Many times while traveling I have been asked about a sling or carrier that I am using for The Boy. I consider a sling to be an essential part of my travel arsenal. There are times, when traveling, that a child wants nothing but to be carried, and rather than battling the child and luggage, I wear my son. Everyone has a favorite, so I encourage people to borrow or try on at a store first.
I have used a variety–Baby Bjorn, Hotsling, Baby K’tan, ring sling, and mei tai. I will start with those I like and work my way backwards.
If I were starting over, I would only own two of the carriers listed above– my ring sling and mei tai.
My mei tai was made for me by a LLL Mother, Stella, but is similar to the Baby Hawk style. The shoulder straps are padded for my comfort, and there is head support for if The Boy falls asleep. The tie techniques take a bit of practice, but after a couple of tries, I had it down. I like that I can easily carry my 25 plus pound toddler on my back or front for an extended amount of time. I wore him walking in Washington DC for over two hours non-stop. I wear him on my back while mowing the lawn. A similar option for mom’s intimidated by the ties or wanting to avoid airport dirtiness is the ERGO or Beco Butterfly carriers. The Baby Hawk, ERGO and Beco are available internationally or will 
ship international.
For quick trips in and out of stores, I prefer my ring sling. I have a Zolo Wear, but there are less expensive options available. The same LLL mother made a ring sling for a friend of mind, and I know numerous mothers have made their own. Economical and practical…if you have the skills. The ring sling is adjustable, but one piece, and mine had a pocket to hold my cell phone, money and credit cards. This sling is great for infants through toddlers and can be worn a variety of ways, including nursing without an additional cover (use the tail for older children). I like that it is relatively compact for travel and running through airports. Zolo Wear is available throughout the world and ships internationally.
The others… Hotsling was nice for when The Boy was smaller, but as he grew, it became increasingly uncomfortable. Hotsling is a pouch carrier, not adjustable, and sized to fit one person.
Baby Bjorn, while popular, has fallen out of my favor due to the pressure it applies to the baby’s hips and spine, which can cause problems for the child as s/he ages and gets heavier.
Baby K’tan is challenging to wear, because there are two pieces of fabric linked together and a third piece to tie around for older children. I also struggled to position The Boy properly to avoid the same crotch pressure as the Baby Bjorn.
Do you wear your child? Which carrier is your favorite?
You can contact Stella if you are intersted in a homemade sling at moonmut@hotmail.com.
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I have many baby carriers but have three favorites depending on the errand / age, etc.
1) Hotsling makes an SPF sling (Solarveil). I used that for the newborn when I was in the pool and carrying him around otherwise. Scratchy material (relatively speaking) but meant to get wet and quick drying.
2) Ergo. LOVE the thing. Works for all ages and used when we were hiking (with infant insert) and use now for kids up to about age 3. That’s when my son decided it wasn’t as interesting / fun. I loved the front, side, and back carry. Generally my favorite.
3) Framed backpack carrier from LL Bean (who no longer makes it). This holds the child up high so they can see. My 7 mo old LOVES this. The downside… and it is a downside. He pulls my hair ALOT lately when he is in it. Nothing like trying to shop when your kid has two handfuls of your hair and is yanking with wild abandon.
When my baby was just born I tried to use a stretchy wrap, but he did not like it very much. Plus it was difficult for me to nurse with the wrap, not very discreet. Then I found out about mei tais and I highly recommend this style of baby carrier as the most versatile and practical.
.-= Mei Tai ´s last blog ..BABYWEARING AVOIDS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION =-.
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