Baby Sling Parents – Definitive Guide To Baby Carriers

Original Maya Wrap Sling Not Padded Bright Stripes

Versatile-Your baby or toddler can be carried in front, hip, back, reclining, nursing, and kangaroo carry positions. The Maya Wrap Sling can be used as a lightweight blanket, shopping cart safety strap, or as a “leash” while your toddler explores. Each Maya Wrap Sling has a handy pocket in the tail for carrying an extra diaper or wipes. Great for both Mom and Dad-The tail of the sling is long enough to allow large people to wear it, while lack of padding allows it to be tightened enough for smaller people. Adustable- Each edge of the Maya Wrap Sling can be adjusted independently, allowing a perfect custom fit. Perfect for Nursing-Mom can drape the tail over her shoulder for complete coverage. Safe- The fabric and rings have been tested and can withstand in excess of 100 lbs. (35 lbs. is recommended carry weight limit) Long Lasting- The Maya Wrap Baby Sling can be used while your child grows from infant to toddler (35 lbs.).

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Wish I’d had this for babies 1 & 2
I used other styles of baby carriers for my first two — a Snugli for #1 and a Nojo sling for #2. I loved the idea of a sling, but wasn’t thrilled with the Nojo because of all the padding and the fact that it wasn’t designed for a 4′ 11″ tall woman. So I decided to try the unpadded Maya sling for baby #3 and WHAT a difference it made! I was able to cinch it up so that my little 6 pounder was nice and secure against me. With the Maya I found that I wore the baby for hours longer than I ever did with the Snugli or the Nojo because both of us were happy with how it felt.

Having said that, the 6 pounder is now a 16 pounder (or more) and the sling doesn’t feel quite as comfortable as it used to and I tend not to wear baby boy for as long. I will admit it may be something I’m not doing right that is contributing to the problem, but I’m now intrigued enough to look at the Moby wrap to see if it might work better for me now that my baby is bigger. I still love using my Maya sling around the house and have recommended it to many expecting mothers, but it would be nice to find something I can use for longer periods of time like I used to be able to do with the Maya.

5 Stars Versatility and long lasting
My son is a wiggle worm! I could not use the sling really until he was about 4 months old – he would arch his back and then his head would get kinked. But once he was solidly holding his head up this sling is a miracle worker.

I use this baby every where we go. Sometimes being in the stroller is unsettling for him so I just pop him in the sling and he is fine and feels safe. If he is fine in his stroller but wants to sleep, I just use the sling to cover the front and sides of the stroller because it is so wide. I can also use it as a cover for the stroller while changing a diaper. When we fly places I can cover his head while he sleeps on the plane on me. It has just become the all around baby necessity for me. I can’t say enough good things about it!

I also have a baby bjorn and an evenflo snugli. The problem with these is that they put a ton of strain on my shoulders, they don’t really even out the weight of a larger baby. My son is 30″ long and 17 lbs at only 5 months. When I use the sling, I can carry him for over an hour at a time vs 10-15 minutes in the other carriers or 10 minutes just holding him.

***It does take practice and some learning though along with a lot of patience. With such a wiggly baby, I’ve found the best postion for us is the tummy to tummy while he kind of straddles my middle. Sometimes he will also sit in it cross legged while facing forward.

I think it will be great to carry him on my back with in a few more months. I can’t wait to see how many more uses I can get out of it.

5 Stars The grandson and I are sold on it
I wish I’d known about these when my own kids were babies; my daughter especially would have practically lived in it. It works pretty well for an active 7 month old grandson too — he sits in it and loves getting walked around (and chewing on the fabric, of course), and has fallen asleep in it a couple of times. I haven’t used the pocket yet, but have been told by others that it can replace a diaper bag. It seems roomy enough for that, anyway. If you’re new to slings, try a couple different positions to see what works best for you & the kid, and give it a day or so to get used to it.

The only quibble I have is with the documentation. The written instructions were *too* sketchy, they didn’t make it clear that the labels should be facing out when initially threading it through the rings. The included DVD was better, it showed what to do, although I paused and backed up several times to make sure I had it right.

