Best child carrier slings according to redditors
We found 57 Reddit comments discussing the best child carrier slings. We ranked the 37 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 57 Reddit comments discussing the best child carrier slings. We ranked the 37 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
They’re called a wrap! It’s like a giant stretchy scarf you wrap around your baby. My baby is 21lbs and I can still carry him in it, no big deal.
This is the one I bought! There are cheaper, and more expensive ones. Out of the people I know who have one, most of them think I made the best choice.
This is a good video on how to put the wrap on for a newborn, I didn’t do it this way because my baby was 10 lbs 4.5 oz when he was born lol
This video is more like how I do it!
This is a way I’ve never seen before, but you might like.
You could also go over to r/babywearing and ask for advice there!
Hi! I’m back!!
Although I thoroughly intend to write my birth story when I’m ready, I just finished my first piece since the baby arrived so in celebration, I’ll pair it with something useful.
I really appreciated posts like this while I was pregnant so here goes:
Things I didn’t know I needed:
(AKA things I have frantically ordered on amazon at or around 2am)
•Bottle Drying Rack This probably seems obvious, but when we didn’t get this from our showers we were like... idk why we can’t just use a towel??
•Safe way to cosleep My husband built a BEAUTIFUL Sidecar Crib, but it was attached on my side of the bed and it took 2.5 weeks for me to have healed enough to climb in bed around it safely with the baby. This way, I didn’t have to bend over to pick up baby or even spit up to check on/soothe him.
•Lactation Suppliment My lactation consultant approved. This one worked well in my breakfast tea.
•Better flanges My poor nipples were so sore and the flames that come with the Medela... well I’m not sure who they’re supposed to fit but not me. My doula practically ordered these for me. GAME CHANGER.
•Pumping bra I was cutting holes in sports bras. This is better.
•Nipple Shells Another kind reddittor sent me in the direction of this AMAZING INVENTION after I posted a photo of ice packs tied to my nipples with a burp cloth because I refused to wear a shirt my nipples hurt so bad. I will be purchasing these for EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN FOREVER. They keep your nipples dry, collect drips, apply counter pressure to keep your nipples shaped correctly for latching, and most importantly omg nothing touches the precious nips and you can wear a shirt!!
•Car mirror
Me: that seems extra, he’s in a car seat and safe why would I need a mirror??
Hormones; HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH YOU FOOL
•Car adapter for my breast pump Cheaper than batteries
•Shade for his side of the car because anything that wakes up my sleeping baby is the devil. This one has a bonus that allowed me to roll the window down and it was HOT in the south
•Better suction for the breast pump Again- just better than whatever they send you
•My Breast Friend we got the boppy but this one saved my back
•Heating pad Turns out I’ll do ANYTHING to keep the baby asleep when I transfer him to his crib including preheat the darn thing (on low!) before I lay home down
•Stroller Caddy You’ll want somewhere to put your keys, phone, and coffee
•Baby K’tan An easier way for my husband to wear the baby.
•Leggings I had a pair of these before, and they are SO COMFORTABLE on my postpartum body that I bought 5 more in different colors!
•Extra pump parts for whichever pump you have
•A hands-up swaddle I found at Target
•Wine.
Anyway, hope this helps! Best of luck to all of you!
Uppababy Mesa / Vista
I hate to be the person to suggest to you the expensive things, but if you can get people to chip in, this is gonna last you. The Vista is built to last and has excellent handling. Which matters. As someone who runs my kid into stuff constantly, trust me. It can be made into a double stroller down the road if you need it too. A triple stroller if you count adding on a standing board. The Mesa is awesome, easy to install, and makes life grand in the beginning. Those first 6 months are tough. They are great, but also easy to let yourself slip into 'I'm not leaving the house' if you don't have things to make it easy on yourself. You can throw the Mesa into the Vista frame and spend the day loading it up at Target. You can get 12 paper towel rolls and like an 18 pack of toilet paper plus some in that basket. I'm not a 'stroller person' so to speak - I won't bring a stroller to Disney and I go at least 1x a month - but I love this stroller and car seat.
