Here's a great starter sling that just might continue on and be an early favorite. The Jelly Bean Cargo Sling by Munchkin has taken slinging and baby carrying mainstream.
The carrier, created from breathable cotton, keeps babies up to 20 pounds, close--exactly where they want to be. With a double-wide padded shoulder strap, its comfortable to sling baby, and easy. The Jelly Bean Cargo Wrap also has many compartments, like a diaper and wipes holder and a pacifier or key loop, even a bottle holder and a spot to store your wallet and phone, making it unnecessary to lug a bag and a sling and a baby (something even many slinging pros will admit isn't easy, or fun.)
At only $39.99, Munchkin's new carrier (which hit stores last month) has become an excellent baby shower gift--encouraging new moms to sling babies with ease.
While shopping Munchkin, check out their Safety Bath Ducky. A token gift for any mom, this ducky tells whether bath water is too hot-- not by chaging color which can lead to confusing thoughts (scratch head, hmmm, its purple? but red means hot and blue means cold... so, is my water warm??) Rather it simply states HOT when the water is too hot for baby.
I love to wear my baby, even though I have a bad back - so any baby carrier I use has to have good back support. Recently, I tested theBaby Bjorn's Baby Carrier Synergy and fell in love.
I put the Baby Carrier Synergy on and strapped baby Allegra in. Then I wheeled my toddler in his stroller to our local park to test it out. I wore this carrier for hours, while chasing my very active toddler. I didn't feel any back strain whatsoever due to the terrific lower back support. Having my hands free was also terrific. I was able to push my older child on the swings and go down the slide with him, while still wearing the baby (who slept blissfully in it most of the time). Nursing was very easy while wearing this carrier, I just slipped my nursing cover over it, so I could have some privacy.
I also couldn't believe how lightweight the Synergy is. It's made of a 3D mesh fabric, which wicks away moisture and heat - great for constantly overheating mamas like myself. This fabric was developed especially for Baby Bjorn and weighs practically nothing. It's super flexible - you can fit the entire carrier inside the mesh elastic storage bag (which is attached to the inside pocket). Now, as I continue to use the Synergy, I can actually stash it compactly in my diaper bag, once we get to our destination (instead of just draping it over a chair or stroller). Well done, Baby Bjorn!
Suitable from 8 to 26 lbs, this carrier is designed to be worn on the front side of an adult's body. Babies can either face inward or outward. As the baby grows, you can adjust the sliding buckle to lengthen the carrier.
I think that the Baby Carrier Synergy will be perfect for the summer,
with the extremely breathable mesh. Since the mesh dries so quickly,
this also may be great for running through the sprinklers at the park!
I've been a complete kangaroo for the past few weeks. Leo loves to be carried and one of his favorite (ok MY favorite) pouch slings to be worn in is by Pippalily. I love the shape and slightly more contoured depth of their pouch and also the beautiful selection of cotton prints and gorgeous brocades that this company offers. All of their slings are lined in cool soft cotton for baby's comfort and are washable.
Pouch style slings are an absolute mommy must have. They have changed the way that I parent, because it is so much easier to walk around with a baby in my arms at all times. Wearing your baby in a sling is the perfect way to calm them when they are fussy, and often the only way to get a few things done around the house (use caution!) and keep up with older siblings. I find myself asking "whatever did I do before?" every single day. Pouch style slings are especially useful to have on hand as there is nothing to adjust and it is easy to pop the baby in and out of them, at home or on the go.
Pippalily is based in Canada, and ships to the USA as well as Canadian customers. On their website they have excellent instructions, including video demonstrations, of how to use their slings.
Note: The baby pictured at left is not my son but sure looks a lot like him! We have, and love that same print sling.
tot-to-go just sent me one of their super stylish pouch slings to test out. My 10 week old daughter wants to be held constantly - which makes it hard to get anything done, unless I wear her. It also calms her down - besides nursing and swaddling. Basically, this kid is attached to me most of the time (not that I mind). So, testing out a carrier is a good thing in my house. Baby Allegra instantly took to the tot-to-go sling. She preferred the tummy to tummy carry (for babies that have good head control) over the newborn cradle hold (supposed to be birth to 4 months).
