Remember that Huey Lewis and the News song “I want a new drug”? Well, I want a new sling.
One that won’t make me sick, one that won’t make me crash my car, or make me feel three feet thick.
Sorry, couldn’t help myself.
My current babywearing bundle is a 2 year old 25 pound daughter who still needs some slinging when I’m shopping, when she’s not feeling well, when I’m out and about with the other kids, and for those resistant naps occasionally.
Here’s what I need from you:
I need ideas and recommendations! I haven’t bought a sling in a few years and am a bit out of the babywearing “loop”. I’m not up on the new styles and name brands (much like cloth diapering, if you haven’t had a baby in a couple of years you don’t know any of the cool new styles and brands).
I’ve owned OTSBH, Moby, Maya, and a wahm made podaegi style that I absolutely loved. I’ve worn a couple of slings threadbare, lost a few (and shed some tears, let me tell you!) but the one I have now has GOT to go.
After wearing Sadie in it for awhile my right shoulder is killing me and my skin looks all torn up. I bought it from a friend who made slings as a hobby, but the design was a little bad, so I was unable to spread out the fabric over my shoulder to make it comfy, and the fabric is less than stretchy.
I like ring slings but I also like Asian style baby carriers. I don’t like frames. I don’t like bulk or tons of tails. (Gets way too hot here in the summer for all that fabric!) I like flexibility so a pouch isn’t my first choice. I don’t mind a learning curve.
So. Please make your suggestions below given the parameters I’ve supplied please.
I have gifts if I choose your suggestion!
The first one is an adorable baby doll sling for your little girl. Right now I am majorly digital camera challenged, so I’ll have to describe it for you.
It’s real cute. 
Ok, it’s solid black with green and pink chenille trim at the end of the tail.
If you don’t have a daughter or she doesn’t need yet another doll sling to complete her collection, you will be the proud owner of a brand spankin’ new Peaches: Deluxe Recipe Keeper
AND. If you decide to be reeeaaalllly sweet to your friend Carrie, and you own a babywearing online store or are real handy with a needle and thread or something, and you want to comp me a new sling or give me a really steep coupon code, you just might find yourself with these parting gifts and some free advertising on my show and link love from my site.
Just sayin’.
Contest ends at midnight EST on Sunday so hurry!
p.s. you may enter website links in your comments
Carrie,
I’ve been so busy-I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile.
Here are 2 suggestions:
Hug a Bub: Very versatile, and was my favorite new-baby sling. (http://www.hugabub.com/ ) and
I LOVE Chameleon Carriers-it’s such a wonderful concept, and you can basically change the whole look of the sling to match your mood! (Hence the name;) )
(http://www.chameleoncarriers.com/ )
Good luck finding the best sling!
Marcie
PS: And babydoll slings aren’t just for little girls! Boys benefit from learning nurturing behaviors too.:) My 2.5 yr old boy wears his dolls in my padded podegi, which basically makes him look like he’s wearing an oriental dress of some sort…but he’s quite happy doing it, and he’d love a doll sling;)….
Great point Marcie!
My 9 y.o. son likes to wear his baby sister in my sling. And my boys have pretended to nurse their dolls, but that ended when they were toddlers. I’ll never forget seeing my 2 year old son nurse his plastic dinosaur. LOL!
I would be happy to make you one!
Hi Carrie,
My FAVORITE sling is this: http://www.blueberriest.com Custom made for your size, really cute fabrics and they all have a little spandex with cotton, so they have some stretch. It was by far my favorite of any sling or carrier I used.
Becky
I have several slings, and the one I love the most is a mei-tai by BabyHawk. It distributes the weight evenly and is nicely padded, and they’ll make one custom in the color and fabric you choose. There are 4 “tails,” but if you’re petite, you can tie them all in the back so they’re not in your way.
I hope whatever you choose works out for you!
HI CARRIE
I PERSONALLY LOVE THE SUPER FAST AND EASY HOTSLING!! IT HAS WORKED SO WELL FOR MYSELF AND
MY BABY.
ALTHOUGH I HAVE ENJOYED THIS POUCH SLING. I AM DUE TO HAVE OUR 5TH BABY AND I THINK I AM GOING TO TRY THE MOBY WRAP. YOU MIGHT WANT TO GIVE IT A TRY TOO.
WELL WHATEVER SLING YOU CHOOSE HAPPY SHOPPING!!
CONGRATS ON YOUR BABY!
http://www.premaxx.com/en/products/baby-bag/index.aspx
Hi Carrie,
I used Premaxx’s Baby Bag with both of my children and they loved it. It was especially helpful when my son was 3 1/2 and we travelled out of the country. I wasn’t going to bring it with, since we didn’t use it much because of his age and size, but threw it in my bag at the last minute. I don’t know what I would have done without it on that trip! Standing in lines at the airport, customs, handling luggage, etc., it was ideal for ease of travel and for helping my little one feel secure with all the big changes. Good luck to you! http://www.premaxx.com/en/products/baby-bag/index.aspx
Hey Carrie!
Oh my, what a question to ask me… I LOVE LOVE LOVE SLINGS (and use them EVERY DAY)! Even with my almost 2-yr-old busy toddler– great for that out-and-about nursing snack, comfort when she falls, keeping nosey/germy others at a distance, quiet time at church, cooking, shopping, waiting in line, (I’ve even been able to go to the restroom with baby by myself in a public place) and just for fun– we take at least 1 walk a week while slingin’. Note- I HATE tails too– that’s 1 of the many reasons the 1st one I mention is my absolute FAVORITE!
