I didn't plan on baby wearing when I was pg with my first. It kind of just happened. He was more content and slept longer stretches of time when close to me. At the time I only used a Baby Bjorn but it killed my back and can only be used for up to 20 lbs or something there abouts.

So, now that I am pg again and plan on baby wearing, I want a sling but I have no idea where to start. Are some easier to use than others? Have higher weight limits? More comfy on mom's back?

Thanks so much for the help!

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I use a pouch sling. It is not adjustable or anything. Its the only kind I've used, it does hurt my back, if I use it for long periods of time.

I kinda got into babywearing out of desperation My DS when he was born was so fussy when we left the house, I got one to see if it would calm him at all.
It did. I don't use it as much now as I did then, but, I do use it, especially when we go to someones house and I need to hold him a lot.

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I have an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder, and I like it. I've never tried a different kind though, so I can't compare. It is adjustable and I've used it in different positions from the time my son was 6 weeks old. He's now 14 months and we still use it.


Allyson
mommy to Myles
4/28/03

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It's all personal preference really. It's too bad they cost so much, because that makes it hard to try them and find one that works.

My favorite is my MIM sling. It's lightlypadded, lightweight, PRETTY, reasonably priced, easy to use, totally adjustable and has a zippered pocket in the tail.

I started with a OTSBH and I truly hate it.

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Go Play Neopets!

Most have weight limits of about 35lbs but really as long as your comfy its good. Check out www.TheBabyWear.com they have a TON of sling info. I think my fave slings are pouchs and adjustable pouches. I like the wide shoulders and deep pouch. I've also have good luck with a few basic ring slings, especially the Zolo.

Goodluck!

I just got my first sling since Wil outgrew his bjorn a month ago. I got a hotsling with leg padding. It's a non adjustable pouch style. So far I love it. I've only used the hip carry so far, and we are both super comfy. They are very reasonably priced, too. www.hotslings.com Good luck!

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The weight limit is around 35 lbs for all slings (there are other types of baby carriers that don't have this limit, but I'll stick to slings since that's what you asked about).

Here are the basic decisions you need to make :

1. Do you want a padded or unpadded sling? Padded slings are typically hard to adjust, but the padding makes it easier to nurse in a sling. If you aren't sure, I would recommend NOT getting the padding. An unpadded sling usually has an "Open tail" which means the fabric that feeds through the rings has not been sewn together. That means you can adjust the top rail and bottom rail separately. If you want baby to feel secure, this is essential.
2. Do you want something adjustable (a ring sling) or nonadjustable (a pouch)? A pouch is very portable and handy. The downside is you need to make sure you get the right size, you won't necessarily be able to share it with anyone. The downside to a ring sling is you have to re-adjust them every 1/2 hour or so (depending on the sling) because the fabric sometimes slips a bit, and they aren't as portable because they have rings.
3. Do you want to be able to nurse in it? If so you should probably get a ring sling, because nursing isn't quite as easy in a pouch (at least that's my understanding).
4. How much do you want to spend? If you can spend $100 on the "cadillac" or slings, you can get a Mamma's Milk pouch at www.mammasmilk.com or a Zolowear ring sling at www.zolowear.com. If you want something cheaper, there are a multitude of options, ranging from around $30 and up.

I got a ring sling from TaylorMade (www.taylormadeslings.com) and I love it. Reverand Jan at Sleeping Baby makes a really nice sling pretty cheap at http://www.sleepingbaby.net/.

The main thing to keep in mind about slings is that there are a ton of WAHM's that make them (the two sites I listed are both WAHM run). Consequently, if you have a special fabric you want the sling to be made of, or have a special request, or just need some help determining what works best for you, all of the ladies are really good about working with you.

Hope this helps. There are a TON of options. At www.mothering.com there is a Babywearing forum that has reviews, and at www.thebabywearer.com there is a Reviews section, as well as forums where you can ask questions.

I have recently gotten into this whole thing and have found out a lot, but I am far from an expert.

Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide to get.