The tot-to-go sling was gorgeous. Definitely one of the more fashion-conscious brands that I have tested out. We checked out the disco dot ink pattern (CAD $59.99 = US $60.21), with a reversible black interior. The sling is made of cotton with some lycra stretch sateen (which I prefer - I get too hot for fleece and I love that the cotton with the sateen gives a little). Made in Canada, by mom Shani Sam, these adorable slings come in sizes ranging from XS to XL. Since I am a fluffier mama, I was pleased that the XL fit me easily. The sling will work with newborns to children up to 35 lbs (though my 25 lb almost 2 1/2 year old did not want to try it).
The beauty of a pouch sling is portability. It fits easily in your diaper bag. You can take it out in mere seconds and pop your baby in. No buckles or straps to mess with. Just make sure it cups your shoulder and your child is placed securely in it. I usually keep one hand on the sling, especially if I am walking around. They don't kill your back (another plus for me) and I love that I can cuddle with my baby while wearing it.
Illustrations of the different ways to use the sling were included with the sling (you can download official full instructions on their website) - which is a good thing if you are a babywearing newbie. The sling was unpadded (I actually prefer unpadded slings) and was very well made. Choose from solid fleece, designer and solid colors.
Shop tot-to-go.com (and yes, they love to ship to the US)
Exclusive discount for MWS Readers:Save 20% on any regular priced tot-to-go Baby Sling. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Use code: MWS08. Valid from now until June 30, 2008.
Baby Nest - Super Comfy and Easy to Use Wrap Carriers
Have you always wanted to try a wrap carrier but been scared off by what looked like an entire bolt of fabric? Well then perhaps you need to try out Baby Nest Carriers. These unique carriers offer all the benefits and comfort of the wrap carriers, without all of the wrapping.
When I first started out in my journey to learn about babywearing, many people recommended wrap carriers to me. They swore that nothing was comfier for mom and baby. I was determined to give it a try but looking at the yards and yards of fabric that many wrap carrier systems were comprised of, I was a little unsure of how exactly I would manage. I did eventually try and love wrap carriers, but never loved the work involved in getting the baby in and out of the carrier. There had to be an easier way!
Apparently there is. I only wish I'd found Baby Nest Carriers sooner. Popular with celebs, these carriers were recently selected to be part of the Jewels and Pinstripes 2008 Celebrity BUMP bag and will be received by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba and Cate Blanchett.
This system is super easy to use and lives up to the comfort promised. The learning curve is anything but steep. If you can put on a t-shirt and fasten a belt, you can do this! Putting the carrier on is as simple as putting the two loops over your head and then sticking your arms between them so they form an x across your chest. Next you position your baby in front of you (for the basic position) and put on a wide belt to secure him/her in place. Viola! Instant bonding. Your hands are free and your baby is soothed by the closeness. And you can pat yourself on back for having mastered the art of baby wearing in mere moments. Go mommy!
Once you have mastered this basic position, you can all five variations - all are easy to accomplish. Click through to see photos of the Baby Nest worn with baby riding on the hip, back and more. No matter how you wear the baby, spreading the fabric out across your back and shoulders allows you to comfortably distribute the baby's weight across your body. This is the magical secret that makes wrap style carriers so comfortable and earns them all the positive press.
Rest assured that your baby will also be comfortable too in this carrier, thanks to the soft, stretchy, high-quality European fabric. I should also note that the fabric washes well and wears extremely well. It is suitable for infants from birth to 35 lbs. Baby Nest carriers are particularly useful to wear when nursing a newborn as they provides extra support and ease of positioning. The Baby Nest folds up into it's own pouch when you are not using it, so it is easy to bring along in your diaper bag.
