This is my Girasol Amitola, Columbia (green) weft, size 6. C is about 9 months in the beach pic and the other crappy one was just this weekend at 18 months.
It's ridiculously comfortable once you get wrapping down. This particular wrap is soft and supportive and only gets better the more you use it.
Size wise, I'm 5'6" and a size 14-16 and this is just barely long enough for my favorite back carry (double hammock, tied Tibetan). It'd perfect for shorter carries.
I will say that wrapping is freaking hard and I may get this converted to a half buckle before kid 2 comes along.
This is my Girasol Amitola, Columbia (green) weft, size 6. C is about 9 months in the beach pic and the other crappy one was just this weekend at 18 months.
It's ridiculously comfortable once you get wrapping down. This particular wrap is soft and supportive and only gets better the more you use it.
Size wise, I'm 5'6" and a size 14-16 and this is just barely long enough for my favorite back carry (double hammock, tied Tibetan). It'd perfect for shorter carries.
I will say that wrapping is freaking hard and I may get this converted to a half buckle before kid 2 comes along.
Its so pretty! I love all the Girasol wraps. My ring sling is Northern Lights.
Post by ilikedonuts on Apr 16, 2014 8:52:25 GMT -5
I currently have:
Standard Canvas Tula
WCRS made from Girasol Northern Lights
Boba Wrap (which I don't use anymore because DD2 is too heavy)
Ergo Sport (my husband won't let me sell it yet he hasn't used it since last May and that was with DD1)
Used to have:
Beco Gemini
Dolcino size 6 wrap in Kreta
What I want:
WC Standard Tula
Toddler Canvas Tula in Chloe pattern (waiting for it to come back in stock)
A new woven in a size 6. I want a Tula woven, but I might get another wrap for now since who knows if I will end up getting a Tula since they will be impossible to get.
Post by undecidedowl on Apr 16, 2014 8:57:18 GMT -5
I just want to add that for anyone who likes to sew, ring slings are very easy to make yourself. You can pick any fabric you like (I used a solid green linen blend) and get rings from www.slingrings.com/ I used the pattern off sleeping baby productions and she has some really awesome instructions. www.sleepingbaby.net/construction.php
Does anybody else use backpacking type carriers? We've been using a Kelty FC1, but now that ds is in the 25 pound range I've been eyeing Deuters. I tried on a Deuter Kid Comfort III at the consignment store and it was NICE!!!
We have a Kelty that our friends gave us but I haven't tried it yet - I used a Moby when he was an infant, then moved to an Ergo which I still love. I'm planning to try the Kelty out over the next couple of weeks - hoping to bring on a family vacation in July in hoping that someone else will want to carry him at some point. :-p
I haven't read up on the Kelty - can you not use past 25 pounds? DS just hit that at 15 months.
Can you use ring slings with older babies? Leo is pushing 20lbs, but I wish I had something cooler (temp-wise) than the Ergo for the summer.
Yes, but not for long periods of time. I hip or front carry C in mine still at 28 lbs, but mostly for things like running into the post office or something.
I have a Maya ring sling, which I liked when he was itty bitty. I haven't played with it much now that he's bigger, but maybe it would work for a hip carry? He tends to like to launch his head back and look at stuff when he's being worn, so I feel like I really couldn't be hands free with it.
I love my Moby wrap, and so does he. He's still light enough I feel pretty good for a shopping trip. I walked about 1.5 miles with him in it yesterday, and my back did start to hurt a bit.
I have an Ergo, but he's not comfortable in it for a long time. I'm not sure if it's because his legs aren't quite long enough, or if he feels squished since there's no give to the fabric? I'm not sure what it is. I wish I could figure it out. I also find that it fits me a bit funny - I have a long torso, so it feels like either he's too low, or the waist is too high.
I'd love to try a Tula, and I'm very tempted by the wraps - but I'm tall and, erm, "not slim", so I'm afraid I'd need miles of fabric to make a wrap work. And I'm not sure if I wouldn't have some of the same issues with the Tula as I do with the Ergo?
Does anybody else use backpacking type carriers? We've been using a Kelty FC1, but now that ds is in the 25 pound range I've been eyeing Deuters. I tried on a Deuter Kid Comfort III at the consignment store and it was NICE!!!
