I was wondering if anyone has used this kind of sling? If so, what are your thoughts? Even if not, what do you think of it if you have used others? What is your favorite one? I want one, but am not sure if I should buy one or make one. This one looked interesting and was I was just curious of anyone had seen or tried it.

Thanks.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2667879

I've never seen anything like that before. It looks like it rides awfully high up on the mom. Which, isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just makes me wonder about it's versatility. As you saw in the previous baby wearing thread, some babies don't like that reclined position. I'm not sure if this particular sling would allow for anything BUT that. KWIM?

I like versatility. It helps me, it helps the baby, it grows with you both. Slings that offer the most versatility..well, a wrap by far offers the most versatility. However, it's not an 'easy on/easy off' deal. It takes a bit to learn how to work it. Not sure if you're up for that challenge. Some newbies aren't ready to take on such a task, not fresh out of the gate ;)

There are the stretchy wraps like The Moby (http://www.pookababy.com/moby-wrap.html) (site is Canadian, but you can do a web search and find a US site, I like the picture gallery on this one) Actually, Babies R Us has something quite similar to this. One thing I noticed though, it is *very* stretchy. Quite possibly too stretchy for adequate support..more important as baby gets bigger.

As my avatar suggests, I like the Mai Tei. Though, it's not for newborns. I'll find a link for one though, I thought I had one saved, but, guess not, so, I'll be back with that. Oh, found it: Ellaroo.com (http://www.ellaroo.com/)

Here's a site to look at a few different styles: Kangaroo Korner (http://www.kangarookorner.com/default.aspx)

A ring sling is probably the easiest to learn versatile carrier. Pouches are nice too, though most aren't adjustable. I made a Maya style ring sling. I would carry my babies upright, tummy to tummy. Their legs folded up under them, their knees between their belly and mine. I wore them that way until they had good head control (for most babies, by 6 months, though mine were so finicky about the sling, they were doing this by 3 or 4 months) at which time we would do the Kangaroo carry. Where the baby sits facing out. Their back to your belly, legs tucked in, froggy style. This is the preferred position of my little ones.

Then, also by that age, they can go to a Mai Tei. A Mai Tei is basically a better alternative to the Snugli type front carriers. Those carriers have the baby dangling and legs are in a poor position. The MT positions the baby's legs better (I'll have to hunt down a link for you on that, I don't have one handy). MT can also be worn on front or back, high or low. But again, it may take a bit of getting used to, putting it on that is. Where as with a ring sling or pouch, which are simply, throw it over a shoulder and go. But oooo the MT is so much more comfy ;)

Oh, homemade slings...I have links for that...
For a Mai Tei:
http://thosemartins.com/bmt/index.htm
and
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/asian.html

Ah, here:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/lists/Sewing.htm
A variety ;) I have used each of the MT patterns above as well as the 'Maya wrap instructions' on this link

Thanks Tara. I know I don't want a baby Bjorn and all that because of how they position the legs of the kids. I know I wouldn't want to be stuck in one of those!

I think I know what I want, just can't find it (like I know what kind of shoes I want, but I don't think they make them...). Guess I'll have to break out the needle and thread. Or get my mom to do it. I don't have a sewing machine right now. Want one, no room for it or the funds at the moment.

I completely understand the no room/funds. I was blessed with my sewing machine. A friend had gotten a new one so gave me her old, which wasn't all that old and is serving me just dandy :)

Funny....I have the same problem with shoes hmmm I can see the perfect pair(s) in my head, I just never find them in the stores. What's up with that??

Know anyone who could loan you a machine? Then you could just gander at some patterns and put together your own thing

None of my friends sew. My mom lives eight hours away and Peter's three. And she's (MIL) has already shall we say sewn way too much for this baby (She has made the crib bumper, the comoforter, burp cloths, changing pads, diaper liners, wipes and decided to make an over the short end of the crib organizer to hold diapers and various supplies, along with who knows what else). My sister just got a new sewing machine, but she decided to keep her old one because it is portable and the new one isn't. She goes to all night sewing clinics and a sewing retreat each year. And she lives in the same town as my parents in IL, and so borrowing that one isn't too practical.

Oh well. I'll come up with something. If I have to, I'll go and get a twin sized flat sheet, and do some oragami and get creative.

Though, at the rate I'm going, I won't need this sling for years yet. This child is stubborn. Though, I just have a feeling it won't be too much longer from now. I am quickly finding out one can have a ton of pressure in certain areas that I didn't know had feeling in them before. I pray that is a good thing.

Crystal

I just sold my Rockin Baby sling but ds LOVED it until mobility was GOLDEN to him :lol: Now dd hated it so...taking Tara's advice (although she was talkin to someone else), I purchased a Mai Tei. I have a feeling our wee cuddler is gonna LOVE this one (takes the lady 2 weeks to make so I don't have it yet). Ring slings are easy though and fit (almost) everyone which is great if someone else wants the baby for a while.

Hope this helps a bit. Take care! ~Kerri

I was given this at my baby shower http://www.mayawrap.com/ I never learned to use it properly, but the two moms that got it for me seemed to be pros at it. If you want it, I'll mail it to you, that way you won't have to pay for one!

I got it!!! I have the answer!!!

Baby is stubborn, ok...so...

What you need to do is gather all you need to start the project of making your own sling. (Don't worry about not having a machine..) Just get all you need and start..then...THAT's when the baby will come. When you're in the middle of something, see? ;) hehe

I've tried that idea Tara. But it was with a massive baking project.

Not too long ago, I saw a woman grocery shopping with her baby in a sling, and it was down by her hip! I couldn't believe the baby was fine and sleeping contentedly (the sling was a pouch sling, the one Target carries in their stores). Either that, or it had a concussion from getting bumped by mom's hip or the shopping cart.

I think I have my answer with a Maya Wrap. It is what I would probably make if I had the way to do it. And besides, I may like it so much, I may make a few more for variation sometime. Who knows.

Thanks all.

I know I'm posting this late, but I had both a Maya sling and a Maya pouch. Honestly, I wish you had posted this just two weeks earlier. I just sold the pouch and gave away the sling to a friend. I could have saved you a few bucks! I found that I preferred the pouch because it adjusted so easily, and once you adjusted it, it just slips over your head when you want to use it. I retired them a bit early, though, because Tory just doesn't like to be carried like that anymore. I tried abunch of different positions, but she just doesn't like it. My baby is weird, lol. Her sister did fine in them, so I know it's her.

I honestly didn't even know that the Mei Tai existed, though. I think I'm going to try one of those with Torys and see if she likes it. Thanks for the tip, Tara!