Choose from five colors when you buy your Baby Nest Carrier on the company's site. Mommies With Style enter Coupon code MWS12008 to save 10% off your order. Please note your order will be adjusted after checkout.
I am a first time mom with a 7-week-old baby girl. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to wear Danielle, but had no idea with what type of carrier.My sister-in-law lent me her ring sling and wrap to try.We also received the hyped-up popular front carrier.The three options were either too cumbersome or not suited for an infant. Then I tried a Cute Sling ($64) in the Daisy Dreams print with a reversible pink side.I felt like Goldilocks and the Three Bears - this one fit just right.It is easy to wear, and Danielle loves it.She is so comfortable in the Cute Sling that she falls asleep within minutes every time I wear it.
There are a few features that make this sling work for us.First, the opening of the sling is wide, so Danielle can see her surroundings and me. Second, the outside pocket is a great size to hold my keys, phone and cash to eliminate carrying a bag. And finally, I love the cool, comfortable, beautiful fabric.My Cute Sling is reversible with a fashionable design on one side and a solid color on the other.I feel stylish wearing the Cute Sling and receive numerous compliments and smiles every time I wear it.I have not yet worn her on my hip due to her size, but the sling is padded on the edge for a comfortable hip hold.
Problem: I now have three kids, but I still only have two hands. Solution: Green Pea Designs Baby Pouch, to the rescue!
I have always been a big fan of baby wearing, for a multitude of different reasons. Baby #1 "gently encouraged" me to try it by giving "subtle hints" like screaming her head off every time I put her down for more than 10 seconds. With her, and her Colic, babywearing became a way of life. Then baby #2 came along and I again tried various slings, pouches and wraps to allow me keep him safe and secure while chasing after the now toddling baby #1.
Now I have a third little angel and Green Pea Designs has come to my rescue with their beautiful Baby Pouch. (I have the 'Reid' fabric and I love it!) Aside from the gorgeous fabric choices, their pouches are very well designed and have a nice padded edge for baby's comfort. I also love knowing that the company is a group of Moms who all work from home. No wonder they understand our need for a product that is fashionable yet economical, great for multi-tasking, ideal for breastfeeding, keeps baby safe, happy and comfortable all the while allowing you to bond with your baby too.
As I sit here and write this review, my little 5 week old is peacefully sleeping on my chest. How am I able to type this, take care of my almost three-year old who is running around, and tote around my 5 week old? A Karma Baby sling!
I am really enjoying slinging my baby this second time around. It makes life so much easier to be hands-free while appeasing my little one. My Karma Baby sling is great... an adorable fabric, easy to put on, comfortable to wear, and a cute little pocket and clip for my keys.
Made of 100% cotton, there are a number of sizes to make sure you get the correct fit, and a ton of adorable fabrics (designer, reversible, organic, etc) to choose from. I love that owner Stacey offers a free phone consultation to help you make sure you are comfortable putting on and wearing your sling the first time you try it. Great customer service!
Learn more about babywearing and check out the great slings from Karma Baby. Receive free shipping when you use code "mommystyle"!
I often feel cheated when it comes to pouch slings. When I had my son, almost three years ago, pouch slings had not hit the mainstream. So I missed out on the early part. But I did not miss out entirely. For the past year I've been trying every style of sling that I could still squeeze my son into. And I love pouches. It's enough to make me even sadder I did not discover slings sooner.
There are a plethora of assorted pouch sling companies out there. But the one I have recently come to love the most, both for the superior comfy fit and fabulous fabric selection, is Hip Bebes. These gorgeous and comfy pouch style slings are made by our own Mommies With Style board member and fellow mompreneur, Lora. I tested her Hip Bebes sling in the utterly gorgeous Aqua Mums pattern. It did not disappoint and was super comfy for me to carry my 35lb son in, as well as my neighbors newborn. This particular print has a little bit of stretch which made it even more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
Hipbebes Slings also have a small, soft protective "rail" of padding on the outside edge that helps keep its shape and keep your child more comfy and secure without adding unwanted bulk. There is a handy pocket on the outside of the sling to stash a binky, a small wallet or whatever you want to take with you.
