baby carriers...

Madhu wrote: Hello All,
My baby girl is 4months. I am beginning to look for baby carriers/ slings. I need suggestions as to which brand/ model, if you'd found it useful/ easy to use/ convenient etc. All help is appreciated...
Thanks,
Madhu.

Jolyn replied: Well the Baby Bijorn is a great carrier. You can face them in or out. It's sooooooo easy to get on and off. It's also easy to get the baby in and out of it.
They are pricey....a little over $80 but well worth it. If price is a concern i see them for sale gently used on my local Craigslist all the time. Maybe check the one for your area.

msoulz replied: I have a Hip Hammock, which works well for the older baby.

Madhu replied: Thanks for the suggestions!

What about the shoulder pain (if any) from the single shoulder strap of the Hip Hammock? I thought single strap ones will cause stress on back and shoulder. What was the weight limit?

Most brands had upto 26lbs. There was one with 35lbs, that does sound excessive. I don't think i could carry her when she gets there!!!

Madhu.

msoulz replied: I haven't had any issues with the one strap but I am very comfortable with her on one hip and the strap just gives me my arm back so I don't have to hold her so much. She was very uncomfortable in the front facing Snugli that I had - I don't know if I had it on wrong or what, but she seemed very stiff, and being on the hip where she can hold onto me seems to make her happy.

I don't know the weight limit off hand but I'll look tomorrow. It is in my car right now and I'm too lazy to go get it!!

MyBlueEyedBabies replied: I have a Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Fleece Pouch and love it. My sister swears by her babyhawk Mei tai. I will probably get one of those soon because it is pretty cool.

KeanusMomma replied: here are some
good sites!
(each of those words are a different link)

Mamatoto also is very good for getting started and choosing a sling.

In my opinion, slings rather than carriers (like playtex and graco) are much better not only because of the amazing versitality but also the horizontal position is healthier for a young baby who cannot yet sit up.

I personally bought 5 yards of fabric from wal*mart. It's about 20" wide and I followed instructions from MDC babywearing and through links I got from there. I love it, and it is soooo comfy if you can get it right.

msoulz replied: OK, the Hip Hammock says it is good for 15 - 35 pounds.

Good luck choosing!! There is lots out there.

MyLuvBugs replied: A Maya Wrap sling is the best I've found!

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: I had a sling and a snuggli. I liked the snuggli when Logan was still facing me, but once he was facing forward it became a pain. And the sling I had never seemed comfortable. I don't know, maybe I am just too short for the one I had.

3_call_me_mama replied: We have a ring sling, and an adjustable pouch sling adn a moby wrap. i'm VERY excited to use the moby wrap with our new baby (who should be here in teh next couple weeks) but it works well with our 2 year old as well. At 4 months or so she loved the ring sling and the baby bjorn, but prefereed the sling as it wasnt' so restrictive and she coudl move.

Madhu replied: Thanks so much for your responses. I have a couple more questions.

Until what age have you all used the sling? Any negative/inconvenient features I need to watch out for?

Madhu