the babywearing series | my favorite for breastfeeding: the peanut shell & the ring sling

Part 3 of 7 of the Babywearing Series.

 

babywearing a newborn in a peanut shell sling

for the record that is NOT our house in the background!

Hammock-style carriers are easily my favorite for breastfeeding. I have both a Peanut Shell (which was a baby shower gift when I had my first son) and a home-made ring sling (which was passed down to me).

The Peanut Shell

I love my Peanut Shell for caring a newborn. I really, really do. Both of my boys settled quickly when they were snuggled up into the darkness and comfort of the Peanut when they were tiny. No doubt they loved being so close to mama and hearing my heartbeat. They are ideal for breastfeeding on the go and I’d often walk and nurse at the same time, with no one able to tell.

Here’s what I love about the Peanut Shell:

  • Easy to breastfeed on-the-go.
  • Creates a secure, dark place for baby.
  • No straps to get tangled or buckles to get stuck.
  • Comfortable.
  • My most compact carrier/wrap/sling for storing in my handbag or diaper bag. Love how tiny it is when folded!
  • Can also be used as a hip carrier for older babies.
  • Machine washable.

Here’s what I don’t love about the Peanut Shell:

  • You need to be aware of where the baby’s face is and make sure his mouth and nose stay free for breathing. Sometimes this makes me a little paranoid.
  • They come in sizes (S, M, L), which are not adjustable for different users. I have one that fits me beautifully, but my husband is unable to wear it.
  • I personally think they are overpriced. You can definitely find cheaper brands in this same style. (Mine was a gift though!)
  • Although it’s not uncomfortable, I do think there are more comfortable carriers out there for extended use (like the Moby).

The Ring Sling

Much like the Peanut Shell, this hammock-style sling is great for all the same reasons.

How the Ring Sling differs to the Peanut Shell:

  • Ring slings are adjustable so any size adult should be able to use it comfortably – an economical option for both mom and dad to share.
  • It takes up a tiny bit more space when storing since the fabric “strip” is longer.
  • It’s less expensive and can easily be homemade.

Dear friends, I hope you’re enjoying this babywearing series so far. Have you tried a hammock-style sling? Have you ever breastfed in one? What did you think? Yay or nay?

 

P.S. We are camping out bush all this week! That means unplugged, baby!!! No internet, or even phone access for me. (Crikey!) I’ll do my best to respond to your emails and comments when I return. 🙂

Join our Babywearing Carnival

Do you have a post on Babywearing – why you love it or which is your favorite type of carrier or maybe just a photo post of you wearing  your little one? At the end of the Babywearing Series, I’ll host a link-up for you to add your link. Prepare your post (or freshen one up from your archives) and keep your eyes open for it to go live on Saturday, March 10th. Please use a text link or the image below on your carnival post.

Babywearing Series on the Mommyhood Memos

About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

7 Comments

  • Mary Kate
    6 March 2012 at 6:13 am

    I’ve been so excited for this series. My husband and I are just finishing our baby registry, and trying to decide on a baby carrier is difficult! We tried a few on in store with their “dummy baby”- Britax, Baby Bjorn, and one called Baby K’Tan- have you heard of that one? I love how comfy the Moby looks, but don’t know that I want to have to worry about one long piece of fabric. The K’tan Carrier is all fabric too, but only 2 loops that can be adjusted into many different carrying styles.(http://www.babyktan.com/whatisktan.html) Still deciding on what’s going to work best for us! It’s nice that you have been able to try many different styles, I love reading real moms’ opinions!

    Reply
    • Adriel @ The Mommyhood Memos
      13 March 2012 at 10:13 pm

      Ooooh, I haven’t seen/heard of the K’Tan until this series and now I’m hearing about it a lot! It sounds really cool!

      And actually, I JUST got an email from the baby K’tan distributor in Australia TONIGHT asking me if I’d like to review one. Haven’t replied yet but I will totally say yes. (Unless there’s some weird conditions or something.) I RARELY bother with reviews, but this is a product I’d love to try/have. 🙂
      Adriel @ The Mommyhood Memos recently posted..the practice of being present by baking cakes and playing chaseMy Profile

      Reply
  • Mary Kate
    14 March 2012 at 1:43 am

    Exciting! Go for it, and tell us how it works for you!

    Reply
  • The Babywearing Series | A wrap-up
    12 May 2012 at 10:34 pm

    […] The Peanut Shell & Ring Sling […]

    Reply
  • Umi's story and Project Baby Bilim
    8 October 2012 at 10:52 pm

    […] A circular hammock-type sling (with no rings) isn’t adjustable for different size babies and […]

    Reply
  • Amber
    28 November 2012 at 5:39 am

    What kind of ring sling do you use or did you make one? I’m looking for one to breastfeed with.

    Reply

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