I'm telling every new mom and preggo I know, to go out and get a sling now! Don't wait and see if you'll want one later. This is something you will use every day. Slinging your baby is such a great experience, that you don't to waste any time. Measure your torso for the perfect fit and order one today. The tough part is choosing just one from the selection of groovy florals and mod graphics on the Hip Bebes site.
Mommies with Style save 10% with coupon code MWSTEN.
Since having my son four weeks ago, I have been testing out all sorts of new products on him! I was very excited when I came across a very unique and stylish baby carrier that can be worn in five different ways and is a cross between a sling and a more structured front baby carrier. It doesn’t have buckles, rings, clasps, snaps, metal, plastic, bulky padding or wrapping involved. In fact, it is recommended by chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists alike. To top it off, your husband actually won’t mind wearing it! What type of carrier could possibly accomplish all of this? The answer is the Baby K’tan (which means “Little Baby” in Hebrew) Baby Carrier.
The Baby K’tan Baby Carrier has a double loop design with a unique sliding lumbar support band that distributes your child’s weight evenly and gives you greater back and shoulder support. The carrier is 100% cotton (super soft), machine washable and dryer safe. It is easy to use and allows you to comfortably and stylishly carry your baby or toddler up to 40lbs. The two loops can be arranged in the “Cradle”, “Explore”, “Adventure”, “Hug” and “Hip” positions. It is available in seven different colors and prints (White, Cocoa, Heather Gray, Black, Nautical Blue, Camo and Tie Dye Blue). It even includes a matching baby hat and sash! You can add personalized embroidery to your Baby K’tan to make it uniquely your own or have it monogrammed to make a special gift even more personal.
My son loves to be held which presents a problem for me in getting anything done around the house, so I decided to try out the “cradle” position, which holds him securely against me. He is snug as a bug and seems very content.
Instructions are included, so don’t worry if you think you won’t be able to figure out all five positions! You’ll be styling in no time while your child sees the world.
Enter “mommies with style special offer” in the comments window (at the very bottom of the billing page during the checkout process) to save 10% off of your order.
As I get closer and closer to having my second child, I constantly think about how I am going to manage a newborn and a energetic toddler who loves to run. I think the answer is going to be using a sling or carrier. With my first son I didn't really use one of these very often, so I consider myself a sling "newbie". Honestly, all of the choices, ways to wear them, styles, etc overwhelm me. And I generally considered slings to be a bit "hippie" for my taste.
But Have a Ball Baby is one company that is helping to change my view of slings. First of all, they have gorgeous fabrics and colors so the slings and mei tei's are super stylish. Secondly, they have a great website with detailed instructions on how to wear your sling (with photos!). This was a big help to me. The mei tei that I tried was easy to use and seems like it will be perfect when my newborn becomes an infant. And it is beautiful, very much my style (chocolate brown and blues). I can definitely see myself wearing at the park with my son.
Check out the tons of options for carriers at Have a Ball Baby and save 15% on your order using code "RobinRocks". If you are overwhelmed like I was, email the staff -- they are very helpful and will walk you through how to wear the carrier.
Baby slinging is a trend that is gaining in popularity. And this spring, Hollywood moms are in full bloom, carrying their babies in luxurious dupioni silk slings by Sakura Bloom. The slings are available in a rainbow of gorgeous hothouse colors that blur the line between fashion and function.
Marcia Cross, Tori Spelling and Heidi Klum all own these lustrous but industrious ring slings. Crafted to perform as beautifully as they look, Sakura Bloom slings won't wilt on the job. They are washable, reversible to a contrasting color, comfortable, safe, and hardworking. And yet so pretty you could wear them to a wedding.
