My Favorite Baby and Toddler Slings
Before every baby’s birth, families start stocking up on what they think are essentials. Clothes, diapers, and diaper wipes fill rooms. Car seats are installed and strollers are placed in car trunks and closets. Although I think I was a little more conservative than my friends when it came to collecting baby supplies, there is one thing I’m glad I didn’t skimp on - a baby sling.
My favorite slings come from Kangaroo Korner. In cold weather, nothing beats the comfort and warmth of a Kangaroo Korner adjustable fleece pouch. Comfortable for both the baby and the wearer, my son and I have spent many happy hours on neighborhood walks during which I was not only able to carry him, but also two large grocery bags.
Now that we live in a tropical climate, the most versatile sling I own is the Kangaroo Korner solarveil ring sling. Lightweight enough to scrunch up and shove in my shoulder bag, it keeps us as cool as is possible on hot days without any added bulk. And, it also doubles as a sun shield and nursing cover-up. I’m still using it to carry my 13 kg (29 lb.) toddler.
Slings are versatile for everyone regardless of where they live. They’re particularly handy for those of us who live in cramped cities and use public transportation. I find it almost impossible to use strollers in a developing country like Vietnam where holes and piles of rubble line every sidewalk. And because we travel often, not having to heft a stroller brings new meaning to traveling light, which is almost impossible when travelling with a toddler.
Slinging not only makes babies happy, it makes moms and dads happy too!
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POSTED IN: Baby Things
9 opinions for My Favorite Baby and Toddler Slings
Shai
May 27, 2005 at 4:07 am
Hmmm… Baby slings remind me of how we "met" online. :-) Unfortunately for me, though, Cam outgrew the sling quite early. He just *never* liked being swaddled in any way.
Even when he was just born, he kept escaping his wrap, no matter how tightly and snugly anyone swaddled him. Even the midwives and nurses were surprised at how wriggly he was! I suppose, I probably couldn’t have put him in a sling for too long as he grew big so quickly (and I’m tiny!). He was 10kgs by the time he was 6-7 months old! And, I still had my torn muscles, bad back and all… :p
But, I digress… :-) Anyway, another great tip/review! Thanks!
Lei
May 27, 2005 at 4:15 am
You have an amazing memory! I can never resist leaving a comment when I see a nice mama with her babe in a sling. :) Can you believe that was a year ago? Wow.
I am lucky that I’m a sturdy gal with a petite toddler. :)
kristen
May 27, 2005 at 6:22 am
when you have another baby, i am gonna send you a Hotsling. :)
Lei
May 27, 2005 at 6:25 am
You’re assuming a lot! hehe Now, why didn’t you leave your link, Kristen? I’ll do it for you: http://www.hotslings.com/in… I’ve never used a Hotsling, folks, but I know they’re selling like hotcakes. ;P
river2sea72
May 27, 2005 at 9:01 am
We started with a NoJo sling, which Sadie hated. The only thing she ever liked was the front pack Snugli, but once she started getting mobile, she didn’t want to be in it AT ALL. Very independent, that one. But I know plenty of parents who swear by their slings.
Lei
May 27, 2005 at 9:09 am
river2sea72 - It’s true. Some kids really like to get down and run around. Mine likes clinging to me like a koala. :P
» Baby Necessities Play Library
Jan 10, 2006 at 3:17 am
[…] At lunch with friends over the weekend, talk turned to strollers. I had nothing to contribute since I’ve used slings since my son was 3 months old (and still am more than three years later). Stokke, Maclaren, Graco, Combi,…, the names just kept coming and the prices kept going up. One stroller discussed is priced at more than $1,000! […]
Play Library » Bean Sprout Baby Pillow
Oct 10, 2006 at 8:18 am
[…] I can’t say the pillows really calmed my son. He still preferred me to carry him in arms or in my sling. But maybe he’s an anomoly. A century old tradition can’t be all wrong. […]
Play Library » Mega-Strollers, Buggies, and Struggies
Apr 3, 2007 at 5:17 am
[…] can’t be bothered with strollers myself and have always used a sling because I’ve had to rely on public transportation in the countries we’ve lived in since […]
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