Baby Love Ring Sling Review

Welcome to babywearing week! We have a fantastic week lined up with reviews on a number of carriers and even a couple of giveaways! I, personally, am so excited about this week! I am an avid babywearer and supporter of babywearing (and if I had a second addiction to cloth diapering, that would be it!) So stay tuned for more information on slings, wraps and other type of carriers!

Without further ado, let's get started! First on the list: Ring slings, featuring one from Baby Love Slings.

I had worn our first two children in wraps and pouches, and I had borrowed a ring sling from a friend but didn't "get it" - I found it incredibly uncomfortable and I was most certainly wearing it (and my child!) wrong. Then, through the wonderful world of blogging, I met Farrah of Baby Love Slings. We often talked of babywearing and I finally confessed that I had never really used a ring sling. I convinced hubby that I needed a ring sling when we found out we were expecting our third child. I was determined to figure it out, make it work and love it! And of course, I knew I would be ordering from Farrah.

It took me forever to decide on a fabric (I chose Aqua Floral) and it arrived just before Caedmon did. Once we got past the fuzzy first few weeks, I finally attempted to use the ring sling. I have to say that Farrah was so incredibly patient with me as I sent picture after picture to her of me trying to get the sling just right. I spent what seemed like hours in front of a mirror trying to get it just so. Before I knew it, I had my little man all snuggled up -

Caedmon at one month, the first day we really figured out the ring sling. He was asleep within seconds. He always liked to be slightly to the side. If he was straight upright, he was miserable - he still, at 5.5months, much prefers to hang out at an angle!

Caedmon at almost 2 months
((Sorry for my face being out of pictures, hehe, I don't like to have my picture taken!))

I quickly fell in love with my ring sling and I was so thankful for it. While my older two loved the wrap and pouch slings, Caedmon wanted nothing to do with them, but he loved the ring sling! I'd wear him in it all day around the house, to doctor's appointments and church. He is now a little over 18lbs at 5.5 months and still fits in it great, but really only likes it when he is tired (he much prefers the freedom of 'moving' in a soft structured/buckle carrier). I'm excited to see if he will love it as he grows more and that 'freedom' isn't such a new thing.

Farrah also makes child size slings and sent one along for my boys to practice their own babywearing skills!

Keaton "monkey"wearing at 3.5 years with a sling to match mama's! ;-)

Ring Slings do have a bit of a learning curve, but once you get it, you get it.

Here is a video demonstration of a hip carry with a 5 month old:



There are many ways to use a ring sling in various carries.

Just like with any carrier, there are pros and cons to using a ring sling over another type of carrier.

Pros:

• A ring sling is compact, it can be folded and stored easily
  
• A ring sling is versatile and can be worn by any one, any size who is caring for the baby (some carriers come in sizes and one care provoder may not be able to wear baby without purchasing a carrier in their size)
• You can carry baby in a number of positions
• It is easy to nurse your baby in a ring sling
• Can be used from infancy through toddler-hood
  
• Can be used on both shoulders

Cons:

• Because it does use only one shoulder, that shoulder may become tired after some time, and the need to switch sides may arise
• Some may find difficult to use (does take practice!)
• Some may find it is uncomfortable as baby gets heavier

Disclaimer: I purchased a ring sling from Baby Love Slings at discount for my own personal use. All opinions are my own, and you may have a different experience.