Every mom can feel like a celebrity on Mother's day with one of these slings. And MWS readers can save 25% when you place an order May 1 - 12th. Just enter the code celebrateMom when you place your order.
They say the best ideas are simple ones done right. And the fresh crop of slings from Sakura Bloom are right as rain! Mothers have been wearing children in slings for hundreds of years. Slings need no proof of utility - they have stood the much tougher test of time. They are comfortable, versatile and allow you to get on with your life while carrying your child, hands free, close to your heart. You can breastfeed in them, and read and send your email in them. But until recently, you could never look this good in them.
Looking through the catalog of Sakura Bloom slings is like staring at an assortment of hothouse flowers, each more lush than the last one you saw. The slings are made out of richly colored silk dupioni, in colors so saturated that you almost need extra set of senses to process their chocolate and candy colors. Can these really be a baby accessory? Are you sure? Because that silk rivals the wrap I wore to a wedding a few months back...
Now if you just thought to yourself, "Silk?!" and had the fleeting thought that this is not at all practical, hold up a sec before you click on. Because as it happens, this silk is totally durable and washable. In fact, it gets softer and nicer with each wash. The more you wear it, the nicer it feels. How crazy is that?
Or not crazy. Just simple and lovely. Like your baby, and your life, when you are able to move about freely and regain the use of two hands. I tested this sling with a small baby as well as with my 34 lb 2 year old, and found it extremely comfortable to wear with both. It was simple to adjust and just nice to be near. And forget the wrap, next wedding I go to, I may wear my sling instead. That way I can look gorgeous while keeping my son from poking the cake.
I've been a fan of simple wrap style carriers for a while now. For one thing, they are surprisingly simple to use and totally comfortable to wear. And they tend not to look so much like a piece of baby gear. More like an interesting shawl that you, ingenious fashionista mom that you are, have turned into a chic way to tote your tot.
And now, thanks to Metromamma's new MetroWrap line, wrap carriers are even more fashionable than ever. Metromamma wraps are made from super cushy, soft, premium cotton knits. They've carefully chosen rich neutral colors like Malibu Sand, Manhattan Black and San Francisco Chocolate, that will actually coordinate with your clothing. There's even a handy chart that helps you match your carrier to the dominant colors in your wardrobe.
But what I like most about these particular wrap carriers is that they have taken the concept of carrier-as-clothing-fashion-statement to the next level. With bling. What a perfect idea. I mean shouldn't the wrap be cuter than the tee it goes on over? Choices include a dragon, pirate skull, peace symbol and crown. No worries about your changing post-baby figure when you order one of these. They are one size fits all - including Daddy! C'mon, what could be studlier than your guy toting the baby in a pirate themed wrap?
Detailed instructions on how to use the wrap are available on the website. This style of baby carrier takes a little getting used to at first but can soon be put on and taken off in a flash (just don't try doing it in a rainy parking lot - that's a little tip from me!). Wraps are also versatile. This one multi-tasking accessory can be used to create impromptu highchairs when dining out, to cover you while you breastfeed, and to shade or tuck in a sleeping child in a stroller or carseat. And the nice thing is that you can toss it in the washer and drier with the kid’s clothes, and it’s ready to go again tomorrow.
Mommies With Style, reference this article when you place your order, and receive free shipping on your wrap.
Here's a really classy-looking carrier: 5 months plus
I wasn't big into the whole baby wearing thing the first time around. Part of it was due to the fact that I had a bad c-section and healed poorly - therefore those first few crucial weeks I couldn't really put any pressure in front of me. By the time I attempted to carry Nate (in a Baby Bjorn), he was four months old and 18 pounds so it just wasn't happening.
I've had more success with Cole, but I have to say, he's already getting heavy on my back at 3.5 months. I'm eagerly awaiting better head control so I can try the side/hip carry. One carrier that looks great for the side baby-wearing (and is super-trendy looking) is the Portamee. I've had my sister-in-law testing it out with her 8-month old and she just loves it. She had been complaining too about the added pressure on her lower back with the Bjorn and my growing niece, and since using the Portamee they've both been much happier.
