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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Moby Wrap Baby Carrier Designs Owl

The design of the MobyTM Wrap uses your entire back, as well as your shoulders, to carry the weight of your baby. Unlike other carriers, which have narrow straps or go across one shoulder, the MobyTM Wrap is a wide piece of fabric that is wrapped over both shoulders. It is amazingly comfortable and easy to wear. There are no buckles, snaps or other fasteners. It is easy to adjust the fit of your MobyTM Wrap by varying how tightly you wrap yourself and your baby.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Can’t live without Moby!!
I’ve had a Moby wrap since my daughter was born in Dec. of ’09. She was a very tiny baby and I loved that I could put her in it all snuggled up just like she used to be when I was still pregnant with her. Since then, I’ve carried her in it to the store, the mall, the Zoo, brother’s t-ball games, Easter Egg hunts, you name it. She was being a fussy pants yesterday so I just put her in it and she was instantly calm. At almost 14 lbs, she’s not that heavy, but carry her around for a while and your back will feel it! Not with the Moby. The weight is disributed so evenly you really feel so comfy carrying a baby around. There are so many holds. I’ve used almost all of them including the breastfeeding hold! I haven’t used any of the holds for back carrying yet because she’s not quite ready. I just used the sling carry yesterday at WalMart and loved how easy it was to get her in and out for a quick run in. Just put your Moby on before you leave the house and stick your baby in when you arrive at your destination. I recommend getting a neutral or dark color if you’re gonna be out and about with it. I bought pink first And felt a little conspicuous in public. Then I bought black and I guess if I don’t have her in it people just think it’s some kind of new trend! I truly couldn’t live without my Moby! It’s a wonderful way to bond with your baby!

5 Stars The Moby changed my life
My little one needed to be held for pretty much the first 2 months of her life. I tried using my Ergo carrier with the insert to regain freedom with my hands and arms, but it’s just too hot in the summer to wear. In desperation I bought the Moby because of all the possible baby positions it boasted. I figured my daughter would at least like one of them. The first time I put her in the wrap, she calmed right down. Now at 4 months she calms at the sight of the wrap and falls asleep within seconds of getting in. The Moby wrap is like having an “off switch” for my little one and has become a part of our bedtime routine. I also love the owl print!

3 Stars Snugly and comfortable..too hot for summer!
Currently I use a Maya Wrap that I really like….However, I thought it might be nice to have a different type of wrap for variety. The Moby seemed to be “perfect”, but the material is heavy and hot. It also is very snug on me and my daughter only likes it when she’s sleepy/sleeping. Otherwise my curious little Princess prefers the Maya because she can look around over my shoulder. I did try the “sling” method with the Moby….seriously there’s so much material and it’s difficult to adjust.

I have friends who LOVE their Moby..for me I’ll stick with my Maya and try the Moby in the Fall when it’s cooler.

5 Stars Couldn’t live without it!
This is, quite simply, the BEST baby carrier product I have tried! It is comfortable, allows me to be really close with my baby, and it distributes the weight so evenly that my baby actually feels lighter than when I just hold him in my arms. I wish I had tried this one with my first baby instead of slings and backpacks.

It allows you to comfortably “hands free” which really comes in handy with an active 3 year old running around.

I wish I could buy one for every mother-to-be. I feel it is a must have and I never leave the house with out it. It has come in handy for grocery shopping, parties, walks around the neighborhood, cleaning house, and even just sitting around holding my baby.

BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!! You will not be sorry! In fact, my sister is giving me another one, and I am thinking of buying an extra one to keep in the hubby’s care/

4 Stars SOOO Comfortable and EASY to use!!
I own the almond blossom Moby Wrap. I purchased this 1 because it’s treated with UV protection, since I am using it alot this summer I thought it would help. The Moby wrap is soooo easy to use. They say with practice it will come easier and it does. My little one lovess this. He has fallen asleep and stayed asleep for hours. He is a hard one to burp and for some reason when he’s in the wrap he burps and this is atleast an hr after feeding him!! I did not give it a 5 because it is a little to thick for hot summer days so I will be using it more towards the fall outdoors. However, I can’t wait to use it at the grocery store

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Moby Wrap Organic Cotton Baby Carrier Eggplant

