Baby Carrier and Sling Info [Archive] - Page 5

lilo

12-23-2006, 06:39 AM

For those of you with the Peanut Shell, what size do you have? My DS is now 9 lbs. but is long and thin. I bought a size Medium in the microfleece (agree with PP that it is soo soft and cozy feeling!) and it seems to be a tad large or else I am wearing him wrong. DS is only 4 weeks old, does that make a difference?

Could someone post some pictures of how they are wearing the Peanut Shell? I can't seem to get it to be hands free without the sling being very low in the front and I thought it was supposed to be pretty snug against your chest.

TIA!

Sevilla

12-23-2006, 07:44 AM

Lilo - I have a peanut shell pouch in size small and it fits snuggly. It sounds like your pouch is too large. I originally ordered a size small in the blue fleece and when it came it was SO stretchy that DS was hanging wayyy too low. I contacted the owner about it b/c according to the size chart I was a size small and she told me that some of the fleece is stretchier than others and should be ordered even smaller. So I exchanged it for a black size small which fits much tighter like it should.

Sevilla

12-23-2006, 02:21 PM

Since we're on the topic of wrapping I thought I would post this picture of my DH and DS (it's a blackberry BB slen 4.9 in a Front wrap cross carry):

*edit*

SD601

12-23-2006, 05:21 PM

Awwwww....that is so cute!!!! Daddy and baby time! Note to self--take more wrapping pics of Tim and J...

Laura :)

babylove

12-23-2006, 06:00 PM

DS is 4 mo old and weighs 16 lbs. I have a cotton peanut shell sling that worked great when he was smaller but I'm not in love with it anymore and I'm completely overwhelmed by the other options. Ideally, I want something stretchy with not a ton of extra fabric hanging down. Also I want to be able to wear him on my hip since he's too much of a busy body these days to face in. But I also want the option of wearing him tummy to tummy. What can you suggest for me??

Sevilla

12-23-2006, 07:25 PM

Babylove - my DS was about the same age when we stopped liking our pouch as much. I think that a ring sling would be your best bet. You can get them with shorter tails or tuck the tail in if you don't like the look of fabric hanging down and they are very versatile. I would recommend a lightly padded Maya Wrap (www.mayawrap.com) or a Zolowear (www.zolowear.com - 'needzolo' gives you free shipping). www.sleepingbaby.net also has really comfortable, quality ring slings for reasonable prices, and the site owner is very helpful.

So there - i narrowed down the wide field of baby carriers to just 3 choices :).

babylove

12-24-2006, 05:03 AM

Thanks, Sevilla! What type of would you suggest? Plain old cotton? Fleece? I want something that will be snug, not like my peanut shell, which doesn't have any give to it at all.

Sevilla

12-24-2006, 07:32 AM

Stretch twill is great - it is usually 97% cotton and 3% spandex so there is a bit of give. The mayas are handwoven so they have unique give as well.

ETA - you might also like the ellaroo ring sling. check out www.attachedtobaby.com

babylove

12-24-2006, 08:18 AM

I did end up getting a cotton ring sling from zolowear...do you think I'll like that? I can always return if it doesn't work.

ETA: I just checked and it's 97% cotton and 3% stretch twill.

Sevilla

12-24-2006, 09:00 AM

I have a cotton ring sling from zolowear and i love it! I really like how the shoulder is very trim compared to other ring slings, and the tail is shorter too (i'm a pouch lover). I often would wrap the fabric around the rings and tuck it inside the sling so it looked more like a pouch. It also comes with a really helpful DVD too for how to use it. Which pattern did you get?

babylove

12-24-2006, 09:02 AM

I just bought plain black although if I really like it and get a lot of use out of it, I might buy another with a pattern...I really liked the blue and brown pattern (can't remember the name). Thanks for all of your help!

lilo

12-24-2006, 09:51 AM

Thanks Sevilla. I thought I might have ordered the wrong size. I will have to see if I can exchange it for a smaller size and I will definitely be going with the black color too.

kimthebride

12-31-2006, 06:51 AM

Adjustable Pouch

When I was visiting the IL's over Thanksgiving, I found this adjustable pouch in a boutiquey kid's shop and was so intrigued i had to buy it! I searched cc but can't find another post about them so here you go:

Rockin' Baby Pouch
http://www.rockinbabysling.com/shop/baby_pouches/images/342copy_001.jpg

The website for the product line is http://www.rockinbabysling.com/contact/

The list price on the site is $82.

