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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Hotslings Reversible Pouch Style Baby Carrier Eye Candy Size 4

Gorgeous pink and sumptuous brown go together in high style. Reversible fabric enables you to switch your look on a whim. Plus, the Original Hotslings leg padding makes this 100% cotton sling a no-brainer for comfort and ease.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Couldn’t live without it
My baby LOVES being in the sling. For 2 months, the only way I could get stuff done was to put her in it and wear it around the house! It’s easier to carry her in the sling than it is to lug the heavy car seat around, particularly for short trips where you don’t want to bother with the stroller, or when you’re in stores whose shopping carts don’t accomodate car seats. I get compliments on it all the time. Plus, my baby’s just happier being close to me.

4 Stars Perfect when flying with a baby
I went on a long flight to Europe by myself with my 6 month old, this was my lifesaver when walking around at the airports, carrying luggage etc… She sat very comfortably and safe. I wish I had bought one when she was a newborn, it does get a little heavy for your one shoulder.

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Kokopax Classic Carrier Bubbles

The kokopax Classic Carrier in Bubbles is the new go-to gear for the cheers and chores of daily life. The classic carrier is a safe, easy and comfortable ride for little ones . . . every day, everywhere! Its lightweight (approximately 2.7 lbs) and features an adjustable, anodized aluminum frame. While fashion fabrics separate this carrier from the pack, it has all the things you expect from a high-end carrier: a five point harness, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, sturdy kick stand and a pocket for the extras. It makes every day activities simple! The classic carrier is EASY to load. Using the kickstand, a parent can load the baby in the carrier and lift it into position without assistance. Unloading is equally simple. This carrier is a great tool to keep little ones happy during the hours of 4 and 6 pm when babies are notoriously fussy. It is also a perfect way to keep your baby up and away from germs while shopping. Babies are happy to be close and to be at eye-level with their parents so they can see what is going on around them and interact with their surroundings. The carrier is ideal in congested areas, where there are stairs or elevation changes and at beaches and playgrounds when its easier to carry your baby than push a stroller.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star horrible carrier, not an ergonomic design
This review is from: Kokopax City Carrier (Baby Product)

I rarely review items I buy unless I really love or hate them. I think reviews are important because I know personally I shop on Amazon based on reviews. So here is the truth about this carrier:1) needs a strap across the chest to distribute weight properly across shoulders and upper back 2) needs better padding in lubar area. I literally feel the bar rubbing against my back 3) I am 5’5″ and the lumbar adjustment bar is on the highest setting yet the bar still resting too low on the back 4)the kick stand that opens to place baby in carrier requires 2 hands to open because it is very stiff. I found it to be dangerous when trying to open the bar while my daughter is in carrier in order to remove her 5) the lower snap in part of the harness is located way too low in between childs legs making it difficult to snap straps in 6) the arm straps cut in to your armpit since this carrier is lacking the aformentioned strap across the chest. After 10 minutes you will feel your arms getting numb and you will find it even more uncomfortable in the armpit area when you attempt to extend your arms forward in a reaching position.If you look at the picture of the people wearing the carrier on kokopax website, you will notice how the carrier pulls under the models armpits. Compare that picture to the Chicco backpack carrier that has the strap across the chest and notice how that does not cut into the armpit area. I did not notice that before I made this purchase unfortunately. Aside from these important features which are lacking from this carrier there is a plus side: my daughter loves being in this thing and the pattern is cute but be prepared for backaches and irritation of your armpits! And yes I did adjust the carrier properly. There are only so many adjustments you can make.

5 Stars This is a godsend for me and my husband!
I’m so glad that me and my husband decided to by this! It has been a godsend! My baby wants to be carried all the time, we’ve tried to put her down and let her cry it out twice, but she will go on and on for more than 15 minutes. With this she is so comfortable and very happy to get into it. She often ends up falling asleep in it too while we try to get some housework done. My baby is on the small side, she was around 5-1/2 months, 21-1/2 inches and about 12-1/2 pounds when we started using it, but we’ve had no issue with her being too little for it. It’s no problem for my husband to wear either (he’s around 5’7”) and it doesn’t strain his back, but for me, (I’m a tiny 5’0”) it does strain my back a little bit if I wear it for more than 45 minutes, but it’s so much easier on my back than those front carriers. I can’t wear a front carrier for more than 15 minutes without my back pounding. One thing, I definitely would not buy it straight from the actually company, shipping took forever! I knew I should have gone with amazon on this purchase, it would have saved my arms 2 weeks haha.

