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Courtney recently sent us this question about baby-wearing for the plus-size parent:
I am expecting my second son and I think it would really help my chaotic life if I was able to cart this kiddo around without a stroller. My first son had some health issues that made baby wearing not a possibility for us, so I do not have much experience picking the best options. Since I am a big gal I’m wondering if some products work better for larger bodies. My partner is also chubby and proud so suggestions for big papas would also be helpful!
A quick skim of the baby wearing archives told me we’d never covered this topic before, so I figured it was time to dive in. Here are a few options I found — we’d love to know what your faves are!
I found this link on The Baby Wearer that explains a few key differences pretty clearly:
Since my son’s birth (July 24, 2002), I have owned some 35 slings and carriers, helped dozens of parents learn to use slings, including many plus-size parents, and finally opened an e-store specializing in slings and carriers. This article addresses other parents like me. If you are a size 20 (or thereabouts) or smaller, you will probably be able to use slings and carriers in standard large sizes without a problem. However, if you are larger, there are some special considerations you may want address before you begin to buy.Most slings available today come in larger sizes. I am thrilled that this is so, but as we all know, just making things bigger is only part of what we need. Who among us has not gone to try on a new shirt and found that, although it fit well everywhere else, the neck hole was huge, or the breast pocket was much too far to the left? Just making everything bigger doesn’t always work! Our proportions are often very different from those of our smaller friends. We also wear more natural insulation, so many of us tend to be warmer than others, making the weight and padding of a sling an important consideration. Digging and pinching are also bigger problems for us because we are softer all over.
Here are a few ring slings that you might dig:
Yeah, so about scary slings…
Lenore Skenazy perfect sums up my feelings on the whole ZOMG SLINGS ARE DANGEROUS!!! thing: Perhaps you read the other day that now even baby... Read more
The Maya Wrap ($68) is lightly padded for maximum comfort.
According to their website, Snuggy Baby slings “Snuggy Baby slings are completely adjustable so you will get a custom fit for you and your baby every time no matter what your body type is. Plus sized baby wearers will have a shorter tail, and petite wearers will have a longer tail.” Win!
But of course, if ring slings aren’t your jam, a lot of baby carriers will work, too. Here are a few we’ve featured before, with additional info for plus size parents, courtesy of Plus Size Birth:
The Baby K’tan ranges up to size XL (women’s size 18-22), which is pictured above.
Another oft-mentioned carrier is the Beco Butterfly, which has a waist belt that can be adjusted up to 57″.
Plus-size parents: what carriers and slings work best for you?
I was a size 20 when my son was born and over the past two years went up to size 24. I’ve got a big belly & huge boobs. I went with a standard Moby wrap, and it worked great! I used it until he was about 11 months & started walking.
Moby Wrap. If you’re having trouble putting it on, there are TONS of videos on youtube to show you how. It fits both my husband (250lbs) and average sized me, he just ties it in the back while I tie it in the front. He can tie it in the front if its stretched out and he really pulls, but I think it’s more comfortable when he ties it in the back. If you’re in a warmer climate, I would suggest a lighter colored fabric, as we have a brown one and it can get rather warm in the summer. It’s nice because there are no straps or buckles to adjust when you trade wearers.
The best option is to find a store with knowledgable sales people who can help you try sifferent carriers — WITH baby. some babies hate certain carriers.
I love our ERGObaby. Baby likes it better than Bjorn too. Especially nice that the Ergo has the extra straps to take the load off your back. You can get an extender for the waist — my large and tall male friend uses it like this. You can also buy the infant insert if you want to start using it when baby is very small. Just make sure to keep baby’s legs in the froggy position for the first several months.
huggaloops has been amazing for us…and I find easier than moby! huggaloops.com
I would say look for Baby Wearing groups in your area for a “playdate” as most usually have a whole slew of different carriers and are more than willing to let you try them on. Go now and get an idea and then go again when baby is born to really see what the both of you like.
You can usually find these groups on facebook and if you happen to be in Southern California I’m in an awesome one I can show you to. (I’m new to babywearing myself as I only have a 7 week old squish but I’m not plus size so I can’t help there)
I’m 6 feet tall and have GIANT EE boobs. The Bjorn was the only one I could wear and nurse at the same time. The hubs liked this one too- it was easy to put on and adjust.
I am probably a size 22 or so and I wear my 16 month old in my ergo every day. He’s comfortable, I’m comfortable. I have the waist strap basically at its max, so the waist extender could be helpful if you’re worried about it. When he was smaller I wore him in a ring sling everywhere but now he’s pretty strictly on my back. I can’t afford it but I’d love to get a long woven wrap. They look amazing! If I ever have another I’ll splurge.
I think my concern is a health question: I keep hearing that babies shouldn’t be worn facing outward because it spreads their hips too much. Is there a significant difference in hip-spreading between smaller parents and bigger parents? And if so, how do either of those compare to wearing the baby facing outward?
Context: I’m a bigger lady and while I’m not expecting yet, I have no idea what my body will be like when any future babies are born. I’d like the chance to have a plan in place, or at least make an informed decision when the time comes.
I’m pregnant right now and we’ve been looking for a carrier for my husband who is 6’5″ 275 lbs. He tried on the Ergo sport and that fit him well. I was happy to find this new option, Ergobaby X-tra . It has the same features as the sport but is 100% cotton.
I have an Infantino Carrier I am a size 20 and it fits me well It has nice adjusting straps and its only 35 bucks compared to the others which can run into the 100s
I’m so glad this was asked! I’m 34 weeks pregnant and have been wavering on which carrier(s) I should order.
I would also be interested to know if anyone has any suggestions with the ring slings about the safest way to wear them?