WildBird Baby Ring Sling

Thread: "Is Artipoppe worth it?"

I’m huge into baby wearing, so I bought one (along with Baby Bjorn, Ergo Omni, Moby, wild bird ring sling, one more I can’t even remember atm..), and functionally it’s nothing special, but it is beautiful. And to me that was enough. I love it, and I love that I don’t feel like a slob mom running all over town with unwashed hair and leggings on - it just levels up the outfit so much that I feel amazing going anywhere with it. It is $$$ and I still cringe at how much we spent but can’t say I regret it because it really made me feel beautiful. Do you need it? Absolutely not.

Thread: "Fit check please! Wild bird ring sling"

Its pretty good for your second try! Getting the pocket right is the hardest part of the ring sling. I personally found it easier to adjust the sling using my bent elbow as a guide - I'd hold it just against my side with my forearm pointed straight up when my son was a newborn. Make sure that the extra fabric at bottom of the sling is gathered up as far as it will go - up to the belly button is a good guide. That will help you keep a deep seat and get the middle portion of the sling tighter to keep the baby's back from rounding too much. Personally my son liked to have his feet out rather than tucked in - as long you catch the knees and hold them high in a "M" position it's ok for their hips even as a newborn. ETA: I noticed he's wearing footie PJs, that could actually be why he's trying to stretch out his legs. The pressure from the fabric against his foot triggers the step reflex. Try again with footless bottoms+socks, or footie PJs that are a little bigger and see if that works better!

Thread: "What’s the deal with wildbird and mabe"

I thought I NEEDED a Wildbird while I was pregnant. That $228 Cosmos print was fervently calling my name. And then I found beautiful print on the LennyLight (magnolia, which is my daughter’s name) and snagged it - with droolpads - for $150 in a Facebook group. Everything about it is adjustable and it can fit infants from birth unlike the larger/less adjustable carriers. Ironically my baby screamed bloody murder the first time I tried to put her in it, so we’re still rocking a Wildbird ring sling or a Solly wrap LOL - I’ll try again when she outgrows the wrap

Thread: "Hot weather baby carrier comparison / advice "

Where in the Deep South are you? I have a lot of carriers and wouldn’t mind letting you try them if you were not crazy far but I’m near the Georgia /Alabama state line. My happy baby was great for the summer. It’s not as soft as the lark but it’s cute and I didn’t feel hot. I haven’t been able to try out the lark for summer since it hasn’t been around long but I’ve worn it on a pretty warm day at the Birmingham zoo with no problems. I have other carriers as well because I lack self control. I also have some wildbird ring slings and I would just practice with them at home because there is a learning curve there. I love mine now but it took some time lol. I mostly use them for quick grocery trips or when outside with my other kid.

Thread: "hope&plum vs Wildbird"

There is a learning curve to ring slings. 100% linen (wild bird) can be tricky to start with because it is thin. H&P are usually hemp and thicker which can make the learning curve easier, especially with bigger/older babies. With an 11week old I would stick with the wildbird and try some other tutorials, realizing it might take a few weeks to become comfortable with it. https://wrappingrachel.com/2018/08/30/how-to-use-your-ring-sling https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e2BCdRfQAvQ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bRdGksTvDwk

Thread: "Thinking about getting a ring sling. Any recommendations?"

As a total babywearing nerd, I do not recommend Wildbird. It’s the go-to but the linen is not very comfortable or supportive after baby is about 15 pounds. Go for something that’s thicker and mostly cotton. I love a ring sling, linen just ain’t it!!

Thread: "Is Artipoppe worth it?"

This is by far the best review I’ve read about artipoppe. Thanks for your honesty!!

Thread: "Baby carriers?"

I had the Lille baby and the ring sling. I used the ring sling until babe was big enough for the Lille (I didn’t have an infant setup for it) and then used them both for a few months. Starting about 6months though I just used the Lille baby until she was 2.5/3 I think it just seemed more secure and easier to pop her in and out of plus she loved being forward facing.

Thread: "Fit check please! Wild bird ring sling"

I think Tailor had great suggestions. I just wanted to say that’s a pretty solid fit for your second try! It’s such a learning curve. Nice job!

Thread: "What’s the deal with wildbird and mabe"

I got a wild bird sling and hated it. Got the hope and plum lark and it's great.

Thread: "Thinking about getting a ring sling. Any recommendations?"

The fabric can be, yeah. It just depends on the fabric. I got a used wildbird for $25 off Facebook Marketplace. For the price it was all I needed to try it. It's not my favorite carrier, but I do love it (if that makes sense.) I will also say, while a lot of people love their ring slings, it took me several tries to get it right. Now it's pretty easy though. The ring sling lives in my diaper bag now. When I run errands or unexpectedly need to stop somewhere, I pop my 4 mo in it, and we are in and out much faster than if I lug the stroller and his bucket car seat out. Your LO isn't too big for a RS. Mine is 12.5 lbs. Because it goes over only one shoulder, that one shoulder may get tired though and need a break. The RS is good for 30-45 minutes for us. Oh. It's also great for quick ups and downs when that becomes a thing during the toddler phase.

