I have no experience with any of these except the standard carriers you wear on the front like a reverse backpack, and that isn’t working for this little girl! My daughter is 6 weeks old and only sleeps when she is on my lap and will nurse for very long amounts of time. This has resulted in NOTHING getting done around the house.
I’ve seen people with slings where the baby can nurse and sleep while you "wear" them and I’m interested in trying one but I don’t know where to start! What is good for the way I’m planning on using it? I’m not looking for it to replace my stroller or carrier, just for baby to lay in against my body. How much money can I expect to spend on something decent? Thanks!
October 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Wraps usually offer more support and more possible positions for baby, but are a little more difficult to put on and manage. They are 5 yards of fabric instead of 2 or less with slings. They do offer more versatility, though, for your activities while wearing your baby. It’s easier to bend over and such while using a wrap than it is with a sling. Check out http://mobywrap.com for some of their demos and explanations. Their wraps start around $40. There are other brands of wraps as well that vary in price.
Ring slings are great for easy on/easy off kinds of things and work great for a younger baby and for nursing a baby, but not quite as good as a wrap. They are perfectly supportive, but I don’t like having a sleeping baby in one. Slings have less fabric which means your body will do more of the supporting than with a wrap, so they’re a little more limiting. You can look at some standard ring slings at http://mayawrap.com .
Asian baby carriers or mei tais are another option. They might be a little big for a smaller baby, but for me they’re a middle ground between a wrap and a sling. I’m not sure on prices, but http://babyhawk.com has some nice ones.
Personally I ordered my sling from a work at home mom’s site at spent less than $30 for it. She has a variety of carriers and explanations with them all at http://wallypop.net
October 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
check out your local baby store. you can tell them what you want and maybe they will let you try it on.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Check out the following http://www.thebabywearer.com.
The site will help you determine what wrap is best based on your needs. Also has some great reviews from fellow moms.
You can probably expect to pay between $50 - $100 depending on the style you choose.
It’s a great idea, I’ve worn my 6 month old in a carrier from day one and we both love it!
October 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
http://zolowear.com/Wearing.aspx
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5913947
I know the lady that makes the slings in the second link, she’s awesome.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
you can get one from target. its a hotsling-about $40. works great. comes with an instructional dvd and an instructional booklet. mammasmilk.com also has great slings. they have one made of solarveil-about $50, so its perfect for summer. its breathable and very lightweight. slings are fantastic! i love them!
October 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I love both my Moby and my Babyhawk! They are both great for nursing too.
Check out the sites mentioned above; they’re good ones.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Go to a Baby Wearers’ Meeting near you. You can try on a wide variety of slings and carriers (with advice/assistance) and see what you and your baby like best.
Then find your preferred sling online. ‘The Baby Wearer’ website also has a FSOT page if you want to spend less by buying second hand.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pm
My daughter loved being in her maya wrap ( http://www.mayawrap.com/products.php Funny, she’s 6 now, but I was just telling her this afternoon how I used to carry her around with me everywhere, wrapped up & cuddled close all day.
A wrap does take a little while to get used to wearing & putting on, but that’s because it is so versatile. Once you figure out what feels most comfortable for you & baby, it’s hard to imagine *not* having it