Tuesday, 31 March 2009
-
Hot Mama in a Hotsling
by Mama Giraffe I've been noticing a lot lately about the popularity of "baby-wearing". With my first two kids, I was not that into the idea. I did have a Baby Bjorn, but only used it when absolutely necessary (like a public place that didn't allow strollers) because it hurt my shoulders and neck.
I see moms around town with their little newborns snuggled so happily in these crazy contraptions of slings, and they both look so happy. It's seemed womb-like. So, I decided to try it.
I got a baby sling from Hotslings and I was very impressed before I even fully pulled it out of the box. The fabric is gorgeous and you can instantly tell that it is extremely well crafted.
I picked the La Vie en Rose pattern (shown here) and I have to honestly say that one of my favorite things about the sling is how GOOD I look in it. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of a girl - always have been. But seriously, I throw my supercute baby into this super hip hotsling over my worn out jeans and spitup encrusted t-shirt and I'm instantly transformed into a ROCKIN' HIP MAMA. I get lots of compliments everywhere I go.
An added bonus is that Giraffe3 (7 months old) loves it! Granted he's the third child and squeals with delight anytime anyone even looks at him, but he does really love being attached-the-hip (LITERALLY!) to his mommy.
The only thing I don't like about the hotsling is that it does start to hurt my hip/lower back after a while. However, this may be a problem with my body and not a hotsling in general. I've had 3 c-sections in the past 5 years, so I have a weak abdomen/core/lower back. Maybe if I was stronger this wouldn't be an issue? Also, with the side hold (shown below) your one arm is not fully functional because the sling is over your shoulder and kind of restricts movement a bit. For instance, you couldn't really wash dishes with your kid in the sling. It is way better though than carrying your baby in your arms.
I'd definitely recommend a hotsling to anyone interested in baby-wearing!
Have you ever considered baby-wearing?
RecommendRelated Posts
Post a Comment
- Back to momaroo's Momaroo Site!
- Note: your comment will appear in momaroo's local time zone: GMT -05:00 (Eastern Standard - US, Canada)
About the Author
-
- From: mamagiraffe
- Name: mamagiraffe
- About Me: I am the mother of a 4 year old girl (Giraffe1) a 3 year old boy (Giraffe2) and a 6 month old baby boy (Giraffe3). I absolutely love being home with my kids and watching them grow and change every single day. I work part-time from home which is very challenging, but perfect for our family's needs.
Stats: This Week All Time Posts: 0 7 Views: 0 3111 Comments: 0 119 View all posts by mamagiraffe
Comments (14)
My wife has one and I think she likes it. She switches between it and the baby bjorn, I think based on the activity.
I wore my youngest because my children outnumbered my hands. I wish I would have had a sling with my oldest boys so much!
I prefer the backcarry in a mai tei when doing chores. That is a down side to the one shoulder slings.
it looks so freaking weird whenever I see parents with their kids in one of these contraptions, but Im sure that once I have kids I'll understand why these would be useful. Im sure there are times when you need your kids on you but still need to use both your arms.
I didn't start wearing my first until she was 8 weeks old and by then she wasn't real crazy about it. Now she likes being in the hip carry, and I love my hotsling, but I notice it slips off of my shoulder sometimes so it can be a little annoying. With baby #2, whenever he/she comes, he/she will be in the hotsling from day one!! I'm glad I have mine for when that happens. And it's so pretty too!
When my niece was little I used the old fasioned native american swaddle and sling with linen cloth method I learned while visiting a reservation as a teen.... and when I went hiking I used that horrible back pack style baby carrier that weighs a ton. The one in your picture looks to be similar in style to the homemade version I used. Can it be used on the back also?
I never could get used to the sling but I had a side/back/front pack that I loved and used with each of my kids....it was home made. AND I had full mobility of BOTH arms/hands.
I had a front baby carrier, but never really used it because it was such a complicated thing to put on and off... and on top of the fact that I only have one kid. My son is two-years-old now and is getting very independent (even though he loves to be picked up sometimes too), I don't think I'll need one of these. I don't plan on having anymore kids. Hehe. They look very comfy though.
We do not have a store near me that you can buy one of these from and I would LOVE to have one as my son is a very touchy feely boy!!! Are there any alternative products that you can find at like a Target or Babies R Us?
@echois23@xanga - no, only on the front and side.
@irish_emerald21@xanga - I'm not sure about other ones at stores. I do know you can buy this one online at www.hotslings.com They have a great sizing chart so that you know which one you need.
@mamagiraffe - ahhh then they won't be for me. I do some things with a tot in tow that require both hands......
I am big into wearing my baby girl - she is nine months old (and almost 20 lbs!) and I've been wearing her since she was born. I work part time as a nanny and she comes with me - whenever she gets cranky I just pop her into the carrier and get on with my work!
The carrier I use is the Ergo Carrier and I love, love, LOVE it - it is so so much better than the baby bjorn or even my sling, because it is designed like a hiking back pack - the baby's weight sits on your hips instead of your shoulders or back. I can wear it forever and not get really uncomfortable at all. I have also carried the kids I work with (they are about 30lbs) in it for 1/2 hour or 45 min, with no discomfort! The Ergo Carrier is rated for up to 40lbs. It can be worn as a front pack, back pack or on the hip. It is a little pricey ($90-110), but is TOTALLY worth it!
You can look at their website at www.ergobaby.com
I am so gonna wear my next kid! Awesome.
i'm looking at one of these now with my first baby, and i keep hearing good reviews. i was excited to see this blog post. :) my concern has been that i'm pretty small (five foot even), but the sizing charts do go down to petite / x-small. i'm definitely in love with all the patterns.