5.12.2008

Advice Needed from Moms Who Know




I've decited that I want to get a sling to carry baby #2 in. I think it'll be more convenient while grocery shopping and things like that. And, it's cheaper than buying a double stroller. The question is, what kind do I go for? I've had many people tell me slings that they like, or carriers that they like, but which one truely is better. I'm looking for affordable (because frankly, I'm cheap) and functional. These are the two I'm looking at, unless people know of a better option. The first is a Hotsling in Floral. I know, not exactly boyish, but I'm the one who will be wearing it. It holds kiddos in 5 different ways and goes from newborn to 30 lbs. Knowing me, once the kid hits 30 lbs, I don't like holding them anymore. The second is a Peanut Shell in black. It is obviously more boyish, and does all the stuff the Hotsling does. I don't know if one brand is better or worse than the other. This is why I'm asking for advice! Please Help!
In other news, Jon graduated from Tech this weekend and I couldn't be prouder! He graduated Suma Cum Laude! How smart is he?! Currently, he has the camera in Houston where he is once again house hunting, so when he gets back, I'll post pictures from the main event!

11 comments:

Candice said...

As you know, I am the biggest of baby carrier fans. We lived and died by our Baby Bjorn...that is for sure my pick (check out ebay for better prices). If you like the sling that you are looking at, no necessito buy it. All you have to do sew a tube. Seriously. Look online under babywearing and you will find a plethora of info. I just use cotton gauze as a sling, a backpack, a wrap, etc. Anyway, sorry about the long answer. I love you tons, and once you master it, you will love the baby carrying and so will Teak. Love, Candi Kuchen

Jade and Charla said...

I love my MetroWrap, but they are spendy. I think you could easily make one ... but I use it more around the house than going out. McKenna loves it and I can tuck every part of her in the wrap, so she doesn't fall out (even when I am cleaning a toilet!).

Hanna said...

I'm addicted to carriers. I wrote an eternal email to my friend about my favorites, which boiled down to this:

Birth to 4 months long trips and around the house= stretchy wrap. Super long piece of stretchy fabric - look online for tying instructions. You might look like a nerd - but its super comfy and your baby will be in heaven. Pain to put on when you're out in public because you look like a crazy person throwing fabric around and you're usually in the parking lot, which means you're dragging fabric on the ground and then putting your baby in it.

Quick errand runs birth and up= pouch, like hotsling. They squish up small so they're great to carry around in the diaper bag and use for fast trips. The downside is that they are NOT built for long wearing, especially as babe gets older.

Long trips 4+ months - either a long woven wrap (not stretchy) or a structured carrier like an Ergo or Beco (google is your friend.)or a Mei Tai. If you get something like this and keep it in the car all the time, you can totally get away with no double stroller. The Becos and mei tais come in cute fabrics and they are SUPER comfy. They are pricey though - but compared to a nice stroller, still cheap. You can buy them used too at www.thebabywearer.com. They have a message board with a "for sale" forum. Also, baby can easily be worn on the back from 4+ months and that lets you do crazy things like cleaning and cooking and hiking and all that jazz.

If I had to pick only one baby carrier, I would pick the pouch AND the Beco/Ergo because I could NOT pick only one. lol. Pouch is cheap and easy to have in the diaper bag, but I just don't know if it could be considered a complete substitute for a stroller because as your baby gets older and heavier, you won't enjoy wearing it for mall trips or long walks.

Woah, did I ramble?

White Family said...

I love baby carriers and seriously woul've gone insane the first few months of Chase's life if I didn't have one. I really like the cheap long piece of stretchy fabric to wear around the house and to church. It supports baby ultimately the very best and it's so unexplicably comfortable for you. Supports your back and shoulders, you could wear the baby all day and probably not feel a thing at the end. Also by far the cheapest option. A con is you do look pretty nerdy and first few times are a bit of a hassle to get baby strapped in. Here's a website for instructions on how to wrap if you go with this method. http://www.freewebs.com/wrapsababy/index.htm
I have heard some rave reviews abou the hotslings though, and they're so stylish! So good luck! Also huge congratulations to Jon!!! What a great accomplishment you must be very proud!

Natasha said...

I have a pattern for these carriers!
i'll e-mail it to you!

Ashley said...

Hey babe, it's Ash (hanna's big sis), I sell hotslings though so email if you want me to get you one :)

ashmackey@hotmail.com

Jenni said...

An Ergo is what I am getting. All of my friends swear by them and they even put their toddlers in them and their babies in the stroller. They have great reviews online and are supposedly worth the extra money. I see them everywhere in Seattle on women and have worn one myself with a baby in it. very comfy and super supportive for you and baby. Hope this helps!

* jenni

MAH said...

Hey there girl. I can't believe how long it has been. You are still as gorgeous as ever, and your little girl is stinking cute. Hope you don't mind me looking in. It is great to see where old friends are!

Eric and Hayley said...

Kat! It's Hayley, your old roommate. McCall and I were talking on msn today about searching for you online and we found your blog yea! We sound like stalkers huh? But we were so so extatic to find y'all. It's so exicting that you have a cute lil' family. We need to catch up sometime!

McCall B. said...

Thanks to Hayley's great detective work, we found you! You look fantastic and I'm so happy that you have a cute little family.

Jon + Kat said...

Hayley and McCall, I need your emails girls so I can catch up with ya'll! I'm glad you stalked me!