It's padded for additional comfort, and simple to use. No crazy straps to confuse you, and quilted and padded for comfort.
It's sold in Nordstrom but you can also buy it online on the Portamee site. After ordering, email them on the contact page and reference Mommies with Style and this review to receive a free detachable insulated bottle holder with purchase.
I received a nice package from DivasnBabes after the recent birth of my second son, Cole. It included one of their signature Mei Tai carriers, a style I'm quickly becoming a big fan of as Cole seems to prefer the Mei Tei style carry to any of the others I've tried thus far. I have yet to try the DivasnBabes one as it's only recently gotten cold here, but I'm excited to use it as it has a fleece lining which I know will be great to have in the upcoming cold weeks.
DivasnBabes also carries Mommy shirts, cute onesies for kids and more.
Additionally, Tori Spelling was recently seen buying an "I'm the Man" onesie, made by DivasnBabes. (pictured) Use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off your order.
I am relatively new to the sling world, because I never used them with my son. And I can’t believe I didn’t. They are so easy. I have recently started using the Sweet Fletcher Designs sling with my 10 week old. It is a pouch type sling and we both love it! It packs up small so it’s easy to throw in my bag and it allows me to be hands free (key with a 2 ½ year old in tow). The Sweet Fletcher sling is so comfortable to wear and my baby snuggles right in. She seems to find it very comforting when she’s upset and I can get done what needs to be done while “holding” her.
This past weekend I took my toddler on a train ride with Santa and decided to sling my daughter. It worked perfectly. It was so easy to carry her that way and I could still take care of all my son’s very important needs, like opening his snacks. My daughter also found it so comfortable that she slept the entire time! And to top that off, it looked great in our picture with Santa! Sweet Fletcher Designs' slings all come in great stylish fabrics with beautiful prints that reverse out to solid colors. I have the Madeline Blanc, a beautiful black and white print thatreverses to black so it goes with almost anything.
You can still order Sweet Fletcher slings in time for the holidays. Treat yourself to one to go with your holiday outfits. You can party, carry baby, and look great! Sweet Fletcher is offering a free upgrade to 2nd Day Air shipping for all MWS readers. To take advantage of this offer, just enter code MWS when ordering and the charges will be refunded when the order is processed.
Baby, it's cold outside: keeping warm with Brooks Pond
I had forgotten how vulnerable babies seem, especially as newborns. That's why I spent some time this weekend pulling out all the old blankets, fleeces and cold-weather items to keep my newborn warm as we face the long winter. I added several items from Brooks Pond. I have both a buggy blanket and carrier cover and intend on using them as it gets colder.
The Carrier cover comes in three different types - Original, Metro and Luxe, each of which have their own sets of colors. The prices range from $65-$145 and they are incredibly soft and warm, sure to keep your baby insulated from the wind and cold.
The Buggy Blanket comes in Original or Perennial and ranges in price from $95-$135. I adore the two-tone colors of the perennial, which looks more like a comfy sleeping bag and than a stroller blanket. (This is one of those products that I'm always commenting makes me wish came in adult-size.)
Enter coupon code MWS06 on the Brooks Pond website when you check out and you'll receive 15% off. Shop fast, it expires November 30th.
Sometime last spring, I started seeing so many moms here in the LA area wearing their babies in a carrier that wasn't a mei tei, wasn't a sling, and was about as far from a Bjorn as your tshirt is from your anorak. At first I was not sure if I was seeing one ingenious product or a half dozen, because I saw it used with infants, and with toddlers. I saw it with twins. I saw babies being worn with it on people's chests, their hips and their backs. I saw kids facing in and kids facing out. I realized I had to find out more!