The adjustable pouches come in 2 sizes (S/M & M/L) and have zippers to adjust the size. They are reversible, come in a bunch of prints/colors and so far i like the fabric (washes well), light 'padding' at the edge, and how it feels. And there is an extra piece of fabric that covers the zippers, so its not uncomfortable or unsightly. I even tried it on with my 28lb toddler while almost 5mo pregnant and it felt good.

Has anyone else tried this? I wanted a sling for when DD is born, and i prefer this kind to the ring slings.

The company also makes ring slings, if anyone is interested. :)

EJM

12-31-2006, 08:19 AM

Has anyone else tried this? I wanted a sling for when DD is born, and i prefer this kind to the ring slings.

I've never tried a Rockin Baby RS or pouch, but Gwen Stefani is a big fan. ;)

Adjustable pouches are great because you can easily customize the fit based on your DC's size.

Delta

12-31-2006, 08:25 AM

My son is 3 months now and I need a wrap. I am small and so I need one that won't swallow me and I live in Texas so I need one that isn't too warm.

Can anyone advise?

snowzilla

12-31-2006, 08:32 AM

My son is 3 months now and I need a wrap. I am small and so I need one that won't swallow me and I live in Texas so I need one that isn't too warm.

Can anyone advise?

If you went with something like a Moby wrap, couldn't you just trim it to your body size? I had a cuddly-wrap, which was essentially the same thing, but I am really tall, so the length was fine for me - perhaps if you just shortened the length of fabric, you'd be fine. (Or, you could check the dimensions and fabric used to make a Moby, and make your own, altering the dimensions for your height. They are, after all, just a reeeeeeeally long stretchy piece of fabric!)

:)

Wrighty26

12-31-2006, 08:35 AM

Delta - I love my Moby Wrap and so does my DS. It might seem like a lot of fabric, but it's really not and it only takes a time or two to get the hang of it. It's light and stretchy and my sons loves the "freedom" he doesn't get in other slings/carriers. He's almost 6 months (estimating 28 inches/17-18lbs) and I still have no problems carrying him. Oh, and the Hug-a-Bub is similiar, though I'm not sure the difference.

ETA - Snowzilla we cross-posted :) I want to add them I'm tall too--but I have a short torso and I'm pretty thin. The extra fabric that the wrap has is really not bothersome, I just tuck it back....

kimthebride

12-31-2006, 08:41 AM

I've never tried a Rockin Baby RS or pouch, but Gwen Stefani is a big fan. ;)
OMG - does that mean I might be cool, too? :p I mean, she's pretty hip....

snowzilla

12-31-2006, 08:53 AM

OMG - does that mean I might be cool, too? :p I mean, she's pretty hip....

Oh, you're definitely cool. Now you just need your own clothing line, and you'll be set. :cool:

Wrighty - yeah, I have some fabric leftover (or had, I don't wear it anymore as DD is 16 months old now) so I would just tuck it back too. That stretchy wrap got me through the colicky months with my sanity (or most of it, anyways)!

Adam's Pi

12-31-2006, 10:33 AM

Anyone make their own wraps? I'm with Delta looking for a wrap for my 3 month old. I'm not sure about the fabric I want to buy. Cotton? Blend?

Sevilla

12-31-2006, 12:11 PM

My son is 3 months now and I need a wrap. I am small and so I need one that won't swallow me and I live in Texas so I need one that isn't too warm.

