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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Rockin' Baby Sling Review and Giveaway



It's very important for me to be close to my baby whenever we're together. We are both more relaxed this way, and the simple touch from each other just makes the world of difference in feeling safe, warm, and loved. In keeping with this, Amara and I have tried three different slings and one front carrier since she's been born, one of which was sent to me recently by the Rockin' Baby Sling company (sound familiar? You may have seen Gwen Stefani, Carrie Anne Moss, or Brook Burke sporting one).


What they sent to me is actually considered a "pouch" as marked by the pocket that's formed when it's on you. In summary, we really like this pouch . In fact, this seems to be Amara's favorite thing to be carried in! It's the most fashionable sling/pouch that I have, being reversible and made with beautiful fabrics. One can adjust the length of the sling by either zipping or unzipping fabric together where the sling sits on your shoulder. The zippers are hidden by a removable strip of fabric (one pattern on each side) that can be wrapped around the sling where the zippers are and velcroed into place. People always ask me how I am able to adjust the pouch, since the zippers are covered so well! You can watch a very short You-Tube video about how to wear one of these and manage the zipper system by clicking here.



The back rim is padded, providing an extra layer of comfort for the baby being carried, and there's a big formed pocket for he or she to sit in. I think the pocket is why Amara likes this sling the best--it's shaped just right for her to either sit in or recline in. Like any sling that I've had, you do need to shift it on your shoulder/back occasionally to relieve the pain that builds up from the added weight. It does stay close to your body, freeing your hands and making it easy for you to move around without your child swinging in front of you.




I've had a few times when the zipper for adjusting came undone while I was carrying Amara, but it's never caused any sudden drop or safety issue. After mentioning this to the Rockin' Baby ladies, I found that this problem is caused by having the zippers on top of your shoulder instead of behind your shoulder like one is supposed to wear the pouch. Just be sure to wear the zippers on your back and check them before wearing the pouch to avoid any opening zippers. As the pouch is one continuous piece of fabric, there doesn't seem to be any problem for us or the way I carry my daughter even if the zipper does come undone, which is nice.


Some of my favorite things about this pouch are:


  • The many choices of beautiful fabric (including organic) for your pouch or sling (they make both!)

  • The ease of using it

  • That it offers me a different option from a traditional sling

  • That you can carry your baby in 5 different ways (including a back carry) using it

  • The good craftsmanship employed in their products

The company is very friendly and helpful and will even custom make a sling or pouch for you if you send them the fabric to do so! Some of my favorite things about them would be:



  • Their products are cut and sewn in Los Angeles by workers making a fair, livable wage

  • Slings and pouches both have been through rigorous safety testing (information can be found on their website)

  • The packaging of their products is minimal and made from recycled materials

  • They're just downright nice and personable people (and that's hard to come by these days)!

Really, the only downside to a pouch from these gals would be that some of them may be too expensive (regular pouches seem to be $82 while the organic ones are $112). The good news about this is that they offer sale ones for less ($62), and they have a promotional code that you can use at least through July 20th! Check out this deal:



On all non sale items, buy ane item and get the next item (of equal or lesser value) half off (Enter promo code: BOGO), or get a 25% discount (Enter promo code: June Discount)!



Certainly worth checking out, and especially if your little one would prefer a pouch as mine does. You can purchase a sling or pouch off of their website or in stores located around the US.


But wait, there's more...Rockin' Baby Slings has generously offered to provide one of my lucky readers with one of their fabulous Sugar Sugar pouches for free ($82.00 value)! You'll need to leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from their website (pouch/sling and fabric choices), and your favorite baby wearing tip or fact (don't have a baby yet? Do some research!). Be sure to include your email address in each comment or it won't count!

Earn some additional entries by sporting my buttons on your blog or website, blogging about this contest, signing up for Rockin' Baby Slings' newsletter (let me know which email address you used), following or subscribing to me, faving me on Technorati, or emailing some friends about this contest with a CC to lifemoresimply (at) yahoo.com. Leave a separate entry for each thing that you do and make sure that you tell me why you deserve an extra entry! If you earned an extra entry on one of the earlier posts (about June winnings or this particular contest), just mention it (I will be checking, though!).

