Pure Parents

Question:

I brought the OTSBH as well.  At first I bought the regular size (medium i guess) and I HATED it. Then I gave it to my sis-in-law and bought the tall size. (I am 5′10”) What a difference!!!  If the sling is not the right size for the person using it….it can feel awkward and clumsy, no matter what you do. My little guy LOVES his sling…..sometimes that’s the only way he’ll settle down. Ann Pulliam

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Hi.  I hope I can help you enjoy your sling.  They are wonderful,but can take some adjusting to…especially for us parents:-)  As you said, your child will let you know if he/she is unhappy.  So here are some tips: >Does anyone have experience with a baby sling? >    I purchased a sling (Brand: Over-the-sholder Baby Holder) hoping >to keep my baby in it much of the time while I’m working at the computer, >(clip) >However, when I put my baby in the sling, he tends to slide into what >appear to be the most awkward positions.  I’ve assured myself that if he >was not comfortable he would let me know (He sure cries when I put him in >a car seat!), and I’ve held him enough to know that he makes lots of >grunts and squeals just sleeping, but I find myself worrying every time he >makes a sound when he’s in the sling.  I guess I’d just like to hear what >experiences others have had with it. >Thanks >(Frustrated New Mom)

* It sounds like you have the right size.  That can make a difference.  As someone mentioned, she is petite and may need a smaller one.  The OSBH does come in different sizes, which is one of it’s features. * Try to carry your child in a position that is most similar to how you carry him when he is not in the sling. *  Relax and keep moving when he is in it. * Practice nursing at home first so you get comfortable. I know personally, it took me several times to get it "right" then I could just go on my way.   If you have questions on using it, try to get help from the distributor you got it from.  The company doesn’t have them in stores so people like me, who have used a sling personally, can help.  Feel free to email me if you have questions and I’ll try my best to help! Take care, Susan Owner, Parent’s Pal …source for slings, kidslings and nursing clothes http://www.mindspring.com/~robertlw/parentspal.html

Response:

> Hi.  I hope I can help you enjoy your sling.  They are wonderful,but can take > some adjusting to…especially for > us parents:-)  As you said, your child will let you know if > he/she is unhappy.  So here are some tips: >Does anyone have experience with a baby sling? >       I purchased a sling (Brand: Over-the-sholder Baby Holder) hoping >to keep my baby in it much of the time while I’m working at the computer, >(clip) >However, when I put my baby in the sling, he tends to slide into what >appear to be the most awkward positions.

When I first put my daughter Fonda into a sling that I made, (she was only a few days old) I was surprised by the position that she seemed to be most comfortable with.  This was with her head down, butt up, upside down with her face pressed against the side of the sling. She seemed to be very content there, and would start suckling on the cloth of the sling which would then leak through onto my shirt!  This was the signal for the transfer to my wife for breast suckling rather than fabric suckling! As time went on she would assume various positions but I did learn to let go a number of assumptions that I had about what an infant regards as comfortable! >I’ve assured myself that if he >was not comfortable he would let me know (He sure cries when I put him in >a car seat!), and I’ve held him enough to know that he makes lots of >grunts and squeals just sleeping, but I find myself worrying every time he >makes a sound when he’s in the sling.  I guess I’d just like to hear what >experiences others have had with it. >Thanks >(Frustrated New Mom) > * It sounds like you have the right size.  That can make a difference.  As > someone mentioned, she is petite and may > need a smaller one.  The OSBH does come in different sizes, > which is one of it’s features.

This is an excellent sling, very well made.  (I am predjudiced, as I was their consultant for many years.  However I have no connection with their company now, but run a free advisory service for parents on nurturing info.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> * Try to carry your child in a position that is most similar > to how you carry him when he is not in the sling. > *  Relax and keep moving when he is in it. > * Practice nursing at home first so you get comfortable. > I know personally, it took me several times to get it > "right" then I could just go on my way. > If you have questions on using it, try to get help > from the distributor you got it from.  The company > doesn’t have them in stores so people like me, who have > used a sling personally, can help.  Feel free to email > me if you have questions and I’ll try my best to help! > Take care, > Susan > Owner, Parent’s Pal …source for slings, kidslings and nursing clothes > http://www.mindspring.com/~robertlw/parentspal.html

May I also offer my services as well.  I am always happy to help any sling users who are having difficulty, no matter the make of the sling. One tip for new parents, is wear your sling for a few hours before you put your infant in it.  This way it will absorb your scent, etc., and will be more familiar to your infant.  I am putting up a web page for info. on using a sling and will post the URL shortly.   Rayner Garner