We have a Kelty that our friends gave us but I haven't tried it yet - I used a Moby when he was an infant, then moved to an Ergo which I still love. I'm planning to try the Kelty out over the next couple of weeks - hoping to bring on a family vacation in July in hoping that someone else will want to carry him at some point. :-p
I haven't read up on the Kelty - can you not use past 25 pounds? DS just hit that at 15 months.
You can use past 25 pounds -- he's just starting to feel heavier! The Deuter has more padding and other extras. We hike a lot and although we've really liked the Kelty for the past year, I don't know how great it's going to be long term. I could see (my husband) getting a lot of use out of a Deuter for a couple more years.
I apparently have either no or awful pictures of carriers in use. I'll add better ones if I find them. I'm 5'5" and a size 18. In the order they were purchased:
Baby Bjorn original, gray/white mesh. I didn't like it, but it was the only carrier DH has ever actually used. I think he used it maybe 5 times total with DS, never with DD. He's just not into babywearing and I quickly moved on to the Moby.
Moby Wrap Original 100% Cotton in Slate I loved loved loved this carrier for the kids from birth until 6 months. DD is 3.5 months in the photo. I lived in this thing. Clearly the model is better at wrapping with it...
ERGObaby Sport carrier in Blue. I used it a couple of times when DS was 14 months. It wasn't very comfortable and I couldn't get him on my back at all. I tried again when DD was 6 months and was outgrowing the Moby, but I hated it just as much even with a smaller kid. It just wasn't tall enough in the body to really feel like it was supporting the kids and getting a good seat. I don't have a single pic because it was never worn for more than a minute or two, and I've since sold it to fund an upgrade.
Comfy Joey Linen Ring Sling in navy. One layer of linen, pleated unpadded shoulder. This is the most frequently used carrier. I've used it with kids from 6 months to a little over 2 years. I really like it from 6-12 months... over that was just in a pinch to stop a tantrum. It didn't hurt too much for <30 minutes at a time if I was careful about spreading the fabric across my back. I prefer a tummy to tummy carry for younger babies and the 2-year-old really only works as a hip carry for me. It is the perfect carrier for storing in my diaper bag so I always have it when I need it. A 2-year-old hip carry: A 9-month-old tummy to tummy:
Beco Gemini in black. This is my most comfortable carrier for a >6 month old. It's the only carrier I've successfully back carried in, although I don't have a pic. This fits my hips SO well, but I don't think it would be as comfortable on a skinny and/or short person since the belt and padding is tall and wide. The strap adjustment is easy to do, I can rotate her around to my back without worrying about dropping her, and it's comfortable for longer periods of time. I've only ever carried DD in it, but I've been happy with it since I started using it at 10m and she's 15m now. Sorry for the really crappy pic, I'll try to take a better one next time I wear her. She's 10.5m in this photo front carried.
I am 5'7" and around 135-155 lb when using these carriers. I've used them with a newborn through small 3 year old.
I have owned: Infantino Wrap-and-Tie (aka Sash): The cheapest carrier I can happily recommend to people (around $30). This is a mei tai style, so all straps and knots with no buckles, but still simple enough to get right the first time you pick it up. This one comes with instructions on panels sewn on the inside. Easy to buy - Walmart, Target, BRU. I really like it for a newborn and up to about5 or 6 months. It is safe to use beyond that, though, and I lent it to a friend that used it up past a year. She is from Ethiopia and I think was just glad to learn that Canadians wear babies, too.
Freehand Mei Tai: I upgraded to this with DD, but it wasn't worth it. It was pretty, but functioned nearly exactly the same as the Infantino. Still, a great choice for a newborn or small baby. Fully hands-free, adapts well to a variety of body shapes, you can shorten the panel or tie it high to make it fit a small baby well.
Ergo Sport: I bought the Sport because it has the biggest straps and DH is a big guy. He hasn't really used it, though. It's been fine for me. I can wear a baby for a couple hours or DS for a few minutes (he's nearly 3, but only 25 lb). DD likes the hood a lot for taking naps. I find it easy to get on and off and can get a back carry by myself, which is nice.
Ring Sling: Mine is a no-name two layer cotton sling. I've used the hell out of it - from newborn through toddler, it's by far been the most used carrier I've owned. Works great in the winter because I can use it over my coat without a hassle. Easy to nurse in. Does restrict movement a bit and is less "hands free" than other options.
Seven Sling: does work, especially with a hip carry and a shoulder-cap flip. Haven't even pulled it out with DD, though.