5 Stars Love this carrier
Ever since my daughter was born we’ve used carriers, including a Kangaroo Korner pounch, a couple Bjorns and an Ergo, but now I’m pregnant again and front wearing isn’t an option. I did some research and decided to give the Kokopax a try. Now I can finally run errands again as it just isn’t practical to set up the whole stroller to run into the cleaners or the post office. I use this everyday and my daughter seems to enjoy it just as much as front wearing. Also my husband takes her on a short walk in it through the neighborhood several times a week. It’s definitely not meant to carry all day or on hiking trips, but great for everyday use running errands or going shopping.

5 Stars baby loves it
My baby constantly points at her kokopax carrier and is always ready for a ride. It is comfortable for me (a large man, but only 5’10″) and my wife (5’4″ regular build). My baby loves the view and with the adjustable straps and waist bar, she sits plenty high enough to see around my head. She has such a good time, people always point and interact with her. My only complaint is for big hands, it is hard to get in and operate the strap releases, but not enough to disturb the baby. All in all, a great carrier and a great bargain, compared to many.

5 Stars Complete Satisfaction
I bought this backpack for my son when his son became too heavy to lug about in his car seat. It’s well made and good looking. My 6′ son and his delicate size 4 wife both wear it at the mall, the museum, everywhere they take the baby and are quite happy with it. Baby loves it too. It gives him an excellent view and when he’s tired, he puts his head down on the padded edge and drifts off to sleep. Especially great for trips to the zoo!

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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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Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat Phantom

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Gives the impression of quality, but in fact it is badly designed.
I bought this from Amazon upon the birth of my second child. My firstborn is under two. It gives the impression of a quality car seat and appears to be used in the promotional images of the expensive stroller I bought to mobilize my two children. The only measure I have to compare it with is the hideous, used, lowest-end Graco car seat that was given to us as a hand-me-down by a friend to house our firstborn. The Graco worked well enough that we never replaced it. Where we live, your baby logs a lot of car seat time. We had the first baby in that Graco car seat constantly, including an 8 hour layover at JFK. Regrettably, we put it on the curb when it was outgrown. I had no love for the Graco at the time. It was ugly and gave the impression of bad design as a result. But, by comparison to the Mico, it was nearly perfect. Having just returned from a four day car trip, I now despise this new Maxi Cosi car seat, which I had to pay for.

Pros:

- Fits my expensive stroller (Baby Jogger City Select) without requiring a strap and wobbly adapter. (only actual Pro)

- Comes in black (Phantom) — but I just saw a black Graco yesterday, so this is not an advantage over the competition.

- Gives the impression of being nicely designed and well built (but it is not well designed).

- Good padding and fabric inside that gives the impression of protectiveness and comfort, including the head stabilizer, which is substantial (but see first Con which renders all of this moot).

- Overbuilt (to the point of uselessness).

Cons:

- The fabric/padding is not breathable. Not at all. I am afraid this car seat will kill my baby due to hyperthermia. He is dripping with sweat whenever we take him out unprotected. This was not a problem with the Graco’s thin, low thread-count fabric with loose seams and anemic padding. We have removed the head restraint for this reason, and now we use the car seat only with a cotton receiving blanket doubled underneath the baby, which helps breathability a little.

- The canopy does not cover the baby’s face. It only gets to about mid-forehead. Its travel distance is so short as to make one wonder why it is even there. The canopy’s sole purpose is as a shade or cover, why is it made of thick insulated multilayered fluffy material that renders the adjustment mechanisms nearly useless? It does not stay in the most-covered position, useless though it is. Instead it wants to rock back to open. The Graco canopy gave satisfying clicks in many positions and could actually click separately on each side giving you a diagonal option. It fully covered the baby’s face. I bought a special drape to put over the Mico — so add $50 with shipping, etc. More for resentment.

