Baby wearing for a plus-size gal?

[kate909]

Ok, so the closest I came to wearing DS was the Baby Bjorn my SIL loaned me - I lasted about 20 minutes in the shopping mall and off it came. It was just awful for me and him.

But now, with another on the way and DS not going to even be 2 when he/she is born, I really want to get some kind of carrier. I've been reading and reading (and getting more and more confused) and looking all kinds of photos - and here's the thing that gets me (and where my question is) - all the women wearing these things look to be smaller in size.

I was a size 16 (and busty) before I got pregnant. So, is there anyone out there who loves their carrier and happens to not be a size 8 who can tell me why you chose the one you did?

I'm fixated on ring slings at the moment - I'm not sure why, the do seem complicated, but for some reason I just like them. There is no where close to me to try any in person. All I've got is the Infantino sling at Walmart, and that's not really on my list I'm hoping to find somewhere with a good return policy if I can narrow it down to a few options to try - but I was hoping someone might give me some insight into what worked/didn't work for them.

Thanks if you made it through this and can help!

[kijip]

I am not super skinny in my mama years and I loved both the Ergo and the Zolo.

[sarahsthreads]

I'm about the same size as you and I know what you mean about how all the baby wearing sites seem to have smaller models. So here's what works and doesn't work for me:

Ring sling - I really can't get my ring sling to work well. It did work for me with DD1 when she was old enough for a hip carry, and DH can wear it with more success than I can, but he's taller and obviously doesn't have a bust to worry about.

Mei Tai - I just got a BabyHawk mei tai and I seriously can't tell you how much I love it. I was worried because there are these huge fabric straps you use to tie it on that I thought would cut into places that didn't need to be emphasized, but the straps are wide enough that it's not unflattering at all. And it's super comfy for both me and DD2. I'm seriously considering ordering a second since the first was used and would not have been my first choice of color - this way I'd have options and a backup if one's in the wash.

Beco Butterfly - I tried this out and will be returning it (as much as I adore the fabric and the idea of buckles vs. ties) because there's a thin webbing strap that joins each shoulder strap to the front of the carrier and it cuts (painfully) right across each breast. I'm guessing that wouldn't be so much of a problem for less busty moms. Plus, honestly, there's so much padding on the waist and extra strap lengths hanging off every which way I feel a bit like I'm going backpacking instead of wearing my baby.

Pouch - I also have had good success with my Hotslings pouch, but DD2 seems to prefer being worn upright instead of in a cradle hold. It's a great type of carrier for really quick baby wearing - you throw it over your head and one arm, pop the baby in, and go. I'm still hanging on to this one for when DD2 has more head control and can be carried more upright in it.

HTH!
Sarah

[kate909]

Oh Sarah, thank you so much! That was exactly what I was looking for.

Originally Posted by sarahsthreads

Mei Tai - I just got a BabyHawk mei tai and I seriously can't tell you how much I love it. I was worried because there are these huge fabric straps you use to tie it on that I thought would cut into places that didn't need to be emphasized, but the straps are wide enough that it's not unflattering at all.

And that's exactly what I was worried about. When I put that Baby Bjorn on, it was just awful, I felt like my shirt was being pulled up, and it was definitely not flattering, so that's great to know.

I'm definitely going to look at the mei tai - I'm just so stuck on the ring slings, I love the extra fabric that hangs down, I've seen some gorgeous ones. But, I know they can be difficult to use, and I probably don't need the hassle!

[Tondi G]

I wouldn't totally turn away from the idea of a ring sling... you and your little one may love it! My neighbor was/is very intimidated by ring slings and finally caved and got a Zolowear. She bought an unlined one so she would know which side was in and which was out.... it took her a few tries but she got it figured out and now she LOVES it! She was a Bjorn mama with #1 and realized how uncomfortable it is/was when she got her sling!

I am a size 12/14 mama and I LOVED my Hotslings pouch. You might consider keeping your eye (daily) on www.Mamabargains.com I have seen Slinglings pouches on there often for a great price... you could try one out and see if you like it!

I had a Mei Tai for a little bit when my 2nd was closer to a year and he wanted down so much that the ties and such were too much for me! You might like to check out something called the Mypouch. My neighbor is not a small lady by any means and she loves her. It is kinda like a mei tai but has some rings that make it a little easier to deal with!

http://mypouch.blogspot.com/

[wellyes]

I'm about an 18, with a serious bust (DD before I was nursing). Here's my experience:

-Ring slings seem like just fabric with rings sewn into it, but really, you get what you pay for. If you're going to get one, buy a nice one like a Maya or an Oopa or a Zolo instead of looking for a more homemade one from eBay - it's worth the extra expense.

-For the sake of my back, I've found that what works best for me are carriers that distribute the baby's weight between my shoulders. Ring slings and pouches put the weight on one shoulder, and that's just less comfortable for me. Mei Tais, soft structured carriers and wraps are better. Personally I like the Ergo, but it does have a padded waist band that isn't particularly flattering to my apple-shaped waist (I'm just not caring much at this point in my life ). Mei tais can be more flattering.

-Mei Tais can be ordered with extra-long straps. At size 18 I find I don't really need to order the extra-long straps, but just barely. If you want maximum tying options and to guarantee you'll have enough strap to use, order extra-long.

-TheBabyWearer.com is a great resource for baby carrying info. The forums there can be intimidating at first, but feel free to ask questions, the posters are very friendly to newbies. And I'd definitely check the vendor reviews on the site when you're shopping for a carrier (from a vendor with a good return policy). I really trust those ratings.

[sarahsthreads]

Originally Posted by Tondi G

I wouldn't totally turn away from the idea of a ring sling... you and your little one may love it!

Yeah, definitely if you love the look of ring slings it's worth trying out. I'm sure I'll be able to use the ring sling in other sorts of carries than the cradle carry when DD is older, I just can't get that one to work for me.

Oh, and I can totally see the long ties for the mei tai becoming a pain in the tush when DD2 wants up and down constantly (actually, I'm trying to figure out how to put it on without having the ties hit the ground, because that won't be fun when the snow and slush start piling up) but by then I'll be able to use the ring sling for a hip carry.

Sarah

[kate909]

Wow, thanks everyone for the great info!

I saw this site mentioned here before http://www.sleepingbaby.net/index.php, so I'm looking into these. But the one I completely covet? This one http://zolowear.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ColorID=632 It's not going to happen - I can just see the baby spitting up on my nice silk $125 sling the first day. But I'm thinking if I go with a cheaper one first and we get really good at, maybe that can be my Mother's Day present or something down the road.

I did find The Baby Wearer, but I hadn't made it to the reviews of the different companies, so I'll definitely check that before I buy.

I'm also hoping to BF using whatever sling/pouch we end up with, so I'm trying to take that into consideration too. There's just so much to read and try to learn about these things. I wish there was somewhere I could walk into and just try them all on for myself!

[kate909]

I would still love to hear more opinions if there is anyone else out there who has any.

I did find this site http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/B...e-Friendliness it's had a lot of good information, and this http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?page=bwplus, both via the baby wearer, for anyone who may read this thread at a later time.

[Happy 2B mommy]

I'm a 16/18 but was heavier after dd was born. DH's aunt made my ring sling (off a pattern from the web) and it was my absolute favorite.