Ring sling, I suggest this one
I'm a huge babywearing advocate and have what my husband believes is too many carriers (10). I have 3 ring slings and 1 mesh ring sling for water. They are lifesavers. They are easy to store in a bag, work as a nursing cover, and are one layer of fabric over the baby so not too hot. Unlike a Moby or Boba where you have a lot of fabric and are layering three pieces of fabric over the baby, ring slings are basically a pouch where you slide the baby in, tighten by pulling the fabric through the rings, and voila, done. They also last well into toddlerhood. I carry my 25-pound active kid in one still. They are also the thing I usually buy new moms as a gift.
White noise machine
It doesn't have to be a baby one. It doesn't need to be expensive. It doesn't even have to be a machine - do you have a Spotify subscription? Look up white noise (I suggest this) set it to repeat and a cross fade between, and voila! White noise!
Congrats! My baby has yet to sleep in his crib, so I won't comment on that, but he did sleep wonderfully in a rock 'n play Can't praise it enough. Only problem is transitioning them out of it.
Other things I really like:
Car Seat: Chicco KeyFit Magic 30 Super easy to install and use.
Boon Grass I really like having a special drying rack for all of my bottles/pump parts/ect and I like this one because you can stick stuff anywhere and it's cute. Also comes with cute accessories.
Bath tub Baby seems to like it and it dries quickly and can be hung up.
If you're into babywearing, I have an Ergo 360 and a K'tan which I've found to be comfortable and easy to use.
I would stop letting them take your child from you. It’s going to be hard to train yourself to not give them the opening but I would actively avoid them or turn away whenever you need to to stop the grabbing. If they say anything, greyrock the shit out of them and just say “no thanks” or “we’re good” etc and just ignore them. If you need to JADE, keep it really simple “baby’s really tired now and needs to sleep” or something similar.
Also, this carrier might make it more difficult for her to try to take your baby out of it or at least would take long enough that it would give you the few seconds you need to back away before she can get to LO.
https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Wrap-Ergo-Carrier-Sling/dp/B00OJVNSFA
Be strong mamma! You’ve got this! The only people that baby really needs are you and DH.
Get a toddler backpack leash and push your baby in the stroller? Throw your baby wrap in there in cash the toddler gets tired and wants to be pushed home.
Edit: I don't know what kind of baby carrier you have, but they make ones for summertime. https://www.carrymeaway.com/learncenter/best-baby-carriers-for-hot-humid-weatherclimates/
1)Swaddle blankets for newborn
https://www.amazon.com/SwaddleMe-Original-Swaddle-3-PK-Busy/dp/B013GYQVCW/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496771259&sr=8-1&keywords=swaddleme
2) Several different types of pacifiers/bottles (you don't know which they'll like and they do have a preference)
3) Travel swing - because they're smaller/take up less room/ and you can move them from room to bathroom or whatever and less expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Harmony-Kingdom-Portable-Swing/dp/B00E3RKC36/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496771354&sr=1-1&keywords=travel%2Bswing&th=1
4)Breastfeeding pillow: https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Harmony-Kingdom-Portable-Swing/dp/B00E3RKC36/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496771354&sr=1-1&keywords=travel%2Bswing&th=1
5)Carrier:https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Ktan-Original-Carrier-Black/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496771644&sr=1-1&keywords=ktan
Check out the K'tan wrap: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UYFULU. It's a stretchy fabric wrap without all the wrapping. So easy!
Warning - lots of text below! My baby is about 6 weeks now and I'm exclusively breastfeeding. My Medela Harmony manual pump has been fine for building a stash - I pump 1-2 times a day for the freezer and occasional bottle feedings from Dad. I think it's pretty convenient, but I'll be using a double electric pump when I go back to work (waiting to see what Tricare will cover in 2015!).
