I have gone through a few baby carriers over the years. However, I had never tried a traditional sling because I was uncomfortable carrying my newborn around in a piece of fabric. I know many people love them but I worried that there was not enough support or that, if I tripped, baby could spill out of the sling. I found this snugli at my local baby store deeply discounted. It looked like a good mix between a sling and a baby carrier so I decided to try it.
CARRIER FEATURES - FOR THE PARENT
I have tried many front carriers and find the ones that strap across your front and hold baby vertically are uncomfortable for me in the first few months because the straps put weight on my breasts - which are already sore from nursing. I wanted a front carrier that would spread the weight differently. I decided to shop for a sling because the strap went diagaonally across my chest and was much more comfortable. The one strap on this sling goes between your breasts and across your chest so it does not press on engorged breasts. I found this sling much more comfortable in the first month than other front carriers.
Another nice feature is that the strap is very wide and comfortable to wear. It is also easy to adjust. I found this carrier to be easy on my back.
The carrier has a pocket for baby's things or mom's things but it is very small and flat. At most, it could carry a diaper or cell phone or small, flat wallet. You would still need to carry a diaper bag.
CARRIER FEATURES - FOR THE BABY
The outside shell of the carrier is a sturdy foam. It forms a deep C-shape that craddles and supports baby but also restricts her movements quite a bit. This works well when the baby is a floppy newborn. However, baby did not like being forced into the C-shape once she got a little muscle tone at around 5 weeks of age.
One other thought on the C-shape is that the sling takes up quite a bit of space to store. It can't fold flat like other cloth slings.
The sling has a t-shaped strap in the sling itself that comes up between baby's legs and secures around her waist. I loved this feature because, unlike conventional slings, she was secured comfortably. I felt that, if I tripped or stumbled while carrying her in the Snugli, it would be almost impossible for her to tumble out.
Another unique feature is that the sling snaps up, further cradling and securing baby. This feature keeps her protected from the weather and sun. However, my baby was born in July. When I carried her in summer heat, she ended up drenched in sweat - she was dressed, plus swaddled in this sling, plus up against my body and it was too much. You can leave the snaps open, but the fabric still flops closed and covers baby up.
This sling is made out of a soft chambray material and lined with a soft terrycloth. I washed mine several times and it did very well in the washing machine. The fabric is very soft and breathable.
MY EXPERIENCE
My newborn did not at all care for vertical carriers. Even with the neck and head supports, she flopped all over the place causing her to startle and cry. In the sling, she could lay horizontally and immediately fell asleep. This contentment lasted exactly 5 weeks. After that, baby had more muscle tone. Also, she was more interested in seeing her surroundings and couldn't from the position the sling kept her in. She didn't care to be confined so tightly in the sling and everytime I put it in her, she pushed against it and cried.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
The manufacturer says that this carrier can be used from 6-15 pounds. I would say this product is great for the time a baby likes to be swaddled - which will vary baby by baby. After that, baby will probably like a carrier where they can move and see more.
I can only give this product two stars because I only got about 5 weeks of use out of it. I am recommending it only for newborns or other small babies that like to be swaddled. In those first few weeks, I also found it was easy on my body. I would recommend it if you could find it second hand or at a discount.
NEW BABY? HERE ARE SOME BABY PRODUCTS I HAVE REVIEWED:
GEAR:
Maclauren Techno Stroller;
Graco MetroLite LE Stroller;
Skip Hop Diaper Bag;
Infantino EuroRider Baby Carrier.
SLEEPING:
Pali Sabrina Crib;
Sozo USA bedding.
NURSING:
Bravado Nursing Bra;
Lansinoh lanolin;
Lansinoh nursing pads.
BATHING:
The First Years Bath Tub/Bath Seat Combo
BABY BOTTOMS:
Burt’s Bees Diaper Ointment;
Desitin Creamy;
Balmex;
California Baby Diaper Rash Cream.
BABY SKIN:
Mustela Hydra-Stick for lips and cheeks;
Burt’s Bees Apricot Baby Oil.
TOYS:
Tiny Love Symphony In Motion Mobile;
Soft Teething Beads;
Sassy Teething Wing Butterfly;
Lamaze Freddie the Firefly.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Baby’s Here Birth Announcements.
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