Can anyone advise?
Hot Mama wraps come in various lengths and youw ould want the 4.2m size. They are stretchy and lightweight from what I have heard - http://www.mom-and-me-creations.com/HotMamaWrap.html

You might also like the Gypsy Mama wraps - one is gauze and one is stretch.
http://www.gypsymama.com/

Delta

12-31-2006, 01:41 PM

My most favorite pouch came from mom-and-me! Have you been following the story of their son, Sam? He was diagnosed with leukemia about a week after I got my pouch from her back in 2004. :-(

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I wish I had time to go to a NINO meeting but I don't really. I think I'm going to go with a stretchy Moby.

I've never even really looked at a wrap up close though. Would it be possible to cut off the ends of a Moby or does that unravel it?

LRL

12-31-2006, 11:58 PM

Delta- If you are new to wrapping, you might want the extra length at first on the Moby Wrap. If you find that it is too long, then you can always have it hemmed, but I would not leave it with a raw edge. Hemming a wrap is really simple to do on a machine.

Delta

01-02-2007, 06:15 PM

I ordered a chocolate Moby this afternoon. :)

Ade

01-03-2007, 08:41 PM

Just got the Baby Bjorn Active and HATE it! It is just to complicated to adjust to be practical. I have a ring sling that DS hates, but he loves the Bjorn. Both DH's and my back start to ache after more than an hour of carrying him, so we were hoping that the lumbar support on the active model would be the solution. While it does feel better than the original model, not significantly enough to justify a whole new carrier. And, as I said, the complicated adjustments (there are 3 different areas to adjust on both sides) really sealed the deal. I'm taking it back and getting an Ergo baby Carry. Hopefully, it's better! Luckily, it has a 90 day money back guarentee!

BeachBum

01-04-2007, 04:30 PM

For anyone that is new to babywearing, be sure to pick up this month's "Mothering" mag. There is a huge section with great pics showing different carriers and positions for various aged kiddos.

Teresita

01-04-2007, 05:28 PM

On the topic of wraps, I just can't stand my Moby, as much as I want to like it. I wore my DD (now 2.5 yrs) all the time in a KK ring sling and also have a mei tai, a pouch, and a bjorn. I thought a wrap would be perfect for DS (4 wks) since I read that newborns like them and it could help keep him upright, which he needs since he is majorly gassy.

But, for the life of me I cannot get into using the Moby. First of all, the amount of fabric seems ridiculous to me--I am 5' 2" and pre-pg weight was 110, and I have a short torso. One issue is the endless amounts of fabric (I think I could wrap the ends around my waist about ten times!). But, the bigger problem seems to be that there just isn't enough room for my DS--is this just because I have a short torso and a somewhat long baby? Is there something I am missing? Any tips or advice? I really want to like this thing, but for now I just feel frustrated and have been sticking with my KK sling. TIA for your help!

Sevilla

01-04-2007, 05:34 PM

I am petite like you are and cannot imagine all that length of fabric! I use woven (non-stretchy) wraps and the longest length I use is 4.3 with a 9 months old! So that's a whole meter of extra fabric you have to use. I assume you're doing the front carry, right? A 4 week old should have plenty of room on your front. I've got a short torso and my DS is now 28 inches and I can still carry him on my front, i just have to get him positioned correctly. Could you post a picture of you using it and maybe we could help tweak it?

mgrace

01-05-2007, 08:02 AM

Does anyone garden or do other outdoor activities while wearing your child? Any suggestions for a comfy carrier that can be used for long walks, gardening, etc?

Sevilla

01-05-2007, 08:32 AM

Mgrace - My DH and I both do lots of activities with DS on our backs. He always mows the lawn while wearing DS, and I pick up the house/clean/cook with him on my back. You'll want a back carrier - either a supportive mei tai like the Kozy (www.kozycarrier.com) or a Babyhawk (www.babyhawk.com). The other option is a soft structured carrier like the Ergo (www.attachedtobaby.com) or a Beco (www.ecobabies.com).

mgrace

01-05-2007, 10:31 AM

Thanks, Sevilla! Does your DS like being outside in the carrier? Can I ask which carrier you use? Is it comfy?

jesvet

01-05-2007, 10:44 AM

Would someone like to start a new thread for the new year? PM one of the mods when it is up and we can close this for you. thanks!