Thread: "Ring Slings….WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?!"

I tried so hard with Wildbird slings and eventually realized they were too crunchy for me, making it hard to get the fabric to do what I wanted. I found the brand hope&plum and their videos on TikTok and when I got my first one it just clicked. Not affiliated with them at all, I just love them - I sling every day now. Their fabric comes soft already so no need to break it in… makes it so easy to get a deep seat. Plus if you buy from them you can schedule an online consult, which really helped me feel confident. Their BST on fb is where you can get some good deals since they’re pricey tho.

Thread: "Best baby wrap? What are y’all’s favorites?"

I had a sollybaby wrap, a wild bird ring sling, and a baby bjorn carrier! the sling was my personal favorite because it was adorable and the baby was just looped onto me. However it was not the most comfortable since it just goes to one shoulder! So this was fine for travel and while baby was little, like up to 8 months. The wrap was more comfy and I could still wrap up a toddler haha and was more for longer-term wrapping like at the airport or something. The backpack-like carrier was best for long-term carrying like a hike and we used it for the older baby and the little baby. If I was having a baby now, I’d by the artipoppe carrier if money wasn’t an issue, or more realistically, the wild bird version called the ariel carrier. seems sturdy, comfortable for long-term use, plus it’s adorable.

Thread: "Newborn carrier that can be used from birth?"

I really like my ring sling! I have one from Wildbird, but there are plenty of other brands

Thread: "Best Carrier Option for plus sized Moms?"

We have a wild bird ring sling and a lillebaby. I love both of them and have no problems getting a good fit. Babies seem comfortable. The lillebaby is a little tight but they sell a waist extender that really helps.

Thread: "Is Artipoppe worth it?"

Husband and I are same heights as you guys. Get separate carriers. It’s the only way. One can be an artepoppe of you like it. My husband loved the ergobaby 360 but it was too big for me. He used it every day though. I used a k’tan and WildBird ring sling. Both those were gifts. If I’d picked my own, I’d have purchased something like the Artepoppe but more affordable and good for petite women. I adore the k’tan but it wasn’t great once my baby was bigger. I’m pregnant again and will definitely use it daily for this next newborn. For current child (26lbs, 34” tall) we both use the Tushbaby exclusively haha

Thread: "Recs for baby carriers - what to look for? "

I used an Ergo Embrace from birth and it was okay. I found it really hard on my shoulders and upper back. I chose this one for early on because it keeps baby's legs in a wide froggy/M-shape and won't cause/exacerbate hip dysplasia. At five months, I got a Tula Explore which I love - it is so comfortable! I've worn my 9+kg baby for hours and taken her on short hikes without any discomfort. She also seems really comfy in it too, and even naps in there. As I haven't used it from birth, I don't have advice on that part, but it's great now. I also had a Solly wrap which I never really got the hang of, and a Wildbird ring sling which is handy when she wants to cling like a monkey but my arms are getting tired! I guess my best advice is that different carriers will probably be useful in different ways as the seasons change and your baby grows, so there may not be a best of the best all-rounder that ticks every single box. @letstalkbabywearing on insta has really helpful reviews.

Thread: "Opinion on ergobaby embrace"

I have the exact same question as the OP and your thoughtful response helped me decide to go with the Bjorn Mini and to return the Ergo Embrace I bought. I have the Bjorn One and have used it more than any other carrier. I just want something soft (jersey fabric) for my newborn who is due in July. I used a Solly wrap with my first and found it hard to get accustomed to and not as supportive as I needed. I also have a Wildbird ring sling, but it is not ideal for a newborn in my opinion because it's just not supportive enough. I had an older Ergo 360 with an infant insert that I sold to a friend. I didn't love it, though it got the job done with my first. I'm excited to try the Bjorn Mini despite its clear unpopularity on this forum. Glad to hear you can get a decent 'M' in your baby's knees in the Bjorn Mini. Your firsthand experience is sincerely appreciated!

Thread: "Onbuhimo vs. Meh Dai pros/cons?"

I used NP onbuhimos and Wildbird/VS ring slings (hip carry position) throughout my pregnancy to carry my young toddler (18 months as of pregnancy reaching full term). I bought an Oscha Cairis toward the end of the pregnancy and was able to put her up in that as well, but didn't use it as much since it was a lot more fabric to wrap (not as quick and hotter). I plan to use it more for the newborn. I do not have back issues though, if anything I prefer the onbuhimos because I have the back muscle to carry comfortably with them.

Thread: "Does anyone actually love their linen ring sling?"

