Training wheels on the big bike of baby wearing

Evenflo Snugli Early Care Newborn Soft Carrier

I am a firm proponent of carrying baby close, and a sling is a wonderful hands-free way to do it. I was thrilled when I received several different slings at my baby shower, so I could try the different styles out. Over the past 6 months, I have become something of a sling expert in my little world and have helped several other mothers in their search for their ‘perfect sling’. I hope, by writing this review, I can share some of the knowledge that has come from my experience and research.
Slings are basically one long loop of fabric that holds the baby in a pouch against your chest or side. The ends are tied, knotted or threaded through rings to create the tension that holds baby close. The beauty of this simple design is its variability…it can be easily adjusted to fit any size mom (or dad) and offers many options for positioning of baby. Babies can sit forward to watch the world, snuggle face in, curl up for a nap, stretch out for discreet nursing, sit astride your hip, or ride along backpack style. Research has shown that babies that are carried close are less fussy and spend more time in the “quiet alert” state. Women have been carrying their babies in slings for thousands of years, many different cultures across the globe use similar means to keep their babies close. It is a time-tested, wonderful tradition.
With all that being said, the most common complaints I hear from new moms about slings are:
a) It’s too hard to figure out how to use it,
b) Baby gets lost in all the fabric, and
c) It hurts my back/shoulder.
I had hoped the Snugli Early Care Carrier would be the perfect solution to these complaints, as it is specifically designed for newborns. Since it is so specialized, its use is more limited than with more traditional slings but much easier to use with tiny floppy newborns. The weight range for this product is 6-15 lbs., so it is really meant just for the first few months.
This carrier starts out like most slings, as a long loop of fabric you wear over one shoulder and across your chest. It has plenty of padding at the shoulder for comfort. And it is easily adjustable with a buckle/latch. Unlike most traditional slings, it has a harness-type holder inside that you strap the baby into. This harness holds the baby in a cradle-like position, and prevents her from curling up or slipping down. This harness, plus the terry cloth lining and snap-up cover, all are meant to promote the feeling of being swaddled (which most newborns like). The bottom of the sling (along baby’s back when laying in cradle position) is reinforced with foam, so the sling is soft and flexible yet not overly floppy or bendy.
All of these features are excellent, especially with newborns in mind.
It is easy to use and very comfortable to wear. Instructions, both written and drawn, are clear and understandable. It is an excellent idea, and a great introduction to the world of baby wearing.
My overall problem with this carrier is that it is so limited. Because of the inner harness, baby can only be carried in one position (cradle hold). This harness, the shoulder padding, the snap-up closure…all are designed for this one position only. I found that my baby didn’t like to be forced into this position for too long; she actually preferred to roll up in a ball (like she was in the womb, I suppose). And well before she had reached the weight limit for this carrier (15 lbs.), she was ready to sit upright and face outward.
The manufacturer claims that you can easily breastfeed in this carrier, but I did not find that to be the case. I had to unsnap, unhook and unwrap my baby from her cocoon to get her into a position to nurse. With a traditional sling, you have the freedom of movement to be able to change positions easily. You may think that the harness and the snap-up closure help keep the baby safely “strapped in”, so they can’t fall out of the carrier. But this isn’t really a problem in the first place. A baby properly positioned in a traditional sling is wrapped up pretty tight and there is little danger of her escaping (at least, not with a newborn).
As to the swaddling effect of this design, I think it is a bit overdone. After all the buckles, latches and snaps are closed you can barely see the baby anymore. Between the harness, the foam padding and the terry cloth lining, my little one was way too hot. The few times I took her out in this sling (in December, mind you) we both ended up bathed in sweat. I can’t imagine what it would be like to use this in summer months. There is plenty of swaddling inherent with a traditional-style sling, and you can always add blankets if necessary. But with this carrier, you can’t add or remove any of the layers. Again, this design is very limited.
I think of the Snugli Early Care Carrier as training wheels on the big bike of baby wearing. It may be helpful and useful for some, but with a helping hand (from another mom, video or book) it can be bypassed for a regular sling, that you can use for years instead of just the first few weeks. It takes time to find the right style of carrier that works for you and your baby. My suggestion if you are interested in trying this carrier is to find one second-hand and save some money. They are often in excellent like-new condition because they aren’t used for very long. Keep in mind this item has a very limited life span due to its specific design, but that is not a reflection on the materials or craftsmanship. I found this carrier to be very well made and would expect it to last quite a long time.

Detail info from box:
· Natural Cradle carrying position
· SwaddleSafe™ harness restraint keeps baby properly positioned and holds baby securely
· Wrap around harness soothes baby as he is being swaddled
· Internal terry-cloth lining and pillow is soft and comfortable
· Flexible nursing positions like "football" hold is easy
· Optional snap cover up keeps baby warm
· Single extra-wide padded shoulder strap stays comfortably in position - fits more sizes
· Wide slide adjust buckle easy to loosen and tighten
· 2 Pockets store baby gear
· Support closed cell foam throughout seat - supports baby's back and neck
· Machine washable