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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Moby Wrap Moby D Baby Carrier Earth Tones and Chocolate

A wrap-around style baby carrier with the same great comfort as the original Moby Wrap, now with a destinctive look. The Moby D has a fabric panel in the center portion of the wrap that is made of either hand-woven cotton, Asian brocade silk, or fleece. While all fabric panels add aesthetically, the woven cotton and silk provide a piece of non-stretchy material to aid in supporting heavier babies and the fleece provides additional warmth. A few more differences to note are: the Moby D measures 5 meters in length, the Moby Wrap is 5.5 meters. The edges of the Moby D are hemmed, and the Moby Wrap’s are over-locked. The Moby D’s end knot is tied at the side, and the Moby Wrap’s can be tied either in front or back.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great on the back
I owned a Baby Bjorn with my first daughter and found it to be very hard on my back in a matter of minutes. The Moby D allows me to carry my baby for long periods of time in comfort! I also found the directions very easy to follow.

5 Stars Comfortable, stylish and secure.
I love my Moby D. I wear it around the house when doing chores. This allows a fussy baby to be held and sleep while I have 2 free hands to eat and do things.

* It is great to go on long walks: it keeps her secure, covered, warm, close to me, and allows her see things and hear me at the same time.

* The D allows for a bit of fashion, and I like the difference in fabric.

* The stretch is really nice, and goes back to original shape after being washed. It does not stretch out too quickly.

* So many carrying positions allows for many choices of holding the baby depending on the situation, and their mood.

* Excellent way to bond, esp the kangaroo hold.

* Can be a bit warm in warmer weather, but then wear less under. It ends up looking like your shirt if you pull the straps over your shoulders like sleeves. You can layer it by wearing a jacket over and partially zipped up in cooler weather.

* Unisex colors are great for both my husband and me, and it’s one size fits all so we can share the same one.

* Best way to travel in airports.

I would choose this over a hotsling. This is excellent for the price, and you get a lot more use out of this than the slings.

5 Stars worth every penny!!!
I LOVE this wrap! It is comfy, pretty, and keeps my fussy boy calm. It can get a little warm, but not as bad as every other carrier I’ve tried… having another human body against your is going to be warm regardless. I love how versatile this wrap is and how well it distributes the weight. My hubby actually wants one for himself because of how well it calms our fussy boy.

4 Stars Great wrap but stretches out funny
I LOVE this wrap, and my baby loves to be carried in it. I wish I had bought a wrap with regular cotton in the front. The fleece is already stretched out funny, and I’ve only been using it for 3 months!

5 Stars great carrier
This is a wonderful way to carry your baby! My 6wk daughter loves it and goes to sleep in it every time. Very easy to use,great for walks, so don’t be intimidated by the idea of having to wrap it around you.

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Hotslings Reversible Pouch Style Baby Carrier Ingrid Size 8

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars A must for new moms!
I LOVE my hotsling!!! I had a Baby Bjorn and couldn’t use it for long because my back started to hurt too much. When I switch to the hotslings, my back didn’t hurt as much and I liked how my daughter was more secure to my body. I wish I had discovered about these carriers earlier so that I could have used it when my daughter was just a newborn. Most of the other carriers can’t be used until the baby is a little older. I am pregnant again and can’t wait to use it with my second kid!

5 Stars A must have for all mama’s!
I have used my hotsling from the time my baby was 6 weeks old all throughout his young life, even until today at age 16 months & still going strong! I’ve carried my baby in a host of different ways to suit him as he has gotten bigger (prone, chest-to-chest, kangaroo, on my back, on my hip) and have always been super comfortable with a very happy (and/or sleeping) baby. As a super-charged baby-wearer, I own a plethora of baby carriers (Ergo, Ellaroo Ring Sling, a woven wrap also made by Ellaroo, the Mei Tai and the Moby) but in my opinion, the Hotsling is definitely the easiest to use and adapt to a growing child and is the quickest to put on and get baby situated in. We travel nearly every month (almost all of it international), so ease and comfort-factor is really the biggest sell to me, personally.