Whatever you decide to use for diapering, I'd strongly recommend getting some prefolds (I got Osocozy unbleached). They're great for burp cloths, catching milk from your other boob during letdown, etc and they're also way cheaper and more absorbent than fancy burp cloths. Personally I love prefolds and covers for diapering, but don't buy too much into any one system or brand until you know what works for you. My husband hates prefolds so now I'm having to add pockets and AIOs to appease him.
I'd get some swaddlers (at least 2; my favorite is from Nuroo but that was a gift and they're pricey, the summer infant SwaddleMe wraps are good now that she's bigger but didn't fit well until about 10 lbs). My girl lives in footed pajamas and I love the Gerber zipped ones, we found tons at goodwill for $1.50 each but if you can't find them used, they're on Amazon for $10 for a 2 pack. You're right that other people will buy clothes, but they'll pick cutesy stuff and you need some practical choices too.
Nursing pillow - I had an unexpected C section and this has been so necessary. I love the Luna Lullaby since it's big and I had a big baby.
Some kind of baby carrier, I got a Moby wrap while she's small and it's amazing for running errands (I put it on before getting in the car and pop her in before going in the store, WAY easier than a carseat and stroller).
We were gifted a used swing and it is a freaking godsend. It's the only way I get chores done since I can pop her in there and cook, do laundry, clean, etc without her crying. YMMV, some babies hate them, but buy used and you won't be out too much cash.
Wubbanub pacifier is easy to keep track of and super cute.
Pack n Play with a mattress for cosleeping (recommended to reduce SIDS risk for the first 6 months). At least 2 mini crib sheets.
Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter is amazing for the first couple weeks.
QuickZip crib sheets will be amazing once you use the crib.
Simba baby safety nail cutter - no bleeding!
Finally, the Itzbeen pocket nanny timer is so helpful for keeping track of feedings and diaper changes, especially in the first few weeks.
Hope this wasn't too overwhelming. Good luck!
*Edited to add links to products.
I got this wrap last week https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Wrap-CuddleBug-4-Postpartum/dp/B00OJVNSFA and it's really great and easy to use. The ergobaby is too big for a newborn even with the insert. She doesn't like it. She loves the wrap though and sleeps the whole time she's in it!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1S7B60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_wfAWzb10HY1CE This night light. It's rechargeable. You just tap it and you can dim it. Also has two light settings. A warmer light and a whiter light. Perfect for all those night feeds!
What else... A billion burp cloths. Mats for the changing pad so we don't have change the cover as frequently. Thicker receiving blankets for swaddling rather than the muslin ones. They're so much easier to swaddle with because they're smaller and thicker. The muslin cloths are good to have around for other things though.
That's all I can think of for now besides the obvious stuff.
Work out childcare backups -- people you can call if you have an emergency, need a date night, need a daycare.
Work out a pediatrician -- ask friends, your girlfriend's OB-GYN.
What I'm glad I had:
What I could have waited on:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGSMIG8?colid=38SHWFWZO9AB7&coliid=I10GMU3106BFSO&ref=br_mb_ov_item_detail
Forgive my abysmal linking, I'm on mobile. This thing is way easier to use than I thought it would be; all I did here was drop the baby in, get him latched, yank on the tail a few times and "oh, hey...I can just...let go? OH FUCK YEAH!"
It should really be pulled down over my opposite shoulder to distribute the weight better, I've since learned.
I'm getting the lillebaby and this ring sling.
Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier for Infants and Toddlers (Rainbow Honeycomb) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B0SZOO2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fyJCzbZ41RFF0
The Infantino Mei Tai is pretty affordable, and I find it to be really comfortable and easy to use. You can do front, back, or hip carries with it and it's fairly easy to put on.
