Reasonably priced pouch?

pigeon · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 08:16 PM

Hello, I'm contemplating expanding my baby carrying repertoire to include a pouch (not that it's very big at the moment!). Just looking for recommendations for a good quality but reasonably priced pouch. I had a look at Mamatoto because I was contemplating making my own, but I'm not sure if I'll ever get around to it!
Or I'm kind of open to the idea of a ring sling as well, but I'm not sure if the extra effort is worth the extra carrying positions. Anyway, I'm rambling now - sorry!

skn · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 10:22 PM

What is it about a ring sling that you think is 'extra effort'?

Nooshie · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 01:13 PM

I LOVE my ringsling - it's so quick and easy and DD2 loves it too. Mine's made from solarveil material and i got it off ebay for $50 (chickadee baby slings). It's brilliant!

emd · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 03:15 PM

If you go to www.thebabywearer.com there's reviews of a gazillion different brands plus links on where to buy them.

Or join the Baby Carriers Downunder group on Google and try a few from the loaners database, read what others think of the ones available in Australia/NZ, or pick up a cheap one in the For Sale or Trade thread.

eta: I like my ring sling better than a pouch most of the time. Pouches are handy for quick trips (eg in/out of school/shops - so I keep a pouch in my car) but I often change carrying positions in the ring sling. Like this morning, was at the shops with baby on my hip. He got tired and wanted a feed, so I just changed positions (without taking him out of the sling, just moved him then tightened it around him) to feed him and then let him sleep lying down across my front.

sling_dad · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 05:29 PM

Just want to caution that many of the local pouch brands I've seen here tend to be too big (if you follow their size recommendation). Someone I know bought a Jazsling pouch based on their size recommendation and the first time I saw her in it, the baby's bum was nearly on her thigh level! (Baby's bum should always rest at or above waist/belly button level in a pouch or ring sling.) The most accurate pouch sizing is Hotslings', but even then I'd recommend trying one before you buy if at all possible.

p.s. I also prefer RS to pouch due to their adjustability.

pigeon · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008, 07:58 PM

Hmmm, I think now I'm looking at getting a ring sling. I've just heard other people say they were hard to get right (adjusting them and so forth). Actually, after posting I spoke to my husband (who is a very different size from me) and he actually said he might be interested in wearing our new bub in a pouch / ring sling - so in this case I guess a ring sling is better because we can both wear it.
I think I might join that babywearers group - although it sounds like it might just make me expand my stash further!
Thanks for your replies.

skn · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2008, 05:28 PM

A baby wearing group would be great!

I know what you mean about getting started with a ring sling. I know it did take me a little practise, but I find it so easy now- I wore DD1 from birth up until she was about 2.5yrs and I now use it for DD2. DP tends to get a little frustrated with it and hasn't really been bothered to work it out, but I reckon it's well worth it.

One thing I have noticed with some ring slings (something I'm not to fond of) is that they can be a little wide, thus making the baby sit too deep. I make mine about 70-80cm wide.

A baby wearers group is fantastic in that you have access to a wide array of different carriers to help you work out what works best for you and your family.

emd · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2008, 09:57 PM

I have a Gentle Nest pouch that is perfectly sized for me. It's a size small (to suit about dress size 10) and baby sits just above my belly button. But I do think it helps a lot if you can try on pouches, I have heard others say they bought the wrong size because their boobs/shoulders/torso length affected the fit.

A local expert is worth truckloads of home-baked muffins in learning how to use a ring sling. The people on the babywearer's group are generally very friendly and eager to convert newbies, or you could try finding an ABA or an attachment parenting playgroup to make contact with ring sling users. Alternatively, buy a ring sling that comes with an instruction DVD, or watch online videos (like on www.mamatoto.org or search for ring slings on YouTube).