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I used a NoJo Baby Sling and LOVED it!  I can’t recommend it highly enough.  I used a Snugli with my first child and thought it was fine until I used a baby sling.  It was so much easier to use and offered better for support for a small baby. My daughter never realized that the umbilical cord had indeed been severed and wanted to be held constantly, so the sling was a real life saver.  She couldn’t tolerate being in a stroller for more than a few minutes  so we used it at the mall, the zoo, the farmers market, you name it.  Although it was really funny when we were in public because people were always shocked to find out I had a baby in there (as if I didn’t know…?) It does seem awkward I first, I agree but be patient and your baby will tell you if he’s uncomfortable.  Just remember how confined they were in utero,  I think some babies are comforted by the closeness much like swaddling. Good Luck! Jane

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Hi- When my children were 4, almost 2 and 9 monthes, I fell off the kitchen counter (great move!) and shattered my wrist.  I ended up having surgically installed external pins for 10 weeks.  The doctor said "Absolutely NO lifting with your left arm for at least 4 months.  I immediately started going to occupational therapy to regain use of my fingers.  The occupational therapist recommended the baby sling.  It saved all of us!!  My 4-year old came to therapy with me one morning and the therapist taught him to help me get the 9 month old in and out of the sling.  He loved being my helper.  We went on with our regular life with very few adjustments after discovering the sling. We now have a foster child who had MAJOR attachment issues when he came to us at 4 months of age.  He wouldn’t make eye contact with any of us, was aversive to touch, etc.  Well, I "wore" him in the sling 6-10 hours a day for several months.  He is now a happy, very attached 15 month old.  Much of his attachment I believe is from spending time in the sling! Can’t say enough about the sling!  We wore out our first one and are on our second.  Am planning to bring it along to Disney World in a couple of weeks for the 15 month old.  It’s so much easier than the stroller or a  backpack! Deborah – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I used a NoJo Baby Sling and LOVED it!  I can’t recommend it highly enough. I >used a Snugli with my first child and thought it was fine until I used a baby >sling.  It was so much easier to use and offered better for support for a small >baby. >My daughter never realized that the umbilical cord had indeed been severed and >wanted to be held constantly, so the sling was a real life saver.  She couldn’t >tolerate being in a stroller for more than a few minutes  so we used it at the >mall, the zoo, the farmers market, you name it.  Although it was really funny >when we were in public because people were always shocked to find out I had a >baby in there (as if I didn’t know…?) >It does seem awkward I first, I agree but be patient and your baby will tell >you if he’s uncomfortable.  Just remember how confined they were in utero, I >think some babies are comforted by the closeness much like swaddling. >Good Luck! >Jane

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>Does anyone have experience with a baby sling? >    I purchased a sling (Brand: Over-the-sholder Baby Holder) hoping >to keep my baby in it much of the time while I’m working at the computer, >reading, or doing other odd jobs around the house.  I’m also hoping to use >it for indescrete nursing while in public. >However, when I put my baby in the sling, he tends to slide into what >appear to be the most awkward positions.  I’ve assured myself that if he >was not comfortable he would let me know (He sure cries when I put him in >a car seat!), and I’ve held him enough to know that he makes lots of >grunts and squeals just sleeping, but I find myself worrying every time he >makes a sound when he’s in the sling.  I guess I’d just like to hear what >experiences others have had with it. >Thanks

Slings seem to be one of those things some people either love or hate. I used one and found it very useful outdoors, especially when using public transport and carrying shopping. I can’t recommend a particular model as I’m British and used an own-brand one from a British chainstore, but I think it’s important that whatever you use, it has a sufficiently large and firm head and neck support. Mine had the sling part enclosed in a pouch which gave some protection against the weather, though on very cold days I wrapped my coat around the whole thing. Do you have Tomy products in the US? They do two or three different types of sling. Pat

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 I LOVED my baby sling, and wore it often.  It went everywhere with us.  I nursed very easily and discretely in it (I once walked around an amusement park nursing my son it, and not a solitary person could tell.).  It does take some practice using it.  When mine were very small, I simply folded a receiving blanket up and placed it at the bottom for some extra support for the baby.  When my children were a little older, just change the position and they could sit, supported, on my hip in it.  Mine is now on loan to a friend, and while she found placing her baby in it awkward at first, with a little practice, she too has found it invaluable.

