Recommendations on Baby Slings

I would highly recommend a Hotsling. Their website is www.hotslings.com and it's awesome. You can use it from birth up to 35 lbs by folding/wearing it different ways. It folds up very small, so it doesn't take up a lot of room...awesome product!

I'm a sling mom & have used it with all 4 of my babies. I use the NoJo Original Baby Sling (askdrsears.com) & have loved it. Hope this helps!

WOW LOTS of replies! That's great. I love my hotsling - http://www.hotslings.com. I bought it at Kid to Kid for $25!

There is a store in Richardson near 75 & Campbell called Peppermint
www.peppermint.com and they have every kind of baby sling you can think of--and you can try them on there. They even have weighted baby dolls to try so you can see what it would actually feel like. I was very impressed. I ended up getting a Moby Wrap ($40) for affordability and comfort/back support and will probably get something more sturdy when my baby (who is due in August) gets too heavy for that sling. Good luck!

A friend gave me a Maya Wrap with my first child and I loved it!
http://www.mayawrap.com/

The Maya Wrap came with an instructional video to show a lot of ways to use it. Once I practiced a couple of times, I could do it with ease. I never could easily do one of the front carriers -- they just frustrated me trying to get it set up and get the baby in, etc.

One of the neatest things about the Maya Wrap sling is its versatility. I got one without padding (added my own padding when they were babies). I was able to use it when I needed to hold or carry my kids as toddlers as well. We went to a parade and I needed to hold my two year old for long periods of time -- the sling really saved me.

I have a four month old who hated trips to the store in is car seat. I purchased the Maya Wrap and he loved it! I bought a neutral green so that my husband would wear it too. He loves it as well. You can carry them in a variety of postions and up until they are 35 lbs. They call it "wearing your baby". I had a friend years ago who carted her 2 year old baby that way and it seem so easy for her. Check out Peppermint in Richardson. They have a wide selection and really beautiful fabrics to chose from.
Incidently I recieved the sling, that rides in the front, in a cradle postion, they sell them at target- well it was ok, but my baby was squawshed and hot because the fabric was black, we barely used it.
They also have a web site www.peppermint.com

I have 3 kids, and my youngest is two months. I've tried slings with each one, with no luck. But finally I've found the New Native sling (http://www.newnativeinc.com/), which is great because it is one piece of fabric--you order the size that will fit you. I'm a petite person, and was frustrated with trying to adjust a sling to fit me, so the New Native is perfect. As for the Baby Bjorn, my son hates it right now, because he's still in the newborn stage and wants to be curled up, and also get to his hands so he can suck on them. The sling allows him to curl up in that fetal position and suck on his hands, which is very soothing for him. I'm hoping he'll like the Baby Bjorn once he has more head support and is more interested in what's happening around him. Good luck!

I use a Maya wrap with my 10 month old and we both love it. When they are babies you can wear them cradle style or belly to belly. As they get older you can wear them on your hip as I do now. If you sew at all they are easy to make. Just google maya wrap sewing instructions and you will find help. With materials mine cost $8.00. You could also purchase one. Try www.pepermint.com Good luck!

HI J.,
I too loved my bjorn. I have just had my third baby and have started using a Hotsling. I really like it and my daughter seems to like it too. It is more secure than the bjorn for the smaller babies. I plan to use the bjorn when she gets older, although I have seen people use the hotsling for several years.
C.

I got the "ultimate Sling"...I think that's what it is called. It was cheaper than all the other options, and you can make it do all of the things that the others do. It is basically a very long piece of cotton t-shirt material cloth, that you wrap around your body. You can place the baby in the sling facing you, facing out, lying down, on your hip (when they get older), and if you have help you can even have them on your back for when they get to be toddlers. Because of the fabric and the way it's designed, I found that it didn't put any stress on my shoulders. It is very handy, and easy to transport. I have used it for both of my boys, and plan to use it with my 3rd in Novemember. I got mine at Babies R us.

A.

Buy a HotSlings brand and you will be supporting a local mama! the company is owned and run by a mom in East Dallas. You can find HotSlings in boutiques for sure (like Baby Bliss in Snyder Plaza) but i think Target even sells them now. Or, you can buy them online at sites like BabyCenter - just do a google search on "HotSlings"

I love my slingling. It's very important that no matter what type of sling you get, you get one that fits you well. I've been through 3 slings and the last two were the best b/c they fit!