Adam's Pi

01-07-2007, 08:38 AM

Sevilla

01-07-2007, 08:52 AM

I'll start the new thread later today.

Sevilla

01-07-2007, 10:08 AM

Can someone help me find some good illustrations & directions for using a wrap? I made one and everything I've found so far has the baby facing in... I want her to be able to face out (or do I just tie it on as the sites have shown for facing in and just put her in facing out?). TIA!
There is some controversy about putting a baby facing out with their legs dangling down in a wrap (a la a Bjorn or Snuggli) b/c of concerns about their hips (dangling from the crotch is an unnatural way to hold a baby, normally they are supported by their butt instead). If I were you I would put my baby 'buddha style' facing forward. So do the wrap like you would for facing in except fold the 'cumberbund' fabric inside into a pouch for you to seat your baby in crosslegged. That way they can face out while being well supported. HTH!

Thanks, Sevilla! Does your DS like being outside in the carrier? Can I ask which carrier you use? Is it comfy?
My DS *loves* his carriers. They are the sure-fire way to calm him down and help him fall asleep. And he's always loved being outside so the combinatin of 'outside' and 'carried' makes him thrilled and relaxed. But other kids don't like outside as much, or they're pickier about what type of carrier they like to be in - so it's really a matter of what your individual child likes. The carriers we use are *very* comfy - we wear our DS who is 9 months old for several hours at a time without a problem. The two we've liked best are the Beco (www.ecobabies.com) and the Kozy (www.kozycarrier.com).

Wrighty26

01-07-2007, 10:19 AM

Adam's Pi - Here's instructions on how to do a "Joey Hold (http://www.mobywrap.com/instructions.php?link=6)" from Moby Wrap. I use it all the time and my DS loves it. :)

Delta

01-07-2007, 01:23 PM

OK Sevilla what wrap do you use?

I just got the Moby and I just want to ditto Teresita. It wasn't as overwhelming as I thought it would be but it is still more fabric than I ideally would like, and I can't figure out how to get my baby in it securely. :o

I really want a wrap to work because I don't like the mei tai and cannot STAND a ring slings.

maryanne

01-07-2007, 08:21 PM

http://www.sybela.com/connecta.html

I am in love!!!!! the connect carriers look great!

just wish that I knew someone in england since she doesn't ship here.

Sevilla

01-07-2007, 09:14 PM

http://www.sybela.com/connecta.html

I am in love!!!!! the connect carriers look great!

just wish that I knew someone in england since she doesn't ship here.
It looks very similar to the beco (www.ecobabies.com) and Angelpack LX (don't have a link ATM, but if you do a google search it will come up!). Maybe you coud try one of those since you can't get the Sybela :).

maryanne

01-07-2007, 09:25 PM

thanks sevilla, I have checked out there sites too. But it is the specific fabric combos that has me salivating for the connecta right now. :)

LRL

01-07-2007, 09:44 PM

Delta- I am not Sevilla, but thought I could maybe help? Did you pre-tie the Moby wrap? If you pre-tie, and get it snug, you should be able to use the stretch of the wrap to pop you DC in and he should be nice and snug without sliding down into a little ball. It takes some time to get used to wrapping. Most beginners need the extra length to learn, but of course you could chop it if you really feel it is too long. My only concern is that you might not know what length works for you and might chop it too short if you aren't used to tying it yet.

I don't currently use a Moby wrap, but have tried one before. I have several different types of wraps, Didymos, Hoppediz, and Ellaroo- As soon as I discovered the GSW type wraps I was hooked. These are non stretchy wraps which are better as your DC gets heavier, and more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Wraps are my carrier of choice! I have tried everything, but my stash consists mostly of wraps, a couple RS for special occasions, and a few MT for quick carries or friends/family who occasionally want to help me carry DS. ;)