The Sling Lady

Okay, I hear you!  You are intrigued the new Heart2Heart infant insert from ERGOBaby, but you’re just not sure how it works, or how it’s better than the old one.  If you can put aside the fact that I rushed these pictures into print (I took them on my dining room table and didn’t iron the tablecloth), here are a few photos to illustrate. 

To the left is the old infant insert. It basically acted like a super-supportive blanket. You folded it around baby and positioned the baby sideways in the ERGO baby carrier, with legs hanging out the side. The insert provided some support for baby’s head and back and prevented the straps from digging into her face. While this was adequate, many parents found it difficult to get baby positioned just right, and also worried that the baby would wiggle out the side of the carrier (although I personally didn’t have that concern). The fact that the insert was open at the bottom just made it more difficult to figure out exactly how to tuck baby into it. Moreoever, the old infant insert only supported this reclined cradle carry whereas many infant prefer the upright tummy to tummy (or heart-to-heart) carry. Plus, the ERGO is designed to wear children in an upright position, so it made sense to have an insert that functioned that way, too.

Enter the Heart2Heart, the newly redesigned infant insert.

There is a cushion at the bottom of this carrier to provide extra support for baby’s hips and also to keep baby in the seated position. The insert is partially sewn shut and that, added to the cushion, make it virtually fool-proof to position baby in the carrier. Here is a picture of Molly, my demo doll, positioned in the insert (she’s meant to be sleeping although this picture looks rather, well, funereal). Her bum is resting on the cushion in the insert, and her legs are supported in a curved, seated position.

Then the strap holds the carrier close around baby before you put baby into your ERGO baby carrier. I like this because it leaves even less room for error and because you can focus on getting the carrier positioned, rather than having to worry about baby’s position.

After that, you just pick baby up, supporting the head, and put them in the carrier as you would an older child, only the legs remain curled against your chest instead of outside the carrier.  As baby gets older, you can also have the legs out while using the insert.

Okay, that’s not me, but trust me, you’d rather be looking at him than me today!

Bottom line on the new Heart2Heart infant insert: it’s definitely an improvement on the old one. I can recommend it if you are only wanting to own one carrier throughout your child’s lifetime. But having experience other buckle carriers that are designed especially for infants, I prefer the Pikkolo or the Beco baby carriers for the infant stage. Or better yet, a pouch or a ring sling for that cuddle newborn age. A pouch or ring sling make a great companion to the ERGO, as they are super easy on/off and can be used for years as hip carriers even when baby grows out of the cradle carry.

I should note that if you’re looking for a great deal on the old infant inserts, they are on sale!

Was this helpful? Let me know in the comments, or ask other questions and I’ll try to answer them!

Meeting Gabby and Ruth from Beco was definitely an ABC highlight. Ruth is calm, cool and collected, which I knew from dealing with her via email, but I hadn’t realized she is also a Beco model! Gabby, owner and Beco designer, is a ball of energy, full of enthusiasm, funny, and totally adorable. She was kind enough to answer all of my questions about the newest Beco carrier, the Gemini. That’s Gabby on the right, showing off a new Beco Butterfly print for Fall called, appropriately enough, Panthers.

From what I can see, the Gemini is going to be huge. Gabby says she designed it to respond to fans seeking a carrier that can accommodate forward facing out carries, while still being able to grow with your child.  That’s it down there on the right.  Essentially, she’s bringing back the beloved 4th generation Beco, with the addition of snaps to narrow the base to six inches to make forward facing possible. It also features an extendable body, which can fold down for infants and forward carry and then up to provide great support fo an older child’s back.  At 20” length of the Gemini is even longer than 4th generation, and Gabby says it comes up to her 4 year old’s shoulder blades. The body is very padded and supportive so it will make a great carrier for newborns, too.  Some people will miss the safety harness and infant insert on the Butterfly, but I personally find the harness a bit cumbersome for use with my older toddler, so the Gemini will be my choice for the older child and especially for the experienced babywearer when doing back carries.   Gabby says to look for the Gemini to debut in the spring, at the same price point as the Butterfly.  She’s still not sure about prints, but anticipates that both styles will have the same prints so that you can get the print you love in the carrier you want.  The carrier body in the picture is black but she did also show me a fabulous soft eggplant color (designed especially for Beco) which is absolutely gorgeous.  Hopefully we’ll see that soon!

