Babys First Year Blog
How The Heck Does This Baby Sling Work?
How does this sling actually WORK?
Every year on Black Friday I say I am not going to buy anything, and then inevitably I get lured in by online deals that sound too good to pass up. This year was a little different than most. Instead of looking at electronics and clothes, I found myself shopping on Diapers.com and buying holiday onesies. Life has changed!
One of my purchases arrived yesterday … the Balboa Baby sling! Now somebody tell me — how the HECK does this thing work?
With all the babywearing I’ve been doing recently, I have really been wanting a sling — something easy and quick to put on when we’re out running errands or grocery shopping. I love having Cullen on me, and he is so peaceful and content when snuggled on my chest. But both my Ergo and my Moby wrap are a bit cumbersome for putting on quickly, and I have been hoping that a sling would solve that problem. I manhandled him for about five minutes trying to find something that was comfortable for both me and Cullen, but I felt awkward and he looked squished and miserable. The sling was a bust.
I’m not giving up completely yet, and might try watching some online videos of how to wear it better, but I’m so frustrated that the sling wasn’t a better solution!
In the meantime, it’s back to the Moby wrap. (Hi Indy!)
I know some moms swear by the sling, so I’m hoping my problem is just user error. Is there a trick to making this more comfortable? Is my baby just not big enough yet? I’m really hoping to find an easy and simple babywearing solution soon!
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10 Comments
Kelly commented on Nov 30 11 at 11:35 pmHave you tried a Maya wrap (sling?) all my mama friends use one, and I already have one for our little one on the way, but I’m not sure how it would be with a newborn (which is why I have an ergo and moby as well). I know the Maya works great when they’re a bit older for sure
ErinIsabel commented on Dec 01 11 at 2:09 amI had that very sling and I returned it. It seemed that the pouch to put baby in was way too big, and I felt like I had lost him in there! We also tried the Moby and every time we put our son in it he was upset, never worked out for us. We ended up going with the Beco Gemini (which we LOVE, and so does Max) and forgetting about a sling altogether.
Sara commented on Dec 01 11 at 9:25 amI used a seven sling when my boy was really little (you order it in your size – there’s no adjusting), and I LOVE my Maya ring-sling now that he’s bigger. I also LOVE my moby, but I find myself using my Maya even more because it’s so easy. It takes some adjustments to get to it fit comfortably but once it’s done the first time, you can just throw it on. It’s also not good for long use (it will kill your shoulder/neck), but for a quick walk or trip to the store, it’s perfect. Also, it comes in beautiful colors/patterns and it has a zipper pocket. When I have to run a bunch of errands, I don’t even carry a purse. I just put my money, cards, and phone into the pocket and go. I can’t recommend it enough!
Maggie commented on Dec 01 11 at 2:06 pmi never loved one shoulder slings, and you said, the moby is cumbersome. i actually got a baby k’tan in the end and LOVE it. it’s like the moby, but you dont have to wrap it. i can wear lo in all the ways he loves, and throw it on quickly.
Stacia commented on Dec 01 11 at 2:16 pmI am in your area! Woo for this weird fakeout winter, eh? /sarcasm I come from Colorado so this is a joke. I have a Moby- but now my little guy is pushing towards 15 lbs it stretches way too fast for my comfort. He loved it until last month when he started looking around more. I made myself a maya-style ring sling, and can’t figure it out. It hurts my shoulder too. SO- I bought an Action baby carrier from lilroos.com, and its arriving TODAY! It has the features of Boba/ergo but not the price! I’ve tried an ergo before too (and it was a little awkward getting on but nowhere as laborious as a Moby)and LOVED it’s functionality, so…you might want to try a simpler version of an ergo?
Jennifer commented on Dec 01 11 at 9:06 pmSearch You Tube for some videos on how to use the sling. I have the same one, and couldn’t figure it out either without watching the videos. I was especially concerned with proper positioning, because Maya was only 6 weeks when we got it, and could not support her head yet. I wanted to make sure she wasn’t too low in the sling and her airway was open. So, the videos really helped. Once you have it sized properly to your body, it really is easy to throw on. Good luck!
Jdn
Bianca commented on Dec 01 11 at 10:36 pmThe balboa is not a great designed sling. I know Dr Sears supposely designed it but there is a lot of design problems with the sling.
Try a maya wrap, sleeping baby or Sakura bloom. And try to get to a babywearing meeting in your area or find a babywearing educator that can help you.
elaine commented on Dec 03 11 at 11:04 pmhave you tried a baby ktan carrier? it’s like a moby but already wrapped, so less fabric and less cumbersome to put on or tote around. Very easy to carry in diaper bag (it doesn’t take up much room) and it takes about a minute to put on, but still get both shoulders and back support that one shoulder slings dont give. i recommend it.
Jasmine Sassack commented on Dec 15 11 at 10:34 pmYou’re right to trust your instinct – that sling is a bad, bad design, much too similar to the ones that were recalled for causing infant deaths. Instead, look for a Maya Wrap ring sling or Comfy Joey ring sling and wear your baby in an upright chest-to-chest position. You always want baby to be literally close enough to kiss. Happy babywearing!
Heather commented on Dec 27 11 at 8:33 pmI love wraps – they are soooooooo comfortable!! But for something quick and easy – and a great way to get started babywearing – try a Boba or a Beco. My favorite site for babywearing info, tips and product info is http://paxbaby.com/ – they are amazingly helpful!!
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