Mom's Opinions on Infant Carriers/slings

Hi M.,
I have 3 kids, 1 set of twins. I really liked my baby bjorn. I had a sling(native carrier) that I used for the twins while they were very young but you couldn't move fast or alot. I had this fear they were going to roll out. You can check the the consignment shops for a used baby bjorn-$35 is the going rate used or around $90 brand new.

For detailed information about how to choose among the many styles of slings/baby carriers, you might like the Web site http://www.kangarookorner.com/ See the links on the left side of the site, "How to choose a sling" and "Sling reviews"

We used two different carriers with my daughter and loved both for different reasons: The Kangaroo Korner cotton pouch and the original Hip Hammock.

Epinions includes a few reviews of the latter at: http://www.epinions.com/pr-Hip_Hammock_Hip_Hammock_Baby_C...

I couldn't stand the carriers with excessively long fabric or multiple buckles and straps (i.e. Mayan wraps and the Bjorn style). Also, I tried but then returned the Native Carrier; it just didn't fit properly no matter what the size. One that I liked by my daughter did not, was the Ergo Baby Carrier. She really wanted to face outward, rather than only towards my body. See http://www.myfavoritebabycarrier.com/ for detailed info on this carrier.

Hope this helps :-)

I bought a hotsling at www.hotslings.com. I really love it, but more importantly, my son loves it! I had purchased a few before and sent them back, but these are great because they take your dimensions and this helps tons with the fit. I am 5ft 5 in and 145lbs so I bought a size three. They have a sizing chart that helps. They range in price by fabric, but I just bought the 45 dollar cotton one and it is great.

You can go to http://flickr.com/photos/stutzwoman and see me and my Max in one! The directions sheet will show you a bunch of carries from newborn baby on up. Make sure it is snug. I thought max might be cramped, but they just love the snuggness!!! Good luck and let me know if you like it!

Hi, M....I have a Hotsling that I LOVE! I've been using it now for about 9 months. I purchased it about a month after my little one was born after doing tons of research on slings. It worked great when he was tiny...he would just nestle in and sleep. As he's gotten older I've used it in a number of different positions and never had any complaints. I still have no problems carrying him around in it and he now weighs about 22 lbs. I've also found it very comfortable on my back and shoulders where others I've tried were not. I also receive tons of compliments on it when we go out. This is the website I ordered my Hotsling from: http://www.hotslings.com/

Also, you might find this site a great resource. It has lots of information on babywearing and reviews on all different types of carriers:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/

Good luck,
T.

I bought a Nojo Original baby sling, but it just never felt comfortable. My son didn't care for being all squished against me (supposedly babies love it, but hey, my independent little guy wanted to be able to kick!). I let my sister-in-law try it with her colicky baby, but I never heard if she liked it. Our favorite carrier was the Baby Bjorn-style (ours was a cheap knock-off), but we mostly used it on walks. One thing if you use that style carrier--I've seen so many babies being carried around with their little feet all squished up in their footed sleepers! After you slide the baby in, you have to tug on the material over their feet to give their toes some room!

Gosh, I've owned over 10 different carriers, with three children. I think if I had to do it all over again, I would go with a Baby Bjorn for 6 mos and under. They weigh so little at first, and the Bjorn was by far the most secure-feeling carrier I used for that age. Their necks are supported, they are all snuggled into your chest, and the carrier is very easy to use. It is also nice because dads don't seem to mind wearing it, which gives you a break! Also, you can tote your toddler along on your hip since the baby is in front. Slings just never felt secure enough for a newborn when you are actually running around chasing a toddler!

For over 6 months, I would do an Ergo carrier. This is a very versatile carrier that will really grow with your child. You can wear baby in front and on your hip. It also allows you to securely wear your baby on your back, kind of like a cloth backpack basically. It was the most secure feeling backpack I tried without getting into aluminum frame type of backpacks. At 6-9 mos, my little guys suddenly became great grabbers, and it was no longer feasible to keep them in front or even on my hip as I was trying to do things. So on the back they went and this was the best one I tried.

HTH!