Babywearing: The Sling (Mama Kangaroo)

My husband got me a sling when Sixtine was about two or a little over two months old so that I could be more “independent” so to speak and do things around the house as my daughter wanted to be held, or on my chest all the time. I found it really difficult and thought it’d be a good compromise.

I used it a lot around the house, but always took the stroller when we were out because it felt more practical and makes a great cart! I have to say that I absolutely love our jogger stroller.

But  I left Canada for France when Sixtine turned four months and realized how difficult it was for me to go around in Paris. I couldn’t get out by myself – the Parisian métro doesn’t care about strollers.

Last friday, I met with my friend Rachael and her baby Henry in La Défense and felt very nervous at the thought of travelling by myself, by train and spend a whole afternoon there. I knew there was no way I could take the stroller so I decided to carry Sixtine in the sling.

I did have to bring her diaper bag which I probably over-packed, and think I will travel lighter next time, but…

…We did absolutely wonderful. I should have more trust in my own baby. I was picturing a squirmy, whiny Sixtine (and really, she barely ever is) and instead, Sixtine was delightful and comfortable. I had a great time and felt so proud that I was able to travel by myself. I haven’t used the stroller much since.

What I absolutely love about the sling is the closeness it provides and Sixtine loves the motion and being able to look around and be at everyone’s level. She is a very outgoing, sociable, and curious baby and I think this is great for her.

Mama Kangaroo sling (Stretchy Wrap) is a big stretch of fabric that enables you to do anything you want with it.

5 Meters of slightly stretch fabric, one size fits all wearers and babies. This carrier distributes the baby’s weight evenly on shoulders, entire back and hips. It is ideal for longer baby wearing periods and is just as comfortable as you favorite T-shirt! The pouch is a decorative element that was added to help you find the wrap’s center easily and to carry small objects like a bib or a diaper. Many possible positions, same wrapping every time! Best seller!

I have been using it the same way since she was born and it is great. I usually have her in the tummy-to-tummy position but she likes facing the world as well. It took me only a couple tries to learn how to do it and once I got it, it was very easy to put on!

As odd as it may sound, carrying Sixtine this way makes me feel great. I feel like the Mama I want to be, she is so content and peaceful, I couldn’t ask for more.

Comments

  1. Love it! I want the same 🙂

  2. I absolutely love these wrap-style slings. I made one just before my second bub was born and I use it all the time. They are so great, really comfortable for both mum and bub and so versatile. I had a one-shoulder kind of sling for my first and ended up rarely using it (having her whole weight on only one shoulder made my back and neck hurt so I couldn’t carry her for very long).
    I’m so glad that it works out for you too and that Sixtine liked being carried like that. Yay for baby-wearing, happy babies and happy Mamas 🙂

  3. lazyhippiemama says:

    I couldn’t agree more. I love my stroller too, but sometimes they’re just not practical. Tonight I was working on a painting project at my church and my 29 pound boy was DONE being in his high chair. I could hardly let him run free in a room full of freshly painted objects so I put him in my wrap sling (Mai Tei style) on my back and we were both comfy and happy while I finished up my work. Like you said, the weight distribution makes it much more practical than the non-wrap types. There is no way I could hold him in my arms or wear him in a “pack” for more than a few minutes.

  4. Great photos! I really need to start “wearing” my daughter around more often. It’s so much more convenient and leaves your hands free! Your daughter is adorable!

  5. I love our carriers. Honestly it was my preferred way of travel, and like you said, the bond and closeness is amazing. And it was especially lovely when Johannes would fall asleep….ahhhh I miss that alot!

    • 🙂 After almost two weeks of constant baby carrying in the streets of Paris, my back is DEAD so I had to use the stroller again to give my body a break! She is such a tall baby – I don’t think I will be able to use it long…:(

  6. I have one but can’t seem to figure out how to wear it… I watch the videos but she always seems loose in it!

  7. I have the exact same one in green and I love it! That’s how I’m able to type this right now actually, baby Mark is in the sling 🙂

    This is one of the few things I bought when I was pregnant because I loved the idea of a sling, the ease and the closeness they offer. I don’t regret it, it’s perfect and it’s very secure and easy to use after a couple of tries.

    • I totally agree with you! I absolutely loved my sling. My only regret is that this sling is very long and sometimes hard to manoeuvre in a busy area (ie.train, metro…). I am contemplating the idea of getting a Boba as they are “ready to use” and seem very light!

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