2 Stars I Don’t Like It
I’ve used this wrap for five months now and the only thing that I like about it is the tail because I can nurse while carrying my baby with ease. I don’t like the fabric and when tightened it digs into my neck and my baby’s legs and hurts. It seems to be twisted 90% of the time and I know that I’m threading it correctly. I have to readjust it too often because the fabric is always sliding and loosening up the sling. I NEVER go hands free using this carrier. I don’t know what they’re talking about but this sling isn’t that secure. Another thing about slings is they are only supported by one shoulder and your back so eventually the weight from any sized baby causes a lot of pain and discomfort. I am looking into the Moby or Sleepy Baby wraps because they’re softer, more secure and distribute weight evenly, but I’m not sure if I want to be bothered with all that wrapping.

4 Stars Excellent First Impression!!
I used it the first time today w/o watching video because I was so excited to use it. I think it was twisted and it wasn’t very tight but it helped so much with the weight after watching the instructions I am even more excited to use it. My daughter is 15 months old 25 lbs. I’m used to carrying her all this time, but she loved the maya as much as I did, she was happy and calm in it. Will post more later! Get it! The moby you have to criss cross it twice around your body and it’s 4-5 yards of fabric (12-15 feet). Imagine doing that in a parking lot!! haha! Maya rox!

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ERGO Organic Carrier Sea Green Silver

ERGObaby Organic Carrier – Sea Green w/ Silver LiningThere is no better feeling than holding your baby close!Using the ERGObaby Carrier gives you continuous connection, fabulous feeling of freedom, and security knowing your baby is safe.This is the all-in-one soft baby carrier, assisting you through all the stages of your baby’s growth and moving from front to hip to back position easily.Parents tell us the ERGObaby Carrier is the best of all the baby carriers on the market. It was designed by K

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Best Baby Carrier Ever
I love the ergo baby carrier! My daughter was very colicky and needed to be held almost constantly. The ergo allowed me to get up out of the rocking chair and get things done. I used it everyday for months. I liked it much better than any of the other carriers I tried and I tried a few. It is small enough that I can easily take it with me, unlike our frame pack, and has a pocket for my wallet, etc. But most importantly, with the ergo, my back wasn’t killing me at the end of the day and I did not worry about me daughter’s hips being stretched or uncomfortable. Even now at nine months I still carry her in the ergo often and it has held up wonderfully. I also love the versatility of the ergo. It works equaly well as a front, back, or side carrier and, once you get the hang or it, it is not difficult to move the baby from one position to another. It is also very easily adjusted. My husband is extremely tall and he can use it as well. One more thing about the ergo is that the company really does support their product. My puppy chewed one of the straps and I simply called the company and told them what had happened and they sent me a replacement strap without even charging shipping! I believe that every new parent should have an ergo. They are simply the best.

5 Stars A must have!
If I could give this six stars, I would. I LOVE this carrier, and it has been a lifesaver for getting things done around the house with a newborn. I also wear it for extended periods when taking the dogs on a walk, or shopping trips when I don’t want to carry her carseat in.

It is very comfortable and easy to put on. It is easily adjustable, so both my husband and I can use it with little fuss in switching between our sizes. The color is true to the picture, and doesn’t seem to be “too girly” for my husband to wear.

I have used it since my daughter was 4 weeks old (without the newborn insert. It’s summer and it seemed like it would be too hot, so I use a rolled up receiving blanket under her bum with her legs in the “froggy” position.) She loves it, and usually falls asleep after just a few minutes. I expect that we will use this regularly until she outgrows it, so I feel it’s been a great investment!

5 Stars Great product…My son loves it
This carrier is pricey but it was well worth it. In fact I got the ERGO items cheaper here at Amazon.com than in the local stores. I had another carrier and my neck and shoulders would get sore within 15 minutes.

I’ve been using this ERGO carrier for about a months now. The ERGO carrier is so comfortable and I carry my son in it for hours. He loves the carrier also…When he is in the carrier, he eventually falls asleep. I also bought the infant insert, the sucking pads and the pouch. The insert is good if your baby is on the smaller side as it helps boost them up, the sucking pads are great so you don’t get the straps all dirty. I haven’t used the pouch yet but I figure it would come in handy when we go on trips so I don’t have to carry around my purse.