I have a wild bird linen ring sling that I got used for this baby. I've been using it for maybe two months now, 2-4 months old. It took some getting used to but I find it pretty decent now. I did get it used but it didn't seem super worn in really when I got it. I am very curious about trying a non-linen one now. But I have.... 6 baby carriers? So... I've got too many and can't justify the money unless I find another used for cheap. I recall from last baby that there's a tipping point where the wrap style carriers no longer seem ideal and I switched to the structured ones. Not sure how the ring sling will go this time since I didn't have one before.

Thread: "Ring Slings….WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?!"

I'd recommend trying a Hope and Plum ring sling or simply just visiting their Instagram page for pointers! I had a wildbird and hated it, it was difficult to work with and not soft. But my H&P was so easy and soft💜

Thread: "Best baby wrap? What are y’all’s favorites?"

I see in a comment that your baby is 16lbs - I think you've already outgrown the stretchy wraps. Woven wraps have a slightly harder learning curve, but can be used for much larger kids. Brands like Oscha and Didymos are gorgeous, but a touch expensive. You could also look into ring slings, I like my WildBird sling and it looks like Moby has one for a similar price point. Ring slings are easier to use and cheaper than woven wraps. Alternatively there are a LOT of structured carriers out there that you could explore. I like my ErgoBaby, then there's the Tula Free To Grow, Hope and Plum, and waaaaaay more options. Structured carriers are pricey but easy to use and usually work in a few configurations that will grow with baby's needs. The BabyBjorn carriers are honestly the worst designed and least comfortable of the popular structured carriers

Thread: "Wild bird ring sling on our newborn"

This is Wildbird brand ring sling in the pattern “brewer” I bought on discount but I see that unfortunately they don’t have this pattern anymore but they have other nice ones!

Thread: "What’s Your Holy Grail Carrier for Babies?"

Nope. The ring sling is only comfortable for 20-30 minutes but it's fast and very small so perfect for getting an older baby up and down often. The lark is much more comfortable.

Thread: "Trying to choose a ring sling. Help!"

There was a learning curve with the wrap as well and I have my husband to help me troubleshoot. I'll be checking out the different patterns to see what they have thanks!

Thread: "Meh Dai or stick it out with the Buckle Carrier (H&P)?"

I got a second hand WB sling from marketplace and…the h&p one is so much better, imo! I have the cotton/hemp fabric and it’s so good. I never have to completely rethread the rings like I did with WB…ok I’ll stop trying to confuse you on which carrier to get lol good luck!! :)

Thread: "Meh Dai or stick it out with the Buckle Carrier (H&P)?"

Thank you this is great! Yeah, my 1st baby was long and lanky. Even at just shy of 2.5 and only 27lbs he’s tall enough to be in the Kid Lark and not be swallowed up by the size. My baby girl is just a little shortie lol. I feel you on the ring sling. Once I figured it out, it was incredible, but I have a Wildbird sling I got secondhand and its alright. The H&P ring slings are dreamy though 😍 Lol about your husband though, I feel like everyday this week I’ve said something to mine about this current saga I’m in now myself haha.

Thread: "Ring Slings….WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?!"

I wear wraps 99% of the time and wanted to try the sling - also got a wildbird but after trying sooo many times I determined there is like, something with my body anatomy that is just not gonna work with the sling. I’m so sad

Thread: "Ring Slings….WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?!"

I have a beautiful wild bird sling… can’t figure it out. My mom even helped me get my baby in. It’s not comfortable… idk what we are doing wrong!

Thread: "Ring Slings….WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?!"

It’s not you, it’s the sling :/ wildbird has really stiff linen… i’d recommend trying a sling with softer fabric, like hope & plum. much pricier but totally worth it imo.

Thread: "Summer baby carriers?"

Ring slings dont have even weight distribution, so I use ring slings for shorter periods. Some examples include- going up and down stairs, at parties or events where people want to hold the kid or just say hi. Also ring slings are good from newborn to toddler phase, so you could get one today. Onbuhimos I like for outdoor trips like hiking or long walks.

Thread: "Fav baby carrier?"

I cannot share how obsessed I am with my happy baby rev. I did use a soft carrier when he was little, but we both struggled as he had bad reflux and the spot up every time with all the jiggling around. I have a ring sling that use sometimes. I’m getting more confident with it and am using it more as my little guy is 12 months and entering into the pick up put down phase all day long.

Thread: "Help! Need better structured carrier options"

oh yeah! i definitely think so for longer carries. shorter like a 5 min walk to the park i do the ring sling. but if i'm carrying her for longer or i have to carry other stuff along then i do the wrap

Thread: "Anyone buy a structured carrier after getting tired of the wrap?"

For casual contact naps, I think the ring sling is great. I don’t like to sit wearing structured carriers because it can be hard on the babies legs/they get squished. On the other hand, at 4m most babies enjoy being carried facing outward and that’s more often done with a structured carrier than a wrap so that’s something to consider too.

Thread: "Ring sling or wrap for newborn?"

I loved my k'tan too. I tried a friend's ring sling a few times and didn't like it at all. It made one arm difficult to use and I didnt like that the baby's weight wasn't evenly supported across my body.