J.,

I got quite a bit of mileage out of my New Native Baby Carrier. It's similar to the Hotslings style. Perhaps a little cheaper. You can use it from birth, unlike the baby bjorn. I used it until my daugther was in preschool. She became really hard to stuff into it after a while, although she absolutely loved feeling like a baby. Of course her legs and arms would hang out. It was pretty funny.

Good luck!

I used a sling with my son and I LOVED it. I bought it online from an internet friend and it was a godsend! What I like about mine is that it is made from cotton material, which breathes well, which is important in Texas! I also like that it didn't have the padded "rails" on the edges. This allowed me to adjust it smaller so I could carry him a little higher and closer to me when he was tiny. He was a preemie and that ability to carry him close and have my hands free really worked great for me. I also was able to breastfeed him in the sling and by raising the side just so, I could be discreet and not let anyone see what I was doing. I used it for over two years and loved it.

The one I have is a two ring slide, with the long piece of fabric. Very adjustable, comfortable and affordable. The company name of my friend was Slingtastic Slings, and I don't know if she's still making them but if she is, I highly recommend her. What I love best about it is that it was so adaptable to different positions, sizes and placements. I could carry him a variety of ways, and it could be adjusted as he grew. Once they outgrow the front carrier, that's it. I definitely would choose the sling over a carrier without hesitation.

Congratulations on your baby! My favorite slings are the pouch sling (like Hotslings) for when the baby is really little (<3 months) or to be able to get the baby in it quickly, like at church. For longer carrying times, like a grocery trip, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Mobywrap. Or any wrap the same style. You can wrap it tons of different ways and it doesn't strain your back.

Hi There. Can you sew at all? I know that slings can be expensive... I have a pattern for the Maya Wrap that I got online. To make would be very cheap, like $15 or less. If you are interested in that just reply to me on Mamasource and I will send you the link or I will photocopy my pattern and mail it to you. Good Luck!

Check out www.happymommys.com they have what's called the MobyWrap. It's one of the most comfortable ones I've ever tried.

I personally love the Hotsling. I've used it with my child since he was 3 weeks old. There are so many positions - craddle for infants, front carry, hip carry etc. My little guy is 4 months old now and we put him in the sling so he can look out and he loves it! He can take it all in. Best part is the sling is that it's light weight, easy to carry around and simple to use. They come in a variety of sizes, patterns and fabrics too.

Looks like you've got recommendations on just about every one out there! I've heard great things about the Ergo and the wrap-style ones from other moms. (I think I'd like an Ergo if we have another baby.) My favorite has been the Fairy Godmother sling, which is a lot like the Hotsling. (Fairy Godmother is available at the Baylor Moms store, but Hotslings are at some Targets - both by local moms.) A pouch sling is cuper easy for quick trips to the store and such. I loved it when my daughter was just old enough to hold up her head. I would sit her in it cross-legged facing away from me. At 17 months, I can still put her in it on my hip. (Though not for long, heavy girl!) It's AWESOME for airports. Because there are no buckles or rings, you don't have to take them out at security, and I could give her a bottle while walking down the hall. Plus when she was smaller and sitting in it, everyone (business men included) would ooh an ahh. Great boost when you're having a rough mommy day!

I bought a regular sling and then I bought the Ultimate Baby Wrap from The Nesting Place in Grapevine. The website is: http://www.thenestingplace.biz/SlingsWraps.html

The Wrap is GREAT b/c you actually have 2 hands free to do laundry and empty the dishwasher, etc. It holds the baby to you so well that you don't need to support the baby when you bend over or anything. I am pretty pleased with this as a purchase.

I will say however, my daughter (3 months old) is very hot blooded and I am too, so I've been unable to be outside with her in the wrap b/c we both sweat too much. :-)

But I will still be able to use it this fall and it has like 5 different ways you can hold the baby (or child) in it.

Good luck to you!

