Best Slings for Plus-Size Moms

on November 13, 2009 at 7:07 AM

CafeMom queenamy is a plus-size mom. She had trouble finding slings that fit her frame with her first two kids, so she didn't use them much. Now baby No. 3 is on the way, and she's definitely wearing this child. She wanted to know from other moms in the Newcomer's Club how to find the best sling for plus-size women.

The verdict: There are a few you can buy, or you can make your own. CafeMom TheSinFamily posted the above video on how to wear a baby sling for moms who want to go the DIY route, and she and others added these specific instructions:

Find a stretchy jersey knit cotton fabric. The ladies at the fabric store can help you find the right material for the sling.

You need about 5 feet, so just under 2 yards. If you find one for about $5 a yard you'll be spending under $15 with tax.

If you want to test drive the idea before buying the fabric, get an old bed sheet and cut it in half lengthwise. Sew the two ends together firmly and use as the center, then follow the video above.

If you want to buy a sling, plus-size moms say these worked well for them:

The Moby Wrap; $45

The Sleepy Wrap; $40

Did you have trouble finding a baby sling that fit comfortably? Which one worked best for you?

Related posts:

Which Way Do You Sling?

Why Slings Are Good for Mom and Baby

And find support in the private group Baby Wearing Mamas.

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: baby gear, babywearing, bonding

Like What You Just Read?

Click the "Like" button below to get Natural Parenting stories on Facebook.

Comments (7)

TKsMommie

on Nov 13, 2009 at 7:52 AM

My mom bought me a sling from here when I was pregnant with my daughter. I was terrified it was going to be too small and I would have been devestated but its was so comfy! Even now that she is 2 1/2 and weighs 26 lbs she can still fit in it comfortably for both of us (and does when she is sick and doesn't want to leave my side!! And the bonus, I got one on clearance so my mom only spent about $36 on it!! They are comfortable, affordable and easy to use and take care of!! And she makes a doll size on that I will be buying my daughter at some point!

http://www.lucky-baby.com/p_home.asp

Report this comment

RanaAurora

on Nov 15, 2009 at 1:10 PM

Uh, wrong on the length. You need about 5 YARDS for a Moby style wrap, and if you're really plus-sized (size 20+ or so), you should get 6 yards.

sodapple

on Nov 15, 2009 at 4:32 PM

i'm still undecided if to get a wrap or a carrier but whichever comes i want it to be confortable and not hurt my back =-/ unlike the one i have now =-(

Lynette

on Nov 15, 2009 at 4:35 PM

I love my Moby Wrap!!!! I have tried a sling and a baby bjiorn both hurt my back.

on Nov 15, 2009 at 4:36 PM

sodapple, I have scoliosis and damaged nerves and tendons in my neck/shoulder... and I still walk 2 miles a day with my baby in my Moby wrap, and she's probably approaching 20 pounds. It doesn't hurt me AT ALL.

momavanessa

on Nov 15, 2009 at 8:49 PM

ILOVE my sling I got at Napa Chef's market this summer.This lady selling them makes them and they are totally adjustable and she said she still used heres with her 5 year old! Only hurts when I have a bunch of stuff in my arms. The sling is to the side so my son sits on top of my hip!