I would definitely recommend this product

4 Stars good carrier
I bought this carrier before leaving on a trip to San Francisco. It was great for carrying my 14 month old all around the city. It’s pretty comfortable but it did strain my back after a while, although my son is pretty big (26lb) so maybe it would be more comfortable with a smaller child. the pocket is great, it fits a couple diapers, a small container of wipes, and more.

5 Stars Finally, the Holy Grail of baby carriers
Let me start by saying it took until baby two to finally buy this carrier even though we had been storing it in our amazon wish list since baby one was about 6 months old. We have one sling, one wrap, two carriers (including a hiking one and a front or back facing one) and have always been a bit underwhelmed with the carriers until this one! The other carriers thus far have been a little uncomfortable for wearer and baby, as well as complicated to put on/take off. We just got this last night and I put my 2 year old (30 lbs) in it like a back pack. She and I both loved it and let me say this is a fussy Dad and a fussy 2 year old so I assure you one of us would have had a problem with it pretty quickly if there was one to have. So far no regrets and I only wish we would have saved our money and bought this a year or two ago.

We bought it for our 6 month old and will test it out with her today so hopefully this isn’t jumping the gun, however judging from how it felt with a 30 pounder on my back I’m assuming it will be pure ecstasy with a 14 lb baby.

Save yourself the time and money and just buy this one now.

Tim

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Ergo Organic Carrier Black embroidery

Parents tell us The ERGO Baby Carrier is the best of all the baby carriers on the market. It has undergone extensive testing by tens of thousands of parents. Its innovative design makes wearing your baby comfortable for hours at a time, gives you the freedom to remain active and productive in your daily life, and holds your baby secure to your body so your hands are free.The ERGO is excellent for carrying your newborn (with insert) up into toddlerhood. Form fitting, padded straps rest lightly on your shoulders (no digging or pressure points). The curved and padded waist strap is similar to the back protectors used by professional movers. It distributes the weight around the middle and onto your hips minimizing lower back strain.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Best Looking Ergo
I get so many compliments on my ergo and I feel great wearing it. I love that this version doesn’t have the pouch– it makes it less bulky. The colors are brilliant, it’s totally comfy, I can nurse in it while walking or pushing my bigger kid on the swings. I do not use the infant insert, just a blanket in the beginning. You may note though that it does not fit a person with a 44 waist. I was a bit disappointed my husband can’t use it. Although I got this for my third baby, I’ve also used it with my toddlers– both in the front and back. One night my two younger ones had fallen asleep in the double stroller and we had a longish walk home from dinner, so I put my 3 1/2 year old on my back with the ergo and wear able to get home with no fuss. Another time my 2 year old was having one of those overtired tantrums and I put him in the ergo and he calmed down! Wish I had it for my first two when they were babies.

3 Stars No Pocket!
I looked at several Ergo carriers before buying this one. All of the other ones I looked at had a zippered pocket on the front. This one does not have that. It does function great as a carrier, but I am very disappointed that this particular model doesn’t have what I thought was standard on all their carriers. The pocket on the other carriers is large enough for keys, phone, a diaper and some wipes–very convenient. The embroidery is not worth losing the pocket.

5 Stars My most used baby carrier
I didn’t buy this off Amazon but I love it and wanted to write a review anyway. I have a 2 year old and a 2 month old and I NEED this carrier to go anywhere outside the house by myself. I have several carriers (ring sling, mei tai, stretchy wrap.) but this one is the most comfortable for me and I feel most secure with it. I strap him in (my 2 year old helps by clicking the closure on the upper back) and go to the library, shopping, park etc. I like the design and it has so many colors that it matches whatever I wear.

Cons: -No pocket. They left off the pocket on this model to “showcase the design” or something to that effect. I did buy the front pouch that matches and it holds all my essentials (wallet, keys, a diaper for baby, a snack for toddler etc) So I would recommend that if you get this model.

