To Sling or Not to Sling....

I have a 10-month old and used a Hot Sling (www.hotslings.com). It has been fantastic. I use it ALL the time. When she was really little, there we times she didn't want to be in it. But other times, she couldn't get enough of it. She actually began to recognize it and if she was fussy, when I took it out, she immediately got quiet because she knew she was going to be in it soon. We had a bigger sling for my husband and he used to put her in it and vacuum, which she loved. I'm planning to buy a MayaWrap (www.mayawrap.com) for my sister-in-law who is pregnant, and get one for myself. The Hot Sling is not adjustable and now that my baby is getting bigger, I think something like MayaWrap, which is adjustable, will work better.

Hi L.,
I have the Moby wrap and love it!! It seems intimidating at first but it is really easy to use and only $35. There is a store in Chicago called Be Bye Baby that has a monthly "baby wearing" class where they show you all the various types of slings and help you figure out which one is right for you. They are at the corner of Lincoln and Roscoe. If you live far, I would still check it out - it was one of the best classes I ever attended!! Well worth the trip!
Congrats and good luck!!
T.

I have heard a lot of moms either love slings or hate them. I am planning on getting a Moby Wrap for our next child. Check out their website, especially how to put it on. (I have heard, from a mom that uses one, that it looks hard at first but it gets easier with every use.)
You can also look up Moby Wrap on YouTube.com to see really people use this baby carrier.

Sling websites...

www.hotslings.com

www.lucky-baby.com

Baby-wearing websites...

www.mobywrap.com

www.mayawrap.com

A Maya Ring Sling would be a great purchase. Newborns can easily be carried in the sling, and slings are great to use for quick in and out type of carries. You also can carry baby in a hip carry with a Maya RS when baby gets older and develops neck control! However, with a ring sling, you do have limited motion of one arm because of where the sling rests on your upper arm/shoulder.
You might want to consider a Mei Tai -- either a Babyhawk or Freehand. Both of these carriers properly support a baby's weight unlike the Bjorn where the baby dangles -- not good for hip development. Mei Tais also are very comfortable for mom or dad! A second recommendation would be an Ergo carrier, which is similar to the Bjorn, but again much more comfortable for mom/dad and supports baby's weight properly. You would need an infant insert with the Ergo, but most moms love it! I have all three of these carriers -- a Maya, an Ergo and a Freehand Mei Tai. I like each, and I probably wouldn't be able to function well with out the Ergo!! (DS - 19 pounds at six months looooooves being carried!)
There is a babywearing group in Lake County, and we meet the second Friday of the month at 10 a.m. at Grayslake Library. Mamas can come and get help with a carrier they already have or try carriers other mamas have before they purchase one. I know the group also is trying to find a time to meet either one night a month or on one Saturday a month so working moms can get help, too! You can talk to other local experienced babywearing mamas through our Yahoo group, Lake County Babywearers. Also, thebabywearer.com offers lots of insights and opinions from other babywearers about carriers! Hope this helps!
And, lastly, diaperpin.com has product reviews of carriers.

I received a Baby Bjorn but couldn't use it for awhile due to my baby's weight (8 lb. minimum). I bought a Peanut Shell at Nordstrom's and love it but I waited too long for my baby to like it--she's claustrophic in it and much prefers the Baby Bjorn, funny, I know. I wish I would have started the Peanut Shell immediately, but I waited until I could try it on with my baby inside and who wants to bring out a newborn to a germy store in the winter? Anyway, the Peanut Shell allows you to carry your baby 3 ways: sling style, kangaroo style, and on the hip. We're now doing the kangeroo style around the house and it's lots of fun but for outdoors and shopping, I trust the Bjorn because she's "locked in." Too bad they're all not inexpensive, but I have definately gotten my money's worth with the Bjorn and my daughter is only 4 months! Another plus is that the Bjorn isn't as "feminine" looking. My husband originally scoffed at the idea of wearing the baby but now he's the proud papa showing off his daughter in the classic black Bjorn. The Bjorn is a no-brainer for adjustments as we can switch back and forth between our body types in seconds.