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> Does anyone have experience with a baby sling? > [clip] > (Frustrated New Mom)

  We’ve tried three different kinds of slings with two boys. Our oldest was born in September and enjoyed the coziness the sling afforded because he was used to lying all cramped up in Mommy’s tummy. The only problem we had with him was that, when Mommy had him in the sling, he wanted to nurse. The youngest was born in April and is still quite warm natured. He would quickly get warm in the sling and start fussing. The more he squirmed, the more difficult it was to hold him in the sling in a manner that was comfortable (for us). He’s the one we tried two different slings with, but neither worked well. If your little one isn’t complaining, then there really isn’t much cause for worry. You will want to make sure he doesn’t get to active and may find that you are the one who is uncomfortable more often than not. In the end, its truly a simple matter of what works well for you. Good luck! — Charles I. Letbetter, Editor CATCH Online Magazine http://www.pagebrothers.com A new way of looking at parenting

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Does anyone have experience with a baby sling? >    I purchased a sling (Brand: Over-the-sholder Baby Holder) hoping >to keep my baby in it much of the time while I’m working at the computer, >reading, or doing other odd jobs around the house.  I’m also hoping to use >it for indescrete nursing while in public. >However, when I put my baby in the sling, he tends to slide into what >appear to be the most awkward positions.  I’ve assured myself that if he >was not comfortable he would let me know (He sure cries when I put him in >a car seat!), and I’ve held him enough to know that he makes lots of >grunts and squeals just sleeping, but I find myself worrying every time he >makes a sound when he’s in the sling.  I guess I’d just like to hear what >experiences others have had with it. >Thanks >(Frustrated New Mom)

I did the sling thing.  I absolutely loved it.  My kid loved it.  How old is you guy and how are you loading him in? I resisted using it – thought it was a fad and I resist fads.  Then I used while in costume for renaissance fairs (no, it’s not period) and was hooked.  They’re wonderful. ~pm

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>We loved our sling! <snip> I never got the hang of nursing >in it so I just took her out and nursed her using it for support.

I nursed with mine, but not a lot.  I remember I used it on a plane when my kid was under 2 (no seat) and I just shifted it higher so I could stuff his head inside the cloth.  He didn’t mind and the sucking helped for take offs and landings. ~pm

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I have one of those same brand slings.  I don’t know if it is because I am petite in stature and it is designed for someone bigger or what, but I hate it and Chelsea seemed to as well.  I can’t seem to get her in a secure enough position in it, it totally is unusable for breastfeeding to me because she is down on my stomach, I can’t see her and she gets hot (and screams bloody murder), etc.  I ended up buying a Fisher Price Deluxe Baby Carrier that converts to a sling, a facing you type carrier and a facing out carrier.  It holds babies to 25 lbs and it comfortable for me.  I know several people who loved the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder, but, sadly, I am not one of them. Happy BF, J.

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Does anyone have experience with a baby sling?         I purchased a sling (Brand: Over-the-sholder Baby Holder) hoping to keep my baby in it much of the time while I’m working at the computer, reading, or doing other odd jobs around the house.  I’m also hoping to use it for indescrete nursing while in public. However, when I put my baby in the sling, he tends to slide into what appear to be the most awkward positions.  I’ve assured myself that if he was not comfortable he would let me know (He sure cries when I put him in a car seat!), and I’ve held him enough to know that he makes lots of grunts and squeals just sleeping, but I find myself worrying every time he makes a sound when he’s in the sling.  I guess I’d just like to hear what experiences others have had with it. Thanks (Frustrated New Mom)

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We loved our sling! Our daughter is now 3 y.o. and they were relatively new to our area then and it was sooooo funny when I had her in the sling and this tiny fist would suddenly wave about above it and the startled looks from told on more than one occassion that they thought I just had a large purse/frontpack on. Anyway, yeah, when they are tiny they do kind of scrunch  up down in there kind of like a football  but they seem happy. I never got the hang of nursing in it so I just took her out and nursed her using it for support. I definately got over any modesty issue real quick and if people didn’t like it, they didn’t ahve to watch. (I didn’t fling myself around either but you saw more of me in a bathing suit than when I nursed her too. i do think I scandalized my MIL a time or too!) Anyway, good luck with it! Keya spent a lot of time in her sling and our next baby – whenever that is – will too if they like it as well. It freed up my hands so much and I just loved carrying her that close again. sasha – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Does anyone have experience with a baby sling? >         I purchased a sling (Brand: Over-the-sholder Baby Holder) hoping > to keep my baby in it much of the time while I’m working at the computer, > reading, or doing other odd jobs around the house.  I’m also hoping to use > it for indescrete nursing while in public. > However, when I put my baby in the sling, he tends to slide into what > appear to be the most awkward positions.  I’ve assured myself that if he > was not comfortable he would let me know (He sure cries when I put him in > a car seat!), and I’ve held him enough to know that he makes lots of > grunts and squeals just sleeping, but I find myself worrying every time he > makes a sound when he’s in the sling.  I guess I’d just like to hear what > experiences others have had with it. > Thanks > (Frustrated New Mom)

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