Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Decisions

I am struggling with the decision of which baby sling to buy! Everything I read is contradictory. The Maya Wrap seems like the hanging fabric would get in my way, but it might be nice for breast feeding. The Moby Wrap seems like it would just be too much going on. There are so many others, I won't even start. But I am looking for advice, so if anyone who can shed some light on my dilemma, I would appreciate it.

3 comments:

Brown Birdy said...

OK you ready for a long one? haha
I have mixed feelings about them too! Check out www.thebabywearer.com or this link http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?page=choosing link for amazing feedback on those slings and more! Plus hello amazing savings on buying them pre-loved (which ='s more slings hehe!) I'm personally a huge lover of the Becco Butterfly-I've worn my friends’ babies and will for sure be getting one for our next baby. I have a Mei Tai that I love-but the Becco is great if you're out alone so you don’t have to struggle with straps in the gutter etc. I also have a Maya wrap style that I made-I really liked it and found it easier to sling my son from front to back by myself once he was older (7 mo +ish?). I also think the Maya would be easier for nursing while little than the Moby-where you'd have to maneuver a bit more. When older it wouldn't be a problem for them to nurse sitting up in the Moby. Other factors to think on-the Moby takes a while to master by ones self...I'm not sure what the age limit is for those either.
Being that slings cost so much-I'd make sure it's something you really like! Do you have any friends who own them that you could try slinging w their babies? I must say that it's easy to become a carrier addict! And thinking that you will find 1 sling and fall in love for good is probably not going to happen-there are so many different situations where you may want a different carrier. Here’s a link to the section on diaper swappers that would have people from your area-you can maybe email some of these mamas and get together? We have a diaper group here in Boise of about 100+ gals who cd and sling etc. We have an online forum and get together a couple times a month for dinners, park days, craft days ect-you never know, there could be such a group in your area?! http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=109
Oh-another thing to consider is if your hubby will be getting his own or sharing yours. Making sure he is ok with the style and print is essential if you don't want to end up being the exclusive carrier! My sling was a tan on one side and a tan/brown camo on the other side. My husband went w me to pick out the fabrics so we could make sure he would use it. You can see pics of 'his' sling here! http://www.flickr.com/photos/9501672@N05/ I find most guys like the Mei Tai style or the pouch. (Which the pouch is another great one for feeding, front-cradle or sitting up, back and side carry-I forgot to mention I used that one as well.)
Here's a link to making your own slings of all sorts-I used these for our pouch sling as well as our Maya style sling. Talk about money saver! http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/index.html Oh and at the bottom?-amazing sewing patterns for other baby related items! Another great reference- http://www.wearyourbaby.com/ And just for eye candy? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYdI7HH9PW0
Here’s the sweetest dad demo’ing the Moby wrap with his wee one! My heart melts every time I see a baby wearing dad! You can do searches on you tube to see how people have found best to wrap their babies—just put in any sling name!

Willow said...

Make one! I am sure your own version would be the best!!!

Anonymous said...

It is true there are so many options available when it comes to baby carriers. Ask yourself a few questions first to narrow down your choices. Who is going to use the carrier? What do you want to use it for (i.e. quick trips, extended babywearing)? How long do you plan on using it (first 6 months or through toddler years)? What is more important (comfort or style)? Do you have neck, shoulder, or back issues?

I would be happy to talk to you and help you narrow down your options. You can email me at katie (at) lastellablu (dot) com.