Or maybe more of an observation...I have NEVER seen people in my area (the south) wearing their babies. Is this something that people do up north or out west and not in the south or what. Can I keep my baby cool enough and still wear her outside in the summer? I would really like to try this when she/he is born. Thanks.

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Hi there!! I am near Sacramento, CA (VERY HOT in the summer - over 100) and I used to wear my son all the time when he was little and now wear my daughter all the time. I have a Maya Wrap sling and use the tail to cover my daughter when we are out in the sun (or the rain or cold for that matter). In the summer I tend to let her legs and upper body stick out more than in the winter so she doesn't get so hot. The slings are sooo great, my 2 and 1/2 year old still occasionally gets to ride in it if he's having a hard day (he hasn't reached the 35 pound limit yet). And it is soooo fabulous with my daughter, she and I walk around stores all over town and I'll be nursing her in the sling the entire time without anyone noticing. The Maya Wrap also has a pocket on the outside, so if I'm just making a quick trip into the store or something, I just put my wallet, phone, and keys in the pocket and am hands free (well besides wearing my daughter and holding my son's hand). I often attach toys to the rings of the sling, too, so my daughter can play with them, and have used the sling as a picnic blanket in the park plenty of times, as well as a variety of other things. I've had the same Maya Wrap since my son was about 2 months old and have washed it many times and it is still in perfect condition. They are FABULOUS!!! I like it because you can adjust both "rails" (the top edge of the fabric and the bottom edge) easily, unlike some slings with padded rails.

There is also a sling called a Solarveil that is very lightweight and made of some UV protected material or something. I have a friend with one and she really likes it in the summer. It apparently does great in the water, also, and dries quickly afterward.

And, no, I do not work for either of these companies or sell either of these products (although La Leche League usually sells the Maya Wraps). But I do LOVE my Maya Wrap (I thought I would die the one day I forgot it when I was out running errands)!!!

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Emma Biedenbender
Signs of Early Life
http://www.signsofearlylife.com

Hey Emma!

Thanks for the response. I did ask one mom down here about slings. I figured since she is pg with her 5th, she would know something about it. She had one and loved BFing in it, but the baby didn't like it. Guess they will work down here and besides when the weather is close to 100 with 90% humidity, I don't stay outside too much anyway.

Mom wishes she had one when she had us 3 kids. So I will definately be trying one! I think it will make life easier and build a bond with my baby.

I was wondering too, why do some babies like them and some not? and how much time does your baby spend in one a day? I know some people who leave their baby in one of those carriers for hours on end. I just don't think that they are good for them...

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Ha Ha!! I'm the only 'freak' that I know!! I'm real life at least!! I don't mind being the only one babywearing- I get looks and sometimes snarky comments- but I mostly get smiles of curiosity and approval! I'm in Kentucky by the way!!

happy babywearing! Don't worry about fitting in- you know what is best for your baby!

I may be 100% wrong- but I think I recall you posting in some of the 'plus sized' forums here at SK. Plus sized mama here as well!! If you need any information on finding the perfect sling/pouch/carrier/wrap for you just let me know!!

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I never even knew what a sling was when I had my first, and I read up on the front carries and found out there bad for them (mostly for there hips and legs) I have a Dr sears nojo sling I really like it, my newborn doesn't like it yet and she is kinda on the small side so it just dont work out to well just yet. I remember slinging my middle dd all over town in both FL and LasVegas (haha under 21 my a$$ they thought it was a purse ) I dont think its wise to have kids in the heat that long to begin with.

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Thanks for the advice ladies! Sorry I haven't posted in such a long time. Things were crazy here after the Hurricane. Thank all you ladies who are sending slings and carriers to the women down here. I can't wait to see if other women start wearing their babies.

I would love more info on plus sized mom's and slings.

Thanks again!

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I live in FL and wear my baby.

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I live in NC and use a sling. I get lots of questions and such, and rarely see anyone else with one.

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Elaine~

I live in rural PA and am quite alone in the baby wearing until I get around Penn State's main campus (there's more of a "granola" environment around the university). I don't care, though. Reactions are usually something akin to awe & admiration along with one couple expressing outright jealousy at wishing they'd had a sling for their kids (they'd never seen such a thing). I feel I'm doing my part to help educate these folks

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Teresa (34)
Wife to Mike (33), mommy to four boys:
Tyler (14), Mason (9), Bradley (8.5) and "Baby" Logan (2)

Wanted to add I got lots of stares as I was running through the Detroit airport with the baby in the sling and my 3 year old in tow.

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Elaine~

In GA. I know a few bw'er's.

Alabama here. Birmingham has a NINO group, now! As of this month. BWing in not popular or common in any part of Alabama I have ever been to, even in Birmingham (I live downtown, more in the "art" district). There are a couple of "crunchy" places, stores, etc. around here that you can occasionally see it... hopefully the NINO group will help get the word out. Southerners are typically the last to be enlightened... And I am a Southerner, through and through, so I'm allow to say that.

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