Products Reviewed » The Birthin' Blog

Years ago when I was trying to figure out what the best baby carrier options were, I was introduced to MayaWrap Slings. I ordered one and tested it out and loved it. My denim one is so soft from repetitive washings since it has carried all four of my grandbabies in it over the years. I thought I would share with you the things I like the most about the ring sling.

This is what is said about the slings on their website:

Maya Wrap slings are uniquely versatile, comfortable, stylish, and all you need to simplify your life! The shoulder has a light cushion for comfort and ease, while the rails are unpadded for total adjustability. Fans say it is the perfect first sling for new baby wearers.

Wear newborns through toddlers. Recommended for children 8 to 35 pounds.

Change positions to accommodate your child’s growth.

Built in pocket for keys, diaper, cell phone.

Unpadded, open tail that is convenient as a nursing coverup.

Instructional DVD included.

100% cotton hand loomed fabrics.

Machine wash, cool water; line dry.

Fits easily into a diaper bag or tote.

So I thought I would share my thoughts on these features!

I do think it is extremely comfortable. You can fan the fabric out across your back and distribute the weight really well. The pad that is attached to the shoulder only area helps keep the fabric fanned out nicely. Mine does not have this as it is an older style. When they first said they were adding a pad, a lot of folks thought it would be on the railing of the sling- and interfere with some of the wonderful versatility- but it is only under the shoulder.

I like the fact that a newborn can fit nicely in this sling since you can adjust the depth of the pocket easily and yet it can also accommodate a toddler for a nice hip carrier. I think it can even be used as a toddler “leash” of sorts giving a toddler a lot of freedom while being a bit tethered to mom for safety! And in a pinch it can open up and allow a nice blanket or floor covering for an impromptu nap!

I like that you can put a baby into it quickly and adjust it easily. And it can allow different position changes to the baby with ease of changing positions. I like the pocket but I remind moms to not fling it up as a nursing coverup forgetting there are keys in the pocket and conking the baby in the head! I love that it can carry a diaper, a ziplock with a wet wipe and a burp cloth easily for quick trips!

One size can fit the dad and the mom since often times the dad may be bigger but he does not need the nursing tail for coverage! It is soft and can roll up nicely into your diaper bag. It is probably one of the most compact carriers to put in your diaper bag. And it washes up nicely- softens with each washing and although the suggestion is to line dry it- I have dried mine in the dryer often. It is cotton so it is apt to shrink in length a bit when doing so.

And I have told moms it is a great ball carrier for their birth balls when taking their birth balls to the birth center! And I would be remiss to tell you that I have sold a few to pet owners to carry their small dogs!

I love my MayaWrap. I have had mine now for 9 years! I do think it is the best one for fast jaunts although I do think other carriers like an Ergo are great for hiking and day festivals, but the MayaWrap is my go to for every day wear for sure! I can not imagine how a mom with a second child can manage without a sling like the MayaWrap!

A friend designed this new diet and fitness ap. It reminds me of Weight Watchers in the ability to track calories and fat as well as exercise. It is FREE and is has an app for your phone too! I started it today. I can put in what I have eaten, what exercise I have done for the day and even has an inspirational section to help motivate yourself and others. It has a add friend feature and blog. It even has a place to list groups and put up challenges. I will keep you posted on how this is working for me. I have gained a bit of weight over the winter and had to stop walking due to an injury. But I am back walking and trying to eat regularly and healthy. Check out the site SlimKicker. And if you try it out, let me know what you think!

This is how Christine describes it- “Basically, the main problem with being fit and eating healthy is motivation and willpower. It’s such an abstract goal that seems overwhelming. It seems the best way to counter this is to make it into smaller, winnable games. So my app makes living healthy, eating healthy, and fitness into a RPG game, where users earn points, “level up’, and earn badges as they accomplish their health goals. Everytime they add something healthy like whole greens, and veggies to their food log, they earn points. Every time they complete a workout, they earn points. As they achieve more and more, they’ll level up and unlock badges… Of course, to appeal to people’s need for achievements/progress, I’m also adding charts, and graphs to show their progress… I think people love that sorta stuff. The whole idea is to shift people’s attitude towards healthy living as fun, and enjoyable. And there’s a web version for those that don’t own smartphones.”