5510337 Features: -Color: Eggplant. -Material: Organic Cotton. -Uses the entire back and shoulders to the distribute weight. -Comfortable and easy to wear. -No buckles, snaps or other fasteners. -Wide piece of fabric to wrap over both shoulders. -Keeps baby warm while freeing both hands. -Helps develop a strong and secure attachment to parents. -Made with organic materials. -Can be used for a preemie to 35 pounds child. -Comes with an easy to follow instructional guide along with a web site with the latest news, tips and techniques. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The other reviews are true!
I purchased this wrap based on the hundreds of glowing reviews, and all I can say is they were all true! I only wish I had gotten it before my baby was born so I could have been using it the whole time. I started using it when my daughter was 2 months old. She adjusted to it immediately and it is her favorite place to be. It is the only place she will nap if my husband and I are out and about and it has been a lifesaver for picnics when I need both hands free to stand and eat.

5 Stars great and natural
I love the organic, knowing it is all natural in the material. I also love the hold, very natural and close fitting… baby instantly falls asleep. I keep the wrap on while I’m driving around, and just put baby in once we get to destination. You get faster and faster the more you do it… definitely my favorite sling/holder.

4 Stars babyshower gift
I just received a thank you for this item I purchased for my future grandchild. My daughter in law said she was so excited..it’such a cool idea to keep baby close and hands free.

4 Stars Organic Moby Wrap
Great wrap for baby & mom bonding, it just takes a while to tie before putting baby in.

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Moby Wrap Original 100 Cotton Solid Baby Carrier Black

Be comfortable. The superior design of the Moby Wrap uses your entire back, as well as your shoulders, to carry the weight of your baby. Unlike other carriers, which have narrow straps or go across one shoulder, the Moby Wrap is a wide piece of fabric that is wrapped over both shoulders. It is amazingly comfortable and easy to wear. There are no buckles, snaps or other fasteners. It is easy to adjust the fit of your Moby Wrap by varying how tightly you wrap yourself and your baby. Be secure. The Moby Wrap comes with easy to follow instruction cards and this web site with the latest news, tips and techniques. With the single stretch cotton and the width of the Moby Wrap, your baby is wrapped close and tight, insuring a secure hold. Your baby’s head can also be secured under the stretchy cotton fabric for added safety. You can finally have both hands free and know your baby is safe and secure. Be uniquely close to your baby. There is not a lot of extra material or bulky padding between you and your baby. Your baby can hear your heartbeat and finds comfort in the warmth of your body, along with the cuddly confines of the Moby Wrap. Newborn to 35 lbs. The Moby Wrap is long enough to adapt to your growing baby. The fabric can hold up to 45 lbs, and most people feel comfortable carrying up to 35 lbs. Soothes fussy babies It is amazing how quickly a baby will settle down once wrapped in the Moby Wrap. Experts like Dr. Sears, stress the importance of holding your baby often and close. The Moby Wrap allows you to do this with ease. The style of the wrap insures your baby is uniquely close, while providing ultimate comfort and support. No more aching backs or tired arms! Now your baby can be kept close and happy for as long as he or she desires. Versatile There are many ways to wear your Moby Wrap. You can wear your baby facing you, facing the world, sideways or on your back.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Good but not for all babies
I finally got my baby to use this wrap now that she’s 8 weeks old and even then for just 15 minutes. She moves a lot in general and she also likes to look out into the world not at my chest so with that in mind this isn’t ideal for her. I bought it while pregnant thinking it was a great concept but now I see I should have waited to see my baby’s temperament. If you’re pregnant and considering this item this is my best advise to you to wait and see how your baby is and what s/he will end up liking.

One thing I noticed though is that it takes a few minutes to get this on and several tries to master it so if you’re running to he store quickly and want to carry your baby this won’t speed up the process.

As well since the fabric is so long when you wrap it around you it really doesn’t look that great. Not like the picture at all where she actually looks stylish.

4 Stars Great way to snuggle your baby
I liked this carrier for several reasons. One: I felt like I had good back support. Two: I liked having baby close to me. Three: I was able to pull one of the side parts over baby’s face when it was sunny or cold. Four: Baby felt secure in this pack. Five: Perfect for moms who have babies that want to be held all the time. You can do dishes with this on – answer emails – or just use both hands!

