Hi everyone!

LJ linked me here from DIF (and THANK YOU!!!!) - I'm almost 27 weeks pg with child #2. I'd like to wear this baby - I love the idea of wearing this one from day one.

I have some pretty specific questions, sorry about that, but I'm hoping that you folks have some advice! TIA!!!!

I'm plus-size, so I'm worried about getting a sling/wrap that will fit me. Also, I have pretty large babies (DD was 9.13, this one they think will be WELL over 10 lbs, based on u/s and history). Is there a sling/wrap that will accomodate a large mom and a large baby well?

As I am DIF, is there a sling/wrap that will carry me through our mild seasons? Something warm enough for those cold Feb days, rainy/cold March-May (let's be honest here, it rains through July 4th!) days, and still work into the warmer summer months?

I have pregnancy-exacerbated carpal tunnel syndrome, so there is no way I could sew anything (and don't own a sewing machine, and don't know how to sew anyway! *giggle) so I really need something "ready to wear". What would be the best?

FWIW, I am not averse to some learning/practice time, and I like the idea of the padded rails (but don't know if that is practical or needed).

I joined the NINO Seattle-area moms babywearing group (yay! thanks for that link!) but if anyone knows of any Seattle-area stores that carry a variety of slings/wraps I would love it if you point me their way! I heard the Overlake stores (at Overlake Hospital and in Issaquah) carry some items, but I've not been there yet.

Thanks so much for anything at all you can help me with!!!!

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Kathy
DH-Brian
DD-Madeleine Sept. '03
DD-Margot Feb. '07

Any kind of lightly padded ring sling will be fine for you. They are sold in sizes... I'm plus sized (wear about a size 18) and about 6 foot. I have an ella-Roo lightly padded ring sling in a large. Reece is about 15-16 lbs right now and I can still wear him in it for hours on end. Although, I find the front Kangaroo carry a bit too much for my back these days. But anything that ties him flat to me on my hip or front is PERFECT. The Ella Roo fabric is a rather heavy cotton... I wear Reece outside here (we live in northern Ontario, it's cold lol) but I line the sling w/ a fleece blanket, then Zip him into my jacket and put a hat on him... If it's windy I just use the sling tail to toss over his head to protect his face. There are also jacket or vest options that are made for baby wearing in cold climates.

You can also get mesh slings for summer, very light and made to wear baby in the heat... But you wouldn't want to use it in cool weather. But a cotton sling can be used year round for the most part so IMO, cotton or hemp is a better option if you only want to get 1 sling.

But... You don't have to get the Ella Roo either, there are sooo many slings on the market. I would look for something that opens up nice and wide across your shoulder and back (some will have a rather narrow shoulder/back area and that can be uncomfortable as baby get older a wide lightly padded shoulder and wide back helps disperse weight and pressure REALLY well), something lightly padded along the rails (I find it helps from any slipping through the rings) and stay away from silk or other delicate fabrics and something with a really long dramatic tail for your 1st sling. And you may want to make sure the fabric of the sling is comfortable.. Some slings (even the Maya) are made of a rough fabric and you may not want that for a new baby... The Way Reece likes to be tied meant that he had that rough fabric around the back of his neck or cheek (not nice ).... Once you have the sling thing figured out, then go crazy picking out beautiful fabrics or whatever

Here is a link w/ every possible sling that I can think of....
http://store.attachedtobaby.com/sear...x?categoryid=3

HTH!

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I'm so glad you came over here! Welcome!

For ring slings, Jan at Sleeping Baby Productions www.sleepingbaby.net does amazing work. She is known to have a very comfortable shoulder design. There are always some for sale at thebabywearer.com's for sale or trade boards. They are abbreviated as SBP RSs.

The fabrics that she has available on her site are pretty limited most of the time, but you can send her your own or just tell her what you are looking for and she can whip you up a custom pretty quickly.

If you find out you don't like ring slings, most Mei Tai's can be ordered with extra-long straps. I know BabyHawk offers them.

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