Slings, Wraps, & Carriers: An Unofficial Guide

I like to use my blog for three things:

1. Personal Life Stuff
2. Product Reviews
3. Info to help others

Today, I'm combining all 3 into a little thing I liked to call: Slings, Wraps, & Carriers: An Unofficial Guide

A lot of my friends are pregnant and/or have little ones. There are tons of carriers on the market, so I'm going to list of a few of my favorites, list the price & its benefits, as well as the company website. In no particular order:


1. Moby Wrap: By far, the most popular wrap-style carrier on the market. The big difference here is that you use both shoulders and your back to carry your baby. With the Moby Wrap, there are no rings, velcro, or little straps. The weight is distributed evenly, so it's more comfortable. The wrap feels just like a t-shirt. Since the baby is placed right in the middle of your body, between your breasts, this wrap can be used for Kangaroo Care. There are over 9 ways to use the Moby Wrap, and it can even hold twins! The only downfall might be that it could be difficult to figure out. After all, it's up to you to figure out how to wrap it around your body. It's $39.95. It has got to be one of the cheapest carriers on the market. Here are a few pictures of the multiple ways to wear the Moby Wrap:






http://www.mobywrap.com/

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2. Kangaroo Korner Pouches & Slings: There is no way I could do this brand justice. There are dozens of different types of slings & pouches. They offer a different one for different ages, uses, climates, etc. My two favorites are the Adjustable Fleece Pouch & the All Seasons Adjustable Pouch. The only difference is the material -- if you live in a cold climate, you'd opt for the fleece pouch. The neat thing about Kangaroo Korner is that you get to choose your fabric. On the downside, your size (small, medium, large, xlarge) and dominant hand diminishes your available fabrics. Also, different fabrics are more stretchy than others -- and the stretchier they are, the more comfortable it will be for you & your child. This is the easiest sling ever. Your baby can lay down as an infant (and even nurse in that position) or can sit up and look out at the world. If you wear this sling correctly (high and in the middle of your body), it will eliminate back pain. They sell for $62.

Plus, MckMama loves them:



and so does Small Fry. That's Small Fry in the above picture, and here she is taking care of her baby, Ruby:



If that isn't enough to make you run out and buy them, I don't know what is.

http://www.kangarookorner.com/index.aspx

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3. Maya Wrap: This unconventional wrap is also popular among hip moms. This wrap uses a ring to tighten or loosen the material. This wrap, too, can be used with newborns and toddlers alike. It also has a cute little spot to store keys, a wallet, chapstick, etc. Personally, I think this wrap looks impossible to do. I've read mixed reviews -- the gist being that it's really difficult to get the hang of it.. but, once you do, you love it. There are different slings made by this company, as well, but my favorite is the Lightly Padded Sling. I've watched the instructional video on their website, and I don't think I could figure it out. Plus, I don't know about you, but I don't think I could deal with that huge lump of fabric hanging in front of me. They're $65.95, and you get to choose your material.



oh, and MckMama likes this one too:




http://www.mayawrap.com

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4. Ergo Baby Carrier: The top favorite, according to lots of moms! It's also, reportedly, the most comfortable of all slings and carriers on the market. The neat thing about the Ergo is that it's super easy to put on. You don't have to slip your baby in the carrier, but rather, you fasten it around your baby. So, if you already had a sleeping baby in your arms, you could easily pull up the shoulder straps, and your baby would already be in the carrier. Did that make sense? Clear as mud? Good. It's totally fool-proof. It doesn't get any easier than this. You can wear your baby on the front or on your back. It comes with a "hood" do support your baby's heavy head when he/she falls asleep. The company has made different instructional videos to show you how to wear your baby different ways. Click HERE to watch the videos. They're expensive: $105 each, so start saving now! However, users report that it is THE most comfortable carrier on the market, so you would be able to carry your baby all day.





http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/

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5. Mei Tai Baby: This type of carrier goes back hundreds of years and finds its roots in Asia. Basically, it's a square piece of fabric with straps on all four corners. It, too, can be worn on the front or back and ranges from holding newborns to toddlers. You can also interchange the fabric that you choose! So you aren't stuck with a floral design once you have a son. And you aren't stuck with baby boy blue once you have a daughter. They are pretty cute, and are reportedly pretty comfy too! They're $79. If you want a cute fabric insert, that's $25 extra. Pricey, but cute!





http://www.meitaibaby.com/

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Ok. I'm exhausted. I was going to post about Heavenly Hold Action Baby Carriers & Hot Slings. I'm pooped. Whatever you do, at least by one of these baby carriers. Baby wearing (and attachment parenting) is good for you and your little one. Plus, your hands will be free to do other things! They would rather be held close to you (mom or dad) any day of the week, rather than sitting in a car seat or bouncy seat. What could be better than being snug as a bug in a rug next to mommy? :) I don't have a favorite brand (yet) because I've never used any of these. Since I don't have a baby. But, if any of you have, let me know what your favorite carrier is!

Man, I just cannot get enough of baby products!