Two styles that were recommended were the Hotsling (by a mom) and MobyWrap (by a mom & lactation consultant). If you're in the Suburbs, a great resource is Dundee Pharmacy in Northbrook.

There is a great group called the Lake County Babywearers. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LCBabywearers/
This is a great resource for all types of slings and carriers. Most of the moms have several children so they can tell you what worked for them and what didn't. We also meet monthly in at the Greyslake Library and you'd be able to play with different carriers/slings.
I really hope you check it out.

Oh, I used a mai tai and a wrap with my first and I will definately be using something when we go for number 2.

Good luck,
R.

I suggest waiting until your baby arrives and trying one out to see if she likes it. I had my heart set on a sling or a mei tai carrier and found out that my little girl absolutely hates being worn. I think she thinks I'm trying to stuff her back in! She did better with a Baby Bjorn once she could hold her head up since she liked facing forward and seeing everything that's going on. Plus she could flail her arms about as I carried her.

I think slings are great but so is the bjorn. I would recommend you wait till baby comes until you decide. I am also due this summer and think I will use my shell sling (by hotslings) with a newborn. It gives them that nice tight feeling and it is a bit more comfortable for me. I have the hotsling and the ergo (for older kiddos).

Hi L.,

I have tried just about every type of carrier out there. My favorite two are Didymos (long piece of fabric you tye into different 'carries', and Ergo Baby carrier.

The Didymos was great when my little guy was first born through around 15 pounds. Once he got bigger I transitioned him to the Ergo.

The Ergo is so awesome because you can carry your guy in the front, hip, and back. This might be a good option for you because you can throw your 19 month old on your back if need be, or put your newborn in front while you chase your toddler around. The Ergo goes up to 40 lbs.

I've also used a variety of ring slings (hot slings, kangaroo korner, etc.) but didn't feel like my baby was as secure. They also hurt my back and shoulder because the weight was only distributed to one shoulder.

Check out this site: http://www.thebabywearer.com/

Hope this helps!!

D. F., SHADE Color Consulting
www.shadecolorconsulting.com

I have the Moby Wrap and I love it...for a younger baby. Now that my son is 14 months old and 27 pounds, it's just not as effective with a larger/bigger baby.

I did find a new wrap called the Sleepy Wrap and it's supposed to be much better. I can update you when I get it sometime next week (it's being shipped).

I would definitely advise a wrap, though. I have a 5 year old and a 1 year old (and another on the way) and I couldn't live without my wrap!! Especially when they're younger!

Hi L.,
Consider the Moby Wrap as the cloth is soft, slightly stretchy and will go over both shoulders comfortably.
L.

I really liked the Infantino sling. It's secure, and my son really liked it when he was really little. He preferred it to the Bjorn. I even used it when he was about 5 or 6 months old and going through a very clingy/fussy stage. Helped so much when he wanted to be held but I needed the use of my hands.

It's only about $25 at Target. There are some that are a lot more expensive, but I found this one to be really comfortable and easy to use. One benefit to this one over others is that you can adjust the length for you or your husband. My hubby really liked carrying our son in the sling, made him feel more connected to him. He loved feeling the little guy stretch or kick while wearing the sling.

Hello --

I too loved my Baby Bjorn and had the same question about slings or unstructured carriers. I just did a product review in a website I run called MomViews.net so go there and check out what I wrote about this certain sling that was sent to me by the maker themselves. Maybe even win one.

:-) M.
Mom of 3 rambunctious kids, wife of 14 years to a funny man.
____@____.com
http://www.MomViews.net

It totally depends on the baby and also how soon you put them in the sling. My little one loved the Bjorn but hated slings but I think I waited a little too long to put her in. Also, slings come in different types. My little one hated the type that bend their necks a bit. She preferred to be more upright. It is hard to know ahead of time. If you have some friends that you can borrow from, that is what I would do.

Bjorn all the way! I used it with 3 babies and I love it, love it, love it! The sling always seemed so big and cumbersome and just not as secure as the Bjorn. Prior to the Bjorn, I tried two other carriers and the Bjorn is, hands down, the best.