Turns out that what I was seeing was indeed one carrier, and the simplest and comfiest I have tested to date. It is a MobyWrap and mom after mom that I spoke to, filled me in on why this carrier was just a complete lifesaver for them. After trying it myself I can confirm that the rumors are true.
* It's easy to use! Even though the long wrap seemed daunting at first on paper, it has a quick learning curve on the body. Just be cautious if putting it on in a parking lot not to let the ends drag on the ground.
* Unparallled comfort. The Moby truly spreads out the weight across your entire body, in the same way a shirt would, so there is no cutting or pinching. For both you and baby. There are more choices for positioning your infant as well.
* Versatility. Not many wraps truly work as well with a newborn as they do with a toddler on your hip. I tested with a neighbor's infant and was very comfy. And I also wore mine with my 35lb, tall 2yo son. He was in no hurry to get out. He usually detests carriers. Their color/fabric selection is amazing too.
* Happy, less sweaty, baby and mommy. The knit cotton fabric is more breathable than other fabrics. Stretchy is shape conforming. Stretchy = Comfy!
*Fashionable. I have been to more than one Hollywood event where I witnessed incredbily chic mommies, wearing their wrap with a simple colormatched tee and jeans and they looked so glam. Like their baby carrier was a fashion accessory, not just a parenting necessity. It's the pashmina of papooses!
Mommies with Style, mention this article when you order your Moby Wrap and get a free handknit 100% cotton hat to keep your baby warm and cute this winter. Please specify the age and gender of your child in the comments section at checkout.
So I recently checked out a Divas n Babes Mei Tai style carrier. I should note that I tested this carrier out as a back carrier only (but it can go either way!) as my 36-week pregnant belly has temporarily hindered front-pack testing.
The Divas n Babes Mei Tai comes in some great patterns (gorgeous brocades) and it's reversible for twice the print-options. The straps are nice and thick and each carrier is hand-crafted and comes in a keepsake hat box for easy storage.
They also sell a ring sling, several Mom-tees and cute baby tees so be sure to shop the entire site. Use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off the total order on DivasnBabes.com.
Heavenly Bundle: a great product and namesake for your precious cargo
So this baby-to-come is going to be slingin' it in style once he makes his grand entrance. I have learned of so many great slings and carriers writing on this site, and can't wait to start using products like my Heavenly Bundle sling on a daily basis.
No bells and whistles with this sling, the Heavenly Bundle is reversible and made of a cotton-stretch. It's an over-the-shoulder sling and easy to figure out. Simply drape it over, insert baby and you're good to go! It comes padded on the edges and also has a pocket for whatever you wish to store (breast pads, burp cloth, etc.)
They also have a nice measuring system that will ensure you are ordering the right size. You need a tape measure but after a few short measurements, your chances of getting a sling that's tailored to you is much better than ordering a S, M or L size from some other sites. The slings are also affordable - ranging from $44-$54. Love some of the patterns available as well so be sure to check those out.
Shipping is typically a flat $6, but use coupon code freestyle to receive free shipping on your order.
Euro Baby carrier: the European version of a Baby Bjorn
My first thought when I saw Euro Baby's Red Castle Sport, I thought it looked like a complicated version of the Baby Bjorn: lots of straps, similar design to a Bjorn with the front carrier styling. And I'll be honest, I was intimidated. But once I read the directions and got the hang of it, I really got excited by this carrier.
The reason it has so many straps and additional features is that it's adjustable and has so many functions - so nice in a carrier as it'll grow with baby. For starters, you can wear it in several different positions - including in the front like a Bjorn, slightly to the side, or off to the side of the hip for heavier children. And you can adjust it all while baby's strapped in. So you're basically getting several carriers in one.
The straps are heavily padded - I felt no strain on my back or my shoulders as the straps that hit these areas of your body are nice and thick. And there's a supportive headrest that's detatchable.