This contest will be open until Monday, July 20 at 0730 hours, EST.

Be blessed, my friends!

Photo of the Sugar Sugar pouch that Rockin' Baby is giving away

69 comments:

  1. I love the So Damn Beautiful pouch :)
    My best tip is to make sure the fabric doesn't bunch up or it will cut into you...when you babywear, make sure the fabric is nice and flat against you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the Rebel Girl pouch, it would be fantastic for my little girl.

    My babywearing fact/benefit is: infants are "humanized" earlier by developing socially. Babies are closer to people and can study facial expressions, learn languages faster and be familiar with body language.

    Thanks!
    xpbloch at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm a subscriber!

    xpbloch at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been dying to try a Rockin Baby Sling. My favorite is the Just What I Needed Pouch.

    New to Babywearing? Make sure you start wearing your baby when they are content such as after a nap or feeding. Don't set yourself up for disaster by trying babywearing when your little one is crying.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I follow your blog
    kroegerfamilycreations at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like "This Lullaby" sling. It's so pretty

    I love babywearing and it was great for my son's reflux because I could keep him at a good angle while he napped during the day.

    kroegerfamilycreations at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like the All You Need it Love Sling.
    ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    I practiced baby wearing for the first month of my DD's life and LOVED it. Unfortunately, she had hip dysplasia and had to wear a brace for several months. Those things don't fit in slings.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I follow.
    ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I subscribe
    ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. my favorite from the website is "Young at Heart" because it seems so versatile. Thanks! jennahoskinson at gmail dot com.

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  11. favorite thing about baby wearing: that baby is close to you and is a great way to soothe a colicky or fussy baby! jennahoskinson at gmail dot com.

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  12. I subscribe to this blog on my Google Reader - does that count for an extra entry? :) jennahoskinson at gmail dot com.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I posted a link to this contest on my Facebook page - that should get me an extra entry, right? jennahoskinson at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I blogged about this on my blog at www.lainaslaundry.blogspot.com. Can you tell I REALLY want this pouch?! jennahoskinson at gmail dot com.

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  15. These are gorgeous!! My favorite is the "This Lullaby" ring sling. My tip is to make sure the shoulder material is spread out over your shoulder so that the weight is more evenly distributed and doesn't dig into your shoulder, especially as baby gets heavier. :)

    meredith(dot)chapman(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I subscribe to your blog!

    Extra entries are great! We are expecting this October, so this would be great!

    meredith(dot)chapman(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. My favorite sling is the If Everyone Cared-ORGANIC Item No. 210.

    My favorite baby wearing fact is that increased carrying reduces infant crying (according to Hunziker and Barr, 1986).

    lifemoresimply "at" reinyday.com

    Thanks, Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  18. Michele VanPattenJuly 5, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    My favorite is the Sugar Sugar pouch. As we all know, infants bond tremendously with their caregiver whn close to them, but I really liked this fact: infants who are carried are calmer because all of their primal/survival needs are met. The part about being calm sounded great to me!!
    michele15_80@excite.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Michele VanPattenJuly 5, 2009 at 9:40 AM

    I subscribe to you.
    michele15_80@excite.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. My fave item in their shop would be the custom reversible pouch! (http://www.rockinbabysling.com/custom) My tip would be, don't be afraid to try multiple babywearing slings/Mei Teis/etc. You never know what your favorite option will be or what your baby will be comfortable in!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I just signed up for the Rockin' Baby Slings newsletter with this addy:

    meredith(dot)chapman(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. i love the dog and butterfly pattern. i would choose a pouch. ive used a sling in the past and you can really do anything while wearing your babies! when can you not use them? allisondotwheeleratattdotnet