I made my own. I ran into a woman wearing one when I was coming out of the hospital and she said the only difference between making it myself and buying it was the purse compartment. She even said she made her own and just used a bed sheet. I went and purchased a nice fabric, some of that hem glue, embroidery floss and two O rings. I got so many compliments on it. My daughter adored being in it...and I was also able to allow myself enough fabric to throw across in case she got hungry and I wanted to breast feed. It also did not cause me any back or shoulder pain, and I carried my daughter in it up until just a few months ago...I probably still could if we were going somewhere really busy and she's 15 months now.

I have used a sling with four of my five. The only reason I'm not slinging #5 is because she's warmer in her carseat for now. When the weather warms up, I will use the sling for her, too. I love it because I can put it in the bottom of the stroller, use it as a changing pad (if there's no other option) and it feels better on my back.

I carried #2 around Tokyo for 8 hours in it, and I didn't have any discomfort. It is also great for breastfeeding discreetly on the go.

I HIGHLY recommend a Mei Tai. Two name brands are Baby Hawk and Beanslings. They are available online and customizable -pretty. You can check ebay, but be careful, many don't have reinforced seams or sturdy fabric. Cheap isn't always better. Anyhow, my son wouldn't touch a bjorn but was content as can be in the mei tai.

Baby can go it them right off and stay in them until over 30lbs. Seriously, not sure I would have left my house without mine for months, and Daddy used it to put baby to sleep each night for some really nice bonding time.

BEST. THING. EVER.

Serious parenting survival tool.

I have a 3 1/2 month old and have 3 carriers: the Baby Bjorn Sport, a Zolowear ring sling and a MetroMamma wrap (similiar to Moby wrap). I absolutely love the sling and the wrap and wear them both regularly. I find that I use the Bjorn the least because it is the least comfortable for me and my daughter doesn't seem to like it as well. I live in the city and we rarely use our stroller. When we go out, I use either the sling or the wrap because it is so much easier than maneuvering the a stroller...especially on the ice and snow. The Metromamma wrap is the most comfortable for me and I love the way it looks and how versatile it is...there are so many different ways to wear the baby depending on the age, mood and development. It takes some practice putting it on, but after a few times I can do it in less than 5 minutes. Because it is more complicated to get in and out of than the sling, I use the sling when I know I will need a quicker option. If you decide to get a sling, I recommend the ring slings as they are adjustable for different users (dad can wear it, too) and have a few more wearing options than the hotslings.

I used a peanut shell with my second baby and loved it: http://www.goo-ga.com/
Here's another website that has reviews and forums about different slings and carriers: http://www.thebabywearer.com/

Hi Laua! I had both a sling and a bjorn. I found that the sling was a bit easier when you have to be very active with another child. My kids are all between 1 to 2 years apart and with them that close together there was always a time when I would need to pick up one while carrying the baby. The sling is easy becouse you can just slide it to your side insead of in front of you. It is also great if the baby falls asleep while in it. I was able to slide it off without taking the baby out and then just lay the baby down in the car seat or bassinet. I then would be able to pick our baby up again, still in the sling, and get it on without our little one ever waking. I still did use our Bjorn, but not as much as the sling. I also have a neighbor who has two slings and would carry her baby in one on one hip and her toddle in another on the other hip. It was very convienent for her. Also, depending on your height the slings can always be sown alittle to adjust the height so it is comfy and safe. Good luck!
D.

Slings are great if you have a pretty strong back, otherwise check out the ERGO baby carrier.

I used a sling (well, several) with my son and will re-use when baby #2 arrives. I love how comfortable they are, how versitile, and the fact that I can actually STILL use mine with my 21-month old son (though he usually wants to walk himself).

I found the reviews at www.thebabywearer.com to be very helpful, plus talking to friends and trying theirs out before buying. I know BeByeBaby up in Lakeview has several choices and may be a good place to try some out.