I really love my hotsling for on the go (especially infant use) and they are oh so cute! I also really like that this sling has a little bit of stretch (kinda the same thing stretchy jeans do for ya)– hides the bulk but moves with you, ykwim?
I also love love love their water sling– great for those hot days (breathes) and also any time really, very lightweight (fits in my purse- no problem). http://www.hotslings.com
My ergo was amazing when we spent a week in Arizona hiking, shopping, in airports, etc. etc. (love love love the matching backpack that attaches to the carrier or goes on me!). This is a little more for a hard-core baby carrier– its very functional, comfortable, and not as pretty as pouch slings, etc.) although, I agree with another poster– the babyhawk is similar to an ergo only pretty– though I don’t think it would be as sturdy as the clips on an Ergo). Oh ya, and it was priceless when I spent 3 days in DC walking, walking, and oh ya, did I mention walking during the March for Life last year– everyone thought I was crazy but the Ergo is the ONLY sling I could have trekked that far in with a 6 month old, my necessities (again, the backpack), and my souvenirs. http://www.ergobabycarrier.com
My Momma’s Milk is great for those elegant gatherings (hidden ability to adjust with velcro) and it comes with a nice little wipes holder you can slip in the sling with baby.
http://www.mammasmilk.com
My homemade ring sling is great for around the house (the baby that fights nap time, I lean them down so they are in a makeshift swing and then sway…) but I don’t like that I have to keep readjusting for comfort. I hear ya on the raw skin, sore back/shoulder– not good!
Ring slings are NOT my favorite- but there again, exactly why I LOVE my hotsling; the fabric is stretchy and plentiful so you can stretch it over your shoulder and back to get the weight distributed where it needs to be!
My kangaroo korner fleece sling (with snappy adjustable buttons) is great this winter and even in the cooler summer evenings– I think it’s my daughter’s favorite– I only wish I could crawl in and nap sometimes.
**I want to note that I haven’t worn through any of my slings and I don’t intend to– they are all very well made and especially the kangaroo korner adjustable fleece one– NO way it could tear.
Cuz I’m expecting #2 and I’m sure I can finagle 1 or 2 more slings into my closet.
**I’ve never tried a wrap sling so keep us updated on those… what’s the best one to start off with?!
As you can tell, I’m all about ease of use, versatility, and comfort so maybe that’s why I haven’t tried a wrap– seems too “locked in” when a kid starts crying or something… but I love to be proven wrong.
Oh, I was just thinking I need to get my daughter (future, son) a child sling– would love to win! She’s always trying to multi-task (nurse, watch little people, and eat breakfast) this would make her life a lot easier… haha!
GOOD LUCK– hope you find what you and your toddler are looking for.
~Janine (KS)
sorry about the book– but I warned ya.
Hmm, I agree with Cindy that the Babyhawk is great. For older kids I really love my Beco too. I think the support it offers is great. It functions pretty much the same as an Ergo, but Becos have much cuter fabrics
And then if you decide that you want another ring sling, then I can’t recommend Eesti slings highly enough ((http://eestislings.com/) I have a silk and a cotton sling from her, and they are beautiful and a million times more comfortable than the other ring slings I’ve owned. Her shoulder design is fantastic. She also makes gorgeous pouches, if you’re looking for something more like a hotsling.
Oh, forgot to post this site: http://www.theslingstation.com
Great place to give you the ins and outs of lots of kinds of carriers– I know you are hoping to find your answer through your fellow mommy readers but just in case you wanna do some independent research.
Hi Carrie, I really love the new BabyKTan. You can buy them from http://www.babyktan.com or http://www.mom4life.com
The thing I love most is the versatility of it. Especially for those that like the idea of a moby type wrap but don’t want all the material dragging on the ground etc.
Hi Carrie! I’m Kerry
My absolutely fav sling is from zolowear. Their fabrics have a bit of spandex in them and it really makes them uber comfy. Good luck!
I love my Ergo! My son is 12 months and 23 pounds, this carrier is the only one that doesn’t hurt my back!
My FAV of all time is this one http://www.all-natural-mommies.com/podonbutai.html — i really like my wrap from metro mama too but this one from all natural mommies is the best for my big boys! Here’s a picture or two of me with the boys http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a241/nelltaliercio/august31009.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a241/nelltaliercio/august31018.jpg you’d probably have to email her for the designs and colors.
http://www.mamakanga.com/babycarriers_18/soft-structured-carriers.htm here’s another one I want to buy but haven’t had the funds for yet. I don’t have personal experience with it but thought you might like to check it out. here’s where i found it http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2007/11/babywearing-tip-of-week-buckle-up-with.html
Hi there .I used the Jelly bean slingand loved it..so did dd
I know a little girlie girl who’d love the baby sling for her beloved dolly Ariel..Thanks
Carrie. We too had this dilemma, a growing toddler getting too heavy for the HotSling and the Hug-A-Bub.
So what did we do? Spent ages researching on the internet to try and find something that was comfy,
easy to put on and could carry our daughter’s weight without being too ridged. The result was the Sutemi
http://www.sutemigear.com It has a side-carry, front carry and more importantly an easy back-carry. Took no
time to put on and it was stiff enough to take our daughter’s weight. It was comfortable with nice wide
shoulder straps that didn’t dig and a handy head support for when she was napping. We tried other similar carriers
such as the ergo, but the shoulder straps were no better for us than a baby bjorn. Good luck choosing ; )
Ok ladies the winner has been announced! Go here: http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/this-weeks-contest-winners/
I also found some great slings at http://www.modmum.com