SLING Suggestions - Kew Gardens,NY

Are you set on a sling, or would any soft carrier work? I have the Beco Butterfly and I really like it. Baby/toddler can be in front facing you (good for sleeping) or on your back. What I liked about the butterfly as opposed to other soft carriers is that there is an inner panel between you and baby, so you can transfer from front to back without taking them out of the carrier.
Good luck!

You can get slings on Etsy in great patterns that will do the trick. But, I always felt safer with my son in our Boba carrier -- I felt like I really could be hands-free whereas with the sling there was always the fear he would fall out.

You can wear him through security (at least in the U.S.) in a carrier (TSA agents seem to vary in their opinions on this so you may want to get the official language and print/carry it with you). I have been told only front carriers are allowed, but I have also walked through with him on my back. The Boba allows both front (inward facing) and backpack carries and is super comfortable -- you'll be able to walk thru the airport easily with him on your back.

We use the Ergo baby carrier which we like since it has a flap we can snap over our son's head while he sleeps (dampens noise and lights). Good luck.

I used a Beco Butterfly and also a BabyHawk mei tei carrier at that age (and until DD was almost 5). Both were great for plane travel. You'll just need to take him out of it during take off and landing. Though with a flight that long I would definitely want him in his car seat if buying a seat is an option. Even if you can't use it on the other end, that is a long trip to have a wiggly child on your lap and they are used to sitting/sleeping in their car seats so it's easier to contain him that way rather than just in his seat.

http://www.parentingforums.org/showthread.php?t=13330

Talks about the different slings

SLING: for older, heavier children: Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. It's padded, so that really helps. It's also big and bulky because of the padding, but it sure is comfy. They retail about $45 new.

I used a MAYA WRAP sling when my babies were little and then I switched to the OTSBH as they got heavier.

I love ring slings, but it takes getting used to. If you start late, I can see how people won't like it and get discouraged.

ERGO's and ABC's (Asian Baby Carriers - 4 strap carriers you tie on to yourself) were not as big 12 years ago as they are now. If you plan on having other kids, I'd invest in an ERGO.

I used a ring sling at that age. I've never used an Ergo, but I've seen others use them and the look perfect for this.

By the way - an easy way to test them out is to look online and see if you have a Babywearing group in your area. There is one in my city and it was great. I went to a meeting with my child and they let me try on a whole bunch of different wraps and slings until I found one that both my child and I liked. It was great.

Are you asking about a sling to wear while seated on the airplane? If so, in my experience you are not allowed to wear your baby while seated. EVERY flight I have been on where I boarded while wearing a baby I have had at least 2 flight attendants remind me of that before I took my seat. "Uh, ma'am, the baby's gotta come out when you sit down." I'd check with your airlines to see what their policy is.

As for a good carrier for an older baby: ERGO!!!! Fits babies up to about 35 lbs. My 16 month old is 26 lbs and it is VERY comfortable to carry him in it.

There is a baby harness that you can buy for the airplane to wear while you are in the air - he'll be secured to you so you won't have to worry about slipping or wandering off: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

ETA: Here's another one: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

I second the Over the SHoulder Baby Holder. I used it until my kids were over 2.

I had my son in my Moby Wrap on the plain. I put us tummy to tummy and we could both sleep soundly. Be aware they will ask you to remove baby from the sling during take of and landing (does not make sense to me) but otherwise you are good to go!

F.:

I can tell you from experience that a sling didn't work for me on my 5 hour flight. Having a 25 lb baby on your lap for 22 hours will be HORRIBLE. Please reconsider the car seat.

Check with the airline to see what ones do fit and spend the money to buy one. I'm not kidding.

A 22 hour flight is LONG - REALLY LONG - I am assuming you are going to Australia or China and it's a HARD flight.