As a side note: I’d encourage mom’s who profess this sling doesn’t work for them and their babies to try a different size sling or a different position for baby– as many times I see this sling (and many other carriers, for that sake) worn incorrectly.

5 Stars Comfortable and Convenient
The sling is comfortable to wear. It doesn’t put too much pressure on your shoulder and allows normal back alignment when carrying a child on your hip. It is also very easy to transport since it rolls up so small. With most other slings, you can’t bring them everywhere with you “just in case” because they are too bulky. The only downside is it is not adjustable. My Mom can’t wear it when she babysits since she would be a different size. Other than that, they are wonderful products – well put together, soft and sturdy fabric, comfortable for mom and baby, and easy to use (they come with an instructional DVD). I love the reversible feature too!

4 Stars Fashionable baby carrier
This is a comfortable, convenient and best of all fashionable baby carrier. This lets me keep my baby close while I do simple household tasks or shop. I have several styles of baby carriers but this is the one I wear when I want to “dress up” and look half-decent.

1 Star Killed my back and shoulders
I thought this was a great idea at first when my daughter was first born. I was able to nurse her in the sling and carry her around the house doing chores while she slept. I love all the cute patterns and that its washable. But once she got bigger it killed my back and neck. I wish there was padding on the shoulder area for Mom. But if you have any neck/back/shoulder problems stay away.I wish I could have used it more.

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Original Maya Wrap Sling not Padded OLIVE Size Medium

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 Great Buy
I had the maya wrap pouch and loved it so much, but my baby got big quickly and I needed a new sling. I find that this one is a little hard to get used to, but once I figured it out, I can admit that it is a great buy. I still prefer the pouch to this, but recognize that this is much more versatile.

4 Stars good
My baby is very long (22 inches at birth) and sometimes he doesn’t seem to be very comfortable in it and will cry until he’s taken out. Works great in restaurants to breastfeed!

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WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat

The ultimate in child and comfort and safety, the WeeRide LTD Kangaroo child bike seat offers all the features of WeeRide’s popular Kangaroo carrier–including a unique carrying position and adjustable foot cups–but ups the ante by adding ultra-thick padding on the seat and back and a padded shoulder harness. As a result, your child will be more secure and comfortable than ever while you ride across the countryside or to the grocery store. The LTD Kangaroo is an unusual child bike seat because it doesn’t sit behind the bike saddle, as with most carriers, but in front of the rider. This puts your child in a safer position, where you can easily take note if he or she is upset.

The deluxe safety harness and oversized buckle system, meanwhile, will keep your child secure while giving him or her a much better view of the road and surrounding activities. Perhaps the subtlest yet most convenient feature, however, is the enhanced weight distribution, which keeps you from wavering while navigating corners or hitting bumps. The LTD Kangaroo bike seat–the plushest carrier that WeeRide makes–carries a two-year warranty.

A deluxe safety harness and oversized buckle system will keep your child secure.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the age and weight limits for passengers of the Kangaroo child carrier?

A: The recommended limit is 4 years old and 40 pounds.
Q: What is the minimum age for passengers?

A: The child should be able to support his or her own head with the added weight of a helmet, usually one years old. Please consult your pediatrician.
Q: What is the maximum height for passengers?

A: This is also dependent upon the height of the adult piloting the bicycle, obviously the rider needs to see over and reach around the passenger. A good way to judge the height of the passenger is to sit him or her on a bench and have the adult sit directly behind them. If the adult can see over and reach around the child, you should be fine on the bike.
Q: Will I have to alter my cycling position or pedal stroke when using the child carrier?

A: Yes, but the alteration is minimal. It’s not a tremendous alteration of your cycling, but you will have to pedal with your knees slightly more apart than usual to avoid hitting the seat. For the short recreational trips you are taking with your child, this will be a very minor inconvenience in comparison to the quality time spent with them. If you are going for a long training ride you wouldn’t want to subject your child to that, so the seat is easily removed for those rides.
Q: Will the child carrier fit my bike?