I have 3 slings plus an ergo baby carrier. The slings are wrap-type slings (you can also get ring-slings but they only go over one shoulder, so they are less comfortable for long walks). My absolute favorite is the Storchenwiege sling. So beautiful and soft. VERY comfortable. A little warm in the hottest part of the summer, so I also have a gauze sling from www.gypsymama.com (Bali Baby Breeze). This one is very pretty and comfortable too - much lighter weight than the Storch - but not quite as comfortable I think. A little less stretchy. I also have a Kangaroo Korner adjustable fleece pouch, which I LOVE - esp. when the weather gets a little cooler outside. If I had to pick one it would be the Storchenwiege. Didymos also makes really nice ones - almost just like the Storch's.

The wrap slings seem intimidating at first, but tying them is like tying your shoes - it takes a little practice and then you forget that you're even doing it because it's automatic.

The slings are better for baby's hip development and back. They "sit" in it rather than having their legs dangle like in the Bjorn. Plus, the weight is carried on your hips instead of shoulders and back. My son was breech so they were worried about hip dysplasia - another compelling reason for me to make sure he was carried in a good position. (he turned out fine)

I have a very active 3 yr old and a 5 month old. I never used a baby carrier with the first, but the 2nd time around I use the ergo baby carrier with the 2nd. It is so much easier for me to be able to follow around the 3yr old when the baby is safely in her carrier....infact I just wore it this week at a bowling playdate for the 3yr old. I bought mine from www.ergobaby.com I bought one of the open ones for 78.00 .... I really love it. (They have a infant insert for when the baby is under 5 months of age, its great.)

Hi L.-
I have two girls, a 4 y/o and a 1 y/o. I used the Bjorn with both, but bought a New Native Sling for my second child and loved it! I just bought the basic, all cotton sling. I think it was about $40 or $50. I used it for at least 7 months, until she got to squirmy, but I have a friend who still uses hers with her older baby (1 year), as you can sit the baby in different positions when they are a little older and heavier. The website is www.newnative.com. Good luck! I have loved mine!
A.

Hi, I am mom to a 5,2,1 year olds. I finally got a sling with my last baby and I LOVED IT. I wish I would had gotten one sooner. I got mine form hotslings.com Good luck I have nothing but good to say about my sling.

Sling is definitely a better option. I have both a bjorn (with back support) and a wrap. Slings tend to be better on your back and more versatile, not to mention can be used with a toddler using a back carry - no they're not too heavy! Go to BeBy Baby on Roscoe in the city to try lots of cloth carriers out to find the best one for you (ring sling, pocket, wrap, mei tai, ergo (cadillac of the bunch), rebozo, etc.).

Karen is right about the hip alignment problem. There is concern about spine and hip problems when babies "dangle" in a bjorn type carrier. www.ergobabycarrier.com The Ergo is a great structured carrier to have. A ring sling or pouch would be great for a newborn. Another great carrier is a mei tai. I would say it is my favorite of all that I have. In fact right now I am shopping for a BabyHawk (www.babyhawk.com) because we are going on va-ca and taking the baby on a plane.

Sling! You MUST sling! Ok, so I'm biased (I own a company that makes slings - nestbabysling.com) BUT I don't know how mama's get by without them! My son is 2 and still loves to be worn and with your second, keeping the baby close (and portable!) is even more essential. I recommend ring slings over pouches and wraps for first timers as they are much easier to fit, a breeze to get the hang of and very versatile.

Good luck, and congrats!
A.

L.,
I had a Bjorn with my first, ande used it occasionally. I just had my second 2 months ago and got the Moby Carrier. I love it! It looks like a lot of fabric (and it is!) but it is so easy to put on and there are many positions that the baby can be in. It is also great because in some of the positions it offers head-support, so i have actually done exercise classes with my 2 1/2 year old in a stroller and carrying my newborn in my Moby.

Good luck, and congrats!
A.

Hi! I actually like the Bjorn better. I was never able to figure out the sling. I put my #2 and #3 in the Bjorn a lot when they were little. I was still able to use both of my hands and never felt like the baby was going to fall out. My kids also slept great in the Bjorn while I took care of my other kids! Good luck!

