Ask the SlingLady!
Got 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.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi SlingLady,
I am a first time mom and my son is 3 months old. We’ve found he only naps in the Baby Bjorn! Since I’m new to babywearing, I wanted to know if it’s ok if babies consistently nap in an upright carrier. Should I be trying to wean him from being carried?
Also, I’d like to nurse in a carrier. My breasts are larger so I don’t know if that is possible.
Thanks and I appreciate the help.
Hi Jen, thanks for writing! You will find varying opinions on this topic for sure. It’s my belief that at the age of 3 months, you can do whatever it takes to get baby to nap, whether it be carrying him, rocking him, singing, whatever works! The main issue is whether he will get so used to sleeping in the carrier that he can’t fall asleep anywhere else, but I think that this can be addressed down the road. Most sleep experts seems to think that the optimal time to start sleep training and such is between 4-6 months. At that time, you may decide to try and vary the ways that your baby can get to sleep.
While it is possible to nurse in a carrier like the Bjorn (by loosening the straps and letting him nurse upright), they don’t provide much coverage! I personally like ring slings for nursing in, since the tail can be used as a built in cover-up and they allow for lying-down nursing.
I hope this helps and please let me know if I can be of further assistance!
Hi Joni! The Navy Midnight carrier and the Twill Navy with Midnight Lining you are seeing on Amazon are the same carrier – just with slightly different names
ERGO has only made one solid Navy carrier, so that’s it! They also have the Navy carrier with Highland Plaid lining.
Best regards,
The Sling Lady
Is Orlando blooms carrier just the navy color? or is it the twill navy with midnight lining? I compared his to the twill midnight color on amazon.com and they look like they match go through the six photos on the imagages click on the orignal navy carrier first then go to select color and choose twill navy with midnight lining and tell me if their the same or different color and tell me wich one matches Orlando’s
I don’t like slings, I always feel like my babies are suffocating and smushed. I don’t like the moby, there is just too much fabric to get off and on quickly and easily. I like the born, my main carrier but it is hard to do things in it for the baby only sits on front. I have been looking into the ergo, like it sits on hip, how I do most of my carrying of my kids. I like the beco that the butterfly has the safety of the fabric inside, and I have read great things but can’t sit on hip. The new gemini has all the positions but is it as comfy as the butterfly (so I heard never tried) I know it doesn’t have the safety fab inside. I don’t want to invest so much money on something that I have doubts about. My kids are 2yrs, 9 months and am planning on one more. I always breast feed so that is something I would like to be able to do in the carrier also, please help. I need to invest in a carrier that is very comfy and lets me play and get stuff done with a kid in it and possibly another one hanging or dangling on my other side.
Sling Lady, I’m wondering if I should hang on to my original Ergo and get the Performance or if the Performance would be OK for overall carrier.
My husband thinks if we’re going to get the Performance that I should sell the original.
I’m having a hard time letting go and want both!
But from a practicality standpoint, I’m wondering if there really are benefits to having both or if the Performance could be the sole Ergo in our house.
Your thoughts on it would be greatly appreciated it!
Hi Amber! Since you are looking for a structured carrier that isn’t too complicated, I would highly recommend the ERGO Sport. Although all carriers can be on the warm side, the Sport has a vent and breathable/wicking fabric that helps keep you and baby as cool as possible. The ERGO carriers are comfortable and easy to use for almost everyone and the Sport has greater flexibility than even the standard ERGO to accommodate plus sizes. Additionally the Sport can be used as a front carrier, a back carrier and a hip carrier (although frankly I prefer other carriers for the hip carry). You can find the Sport in blue: http://www.carrymeaway.com/item_766/Blue-Sport-ERGO.htm and in black: http://www.carrymeaway.com/item_549/Black-Sport-ERGO.htm
I hope this helps and please don’t hesitate to write back if you have further questions!
Best regards,
The SlingLady
I am a plus size mom of a 7 month old. We have a Moby Wrap that we love. Living in FL we find that it’s a little warm for the summer. We’d like to find a structured carrier that will allow more than a front carry, that is also not “complicated” for my parents to use with my daughter. What do you recommend?
Hi Julie! That is a Beco Butterfly 2 for sure. It’s a custom print, so it was only sold in one or two stores. I’m not sure of the name, since it wasn’t one of ours! I’ll do some asking around and get back to you if I find out more.
Cheers,
The SlingLady
Hi, I bought this BECO used & was just curious if you know the name of the print? Also, about how old, what year (generation?) this came out. Thanks!
(please excuse the poor image quality)
[IMG]http://i50.tinypic.com/2i06hk6.jpg[/IMG]
Hi, I might be a lil late to ask if I have purchased the right carrier for my family since I am waiting for CMA to dispatch my Pikkolo order. But I thought I might as well ask the Slinglady! I need the carrier to suit my whole family which consist of a petite 154cm me, a larger sized husband (he’s not tall, just wide and muscular), a 15kg 4 year old and a 8 month old cruising baby. I personally like to hip carry but would love something versatile in case the need arises to carry any other way. We travel on the public transport quite a bit and sometimes need our hands free for shopping bags. I have tried the bjorn (can’t accomodate both kids), couple of hip carriers (dig into my shoulders) and a ring sling (doesn’t seem to carry my 4 yo that well) so I hope the Pikkolo is the carrier to meet all these needs mentioned. Please tell me I’ve got it right this time?? Thank you.
(Thank you for not publishing my question.)
Hi Daye! Stretchy wraps are a great choice for breastfeeding with a newborn. I think you can’t go wrong with either a Bali Stretch or a Moby Wrap. In terms of functionality (meaning how you use them), they are the same. Based on what you’ve written, I think you may prefer a Bali Stretch wrap. It is just slighly less stretchy than the Moby, but still stretchy and comfortable. The Bali Stretch is also a bit thinner, which is something to keep in mind, with summer coming.
That being said, either one is a great choice for nursing from day one.
Please let me know if I can answer any more questions!
Warmly,
The Sling Lady
I didn’t mean to say I need something easiest for a beginner. I know that as far as wraps go none of them are as easy as a buckle carrier and that’s fine. I know that it is a wrap that I want. And I would prefer a stretchy wrap b/c I heard they were easier than wovens, however I don’t want to be tightening all the time. . .
Hello!
I am trying to decide between your moby and your bali stretch wraps. I need a wrap that will BEST hold my newborn while I attempt hands free nursing. You see I have a toddler to chase after!
I am not new to baby wearing. I have a Maya ring sling, a hotsling, and several SSCs. But I AM new to breast feeding while baby wearing. I could never manage it with the carriers/ slings that I already have.
So I looking at a wrap now which I have no experience with. I am not interested in a woven wrap because if my new baby outgrows his/her stretchy wrap then I can just use another of my slings/ carriers.
I just need something that is easiest for a beginner and yet is supportive enough for a little bitty newborn. I want to use my wrap in hands free nursing from day one.
So which would be best for me? Moby or Bali or are they the same. I have Bali is not as stretchy. However, what is best for a little new born? More or less stretch? I have heard both but never from people who have tried both wraps.
Well thank you so much!
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!
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
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 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
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 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
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 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.
Can you forward face a baby in the Ergo?
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!
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