A: Wee Ride carriers will fit most bicycles: mountain, hybrid, cruiser, men’s, or women’s bikes. It will not fit to road bikes with drop style handlebars (rider is too hunched over) and downhill/freeride bikes (DH forks have legs that go up almost to the handlebars and the WeeRide mounting bar will restrict steering).
Q: What if I want to switch the carrier between two different bicycles?

A: An additional mounting bar is available separately. You can mount it to the other bike and switch the carrier at will.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Wee Ride
I purchased the WeeRide after researching MANY other bike seats/trailers. I wanted my daughter to be a part of the action, not watching my back side the whole trip. The WeeRide was the perfect option for us. We LOVE it and so does she. I have an Electra Beach Cruiser (Hawaii Custom) and the bar just barely fit, but now that it’s installed, we have had no problems. It’s very easy to take the seat off and on and I feel really secure having her in front of me. My daughter is really tall, so I don’t think I will be able to use it much past the age of 2, but it’s definitely worth it! Occasionally she grabs at the handlebars, but I put a basket on the front of the bike, now she tries to get at that instead! I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting another option to the old standby rear mounted seats or bike trailers.

5 Stars Love it!
I love the WeeRide! Biking with my 1 year old daughter has been a great bonding experience. I am able to easily talk to her as we are looking at the same things. I love having her in front of me, instead of behind where we wouldn’t be able to communicate well. The first time we went biking I was the one saying, “Weeeeee” the whole time! I’m so happy with this purchase.

Attaching the mounting bar that the child seat sits on was a little difficult. I have a mens bike that didn’t have a lot of room from the bottom of the handle bar to the top of the bar to easily fit the mounting bar of the WeeRide in between that space. I also had to permanently raise my seat up so the WeeRide mounting bar could attach underneath it, which now makes it hard for me to reach the floor comfortably. If I was taller (5’3″) then it wouldn’t be a problem.

Other people have mentioned having to ride with your knees pointing out and that was true for me too. Although it wasn’t a problem and barely noticable since I am on the short side. These two slight problems are both due to the type of bike I have, not the product in particular. The riding experience is well worth the slight troubles. I highly recommend the WeeRide!!

4 Stars Pretty good seat!
Overall this is a pretty good seat. The installation isn’t very hard, maybe takes a few minutes to adjust to your bike. **MAKE SURE YOU CONTINUALLY CHECK & TIGHTEN THE LARGE HAND SCREW THAT CONNECTS THE CHILD SEAT TO YOUR BIKE, IT WILL LOOSEN, ESPECIALLY THE 1ST FEW TIMES YOU USE IT**

Our daughter loves the seat, she likes being able to feel the wind in her hair and be close to her daddy! =)

4 Stars its pretty cool
I love this and so does my 1 year old the only thing I wasnt happy with is the buckles on the chair. On the picture online it shows thick straps that buckle like a carseat. The actual straps on this chair are thin and only have on buckle between the legs. I just wish I would have recieved exactly what the picture shows.

5 Stars just what we wanted
I have a K2 hybrid bike I use to commute around town. The handle bars mount in a similar way as a mountain bike. This carrier fits well. It is easy to install. The padding is good (I read a review that complained about the padding quality). The seat belt is also good – it is a nice harness that goes over both shoulders of the child & has padding (there was also one bad review of the seat belt). I do need to pedal with my knees slightly futher apart than normal, but it is only a minor change & still quite comfortable to ride. The actual seat position can be adjusted an inch or two, which allows you to personalize the fit. I am ~6ft tall & ride a normal, adult-sized bike.

Overall this is a great product. The negative reviews were most likely from those who purchased the non-LTD model (less padding, fewer features). The LTD is worth the few extra $$.

We love it!

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