I frequently use a Maya Wrap around the house, especially when she's fussy. I think it makes her feel warm and secure. I also used it when she was 2 months to cart her around the airport and on the plane home for the holidays. It was so much easier than carting around a car seat. A godsend! Highly recommeded!

I used a sling for my second and it was fantastic. It was hands-free and I could easily chase my first one around. I used it until the baby was too heavy for me to carry her that way. The sling allows the baby to sleep in a very comfortable position too.
K.

I would stay with what you all ready have. My second baby, I bought the sling for and I didn't think it was comfortable for me or her. She would cry in the sling and when I put her in the Bjorn she would fall asleep within minutes!!! YEAH!! I returned the sling after using it a couple of times. Plus, I am short, so even if I did the strap to the shortest setting, the baby seemed to bang on my hip/waist too much. I felt I couldn't move or bend over, so what was the point to putting her in the sling. Best of Luck and Congrats with the new addition to your family!!

Yes! Sling! So much easier. Can wear it around all day even. I loved my Moby Wrap for when my 2nd was little and now that she's bigger, I love to use my Maya Wrap more. You can use a Maya for a little baby though, you don't HAVE to buy 2. My distributor is in Warrenville right off 88/Winfield Rd. Stacey: lmartinez301 AT comcast Dot Net.
Congrats on baby #2!

L.:

look at www.mobywrap.com

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions.

Definitely, sling is the way to go. I have quite a few and love them! Go to slinglings.com.

-A.

Hi L.,

I used a "sling" with my now 10 month old daughter, but she quickly outgrew it and I used the Bjorn when she got a little bigger. The sling was great, she was able to be close to me, yet I could still get a few things done.

Congrats on your upcoming baby! :)

Hi L.,

I didn't have any success with the sling. Baby #2 did not like being on her back or side, so she just screamed every time I started to put her in it. I think I successfully got her in there when she was sleeping once or twice. The Bjorn worked great for baby #1 and #2. As long as you have a strong back, you'll find it's just as convenient as the sling. If I were you, I would purchase the sling and try it. If it doesn't work out then return.

hi L.. i have one child, turning 5 in march. i used the NOJO sling from newborn to 4 months and i lOVED IT. can't say enough good things about "wearing" your baby. convenient. nurturing. comforting for baby. i know a lot of babies love the bjorn, but my son hated it, and i always felt like he was just hanging there. i'd switch to the bjorn after 3-4 months. my opinion, sling is the way to go for the first 3-4 months. good luck! L.

I have used a New Native sling since my daughter was a newborn. She is just now getting big for it at 10 mos old. It was $40 at babystyle.com. My main bit of advice is don't pay a huge amount for a sling until you have gotten to try out some of the options. I spent $100 for a custom made ring sling when I was pg with my 1st. I never managed to use the thing!! It just wasn't right for me. Also, I believe kellymom.com has instructions on how to make your own sling if you can sew or have access to a sewing machine (it's really simple).

I'm not sure what to suggest when your second is quite small because I didn't find a good option at that time. I bought a "hotsling" when my son was a bit older and think it could be a good try with a second initially. DON'T recommend the ring sling...it was a complete pain.

That said, let me say that the ERGO is by far the best baby product across the board. You can use it far beyond the baby bjorn...I think it is much more secure, and my son loved it. It won't work for a tiny baby, but I imagine you'll want a way to carry your second for some time while chasing around your first and I just can't recommend the Ergo enough. (The ergo works front and back but I have only used it in the front because my son is super squiggly).

Hi L.. I had a baby last June with an almost 2 year old, and used the Baby Bjorn like it was going out of style! I don't know about others, but the slings scare me. Looks okay when you're just standing there, but the Bjorn has SO much stability. I was able to run around after my VERY ACTIVE 2-year old, go down the slide with the baby, and play as we had before, which was really important to me. I know friends that used the sling and swore by it, but also found with a couple that their babies weren't getting as strong holding heads up as mine from being held upright in the Bjorn. Good luck!

I tried two different slings with my daughter and disliked both. My daughter also disliked them. She would cry until I got her out. She loved the Bjorn carrier. I felt she hung too low and I never felt that she was safe.