With my first child, I really could have used Epinions. I think my life would have been much, much easier.

I'd tried a number of baby carriers from the uncomfortable Snugli to the mediocre Nojo Original Babysling. I had all but given up on any kind of baby carrier, but then came my second child.

I'd never seen a baby sling used in public and was surprised to hear how many mothers raved about how terrific they were.

Looking through magazines such as Mothering and New Beginnings, I was overwhelmed with the numerous soft baby carriers and slings being sold. I eventually owned two different slings.

While my all time favorite is the OTSBH (Over the Shoulder Baby Holder), the Maya Wrap Sling came in as a close second!


A sling! A sling! A marvelous thing...

Slings are versatile cloth baby carriers that can be adjusted to fit newborns, infants and toddlers in a variety of positions. The cozy, womb-like feeling of a sling is quite comforting for many babies.

Lots of mothers write slings off very quickly because they think they are complicated. Others say they hurt their back, but when properly used, slings are extremely comfortable for the wearer.

Many slings such as the OTSBH, Nojo and Sling-Ezee have padded rails and a shoulder pad. While I personally like padded slings, there are times I prefer less bulk.


What’s a Maya Wrap and why do I want one?


The Maya Wrap Sling is not padded, making it lighter and more adjustable. Despite the lack of padding, it is surprisingly comfortable and can be used for years.

It might not look like much, as this simple sling is essentially a large piece of Guatemalan fabric with metal rings. The fabric is available in several colors and patterns and is beautiful and strong.

After threading the tail of the Maya Wrap through the rings it can be adjusted to cradle a newborn, allow an older infant to ride “kangaroo style” or to let a toddler ride comfortably on mom’s hip. Spreading the beautiful fabric across your back can help distribute the baby’s weight better and prevent backache.

There are dozens of ways to adjust the Maya Wrap and it is truly a vital baby item.


But wait, there’s more!

While padded slings are difficult to wear under a jacket, you can easily wear a Maya Wrap under a coat. You can also wear it over a coat.

You can fold it and stash it in the diaper bag without needing to remove the rest of the bag’s contents. It is amazing how many things this simple sling can be used for.

The Maya Wrap can be a blanket or used as a surface to change the baby’s diaper. It can be draped over a car seat or stroller to shade the baby or protect it from the elements.

While I never was one to do it, many moms use their Maya Wrap as a harness rather than a “tot leash” for those busy toddlers who’d rather walk than ride. It is even a nice way to "help" a baby just learning to walk to keep steady.

Another way to use your Maya Wrap sling is to use it as a safety strap in a shopping cart or highchair. It really is a versatile item.


Milk for two without a view?

Breastfeeding? A nursing mommy can wear her baby or toddler in a semi-reclining position to allow privacy. With a bit of practice and either a button down or nursing top, breastfeeding is a breeze.

Draping the tail of the sling over your shoulder can provide total coverage but if your baby doesn’t care for this simply positioning carefully is discreet enough for the most disapproving audience. I preferred using the tail to cover my postpartum tummy.


A stylish sling

The fabric is beautiful, lightweight and machine washable. The sling is very adjustable and comfortable enough to carry even a 22 pound toddler for long periods of time. Because it is available in three sizes, the most petite mother to the brawniest father can get a perfect fit. I even have a child sized Maya Wrap my girls wear their dolls in.

Many parents find the sling to look confusing and even think it is difficult to use. It does take practice, but Maya Wrap offers a terrific instructional video showing exactly how to use the product in every position, variation and with babies of all sizes.

If you already have a padded sling but find it to be too bulky, this is the sling for you. If you are using another type of carrier and find it terribly uncomfortable, you'll be surprised at the big difference in comfort a sling offers.

Thinner than most slings and carriers, Maya Wraps are a more comfortable choice for warm climates.


“My, what a lovely sling you’ve got there...”

I always received a lot of compliments when I wore my beautiful Maya Wrap out and about. Mothers would stop me and ask where to get one, grandmothers wish they had one in “their day.” I’ve had conversations with pregnant strangers and given “sling lessons” a number of times.

I'd recommend this product as a “must have” baby item. It can be used from early infancy through toddlerhood with ease. Once you use your Maya Wrap, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.





Recommended: Yes