Water Carrier: AWESOME for taking both kids to the pool. The one I have is a conversion and probably the only one exactly like it in the world - it's a SSC style converted from a mei tai made of solarveil material. I couldn't do the pool without it.
I have a JJ Cole Agility wrap, which is basically a Moby wrap without having to do the wrapping. It says it fits babies 7-35 pounds and can do newborn, in and out facing. It comes in different sizes, I'm an 18 and the large fits well and feels secure. I got it around 8 weeks when J was 10 pounds and he tolerated the newborn hold for a couple more weeks. I wish I had it from the beginning, it is a great carrier. It's super easy to get him in and out on my own and only takes a minute. This is H wearing J in the newborn hold.
I also have the Ergo, which is also great. We've had it since about 2 weeks. I skipped the infant insert and just used a rolled up blanket to support him. Now he goes in with his legs froggied, they are still a little short to stick out the sides. He's 13 weeks and almost 14 pounds now.
Here's V in the Ergo with the infant insert. It wasn't so bad early on, but because he was so tall and skinny (75th/5th percentile height/weight) it got very awkward until he hit 12 lbs.
The Ergo itself or just the infant insert?
Just the insert. The Ergo alone works great, I carry him to and from daycare in it every day.
I am 5'7" and around 135-155 lb when using these carriers. I've used them with a newborn through small 3 year old.
I have owned: Infantino Wrap-and-Tie (aka Sash): The cheapest carrier I can happily recommend to people (around $30). This is a mei tai style, so all straps and knots with no buckles, but still simple enough to get right the first time you pick it up. This one comes with instructions on panels sewn on the inside. Easy to buy - Walmart, Target, BRU. I really like it for a newborn and up to about5 or 6 months. It is safe to use beyond that, though, and I lent it to a friend that used it up past a year. She is from Ethiopia and I think was just glad to learn that Canadians wear babies, too.
Freehand Mei Tai: I upgraded to this with DD, but it wasn't worth it. It was pretty, but functioned nearly exactly the same as the Infantino. Still, a great choice for a newborn or small baby. Fully hands-free, adapts well to a variety of body shapes, you can shorten the panel or tie it high to make it fit a small baby well.
Ergo Sport: I bought the Sport because it has the biggest straps and DH is a big guy. He hasn't really used it, though. It's been fine for me. I can wear a baby for a couple hours or DS for a few minutes (he's nearly 3, but only 25 lb). DD likes the hood a lot for taking naps. I find it easy to get on and off and can get a back carry by myself, which is nice.
Ring Sling: Mine is a no-name two layer cotton sling. I've used the hell out of it - from newborn through toddler, it's by far been the most used carrier I've owned. Works great in the winter because I can use it over my coat without a hassle. Easy to nurse in. Does restrict movement a bit and is less "hands free" than other options.
Seven Sling: does work, especially with a hip carry and a shoulder-cap flip. Haven't even pulled it out with DD, though.
Water Carrier: AWESOME for taking both kids to the pool. The one I have is a conversion and probably the only one exactly like it in the world - it's a SSC style converted from a mei tai made of solarveil material. I couldn't do the pool without it.
I think I'll look into water carriers. What a great idea.
holly116, you can get ring sling or wrap (like a Moby) styles pretty easily. They're usually made out of athletic mesh. It really helps to be able to grab DS while holding DD in the carrier. If your oldest isn't too suicidal in the water, it could help a lot.
Dolcino 5.2 wrap in Jamaica: I suck at wrapping. I keep trying, but DD has no patience for it. I have conflicts with my local babywearing group meeting times, so I haven't gotten any better.
DD has loved being worn lately, so I need to figure out something good for toddlers. I suppose that's either figuring out wrapping or pulling the trigger on the tula. I've toyed with converting the Dolcina to a ring sling even though DD is really too big for ring slings...it'd be nice to have something poppable for her 'I want up...no, put me down...no, pick me up' days, though. Anybody with toddler have any thoughts on any of that?
I have some input (go figure ).