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love the My Baby Just Cares for Me pouch. One side is flashy enough to show off and the other side is basic enough to go with everything and satisfy dad. I was always told that if you hold a baby too much it will become needy but since I've looked into babycarrying I've learned that wearing your baby can actually make them more confident.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just signed up for the Rockin' Baby Sling newsletter.

    jlwopen [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  25. My favorite is the Across the Universe Ring Sling. My best advice/tip is to find a babywearing group near you that you can get some hands on experience/tips and try several different kinds to find your favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I NEED a baby wearing device for sure! Baby O wants to be held all of the time, even when he's asleep. I love holding him and am glad he's so super cuddly, but it would be nice to have the use of my hands sometimes. ;-) We do have one sling and he hates it. Honestly I think he's just too big for it. Sure he's a newborn but at 10 lbs already this particular sling just isn't comfy for him. So I guess my baby wearing tip is that it's important to find a sling/pouch/wrap that your baby likes as well as you do.
    I really like the pouches on the Rockin' Baby Sling site. I especially dig the La La Love You. Not only is it attractive but gender neutral. (B wants to wear the baby too!)

    I'm CarrieLMcClain (at) gmail (dot) com

    Lovely give-aways Rachel!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I like the I Got You pouch.
    Babywearing helps you and your baby communicate better. You become more sensitive to baby’s needs and cues, which means that your baby will cry less because his or her needs are being met before crying is necessary.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love the pouch in "I Got You Babe" - so pretty!

    My tip is: have multiple carriers: slings, Bjorn, whatever. Reason 1: different situations call for different styles of carry. Reason 2: If you lose one, you'll still have a way to carry baby without throwing out your back! (I lost my pouch sling a few weeks ago, and we still can't find it.)

    anitra@alum.wpi.edu

    ReplyDelete
  29. It was tough to pick out one fave, but I think my fave was the "So Damn Beautiful". I like the way it was reversible, gender neutral, and I think the pattern was simple and pretty.

    My tip is always have a carrier with you, even if you plan to have your baby in a cart, stroller etc. When going shopping, having a carrier has been a lifesaver!

    mrspurplepeopleeater (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the So Damn Beautiful pouch :)

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  31. Lovin' the Let the Sunshine In pouch!

    Baby wearing allows for more opportunities to communicate and teach your little one about the world. Talk to your baby while wearing...show them things, share the names for things with them, talk about what you are doing.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I follow.

    honeybeemomma at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love the pretty baby pouch :)

    I loved using the sling when we are just popping in the store, shes in a hold me mood while im trying to work or clean house, AND I lvoe it now that I watch a little on and my 13 month old. I can pay attention to two at once!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I subscribe, I LOVE the so damn beautiful pouch!

    laurenwalker420 @ hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the Let the Sunshine in baby pouch:) So beautiful and my little Lily would LOVE IT! My tip is that I find my baby sleeps better when I have worn her during the day. Many of my friends think babywearing will "spoil" your baby or get them use to be carried around too much. I find that whe she gets the closeness and cuddle time she is happier when playing and also sleeps better. Plus I can actually get stuff done!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I follow your blog :)

    amanda.j.hearn at gmail

    I think that my favorite item would be the give piece a chance *butterflies*

    I think my favorite thing about baby wearing. (has to do with kangaroo care and preemies) is how it can help your baby's body work and regulate breathing, growth, hunger. I read a book about it while I was in the hospital with my daughter (born premature) and I was just in love with all that it did for infants.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love the original (black and white) pouch! My favorite tip is to ALWAYS keep a carrier in the car! I hate when I get somewhere and realize I've left the carrier at home... i don't even use a stroller and my DS weights almost 35lbs!

    anamlgrl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I signed up as a facebook fan as I couldn't find the newsletter link???

    anamlgrl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I subscribe to your blog!

    anamlgrl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow your blog (forgot to add my email to this one!!)

    anamlgrl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. This Lullaby is pretty!! Keeping baby close is best!!! hbshields@yahoo.com

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  42. I love the pouch in the bright yellow with red flowers :)

    Best baby wearing tip...when in a back carrier and shopping don't stand too close to a shelf little baby hands love to grab! :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm in love with the "Love is all around" sling! Black and white is so classic.

