Babywearing and Carrier or Sling Styles: A Poll
by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor on April 16th, 2007
When I ran the poll about nursing pillow brands, Selena suggested another poll about sling brands. After reading all about the benefits of babywearing over at Mocha Milk, I’m even more happy to oblige!
I realize that different slings/pouches/carriers might work better for different ages of babies and toddlers so please do leave a comment to share your opinions! Personally I liked the NoJo Sling
when my baby was an infant but it got uncomfortable when my baby got older. My husband liked the NoJo as well but also enjoyed using the Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier
once my daughter met the weight requirement and could hold her head up well enough. In honor of my second child my husband sewed a Maya Wrap sling
from the free pattern and I liked that as well but still never felt comfortable using it once my baby became a toddler. I’d love to hear your recommendations! Feel free to “Add an answer” if you don’t see a particular style or brand mentioned and leave a comment as well!
Which brand of baby carrier or sling do you recommend?
For all prior poll results click here.
Tags: baby-carriers, babywearing, breastfeeding, lactation, mothering, poll, preparing to breastfeed, products, slingsShare This
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2 opinions for Babywearing and Carrier or Sling Styles: A Poll
Karen Zamperini
Apr 17, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I have the Beco (www.ecobabies.com) and the Ergo. I love them both. The Beco is a lighter (cotton as opposed to the Ergo’s cotton canvas), more stylish version of the Ergo. Though both carriers fit my husband and I, I find the Beco fits a petite frame a little better than the Ergo and my husband prefers the Ergo for his large frame.
These carriers distribute the baby’s weight better than the Bjorn and can be used as front, back or side carriers. They are very easy to adjust and very secure. You can’t make a positioning mistake. If you have a squirmy baby as I do, it keeps baby secure until he calms down, which usually happens fairly quickly after you start walking. Both have inserts you can purchase for use with newborns and you can use the carriers up to 40lbs. I think the two-shouldered carriers are better for your shoulders and back, especially after the first month or two, though some people swear by one-shouldered ring and pouch slings.
I took my carriers on a recent camping trip in the White Desert in Egypt and was even able to nurse him as I hiked up the mountains.
Today I did laundry and other household chores while my son napped on my back in the Ergo.
My baby likes to be upright and see things. From the day he was born, he did not like to lay down unless he was eating, so these carriers work well.
I used an Ellaroo Ring Sling and a homemade pouch, but neither worked very well for me because I couldn’t get him positioned quite right. The pouch was easier, but by the time I made it, he was almost 4 months and kept straightening his legs in an attempt to stand. If I have another child, I might try the pouch again for the first few months.
Whatever carrier you try, if you can try it on before you buy, that is ideal. I like the Ergo and Beco because you don’t have to figure out how to use it. Ring slings and wraps take practice. Figure out how to use them before your baby is born by practicing with a doll or friend’s child if you can.
Babywearing is great. The right carrier will save your back, arms and ears (from the crying). I can’t believe my son is already 7 months old. The time passes so quickly, I’m glad he has spent so much of his life so close to me.
Angela
Apr 17, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for your thoughts Karen! I totally agree with you about trying a sling/carrier before you buy. La Leche League meetings are a good place to do that :)
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