Baby Sling or hip hammock………?
We don’t have a lot of money and I would like an infant sling or a hip hammock or something similar to help me carry my daughter. She is 16 months and weighs 19 lbs.
I have a bad back and so does her daddy so it makes it very hard for us to carry her. It makes me feel bad when she wants to be held at the store and we keep having to switch back and forth (especially when she JUST wants ONE of us). I was told something similar to a hip hammock or a sling would help ease the pressure.
Anyways, my question is. Does anyone know where I can get one for next to nothing?
Right now I have my mom looking it to whether or not she can actually make one, but she isn’t sure and I told her I would keep my eyes peels for any I might be able to afford.
Thanks
Belinda
I do have a back pack carrier, but it is really for when we are BOTH together and it isn’t the same because she can’t hug mommy or daddy when she is in it. I was wanting it for when we are together and apart.
I know “Once Upon a Child” I’ll have to check it out. I’ll call monday! Thanks!
Question posted courtesy of:
Filed under: Hammock Q&A
Loading ...
try the second hand store, flea markets, or garage sales maybe you can find one for really cheap also you could look on ebay things are cheap on there
I say go to Bed Bath and Beyond or Target or something like that. But you want to pay close to nothing for it? Not likely. If your mom can make one, then you guys got a gold mine coming. Market that stuff and put it in stores!!
Hip hammock is the way to go if you have a bad back. it is alot easier. the best place to find a cheap one would be ebay or if you have places like once upon a child that deals with gently used items that only pertain to babies and young children.
I bought one for my son who loved his. I had both and the hip hammock worked better for us, I too have a bad back. As for where to find one, I found mine at consignment store, there is a chain called “once upon a child” where I got a lot of my baby stuff.
As for making one that would be really easy. I could tell you but it would not fit in this space. Feel free to email me.
Slings and hip hammocks could be a little hard on your back as well with a 16 month old. I find with my 9 month old daughter we can rarely use our sling anymore unless she’s falling asleep because she reaches and leans and is still able to get into a bunch of stuff. We have a baby backpack..but you said you have a bad back. Any of the baby carriers do help to free up your hands though, but they often put pressure on your back so its a dual paradox I guess.
I would try second hand children’s stores if there are any in your area, or go online and see if there is a mothering community online in your area and see if anyone is looking to part with theirs.
A sling is much easier on your back than a hip carrier. I have used both, and I have a bad back. In fact, I injured my back with a backpack carrier once, and I bought a sling. It actually helped *heal* my back! The reason is that a sling has *wide* fabric that you spread out, which distributes the weight across your back, instead of all on your shoulder with a hip carrier.
If you want a sling that you can both use, you need an adjustable sling (unless you are *very* similar in size); they’re easier to get “just right” anyway. There are 2 different types of adjustable slings–with or without padding. The padding is along both long ends, and a shoulder pad. Some parents feel safer with the padding, as it is easier to make sure the sling is wrapped around the baby correctly. However, the unpadded ones are perfectly safe. They are smaller when folded up; you can tuck it into a pocket when you’re not using it.
You can buy slings used on ebay if you want to save money. Or you can make your own (see sources section below). If you are making it, be sure to use 100% cotton fabric. It is better for the baby’s skin than anything else, and it won’t be so hot in the summer.
You might also consider a wrap carrier. They cost about the same as a sling, and they also give good back support. They are much easier to make (just take a long piece of fabric and hem!). They are more difficult to learn to use, but once you know how, they’re great.
My son is 14 months and weighs 26 lbs so I know what you’re talking about. Here’s the thing, a lot of the cheap kinds of baby carriers are not designed for big babies. Plus they don’t really work if you want to carry your child for longer periods of time. Trust me.. I know. That said, I recommend Ergo. Go to and look around. It costs $99 for a new one, but this website sells one that’s been returned for discounted price. The Ergo works up to 40+ lbs and you can use it for a long period of time. It distributes weigh on your shoulders, hips and back so it is excellent. I’ve used this around the house when I have to cook and do chores the same time my son wants to be held.
If you buy hip hip hammock and stuff like that for cheap, but then you find that you can’t really use it because it’ll break your back… then it’s just really a waste of money.
Try the website. They offer 90 day money back guarantee. And just look around the website to see what you think.