- It’s bigger than the Graco. I have to put the Mico in the middle of the back seat to fit it in my medium sized 4 door car — if I want to accommodate a front seat passenger, or a driver. So I have no option as to where to put the seat. I cannot use LATCH system properly with the base as a result.

- It’s heavier than the Graco, by about a pound. When you are a pedestrian, this matters.

- It doesn’t click in, or remove easily from the seat base. It is easier not to use the base.

- The handle — a giant round hoop — is too large to carry upright when walking. The baby bounces off your hip at an angle. The handle only has two positions: vertical – ‘breadbasket’ style; and back, over the head area. No clicks in between. The handle buttons are not easily clicked, especially when in the car. The Graco had an easier to move handle.

- It’s expensive.

- If judged solely by its utility to a parent who must use it daily, I would have to rate this car seat in the vicinity of complete crap.

This review is dedicated to Kate.

5 Stars 10 months on & still love it
My husband and I love this seat as does our daughter. She is over 10 months old now and she is just now getting to heavy for it. The fabric has worn extremely well even after multiple, multiple washings and the straps are still great. I’m not sure why other reviewers have had problems with the harness system, I find it easy to buckle and unbuckle her. In the winter, the straps must be loosened to fit the extra bulk of cold weather gear, but there is a handy extension on the front just for this purpose. We have flown three times across the Atlantic in this seat, used it with latch and the base, with just a seatbelt and the base, the seatbelt with shoulder belt around the back and with the lap & shoulder belt across the body of the seat. It is a wonderful seat and very safe. It isn’t bulky and is aesthetically pleasing to boot!

5 Stars Easy to use
Some infant carseats are so complex to figure out. This one is very intuitive and easy to use. I like the the directions are printed in the base as to how to install it into the car, very helpful if you forget to bring the manual out. The seat is easy to pop in and out of the base, and is secure when in the base. I use it with the Maxi-Cosi Foray Stroller – Choco Mint, and t is easy to put onto the base of the stroller and take off. The seat is lightweight, well constructed and looks really nice in person.

The car seat base does come with the product, I wasn’t sure when I ordered.

4 Stars Safe and easy to use
I love my Maxi Cosi Mico Car seat. It is great and easy to use (in and out of the car).

4 Stars Great
We just received the Maxi-Cosi Mico infant carseat as a baby shower gift and, although I have not used it on my unborn baby yet, I love it! In terms of safety rating, ease of taking off and latching onto base, it is great. A lot of the reviews I read from dissatisfied parents seem to be about not being able to latch the carseat in easily. I have no issues with it. It snaps in with a click. This is dummy-proof, so I don’t know what they’re talking about. I had a harder time when testing out the Chicco Keyfit. Some parents complained about it being loud and shaking the baby awake when being clicked in. I think this is because it is a solid seat base and the carseat will not budge once it is in. The only thing I couldn’t comment on would be how fast my baby is going to outgrow this carseat. I figure that every parent is going to have a different opinion on this based on how fast their child grows, but who really wants to be carrying a carseat around once your baby gets to a certain weight? If it’s the higher cost of this carseat compared to other popular brands, then you should never have made the initial investment and gone for a 30 lb plus carseat. After having looked at multiple infant carseats from Peg Perego, Graco Snugride, Chicco Keyfit 30, Safety 1st….I’ve looked at ALL of them, this seems to be the easiest to carry. Plus, a little warning about Chicco Keyfit, which was my first choice, it is the most toxic infant carseat on the market. I know that choices for baby products should never be made based on aesthetics, but I loved the design of this carseat the best compared to everything else. Being a minimalist, I love the simple design also. The only thing I wish I could really change about this is the sun shade which seems pointless because it barely comes out enough to protect the baby. This is definitely not a dealbreaker, though.

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