My Dolcino was also 5.2. It was amazing for tandem wrapping. However, once we moved past tandem wrapping in the woven, I found myself reaching for it less and less. I'm 5'10 and a size 10, so significantly bigger than you, and that amount of fabric was still overwhelming for me, not just because of length but because that wrap (now that I have another wrap to compare it to) is thick. It was too cumbersome for me to wrap in public and when I was only wrapping one baby I had long tails, which I dislike. I got a 3.5m linen blend and it's a totally different experience. It's short enough that I can do a quick rucksack carry quicker than I can get my Ergo on, it's linen, so thinner and more breathable so our body heat together isn't causing us to sweat while we're taking a walk, yet linen is incredibly supportive, and because it's short I don't have to do multiple passes over us so that contributes to the heat/comfort factor and baby's patience for getting wrapped up. I could definitely handle a 5.2 in this fabric or another thinner cotton.
I'd been using my Dolcino as a wrap swing so it was getting used, but it was bumming me out to not wrap with it. I don't have emotional attachments to any of our other baby clothes or gear or anything, so the attachment to this wrap was really strange! Once I got my 3.5 and I realized how fast I can wrap in it, I decided I could definitely handle the Dolcino in a shorter length, and I already know I use the heck of out of my ring sling and as my babies gain weight I could really stand to have a more supportive fabric, so after months of consideration I did send it off to Sleeping Baby Productions to be chopped into a shorty and a ring sling. I should have it back next week and I really think I'll find it so much more practical in its new state. As far as ring slings go, I don't know how big/old your daughter is but my sister recently borrowed my RS when she and her daughter went on a field trip to Navy Pier. Her daughter is 2yo, 95% for height and weight. She's 40lb and a sturdy little kid. She likes to walk and has good stamina for a two year old, but the ring sling was great for when my sister needed her to pick up the pace a little bit. The ring sling is also excellent for the zoo, IMO, because the view is so much better from our height than it is from behind the bars/barricades, but you may still want the kid to be able to walk from exhibit to exhibit. I use my ring sling so much I can't imagine not having it. My backup plan if I couldn't bring myself to chop the Dolcino was to buy a Little Frog woven wrap because they're inexpensive and they have really pretty colors, so that may be something to consider if you're not quite sure about chopping yours.
ETA: I see now your daughter is only two months older than my sons. I definitely think you could still get plenty of use out of a ring sling because my niece is a full year older (will be three in July) and it still comes in handy with her sometimes.
THANK YOU! As soon as SBP opens up shop again, I'll send it off to her - I have no real attachment to the Dolcino since I've never really wrapped with it anyway. DD was 23 lbs and 33" at her 18 month appointment, so hopefully the ring sling will work for a while for the up-and-down days.
ktan breeze (mesh/breathable, love it) ergo organic maya wrap ring sling lillebaby complete toddler tula
I had a mei tai from mommycon but gave it away because I didn't see us ever using it.
I'm a size 24 so I need the extender belt for both the ergo and the lillebaby. I am not really big busted, so the ktan in XL is right for me. Initially I had an XXL based off of their size chart but it was WAY too big and I returned it to amazon and got the breeze in a size down. I cannot get DD into a back carry with the tula or the ergo on my own any tricks?
DD was not big on being worn as an infant, maybe the next one will. I haven't used the lillebaby or the maya since I got those at mommycon last fall when DD was already almost 18 months old and lillebaby didn't release their extender belt until February of this year.
For whatever reason DD seems to fuss much less when DH wears her than when I do I hope the next baby lets me snuggle them more!
Moby- used once. DS hated it. I hated it. Stuffed it away.
Babyhawk Mei Tai- looooved this so much. So much more comfortable than the ergo.
Ergo- It's a good carrier but it just doesn't fit me right. The straps are too wide for my shoulders. DS is a leaner. It feels like my torso is too short and I can't breathe.
DS refused to be worn after about 13 months, which made me sad. I'm hoping #2 will tolerate it longer.
pugz - DS sort of knows the drill with getting on my back, now. We make it a game. He goes on my left hip, then I start to lean forward as I guide him to swing around. He's gotten good at grabbing my shoulders/neck. The farther I lean down into a "table" position, the more he scoots up. I swing the carries up fast, and before putting my arms through the loops I shake him in a few times. Otherwise he doesn't usually get deep enough into the seat. Then I adjust the arms.
Today he actually got somewhat stuck after I threw the fabric over him. I walked over to his armchair, sat down, leaned back, and readjusted. If you can get her on your back with the carrier down, you might be able to support her enough to pull the fabric over her and get your arms into the loops while sitting. Then do a little "shake" to get her to fall in all the way before you adjust/snap at your chest.