You can buy it online at Amazon, it retails for $119.99 and ships for free. They don't have a picture of it on their site though, so check out all the product details and pictures on the Euro Baby site and then purchase on Amazon. (You currently can not purchase on Euro Baby's site)
After purchase, log onto EuroBaby.us and register your purchase - mention seeing the review on Mommies with Style and you will then receive a free gift!
Note, for those of you who have been recently amused by sling and carrier testing abilities - I did NOT test this one out with my 35-pound almost-3 year old as there was just no way it was happening. Although I was able to test it with my third trimester pregnancy belly and a younger, more appropriate aged baby (as well as having his flatter-stomached mother trying it on). The Red Castle Carrier supports up to 30 pounds.
CatBird Baby carrier survived my child, and my 32-week pregnant belly
So these days, I'm probably not the ideal sling/baby carrier tester as: 1) I have a 32 week pregnant belly that gets in the way of any front packs; and 2) my tester has grown to 35 pounds, is almost 3 years old and most definitely does not want to be slung to my body. (Don't worry sling companies, I've been "borrowing" babies to also give accurate reviews!)
Anyway, when it first came, I tested the CatBird Baby carrier with my son as my current tester was unavailable. Considering the weight and spirit of my son, the CatBird Baby Mei Tai held up surprisingly well and felt very snug and strong. And my son actually seemed pretty comfortable and happy in it.
We tested it on my back and it acted more as a seat and he was able to hug me with his legs rather than having them hang down. Something I can imagine would make toddlers feel better as I know with my son, it gave him more of a sense of control. (And just seemed more comfortable.)
The CatBird Baby carrier is one-size fits all, which I can attest to being accurate given my current waist and belly size. Tie it to your own proportions and you're good to go, it's very adjustable.
The carrier prices range from $98-108. Use coupon code "mommies" at checkout to get $10 off your order. Expires October 31, 2006.
Having heard quite a bit about the Peanut Shell Sling, I was excited to finally get my hands on one to check it out for myself. The Peanut Shell is made of several soft fabric choices and comes in some fun fabrics. It's a pouch style and makes for very functional baby-wearing! At this time of year, you can opt for fleece to keep your baby warm. Or if you'd like something more year round, opt for one of the cotton shells.
The Peanut Shell is hands free - you pick the size to fit you and there's no adjusting involved.
This sling is popular with the celebs: Heidi Klum, Denise Richards and the Dixie Chicks have used one, and Britney Spears was gifted one for use with Sean - time will tell if we see her using it in any photos but she hasn't been spotted yet.
Use coupon code "HipMama01" for 10% off your order on Goo-Ga.com (the makers of the Peanut Shell).
Here's a great starter sling that just might continue on and be an early favorite. The Jelly Bean Cargo Sling by Munchkin has taken slinging and baby carrying mainstream.
I've been a complete kangaroo for the past few weeks. Leo loves to be carried and one of his favorite (ok MY favorite) pouch slings to be worn in is by 
I am a first time mom with a 7-week-old baby girl. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to wear Danielle, but had no idea with what type of carrier.
Problem: I now have three kids, but I still only have two hands. Solution: 
As I sit here and write this review, my little 5 week old is peacefully sleeping on my chest. How am I able to type this, take care of my almost three-year old who is running around, and tote around my 5 week old? A 
I often feel cheated when it comes to 
Since having my son four weeks ago, I have been testing out all sorts of new products on him! I was very excited when I came across a very unique and stylish baby carrier that can be worn in five different ways and is a cross between a sling and a more structured front baby carrier. It doesn’t have buckles, rings, clasps, snaps, metal, plastic, bulky padding or wrapping involved. In fact, it is recommended by chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists alike. To top it off, your husband actually won’t mind wearing it! What type of carrier could possibly accomplish all of this? The answer is the 
Baby slinging is a trend that is gaining in popularity. And this spring, Hollywood moms are in full bloom, carrying their babies in luxurious dupioni silk slings by 
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I am relatively new to the sling world, because I never used them with my son. And I can’t believe I didn’t. They are so easy. I have recently started using the 
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