Ask the SlingLady!
July 2nd, 2008Got Qs? The SlingLady has answers!
All questions will receive a personal answer via email. Frequently asked questions may be posted on my blog. In submitting a question, you give Carry Me Away the right to publish your question along with your first name, unless you specifically state otherwise in your communication with us.
I just bought a becco carrier three days ago and I am just too short in the torso for it to fit correctly, also, I think the carrier is terribly uncomfortable for me and my baby (4 months). I am interested in a mei tai, but there are so many variations made by different companies – could you help me choose one that will fit better?? Here is a little bit about myself: I’m 5 feet tall (or a bit under) and I will wear my baby all the time (I’m currently holding her, and I’m just not getting anything done). Other carriers that I’ve used are the bjorn (which I’ve stopped using after excruciating neck/back pain and negative info I’ve read) and a fleece sling (again neck pain and she doesn’t care for it). I’m interested in a carrier that can be used on the back (which I know the mei tai can as well as facing the baby forward in front because she loves to look out and see what’s going on. If you need any other info from me, please just let me know. Thank you so much for your time – Gina Suarez
Hi Gina! Thanks for your note. I will be replying to you shortly in the SlingLady blog.
Cheers,
The SlingLady
Hi,
I have really enjoyed wearing my 8 month old baby boy. He loved the pouch the best, but we’ve tried a little bit of everything since he outgrew it. I’m pregnant again (yikes and yay!), but don’t want to stop wearing my baby boy. Is there a carrier that works well with pregnant bellies? Maybe a hip carrier?
Thanks!
Can you forward face a baby in the Ergo?
Hi Trina, ERGO does not recommend this carry, and truthfully, the carrier is not designed for forward-facing carries.
Do keep in mind, though, that babies only want to face forward for a few months. Once they are old enough for a hip carry, they are able to see the world pretty well that way, and don’t need forward facing carries as much. Plus, forward-facing carries are less comfy for you, since your baby is in a less ergonomic position.
If you’re looking for a buckle carrier that does forward facing carries, I can recommend the Pikkolo!
I also like it better for hip carry compared to the ERGO.
Hello there! Are all the Pikkolos made of the same material as the Flame Pikkolo? I am wondering if any of them are softer. Thanks for your time. Jenna
Hi Jenna! The fabric on the Flame Pikkolo is probably as soft as it gets. Most people find that the Pikkolo fabrics get softer over time. It’s a challenge to find fabrics that are as soft as possible, yet also sturdy!
If you’re looking for a really soft carrier, you might think about a Kangaroo Korner fleece pouch – they are super soft!
Warmly,
The SlingLady
Hi Sling Lady-
I am wondering when my son can wrap his legs around my waist in a carrier like and ergo. He is 3 1/2 months with great head control and weighs 15lbs. Thanks!! Ilana
Hi Ilana, the answer to this question varies a lot by child. Some children will feel very comfortable wrapping their legs around you at your son’s age, while others will find it uncomfortable until they are 5-6 months old or even longer. The ERGO does have a wide base (in order to accomodate older children as well) which works fine for some little ones but not as well for others. Honestly, you won’t really know until you try! Many people have had success “froggying” the legs of little ones until they are comfy with legs out. You can also try one leg in and one leg out.
Please let me know if you have other questions!
Warmly,
The Sling Lady
Dear Sling Lady~
My mother-in-law got me a BabyPouch (http://www.vimeo.com/5291569), which for all I can tell is pretty much the same thing as the Moby (huge long piece of cloth). I’m trying it today but have run into two problems/questions:
1) I have my son in the womb/cradle hold, but he keeps slipping down, so that now he is almost horizontal with his chin close to his chest instead of more sitting upright. Any thoughts on how to keep him more in the “right” positions? Or, do you recommend a different way of putting him in the sling as a 1month old?
2) While my hands are technically free, it’s still relatively difficult to do things like dishes, b/c I have to reach around him to get to things. Ex: when I pull the cloth around my shoulders for more support, his head is around where my armpit is, so if I want to do anything with my left arm, I basically can only use my forearm. If I reach around/extend, it jostles his head every time.
Thanks,
Simona
Hi Simona, while I don’t know the BabyPouch wrap, there are a few tips that might help you.
Try your baby in an upright position, instead of a cradle carry with his head tucked into the fabric comes down over your shoulder. This will keep him upright and in a supported position. You can either put him in a semi-reclined cradle hold (slightly inclined) or in an upright carry with his tummy facing yours. Here are some pictures of this carry:
http://www.carrymeaway.com/item_617/Tattoo-Moby-Wrap.htm and http://www.carrymeaway.com/item_619/Pacific-Moby-Wrap.htm .
Secondly, tie the wrap *much* tighter than you think you should. Babies feel more secure when they are snugly held.
As far as convenience of getting things done, the upright hold should help you with the concern about banging his head. If you really want hands free, though, you might consider a wrap that can do a back-carry (like the Bali Stretch or Bali Breeze wraps) or the Kozy Carrier mei tai, which can also be used as a back carrier for an infant.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
The SlingLady
I just read your post about the new Ergo heart-2-heart insert. I’m wondering if you think that it would be possible to convert an old style infant insert into something more like the heart-2-heart insert. I already have the old one, and don’t plan on buying another one, but I like this new style. Thanks!