Here's a link, although it's not exactly the same as the one I have: Infantino Sash Wrap and Tie Baby Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0185AH1F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Fp3Fyb5527VPM
Mine is a boba as well - I also have this one (https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Wrap-Carrier-CuddleBug-Available/dp/B00OJVNSFA) which I find to be a bit more supportive and will use more when they are heavier.
I also have ring slings so I can wear them in two rings slings at once, but they are seemingly too tiny for that. Or I'm used to wearing a 25 lb toddler in a ring sling and putting a teeny baby in one is just weird feeling.
From my research I would go with either the Maya Wrap, the Moby Wrap, or the Peanut Shell Sling.
Moby Wrap
Maya Wrap Sling
Peanut Shell Sling
The Maya Wrap Sling seems to have great reviews from breastfeeding moms but it is pricier than the other two.
We have an infant seat and two bases (one for each car), plus the stroller it snaps into. Two seats is unnecessary for sure. The stroller is nice, but not essential.
As for wraps/slings... We have a Moby, a Snugli, and an Ergo. I like them all for different reasons.
The Moby I use mostly at home because it's complicated to wrap and a bit hot. But it's fantastic if your baby wants to be held and you need to get stuff done. I used it a lot when he was under a month old so he could snuggle up and sleep while I did dishes and such.
The Snugli is great for little babies who hate the Ergo insert (as ours did). we used it on our first outing at a week old and I just supported his head with my hand. It is easy to put on and take off and getting baby into it is a cinch. Once they start getting heavier (over 10lbs) it starts to get a little less comfortable for the wearer. I can only wear him about an hour in the Snugli before my back and shoulders start to complain.
The Ergo we use for long wears and if I'm going to need to nurse with him in the pack. It is especially good for an all day outing. I have successfully breastfed with him in the Ergo and me sitting down. (I saw a woman once doing it standing up with an older baby who had good head control.)
My husband happily wears both the carriers and is quite comfortable in them. My tall sister has a Maya wrap and loves it. I found it hard to use with my short torso.
Non-mobile:
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
i've got a baby k'tan carrier , it's super simple and easy to get him in and out of. i was very confused and intimidated by the moby, this was a far more appealing option
This is what I was going to recommend. I know the last thing you need is more expensive baby products right now OP, but this or this could help your GF immensely (if she's got the back muscles to bear it).
Infants often sleep better when worn, and even when they're awake it'll at least free up your GF's arms so she can do other things.
Hah great nickname. No it’s something like this: Baby K’tan ORIGINAL Cotton Wrap style Baby Carrier, Black, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vzxVAbY17BRKQ
I have [this] (http://www.amazon.com/CuddleBug-Carrier-Postpartum-Nursing-Shower/dp/B00OJVNSFA) in gray that I used only like once I would be happy to send your way if you'd like it!
https://www.amazon.com/Vlokup-Baby-Sling-Carrier-Rainbow/dp/B01BGSMIG8
I have this one and I LOVE it. It has gotten so much use. It is about $35, so its not a huge investment, but I know I've definitely gotten my moneys worth. My favorite things about ring slings:
The only things that I dont like about it is that it can be hard on your back if you wear it for long periods and baby cant really look around which might make them squimy when they are bigger. It it a really good carrier to have for out and about (like you are grocery shopping or at a restaurant or at the beach) and makes it SO easy to nurse on the go, but I would not want to go on a hike with it.
They aren’t all horribly expensive.
https://soeasybeinggreen-blog.com/best-baby-carriers-budget/
https://www.amazon.com/Vlokup-Lightweight-Breathable-Toddlers-Swimming/dp/B07HD8TTHN/ref=asc_df_B07HD8TTHN/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242053912987&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2668121512369452802&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012056&hvtargid=pla-616789501898&psc=1#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div
Yeah wearing the baby is a "thing" I used a Moby Wrap a ton. It is a really long piece of cloth that you wrap around your baby and yourself to hold them tight against you without using your hands. The thing I did was wear my daughter like that all the time in the house just around. Not only when we went out to do things. That allowed me to rest my wrists. https://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Original-Cotton-Carrier/dp/B000OY539A
Oh like this?
