Over The Shoulder BABY Holder

We have had a pretty CRAZY two weeks with hosting parties and dealing with sickness. My 9 month old was very sick and wanted to do nothing but be in my arms. “AAWWWHHH, how sweet” says you, but not so easy on the caring of other sick and needy children. Not to mention the cooking, laundry, dishes and just plain keeping our house from burning down. (Which would explain why it has taken me sooooo darn long to blog again)

I have taken a liking to two different baby carrying devices in the last two years and I use them EVERY DAY with both the toddler and baby.

My favorite by a mile is the MOBY WRAP. It can be used from newborn to 36 lbs and has several different ways to tie and utilize it. The wrap holds baby secure, close and keeps them comfortable; all the while freeing up BOTH of your hands! I can bend over and unload the dishwasher without feeling like she is about to slip out and drop on her head.

I have even put two kids in it (only once). It is NOT an official Moby hold and their weight combined was UNDER the 36 lb limit. ALSO, I was NOT running around the house busy doing things, I was JUST stirring dinner on the stove and they both wanted to be held.

If you are pregnant or just had a baby or you have a clingy toddler . . . BUY ONE, you will NOT regret it. I found mine on ebay and got a deal because the owner got it as a gift and didn't want to "figure it out". I has been a Godsend for me!

I tend to use the moby while at home or walking because it takes a minute to tie and adjust and I don’t like it dragging on the ground while tying. Mainly, because my kids tend to bite on it and at least I know when my floors were last mopped; the same cannot be said for the floors in the grocery store or the parking lot of the mall.

With that said, I have discovered (with the help of my SUPER creative and smart friend J) a quick and cheap ring sling.

Since I have NO skills in the sewing department, she introduced me to the NO SEW SLING idea. I purchased online a set of large aluminum rings. Then, I took my old college wall tapestry (dug up out of the basement) and after washing it (of course) I whipped up a sling in 10-15 minutes. The site was really detailed and it had a link to a youtube video as well.

I take it everywhere because it is quick and easy to put on, cinches right up and looks REALLY cool. I used a HotSling for this same purpose with kid three because it was small enough to carry in my purse and quick to slip on. But I really like how the ring sling cinches up so I can feel more secure about using almost both of my arms.

I realize that there have been sad and tragic stories in the news lately involving baby carriers. An important thing to remember when using ANY baby/infant carrier is: if you would not HOLD a baby in that position, then you shouldn’t be using a carrier or fabric to hold them in that position. The toddler hold (sitting on your hip) is only to be used with older children who can hold themselves upright and has complete control of their neck and back. Just use common sense when placing your child in one. There are many informational videos on the proper hold and how to use any baby/infant carrier online. I have always found a TON on Youtube.