Feedback on Slings by Those Using Them

Depends on the baby's age and, of course, the baby...

I was given an over the shoulder, cloth "hamcock" type sling... I did not use it, primarily because I just was overwhelmed and disorganized when my DD was a newborn... I relied on the stroller (or I just didn't leave the house! LOL!) Honestly, I had a bit of paranoia that I wouldn't tie it right and she'd fall to the floor or some such...

Once her neck was stronger, I used a BabyBjorn to carry her around the grocery store or to do chores at home. Loved it. Felt totally comfortable with it. And felt she was protected well (in case i bumped anything,etc.) Of course, I tried to introduce the cloth sling when she was this age, but all the material kept falling in her face and it freaked her out... She wanted to be able to make eye contact with me or, in the Baby Bjorn, look around (when she was facing outward). So, again, never used the sling.

Once she was an older infant, we started using the side hip holder. I got one of those because she weighed too much for my back to handle her in the BabyBjorn. But, when she hit 20-23lbs, my body/knees/shoulder just couldn't take the additional weight any more. (Thank goodness she was more mobile!)

As another responder said, it depends on the age of the baby. I would add that it depends on the temperature outside. When my son was tiny, I loved the Moby Wrap. It's relatively inexpensive, and it was very comfortable for my baby and for me. When it started to get a little hotter, and my son was starting to be able to sit up better (5-6 months), I started liking my ring sling more (I have a Posh Papoose, but Maya Wraps and others are supposed to be good). I never could get my son comfortable in it when he was a tiny baby, but it was very handy for keeping him on my hip when I was one handed. Now that my son is older and heavier, I use the Ergo Baby the most. I can vacuum, mow the lawn, go for long walks, or do just about anything else with him in it. I also use a one piece sling (Karma Baby) when I go into the grocery store with him. It's the easiest to get on quickly, and it's comfortable enough for short stints.

I love slings (in case you can't tell)! Enjoy!

I have an "Over the Shoulder Baby holder" It's padded on the back and easy to put on (you sort of lasso yourself and slide the baby in the pouch) My little ones love the closeness and as they grew I could readjust it to sitting on my hip or looking outward. I don't know if they make that brand anymore but their are other brands out there like it. Friends have "Ergo" carriers and I'm thinking of looking at those for my toddler. Congratulations on the grandbabies!

well i have both types - so i can give you my advice.
i LOVED the infantino slingrider, the type like a bag you put your baby in, and it goes over one shoulder, my baby would fall asleep the minute i put her in it, it was secure and comfortable and left your hands free.

i also have a snuggli, i dont remember who makes them, think its evenflo, this was really nice when the baby was a little bit bigger, they can face in or out and they are fairly comfortable.

for a new baby i would say the slingrider everytime, it must be so much more comfy for the baby to be all wrapped up and lying down than having her legs dangling down.

hi J.,
I found the Over the shoulder baby holder worked the best for me. I used it from the time my son was an infant until he was about a year old. I was able to nurse him without being exposed as well as hold him on my hip more comfortably.
My ped. advised not using baby holders that leave the legs hanging down as this is not good for developing legs..
hope this helps.

I have 2 that I use for my son. When he was an infant, I used the Peanut Shell. It is a one piece sling that can be used for multiple positions. He loved being snuggled in it when he was really tiny and would go to sleep right away in it. Just make sure your daughter gets the appropriate size for her. She may have to wait until the baby is born and go to try them on with the baby.

The other one I have is the Baby Bjorn. I LOVE it! Now that he is bigger, I carry him in this at the grocery store and any other time he gets tired of being in his stroller. He can face in (if he's tired and ready for a nap) or out if he wants to look around. I got one that is made of a breatheable material (called the "air" I think). It was about $20 more than the regular Baby Bjorns, but living in Texas and using it this summer, I am convinced it was worth every penny. I carried him all over and we both stayed cool!

I carry the Peanut Shell in my diaper bag so that I always have a sling with me if I need one and bring the Baby Bjorn if I have some room to store it in the stroller since it is a bit bigger and won't fit in the diaper bag. The Peanut Shell sling can be used with the baby laying, facing out and sitting "kangaroo style" or on your hip, so it grows with the baby. I really like both of them, but actually use the Baby Bjorn more right now because it's more comfortable for him. He is sitting up by himself more now though, so I'm going to start trying the hip hold on the Peanut Shell and see how that goes.

Congrats, Grandma!

My ergo has been the best baby product I have bought. Check them out they are pricey but feel so good on your back compare to other carriers I have tried.