    Pouches and slings are great for babies and toddlers of all ages. With a little practice and patience, they even make it possible to breastfeed while grocery shopping.

    jdeemarie@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am a subscriber, and a follower!!!

    Slings were a lifesaver for my sister in law with my nephew. He was a colicy baby, and she decided to try a sling when he was around 2 mos old. It really helped her a lot, and even seemed to relieve some of his anguish.

    A tip that I like: Make sure that when choosing sizes of carriers like slings, that your baby doesn't hang to low. If it doesn't feel right, you may have the wrong size.

    My favorite Rockin Baby sling would have to be the aqua blue pouch with the black and orange butterflies on it! (I can't find where the names are listed)

    iammyownfriend at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love the original rockin' baby pouch. I may even be able to get hubby to wear it! I also love the All the Leaves are brown sling.

    I love to wear my baby! He's 15 months and has been worn since he was about a month old. I love to have the option of sticking him in the sling if he's fussy, even at home doing chores. My favourite thing about wearing him is how easy it is to nurse him in the sling, or to use my sling as a nursing cover!

    gitrecca at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I am now a subscriber.

    gitrecca at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like the La La Love You Pouch and the This Lullaby Sling!

    I am expecting my first child and can't wait to wear my baby (on the outside!) :) My favorite baby wearing fact is that babies are made to hang on to their mommas!

    havalittlcourage@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. My favorite is the Dog & Butterfly-ORGANIC pouch!

    My favorite tip is that it's a private and nurturing environment for nursing, and you are immediately able to respond to baby's hunger cues wherever you are, so baby doesn't get stressed or upset.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    annasmama0702@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I follow you!

    annasmama0702@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I subscribe to the Rockin' Baby newsletter

    annasmama0702@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I favorited you on technorati (annasmama0702)

    annasmama0702@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love the Perfect Day organic pouch, and I love how babywearing promotes attachment.

    urchiken at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. My favorite is the For Those About to Rock pouch for sure.(315) I really like the selection. Baby wearing reductes crying and fussiness up to 43% during day wear. Thats cool. My tip , use some sort of baby carrier to help you as it will save your back and your patience. I have had 4 kids and have used a baby carrier on all them. My last is 8 mths and this would be great to have. (Mine are on the old side ) lil_lolas@hotmail.com

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  54. I subscribe to your blog aswell thanks lil_lolas@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I follow your blog too lil_lolas@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I have your buttons on my blog aswell lil_lolas2hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I favored you on technorati aswell -evyready lil_lolas@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I signed up for rockin Baby Sling newsletter and emails. lil_lolas@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love the "For those about to rock" pouch.

    Babies are more calm when they can smell their moms, especially if you breastfeed. Having them close to you in a sling or pouch is a great idea for babies who are colicky, and just need to be close to their moms to calm down.

    Debbie: rebbiedeed@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. i really liked the Rebel Girl pouch its very cute thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. My fave is the original sling in "Love is All Around".

    The best thing about babywearing is the ease of nursing almost hands-free even when shopping (and never having to drag around those super-heavy infant carseats).

    Heather C
    heathercansler@rocketmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Im a fan of your Dog and Butterfly Organic material Rockin Baby Pouch. When wearing it my hands are free to help out my other little one.

    Giggles968@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. LOVE the prints on their pouches - Wildflower may be my favorite but it's so hard to choose! We've been toting Booboo in a plain grey ring sling since she was 4 days old and I'm ready for something new and pretty!

    My favorite babywearing tip is that slings double as a nursing cover so you don't need to bother carrying something ELSE around (a good thing when you've got a newborn and it seems like you have to lug the entire nursery with you).

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm subscribed in google reader. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

incredibly interesting comments!