Before we left for Guatemala several companies sent me some very lovely slings to try out with Baby Gus (and it was a good thing too because the ladies in Guatemala oohed and ahhed over him in the slings). Any baby in a sling is “lindo” (pretty or cute) and the object of much, much affection.

I could not pack all of the slings because of the new weight requirements on airlines so I only took two; a Ring Sling (Cherry Bomb) provided by Nonny & Boo and a BabyHawk in a gorgeous Pumpkin Spice. Since we returned home I have been able to try out our existing Hip Hammock (by the original designer), and the Rockin’ Baby Pouch. I have yet to try out the Sleepy Wrap.

My Reviews:

Nonny & Boo Ring Sling:

This is by far Gus’s favorite. He absolutely LOVES the hip carry and the ring sling is the quickest and easiest for him to slip into. He can cuddle into my neck the way he likes and he can still see everything but still face me.

BabyHawk:

I have tried to put Gus into this sling several times and each time he has screamed. The directions are not complicated, the sling is comfortable (tried it with AJ), and the fabric is soft. However, I believe that tradition in Guatemala calls for slings to be worn either in the cradle hold or as a side carry, not a front carry. My belief is that Gus is simply not comfortable in a front carry. I am going to attempt to use the Hip Carry with the BabyHawk, as they do have instructions on their website.

Hip Hammock:

I purchased the Original Hip Hammock back in 2005 before we traveled to Russia because back then that is the only one people would recommend to me. It was just after Playtex recalled quite a few so I purchased it directly from the Original designer and it has held up wonderfully. AJ loved this one although I always felt like he was falling out. Perhaps I did not have it on tight enough for him…Gus likes this one just fine as well and it is very easy to slip one and off, especially at the airport and going through checkpoints. In fact, it is easier than ALL of the others because of the clips. I can hold Gus against me and clip the strap around him and go…while I am walking.

Rockin’ Baby Pouch:

Although this pattern makes me a little dizzy I do like the pouch.

“Rockin’ Baby Pouches are a single loop of fabric that you put over your head. They are fully adjustable and reversible. They can be adjusted to four different sizes via hidden zippers before they are put on and usually reverse from a print pattern side to a very dad-friendly, solid color.” I actually tend to like this one a little better than the ring sling because the ring slides a bit on me. The pouch stays put because of the zippers. Gus likes both the snuggle and the hip hold.

I do have a friend who did not like this sling/pouch. I lent it to her to try and her response was that, as a larger woman, she found it very cumbersome and difficult to use. I, on the other hand, found it snug and easy to use. So, as we all know, slings are all about preference.

I also sent out a Query on both Facebook and Twitter (username – pickel). Almost everyone who responded stated that their favorite baby carriers were Baby Bjorn, Ergo, and Ring Slings (whatever brand).

Adoption Donations at SlingCycle:

One of the BEST  things I have heard of this year is Nonny & Boo’s new Sling Cycle program.

We at Nonny & Boo (formerly Nest Baby Sling) are proud to kick off our new venture, SlingCycle! The benefits of baby-wearing are immense, but all too often babies who could benefit most, miss out.

Through SlingCycle our hope is that all babies have a chance to be worn and we’ll do our part by recycling and repairing used slings and distributing them to orphanages, NICU’s and adoptive parents.