I don’t like this carrier for several reasons. One: It’s not difficult to put on, but it is difficult to put on outside. The fabric is so long that you have to pretty much put this on at home before you go out. Two: If you are making multiple stops or errands with baby, you have to keep the wrap on or else risk having to drag it on a parking lot or sidewalk retying the wrap. Three: When I am getting set up with the wrap, if I don’t have the back portion completely flat, it gives me back pain. Four: My baby began to get some leverage somehow and kept leaning backward – and the back piece that goes over baby would slide down and then she wasn’t secure anymore.

I don’t really use this anymore and my baby is 13 months old now. I felt it was too hot with warm baby and 18 yards of fabric and summertime. Perhaps I’ll bring it out again this fall.

4 Stars Was great until I washed it…
While putting on the Moby can be a daunting task, I loved using it once I got it right. My newborn was nice, warm and secure. He fell asleep rather quickly every time, and stayed that way. I’ve only used it at home but I could see where using it out and about might be a hassle. I’d definitely say you need to put it on before leaving the house, even if it’s not time to wear baby yet.

I’m disappointed with the Moby because after only one wash it shrunk significantly. I washed on a short cycle by itself in cold water, and then dried it by itself on ultra low heat. When I went to wear it after the wash, the ends are shorter by several inches and I can barely knot it properly at my hips/waist. (I’m a fairly average postpartum size at 5’6″ and 160 pounds) I’ll continue to use the product for the time being, but as my son gets bigger there isn’t enough room left to adjust to his size so I will be shopping around for a different carrier.

5 Stars Satisfies my needs!
Just like there is no perfect baby monitor, there is no perfect baby carrier however that being said this one is as close to perfect as I can find. I have a Baby Bjorn and it’s ok but every time I put my daughter in it, I fear I am crushing her spine plus it hurts my back. So then I tried the hotsling but my baby was so squished in that thing that she wasn’t comfortable. I debated getting an Ergo but couldn’t get past how ugly and bulky it was.

After trying the Moby I have to say I am impressed. It’s comfy and I feel my baby is also comfy and secure. Here are my thoughts based upon the negative reviews:

1. The Moby is hot: Yes it can get quite warm, however I felt the same way about every other carrier I have tried. That’s just a fact when wearing a baby so close with a fabric devise.

2. The Moby is difficult to put on: I don’t find that it’s anymore difficult than the Bjorn or the Ergo. You do have to put it on before leaving the house so it doesn’t drag on the parking lot but this works out well in the winter because you can put your coat over it and slip baby in and out easily.

3. The Moby is a giant piece of fabric: Yes it is and I am 4′ 10” so it looked intimidating at first but once I read the directions and watched some videos on their website, I was able to put it on quickly and easily. I also like that since it is not a structured carrier, it can be rolled up tightly and fit into it’s travel pouch.

This may not be the carrier for you if you plan on hiking in 90 degree weather up a mountain but for me, it lets me run errands and take my dog on a walk hands free.

3 Stars Great for colic; requires a lot of practice and isn’t foolproof
Our 5-week-old son, who has colic, sleeps more soundly in the Moby than when we’re holding him in our arms (or when we put him down, of course). It’s great for those middle-of-the-night wakefulness marathons, though he does need to be well-fed, burped, and bounced quite a bit before he’s willing to be popped in the Moby. Even then, he hates having his head tucked in, and since he can’t support his own head, it’s often a struggle that results in my holding his head with one hand, leaving only one hand free.

Although this is a wonderful aid to bonding, and feels great when it’s properly used, I’ve watched the videos and practiced for weeks and I still often tie it too tight or too loose and have to start over. With a newborn, the wrap has to be secured “just so” or he ends up sinking down into the fabric because it’s too loose, or else he cries and squirms because it’s too snug. In both cases, his ability to breathe comfortably is compromised. I’ve had a few incidents of being in a parking lot trying to tie the Moby repeatedly while the ends drag on the dirty ground. My husband can’t manage it at all–he thinks it requires a degree in origami!

I have a feeling this product gets simpler to use once the child has better head control. For now, I’m switching to the Ergo. I’m just too exhausted by constantly tying and re-tying the Moby.

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