Dear SlingLady,

Back when I had my son,  Maya Wraps only had one size.  Sadly, I lost that sling so now that I’m expected my second baby, I’m looking for another Maya.  The sizing instructions indicate I’m a medium, but I’m tall (5′9) and wondering whether I should get a Large instead.  Why are there even sizes – aren’t ring slings totally adjustable?

- Maya Lover

Dear M.L.

Everything seems more complicated these days, doesn’t it?  You are correct that ring slings are adjustable and that Mayas are completely adjustable (since the rails are unpadded).  The only difference between the sizing is a few extra inches of material.  So what you want to consider is how much length you like in the tail of your sling.  Some people love a long, flowy tail, which is both pretty and useful for covering up baby from the sun and when nursing, etc.  Other people prefer a shorter tail, and may even wrap the tail around the rings to get it out of the way.  Since you are taller, you’d probably want to choose between the Medium (if you like an average-short tail) and the Large (if you’d like a longer tail).

I love this picture from Maya Wrap, since it demonstrates the different sizes on the same model:

Cheers,

The SlingLady

Dear SlingLady,

A while ago, you recommended a stretchy wrap to me for use with my newborn.  I bought a Bali Baby Breeze (Chukwa, so DH will wear it too).  DD seems to be very comfortable in it.  Usually I tie it on in the morning and then pop her in and out of it during the day (thanks for the suggestion!).  My one problem is that she doesn’t always feel secure in it.  Can you help?

- Tamara

Dear Tamara,

The key to wearing a stretchy wrap is tying it very snugly.  Most people are surprised by how snugly I tie the Moby or Bali Baby Stretch wraps on when I’m doing demos.  Because they both are stretchy, you want to pull them as snugly as a t-shirt that is a size too small.  Really!  Then add your baby.  The wrap will stretch to accomodate your daughter, and will feel very secure.  Even if it feels a little too snug at first, in about 10 minutes, it will be perfect.

Good luck!

Cheers,

The SlingLady

Dear Sling Lady,

I just found out I’m having twins.  I have an older child already and know I’m going to want a secure carrier for my new ones, while I’m running around after my toddler.  Please help!

- Stephanie

Dear Stephanie,

Congratulations on the news!  For newborn twins, nothing beats a stretchy wrap, like the Moby wrap or the Wrapsody Bali Baby Stretch by Gypsy Mama.  You can wear both babies at one time, or either one alone, and it’s easy to take them in and out without removing the wrap.  You can even breastfeed one of both twins in this carrier.  Over to the left is a mama with twins in a Moby.

Some people also wear twins in a Kangaroo Korner pouch – both can fit in when they are still very small.   Twins often like to be snuggled together this way.  You can see twins snuggled in a Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Fleece Pouch below.  

As they get older, if you are still wearing them both, you could get two pouches or two ring slings or one of each to wear the children on either hip.   Some people also get mei tais or buckle carriers and wear one child on their front and one on their back, but that’s another post all together!

Warm wishes for a great pregnancy,

The Sling Lady 

Dear Sling Lady,

I am 32 weeks pregnant with my first baby and wanting to get everything ready.  I know we want to use a baby carrier but I’m worried about finding the right fit since I’ve already gained a lot of weight.  Should I buy now or wait until after the baby is born?

Thanks,

Nadia (from St. Helena)

Dear Nadia, 

I think it’s wonderful to have a carrier when the baby arrives, it’s a lovely help in the first few weeks!  I recommend going ahead and getting something now, as many new mamas don’t have the time or energy to deal with choosing a carrier while still recovering from labor and delivery.

The only carrier I would avoid are fitted pouches (i.e. Hotslings) as their sizing is rather precise – they are best chosen once your weight has stablized.   My other favorite new born carriers are all good options for buying before the baby is born, because they have flexible or adjustable sizing.   I do accept returns for 30 days after your baby’s birth, so if what you buy now isn’t working, you can exchange it for something better.

My top recommendations are a stretchy wrap (Moby or Bali Baby Stretch) or a Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Pouch (fleece is my favorite fabric, but the mesh and all-season options are best for hot weather).   Both are cuddly and easy to use with newborns and should work for you even as you lose your pregnancy weight.

Warmly,

The Sling Lady

Dear Sling Lady,

My newborn who is about 7 weeks old, does not like to be put down. So I pretty much have to sit on the couch all day just holding him so he can nap. Do you have any good suggestions on what type of sling I can get in order to do some chores around the house and keep him happy? Please help!  – Shellie