I’ve never used a sling because of back problems.
This won’t help with how to adjust it but it shows how to get baby in and safe: https://youtu.be/bRdGksTvDwk
I've been looking at the k'tan wrap and JJ Cole Agility for the same reason (also have ergo). JJ Cole is cheaper and also has good reviews for newborns:
JJ Cole Agility:
http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Agility-Stretch-Carrier/dp/B009Z4VE7K
K' tan:
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Ktan-Carrier-Black-Small/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417315550&sr=1-1&keywords=k%27tan+baby+carrier
I tried the boba and the ergo and my guy is too hot. I absolutely love this one though: mesh ring sling. I was at a farmer's market last weekend and had someone come up and ask me where I got it because they had tried everything and couldn't find a good carrier. I highly recommend it.
I got this one: Vlokup Baby Wrap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DTC7P1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3X37CbCDAGNYY
It's an "off brand" and not one of the super well known brands, but it works just fine. It's less than $20 too which is why I got it, I've spent so much on wraps already 😅 The fabric isn't stretchy at all like a Moby/boba so it took me a little bit too get used to it but I like it. Baby does too which is the important part
i have this one and it seems to be padded shoulder but i really like it and haven't had any issues with the shoulder. The strap is pretty wide and seems to distribute weight pretty evenly across my shoulder.
http://www.amazon.com/Balboa-Baby-Sears-Adjustable-Signature/dp/B001Q80GO0/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1421345591&sr=1-1&keywords=balboa+baby&pebp=1421345619483&peasin=B001Q80GO0
just my experience.
Balboa sling. It's like ring sling with no adjustments needed. Just throw it over your shoulder , as easy as putting on a purse
Balboa Baby Dr. Sears Adjustable Sling, Signature Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q80GO0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Ft0Uub044SBJZ
I got this one, and I’ve been very happy. Just wash it alone, since it bleeds when washed.Ring Sling
I am short (5’0”) and had a really hard time finding a baby wearing solution that worked for me with #1. I spent probably $300 or more trying everything under the sun.
This was my favorite and is now number one on my registry list.
The rolling over thing will get better. Spend a few minutes per day encouraging him to practice rolling over, but he'll get that soon enough regardless.
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I see you already attempt to baby wear, which is awesome. Some carriers have a sort of "side" carry option. This [Infantino](https://smile.amazon.com/Infantino-Sash-Wrap-Baby-Carrier/dp/B0185AH1F8/ref=sr_1_19_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1542739615&sr=1-19&keywords=infantino%2Bbaby%2Bcarrier&th=1) carrier has a side carry option, or if you already have a wrap-style carrier like the Moby you can try a hip hold. This frees up some space for you.
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For napping, I recommend sleep training. I'm very pro-feber personally. I'd say get the book, read it through, and then decide how you want to try it out. You can do it for naps only, or you can go all-in and do all sleep. The big thing is that you won't have him falling asleep on your chest, then put him down, only to have him wake up 5 mins later - you will put him down awake and then he will fall asleep on his own, which means he stays asleep (for at least 1 sleep cycle, anyways). I have a strong inkling that once he learns how to lay down and fall asleep on his own, he will also be less fussy chilling by himself on the floor with his toys and such.
I got this one. Once I learned how to do it, I loved it. But I did have to watch YouTube
4-in-1 CuddleBug Baby Wrap Carrier | Soft Baby Carrier | Baby Sling Carrier | Postpartum Belt | Nursing Cover | Best Baby Shower Gift (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJVNSFA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tgx-ybT2GC6DX
There are doll carriers she can use :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0083J0O2Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1427464415&sr=8-2&keywords=boba+doll+carrier&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=41D6IkPklUL&ref=plSrch
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LZKBP2Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1427464451&sr=8-1&keywords=ergo+doll+carrier&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=31yrM57LtpL&ref=plSrch