Congrats and blessings over the upcoming birth! I tried so, so many slings and carriers and was disappointed with them all until I found the Patapum from Italy. Babies can be worn on the front or back. It is so soft and takes the weight off your back, distributing it evenly on your hips. I just love it and the reviews for it are always positive!

I have a Maya Wrap ring sling, i like it but it is big. I have one due in December and I think I am going to get a Hot Sling for this one.
www.theslingstation.com (I think) is located in McKinney and I scheduled a fitting at the warehouse...one on one tried several mentioned out.
they were very helpful.

I've used (and made) a couple of baby carriers. My favorite by far is the wrap style. It is so comfortable. I made my own. It was very inexpensive. I looked online to learn how to wrap it. The biggest drawback is learning to wrap it.

I have the Moby wrap and have enjoyed using it. It is not as adjustable as a ring sling once the baby is in it but it is more comfortable as it uses your entire back instead of only one shoulder. If you decide on a sling I recommend a ring sling as you can adjust the fit.
good luck.

There is a mom on this site that makes the slings. Look under the business reviews - then newborns & infants - then baby gear. Her business is called Joey Slings (ring slings).

You can choose from a variety of beautiful fabrics and she even makes one you can wear in the shower or pool. (or course you don't swim with it - the baby should stay above the water) It sure helps with their slippery bodies though.

I loved this sling. It is like the ones others discribed. It can be worn various ways. My son loved it. I was also able to nurse with him in it and it was so discrete that almost no one knew. I had another type of sling with my daughters, but it always hurt my back so bad I didn't like use it much. This can distribute weight over your back more evenly. I used it daily.

C.

I had one of each kind. My girl was only happy if I carried her around on a soft pillow. She is still a little princess. The baby will let you know what it likes. I would check out consignment shops and other sales.

L

Hey J.,
I work for a printing company in the Dallas Area and we actually print the inserts for a company called HotSlings.
This is a baby sling for infants up to i believe 3 years old.
The prices I am not sure of though. I think last I hard they were about 40 bucks. You can go to your nearest Target store and they sell them there.
Hope you find them if not let me know. Maybe I can gt one from the company myself and send it to you.
I just looked on the website and the are going for about 25 to 30 bucks.

Hi J.,

I have an almost 6 month old son. I tried five different carriers and the only one I kept and used was the Moby wrap. I would absolutely recommend it over all the others. Basically, it is just a very long piece of fabric that you wrap around your body as instructed (you learn how really quickly). Then you can put your baby in it in different holds. When they are newborn, they are tucked away just like they are in the womb again. It really calms them down. When they are older, you can face them out to see the world. I still use mine. The baby's weight is distributed evenly and is very gentle on your back, unlike the slings which pull on one shoulder. Good Luck!

S.

I have an ergo baby carrier. It allows you to carry your child on the front, back or hip. I am 5 ft 4 in and my husband is 6 ft 5 in and both of us can use the same carrier. The carrier will hold a child up to at least 40 lbs. Sometimes more depending on you child. http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ It is also okay to go hiking or fast walking using it.

I have a Mei Tai. I love it. Mine was a gift but it was bought from www.meitaicarrier.com. I don't know if she still makes them, but the quality is good.

Here is a great resource for baby carriers. It is www.thebabywearer.com. I find a ring sling most versitile, but I also have a mai tai and an obi carrier. I make ring slings if you are interested.

Good Luck!

I've tried alls sorts of slings and carriers and my absolute favorite is the ergo. You can use it from newborn, carrying them with a blanket insert in a side sling, then when they're a little older, you can put the baby or toddler on your front, hip, or back. It is so easy to put on and very comfortable as it puts the weight on your hips, not back. Try www.myfavoritebabycarrier.com to check it out. I use it with both my baby and 3 year old and both love it.

PUJBABY.com

I used the Baby Bjorn too and loved it, especially for longer outings. Another sling that is really simple and also frees up both hands is the Go-Sling by Puj. It has saved me when I needed three arms!

I have three children and got a sling when my third was born. It's life-changing and allows so much more freedom while also giving the baby the time he needs with me, which is a lot more difficult by baby #3. I highly recommend one. And yes, I like much better than other baby carriers. I ordered mine online from Hot Slings - they have you take your measurements to get the right size. Target has also started carrying some. My baby is 7 months and it still fits us - even though I have lost the baby weight, he is has grown so much that it has balanced out.

www.slingsbyjanis.com makes wonderful ring slings and mei tei baby carriers. I would not recommend the Baby Bjorn due to the way it carries babies, not to mention the discomfort to mom's back.

