same as they do when a baby sits on the floor playing with toys.
I am also in Austin - if you'd like to see and try on a ring sling and an Ergo, I'd be up for meeting you somewhere. Just email me :-) kbhotz at yahoo dot com
hth
K., mama to
Catherine, 4yrs
Samuel, 1yr

My husband and I have found a great sling its my parents of invention. Its light weight and very easy to use. Plus the baby really enjoys it and it can hold up to 35lbs.
Here is the link http://parentsofinvention.com/

Actually I would most recommend the Ergo baby carrier, it is a backpack style that can be worn on front, hip and back and will best distribute the weight and give you the longest use for your money. You can get them at Austin Baby store.

Hi J.,

Congratulations! How exciting for you, I wish you the best.

Have you looked into any other types of slings? I saw one at Whole Foods that looked nice, although I didn't see the weight limit.
How about the Mei Tais or Wrap-around ones. I have used the Baby Bjorn, a ring sling and I just purchased a hip sling. The Baby Bjorn was awesome, but after my 9 month old got a little too heavy, it started hurting my back a little. The ring slings work well too, you just have to get familiar with them first. ut it does allow for a more intimate closeness. The hip carrier I have yet to receive, apparently it is a very popular item. I ordered it from Acacia (you can view on line). It holds up to 35 lbs, so it grows with you.
There are a few baby stores around town that carrier these, not Babies R Us though.
Most are online as well, but I like to see and feel products usually, so maybe checking out the local boutiques may be a better idea.

Good Luck,

M. Milberger
mom to 9 month old baby Blake

congratulations! so great. about slings, there are so many different types! there is an organization in austin that will let you come try on slings and even borrow them so play with styles and fits before buying one. i love my moby wrap (www.moby.com i think) as it's great for my 3 month old as well as my 2 1/2 yr. old. it's a wrap that you can tie all different ways. if that isn't the right website you can do a search for moby wraps to look at them. the organization is a part of nino (nine in nine out). i don't have the contact info. but can get it if you're interested.
i'm not a big fan of baby bjorn or fischer price slings, but you have to use what you're comfortable with.
good luck and safe travels.

Congratulations! Zolowear slings (made in Austin!) are beautiful and comfortable. You can find them at shops around town or their website (www.zolowear.com). I also like the Moby Wrap. It's essentially a long piece of fabric that you tie into various contraptions for holding your baby. It's very versatile and, because it wraps around your waist, is easier on the back than slings or front carriers like the Bjorn. It's also very affordable. You can find those at www.mobywrap.com

I wouldn't go with the bjorn just because you won't be able to use it too much longer and because it is a bit impersonal. At her age she will want to be up and and free as possible to explore the world. I would go for a Zolo pouch which is what I used when my son outgrew the bjorn. If you wear her on your hip in the pouch you will be very close her her but her arms will be free and she will be sitting upright. I used the pouch a lot for international travel with my son and it worked great when wearing a backpack for supplies.

check out the ergo carrier

Oooh! Congratulations! We brought our youngest child home from Korea in 2003 and my best friend works at Great Wall and was also adopted from Korea. I hope you have a WONDEFUL trip! I found that the Hip Hammock was wonderful for me. We also used a Korean-style carrier called a "podegi" which was wonderful and snug...and our son loved it!
If you're looking for sweet, unique adoption announcements, let me know!! :)

I bought a sling ease (ring sling) and still use it with my 27lb son.

I was given a size 4 Hotsling and I am m-l build and only use it now at home to carry him around when he doesn't want to be put down but it has been great as you never have to adjust it (you have to have the right size from the start though)

We Loved our snugli (as my hubby thought the sling was too girly and would only use the snugli) but it only goes to 24 or 26lbs I can't remember...

So you need to know how much the baby weighs. If you go to Special Addition they can fit you for either sling but they do not sell the snugli (that is at babiesrus)
I say get both and see which works best for you. Both were used alternately and often by me (but now I only use the ringsling due to weight when I go to a store that doesn't have carts if I am not taking the stroller)
The sling takes a lot of practice to get used to and the snugli is easy to use from the get go.

I got a sling from Babyhawk.com. I absolutely love it. My daughter whom is 20 mos. has been in it since she was an infant and I still carry her today. You get to choose your own design and they are really comfy. Hope that helps you out. Best of luck with your adopted baby.

Ergo! Ergo! Ergo! Ergo!

I know that you have to decide between so many people's advice but PLEASE check out the ergo. You need to order it now online and if you take a look at the pictures you can see that it has a back brace and is washable. It can be worn front, side or back, and most importantly it has a little hood to hold your baby's head when they fall asleep so it doesn't flop around. Especially since your baby is older and is only getting bigger I really recommend it!!!

I have tried many kinds and I wish I had found this one sooner because it works for all stages and is so durable. When you're done just wash it and sell it to someone else it will last forever!-Angela Peace

I have the BabyBjorn and I love it. I would suggest getting the sport one though because it has the lumbar support which makes it really comfortable. My daughter also loved being in it. She never made a fuss. An added bonus is that it is easy to use. You don't need a second person there to help you get it adjusted like some of the other ones. Good luck. I hope everything goes well for you.

I loved the Baby Bjorn with the back brace (and have bought 3 for expecting friends, which they love them as well)! I started putting my son in there when he was just 2 weeks old. We both loved it!!! And it was by far the easiest way to carry him (and it gives you 2 free arms to rub her head, play with her feet...). He was thrilled when he was able to face foward and see the world. It is also easy to pack and simple to adjust for someone else who is carrying her.

I had both the Bjorn and a sling that adjusted with the rings at the shoulder and we used the Bjorn much more once our kids got out of the infant stage. Part of this was that I found the Bjorn easier to use than the sling, and my husband also found it easy to use, which was probably why it was such a hit. Alas, you won't know which one your wee baby will prefer until you get there and try 'em out on her. Any chance you could borrow a couple from friends who have already had kids for your trip to try them out before you decide on The One? Then you can buy her fave once you're back in the States.

Bathtime and bed snuggling are other great times for baby bonding! Congratulations and good luck on your journey into motherhood!

Congratulations on your soon to be bundle of joy! To answer your question, I found that the Maya Wrap was the best for our needs. It allows for a close snug fit that is body to body without much padding or uncomfortable pieces of plastic digging in. It is secure and can be used in various ways. It comes with a dvd to help you learn these various ways. You can find them in neutral colors as well so that your husband can carry the baby also. My best suggestion for finding this item is to google it.

Additionally, I'm half Chinese and I was always made conscientious by my mother (whom is full Chinese) of the way a baby is held. What I mean to say is make sure that the baby’s legs are together and not separated to prevent from possible gait concerns or as my mother would say, from being bull-legged.

Hope this helps!!
Best Wishes!

Hey,
Congradulations..... as an older mom I highly suggest the ergo.... I have used a hotsling, baby bjorn and then went to the ergo.... it is designed for your back and the back of your child....it can be used front facing, hip or back which allows you to see which works best for her.... I bought mine online from ergo.... it washes well too.... The baby bjorn killed my back the weight distribution was really rough...my nine month old is 23 pounds and he loves the ergo... it also works for my husband who is a foot taller than me....

good luck