Sling

I have a 22-pound 14monthold dd and we use several kinds of carriers. IMO, a one-shouldered carrier is only going to work for an extended period of time if you're using it to do back carries. One-shouldered carriers include ring slings and pouches (Hotslings, Maya Wrap, Taylormade.)However, they do fold down really small and work great for quick ins-and-outs. If you would like to distribute weight better and be able to carry longer, I would recommend a two-shouldered kind of carrier, such as a long wrap (like Ellaroo) or my personal favorite, the mei tai. (Yes, I do make them--thanks Carrie! see www.close2mebaby.com) I would not recommend a stretchy wrap for a baby over 15 pounds although it is theoretically possible to use one. Too much potential to sag. Peppermint.com, mom4life.com, attachedtobaby.com, bellytobaby.com are all sites with lots of slings and sling reviews. IMO, there are better options out there for you than the playtext hipster that will last a lot longer and be ready for the next baby. (Most are good for newborn-35 or 40 pounds or three years old.)

I used the Peanut Shell sling with my son, who at 4 months was about 20 months.
I used the sling from 3-4 months until almost one. They sell it at www.goo-ga.com. Highly recommend it. Very easy to carry around, no straps or buckles. I heard the Hotslings were good also.

Go to close2mebaby.com. There you will find a mei teis which are carriers that you can wear for front, back, nursing and hip carrying positions. They support a child up to 35 or forty pounds and are extremely comfortable!

C.

I carry my 13 month old everywhere when he doesn't want to walk. We love our KangarooKorner.com sling - we have the adjustable fleece pouch which is perfect for the winter - it keeps both of us warm. He sits on my hip and is no problem to carry round the neighborhood. You can also use this sling as a back carrier once they reach around 15 months. Their website says the sling can be used for most kids up to about age 3. It is really comfortable - you don't really know your wearing it. I would definitely recommend Kangaroo Korner slings.

Hope this helps

Hi Mary,
I have a 16m old and she about 23lbs, we use two carriers. The Maya wrap (sling) and the Patapum toddler(front or back carrier) which are both great for biggier babies. You can check them out on my web site
www.naturalfamilyboutique.com/?rebeccaw
I can answer questions for you and teach you how to use them along with letting you just try mine if you like:)
Let me know if I can be of any help,
R.

Mary:

the moby wrap works till 45 lbs... much easier on your back.

check their website: www.mobywrap.com

P. RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group.
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

The Playtex Hipster worked wonderfully with my son when he was your daughter's age. My daughter is just 15 months older than him, so having him in the hipster made outings much easier. I expect to use it again when my youngest (due tomorrow!!) is ready for it.

I don't know anything about the Playtex sling. I have a nine-month old who is about 20-21 pounds. We use a ring sling--the brand is Slingeaze--and I really like it. It has a padded shoulder so you don't get sore so quickly. I know there are a lot of different options out there and I don't know if the Slingeaze sling is "the best", but it has worked very well for us.

I have the hipster, the few times I have used it it worked great. THe padded shoulder stap is great compared to the front holders which cut into my shoulders when I used it.

I'd recommend staying away from the "brand name" slings... playtex, nojo, etc as the fit can be very akward. My favorites are the ella roo or maya wrap. (http://store.peppermint.com/ ) My son is 23 pounds and they are still VERY comfy. The Sling-eeze is good too if you're looking for a padded sling, but is a bit harder to use with bigger kids. I also have a friend who makes wonderful slings and sells them at an amazing price - if you're interested feel free to email me directly (____@____.com)

Hi, Mary. I've always used the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. I've used them up to age 3 and you can change the positions so you don't get sore. Hope this helps

My favorite is my ergo, which I bought from theportablebaby.com, but it's pretty pricey so if you're looking for something inexpensive, I'd recommend the hip sling from One Step Ahead (onestepahead.com) it's about $20, folds up compact enough to carry in a diaper bag or large purse and has a little pocket for your keys and wallet. I got mine when ds was about 20lbs and used it up until recently (he's 26lbs) when I got the ergo. I still keep the hip sling in the car and would use it in a pinch. It's just a little h*** o* your shoulder once they get really big and wiggly.

Maya wraps are the way to go. Check out the Natural Family Boutique link another posted. They're about $40, but so worth it. I'm saving up for one. All my friends use them with their newborns and their bigger babies. The weight is distributed well with this sling. The material is a breathable weave so you both don't get sweaty. There's even a cover up piece of material great for nursing, shielding the sun, using as a blanket. Some of them also have a pocket.

I would recommend a Mayawrap or New Native. I think the Playtex thing looks like it would put most of the weight on your neck and be very uncomfortable. I sling my 2.5 yo and 10 month old constantly.

I have a 2 1/2 year old son that was the same way!! We used the regular front carrier until he was too heavy. I then tried out a friend's side carrier and used it until he was a little over 2 years old (until he refused to be carried). He seemed to like it and it had a padded shoulder too. The ONLY bad thing about it was it seemed like the strap got twisted often and I frequently had to readjust it. I liked it though and would use it again!!

Mary,

Maya Wrap slings are great even for older kids. My daughter likes it and she's 16 months. I have a friend who still uses hers at times and her son just turned 3 :)

My friend also sells them through Natural Family Boutique if you're interested, just let me know :)

~L.~
____@____.com