I am fascinated by babywearing. The idea of snuggling your baby up close to you, rather than leaving them in a car seat, just seems right to me. With my first, I had a pouch sling that I used a bit, but never really grew confident with it. I didn’t know many women who used baby slings and the pouch was not the right size for my husband, so I felt a bit alone in using it.
When my second came along, I tried again, but my fussy baby boy was not a fan of the pouch. I knew I needed a different type of sling or carrier. I did my research and decided to purchase a used Baby Bjorn. This worked well for us most of the time, but I wondered if different options would be easier on my back. As I started reading blogs of “babycarrying” mamas, I decided to do some more research.
A wrap-style carrier always looked a bit intimidating to me, but it also looked cozy, versatile, and great for babies of different ages. When Sleepy Wrap agreed to let Ezra and I try out an Organic Sleepy Wrap, I was thrilled. When the package with the incredibly soft, supple fabric came in it’s attractive natural color, I was even more excited.
The long piece of fabric intimidated me a bit because I expected a big learning curve. I got out the handy Sleepy Wrap instruction book for using the wrap and the easy to follow instructions and clear, vibrant pictures eased my fears. It only took me a few tries to figure out how to wrap it tight enough and get prepared to carry Ezra in the “love your baby hold.” I set him inside with a bit of tugging and pulling and he settled right in!
We went big for our first outing with the Sleepy Wrap. My in-laws came into the St. Louis airport (a couple of hours away) and I decided to ditch the stroller. Since the Sleepy Wrap was new to me and I knew I’d have impatient kids on my hands once I got to the airport, I put the wrap on before leaving home and wore it comfortably the whole way there. Once we arrived, I slipped Ezra into the wrap and walked through the airport with curious stares following us the entire way.
After our successful airport trip, we used the sling for trips to the grocery store, the library, and going for walks to a neighbor’s house. I liked having my hands free and cuddling my little guy at the same time, especially while holding big sister’s hand and shopping.
I braved bringing the wrap in the car and putting it on in the parking lot a few times. This is, admittedly, a bit awkward as you stand in the parking lot trying to manage the huge piece of fabric and not let it touch the snowy ground. But, once you have the wrap method down, it’s really not a big deal. I also struggled a bit with getting my Ezra in and out because he fits so snuggly, but that also makes me feel that he is very safe and secure inside the wrap.
Overall, I loved using the Organic Sleepy Wrap! The positive features are numerous:
1. Soft, luxurious, organic cotton.
2. Long and stretchy, so it’s one-size.
3. Comes with easy to follow instructions. Would be great for moms, dads, grandparents, etc.
4. Comes with handy bag to carry it with you and keep it clean and dry.
5. At $59.95, it’s very affordable, especially compared the cost of other slings, wraps, and carriers on the market. (Even better with the discount offered to Inquisitive Mom readers!)
6. It works well for babies of various ages. My 13 month-old was happy and comfy. I think a newborn would be in heaven!
7. The Sleepy Wrap is very easy on mom’s back – I never experienced any back pain or discomfort and this is saying a lot!
8. Wearing your baby in a Sleepy Wrap feels natural and loving.
9. Baby could easily transition from being carried awake, to comfortably sleeping in the Sleepy Wrap.
10. Since my little guy is no longer nursing, I couldn’t test this out, but I’m convinced that you could easily and discreetly nurse in the Sleepy Wrap. (I saw a mom on twitter say once that she had her baby in a wrap and was nursing while grocery shopping. I want to accomplish this with my next baby!)
11. I definitely think the Sleepy Wrap would have been a lifesaver for Ezra during his first year because he was fussy and really just wanted to be held. I can just imagine that “witching hour” each night as you make dinner when your kids demand attention would have been helped so much if I could have carried Ezra in a Sleepy Wrap.
If you would like more information about Sleepy Wrap products, visit www.sleepywrap.com. In addition to the Organic Sleepy Wrap, they also offer the Classic Sleepy Wrap (only $39.95). This would make a terrific addition to any home and a wonderful baby shower gift! Sleepy Wrap’s site also includes helpful information on the benefits of baby carrying, baby wrap tying methods, and nursing.
Sleepy Wrap has also generously offered The Inquisitive Mom Readers 10% off purchases from 2/16/10 through 3/20/10. Simply use the code “Inquisitive” to get your discount! Thank you, Sleepy Wrap!
I received free product to write this review. No payment was received. This is my honest opinion of this product.
I received free product to write this review. No payment was received. This is my honest opinion of this product.
I never used one like this—I had a pouch thing. We had a Bjorn also, but I didn’t care for it much (neither did the girls). I shied away from styles like this b/c I was worried I’d never figure out how to put it on right!!
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Getting a wrap that fits in good is really a nice idea, especially when you are trying to do two things simultaneously !
We too LOVE baby wearring here.
LOVE the sleepy wrap!
This looks exactly like the moby! I’ve never heard of this brand, but we own a moby already and are so excited to use it. I love the idea of wrapping, I’m glad it’s becoming more common.