-HEAT: if you are outdoors in the summer with this you will be sweating. Indoors is no issue but be aware that you may not need to layer your baby up as much when they are insulated with you and the carrier. If I had extra money I would probably buy a 2nd Ergo and get the Sport version (more air flow).

-Putting it on: Its doable by yourself but not easy. That shoulder level back strap is hard to reach and I have long arms so you may need or want an extra hand to attach it. As I said my 2 year old can help its just a matter of easy access.

PROS: comfortable, versatile, can hold my toddler if I want (back carry), soft material, secure, correct positioning for baby’s hips, I could go on and on.

5 Stars Best Carrier EVER
3 kids and we have been through at least 15 carriers. This one is the ONLY one I recomend to friends and Family! Seriously the BEST ever!

5 Stars No tying, no backache, and easy on the eyes!
We started out with a Balboa baby sling. I loved it, but our chunk daughter outgrew it very quickly – by around 5 months, she was too much for me to tote around. We also had a Moby Wrap, but I found that they stretch. While it was great at first, I found myself having to tie it tighter and tighter because the tighter I tied it, the more it stretched. It was very versatile, but also took a while to tie each time. I had to tie it before we got in the car, and that wasn’t always easy. I finally got the Ergo after borrowing one from a friend. After investing so much in the other two carriers, I was hesitant to spend any more for a carrier my babe would outgrow in a few months. Now that I have the Ergo, I am SOLD! We have a 5 year old who is about 32 pounds (he’s small for his age), another son who is almost 4 and weighs about 30 pounds, and our daughter is almost a year old and weighs just under 20 pounds. I can carry all 3 of them in this carrier! The oldest child prefers the back carry – it puts him in a piggyback hold, but leaves your arms free. It also doesn’t make me hunch over or cause that ache in my lower back. Our middle child likes the hip carry. Again, my arms are free, though I usually do cup his bum in one arm. Our baby loves to be against our chests. She is content in the Ergo even on warmer days. I will say that it DOES get toasty when she is in there, but that’s sort of part of the deal with baby wearing.

My favorite things about the Ergo:

It adjusts, but it adjusts quickly. I can use it, then my husband can use it, and I don’t feel like I have to take forever to find “my” settings again. I am 5’2″ (on a good day) and a bit stout (haha!). My husband is 5’10″ and very slim and we can easily go back and forth.

Versatile: front carry, back carry, hip carry. Awesome.

Washable. On the few days we’ve let the kids snack in the carrier, it won’t break my heart if they drip strawberry juice on it.

Visual appeal: some of the other carriers were very plain, or had “baby” fabric. With this, our older boys don’t mind being in it, and I don’t feel like a fashion victim.

Buckles and safety elastic. If my younger son comes up and tries to unclip a buckle, I’m not going to drop the baby, etc.

I would recommend this carrier to anyone, but particularly someone new to baby wearing or who didn’t want to fiddle with a tie-on carrier. I wish I had found this when we had our first, or even when our third was younger, but experimenting with the others has made me appreciate this carrier even more. A final PRO to the Ergo: huge re-sale value. I kept looking for these used thinking I could talk the husband into buying one sooner if I could find a cheap one – they still sell for 3/4 their original price on Ebay and Craigslist. What other baby products get that kind of return for your investment?!

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ERGO baby Carrier Galaxy Grey Galaxy

ERGObaby Original CarrierThere is no better feeling than holding your baby close!Using the ERGObaby carrier gives you continuous connection, fabulous feeling of freedom, and security knowing your baby is safe.This is the all-in-one soft baby carrier, assisting you through all the stages of your baby’s growth and moving from front to hip to back position easily.Parents tell us the ERGObaby carrier is the best of all the baby carriers on the market. It was designed by Karin Frost and has undergone

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Lifesaver
Yes, this carrier already has tons of 5-star reviews–and it deserves another.

I resisted buying it at first because of the $$$ pricetag, but our six-week-old would only fall asleep while being held or carried. Our hand-me-down Bjorn hurt my back and she couldn’t settle in the Moby wrap. I finally bought it three weeks ago, and it has already been worth every penny. At first she would squall for a while when I put her in it, but now she’s so used to falling asleep in it that she settles down almost immediately. On bad nights I’ve even resorted to propping myself up and falling asleep while wearing her, although I’m pretty sure that’s not a recommended use. It’s great outside the house, too. By now, popping her in it is as a quick as getting the car seat onto the stroller, so I take it on all our errands.