I have used a ring sling with my 12 month old and have LOVED it (and so has she!). By far, the ring sling is the most versatile with abilities to even nurse the baby while being carried.

J.,

I have multiple kinds of carriers, and they all serve different purposes. I have a Moby wrap (which I see others have also recommended) which is awesome when they're little. It's SO comfortable and it's the best carrier when they're in that newborn stage and want to be close to you at all times. It just takes a while to master and to put on. For quick trips, I use a hotsling. You can't beat how easy it is to pop the baby in & out on short trips. But then it's not as comfy as the Moby. When the baby got older, I got a mei tai - specifically a Babyhawk. It's better for holding up to heavier babies/toddlers. You should check out thebabywearer.com for lots more info on types of carriers, the advantages of each, and what brand and where to buy them all.

I used a Moby. It was perfect when he was newborn because he would snuggle on my chest. Some people complained about the fabric being long, but it's really not that bad, and I got the hang of it fairly quick. When BB got where he could sit on my hip, I got a hostling. Congrats!

First my condolences on the loss of your two precious babies. I lost two babies very close together, the 1st a miscarriage at 8 weeks, then my son Alexander a nearly full term baby at 32 weeks with a very sick heart. You are so brave to try again. We did too (less than a year later also) and have our beautiful daughter Brianna who is the light of our life.
As for baby slings. I used the front carriers too with my older kids and felt it was a lot of stress on my back. With Brianna I tried the baby wearing method. (there are websites about this just google it) I went to Walmart and got something like 9 yards of a stretching fabric that was on the clearance rack for a $1 a yard and used that. Then i found directions for 'wearing" her. I also had a friend that showed me how to do the wraps. I LOVED this method. It didn;t hurt my back, it kept her up higher on my chest and we could have more contact.
Good luck and God bless.

http://www.babyhawk.com/

Mine is by Green Pea Designs and I like it a lot. I tried a Hotsling and didn't care for it. I think your best bet is to go to a specialty store and try a few. I also use the Ultimate Baby Wrap. It is a little bulky, but is by far the mest secure one I have tried.

I also use (and make) the ring style baby slings. They are my favorite, especially if you plan on breastfeeding. Half the time I was feeding at the mall, grocery store, anywhere and people would never look twice. But if you wanted to try them all out, I have patterns for the pouch style, mai tai style, the wrap style and sling style. I can come out to your house so you can try them all and decide for yourself which you would like to use. Best thing about slings is they provide security for the baby and reminds them of being in the womb. My little ones never got attached to blankets or pacifiers because they didn't need them. They had me--how perfect is that? And studies have found that babies who are worn actually become more independent (I can state this as true with my kiddoes...they have the normal stranger danger fear, but once I introduce new people, they are very social without my prompting them to be). I definitely recommend you try them out and as soon as the baby is born. You won't regret it! Another great thing, is they fold up nice 'n neat and fit in most baby bags--all are pretty easy to use if shown properly. Men can wear them too.

I would absolutely second the recommendation for the Peppermint Baby boutique at Plano & Campbell Roads in Richardson. They have a great selection and even teach babywearing classes there so you can learn how to use the various types of slings available. they will let you try them on and help you choose the type/size that best works for you. Even if it's a little out of your way, it is a great way to find a comfy sling that works so you're not wasting time and money on one that you won't use.
Their slings are much more comfortable than the Baby Bjorn and also much better for the baby as most don't force baby's legs apart putting all the pressure on the joints. Hope this helps some. Good luck & best wishes for a happy, healthy birth!

I have used the Metro Mamma: http://www.metromamma.com/.

I also used the fairy godmother sling: http://www.myfairygodmother.biz/home.htm.

I really liked them both! I used the fairy godmother sling from the time my son was about 1 month...

The Metro Mamma can be used for a long time too!

I love my Maya Wrap! I would not be without it!

Hotslings!! I used mine forever!! You can buy them at RightStart on Lovers