Everything about it is well designed. The cover is great for sun protection, sleeping, keeping grubby hands off of our infant, and protecting her little head from ice cream and salsa drippings. I stash keys, pacis, and my wallet in the zip pocket. Everything is easily adjustable, so my husband can use it too.

The infant insert, however, is not worth the money. It’s a clever solution, and the baby seemed nice and cozy in it, but I found it too bulky and awkward for daily use. Instead, I wrap up my baby, put a folded burp cloth in the bottom of the carrier, and seat her sideways. Everything snugs up to keep her nice and secure. Sometimes I put her in facing me with her legs frogged up, but we both like the sidesaddle better.

Highly, highly recommended.

5 Stars Best $$$ EVER spent!
I love my ERGO and use it every day. I had used a few different carriers with my son when he was younger and once he reached about 10 pounds it put too much strain on my back. I do not have that problem with this one, and my daughter is almost 15 pounds. With other carriers I would have to take my child out to nurse, but I can nurse my daughter discretely while she is in the ERGO. She’ll fuss for a minute when I first put her in it, but she will settle down pretty quickly once she’s in there. She loves being snuggled so close to me. I’ve worn her in it for about 4 hours at a time and it never gets uncomfortable, sitting or standing. The pocket on the front is perfect size to fit my keys, a small burb cloth and a binky (we use soothie pacifiers). I haven’t tried to carrier my older son in it yet, but I’m planning on trying it this weekend when we go to a festival.

2 Stars Not what I expected for the money
I bought this item for my son and because I read so many reviews on it. When I got it I tried it out with my son who is 19 lbs. The carrier itself is very bulky. He did fit in it some what comfortably but wearing it was not comfortable. The chest strap was a pain. What I did not like AT ALL about the item was the waist strap that goes around my waist when carrying him on my back. It digs into your stomach flab and is not very flattering. I returned this item and bought the infantino wrap and tie and it is SO comfortable. I have back pain from both of my pregnancies and I used to use the bijorn but it made my back hurt so much. This infantino is WONDERFUL and it puts absolutely no strain on your back.

5 Stars Love it!
Very user friendly and totally worth the money. I use it everywhere I go and have used it with both my infant and my two and a half year old.

2 Stars Disappointed!
I really had high hopes for this carrier. I searched and searched until I finally chose this one. To be honest, the fabric is way too thick and bulky. I find it causes my 4 month old and I to sweat entirely too much when we are attached! Also, I don’t feel he is very secure in it. I don’t want to make it too tight as that would be uncomfortable for me, but when just right, he feels a little unstable. After only half an hour, I feel my back starting to ache as well, I’m sure from the lack of support. This one is just not for me!!

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MAYA WRAP Lightly Padded Baby Ring Sling Carrier MEDIUM 52 TO 59 BRIGHT STRIPE

FREE US Priority SHIPPING! Should receive in 2-3 business days. Official Authorized Maya Wrap Distributor – MSRP $65.95 We sell the Maya Wrap @ a 10% discount For 12 years, Maya Wrap baby carriers have consistently been rated the #1 must-have essential for new parents. Join the ‘growing’ number of savvy parents and celebrities who have declared the Maya Wrap the “baby product you can’t live without”! This sling is getting rave reviews for comfort and ease of use! Moms love how comfortable this sling is to wear. The redesigned shoulder has a light pad. The rails are still unpadded for easy adjusting or discreetly nursing your baby. Moms say it is the perfect first sling for new baby wearers. o Wear newborns through toddlers in a variety of positions o Made of beautiful hand-loomed, breathable fabrics o Built in pocket for keys, diaper, cell phone etc. o Unpadded, open tail that allows for perfect adjustability and is convenient as a nursing cover. o Fits easily into a diaper bag or purse o Machine washable o Recommended for children up to 35 pounds Instructional DVD included

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