A few things to keep in mind as you read this review:1. I got this sling for use with my 3rd baby. I have previously used the older style Cuby ring sling (no longer for sale on pictured in 3rd photo) and am proficient in its use. In other words, I am not new to the use of sling 2. I have a long, chunky baby. She was born at 9lb 8oz, 22" long, and she is now 13lb, 23.5" at 2.5 months old.3. I am petite at 5'2", 130lb and still losing baby weight.While I loved my old Cuby ring sling (I have 2!), I needed a few upgrades. Baby #3 only sleeps when held and likes to graze while nursing over the course of her 30-90 minute naps. As she is my 3rd kiddo, sitting down to nurse her for that long wasn't an option, so I started putting her in a sling in a cross-carry hold so she could nurse and sleep and I could still make a meal, help my toddler use the potty, fold laundry, use the bathroom myself, eat dinner, etc.So why a new sling? A few things:1. My older sling is really basic and consists of a simple sling made of linen with no stretch, contouring or padding. Because of her length,, baby's legs tend to hang uncomfortably out the other end, and with no padding on the edge of the sling, the fabric would dig into her legs at the edge and her legs also tender to hit things as I walked around. She also seemed a bit smooshed as there isn't much give to the fabric and there isn't a pouch-like section to put her into.2. The older sling has no padding or ergonomic support for the wearer, and as a petite woman carrying a not-very-petite baby, I was looking for all the help I could get.I decided to try this sling specifically because, while it isn't a ring sling, it has the pouch-like contouring to the fabric, and it also has straps that appeared to be specifically designed to adjust the edges and middle section of the sling fabric.Final verdict:PROS1. Comfortable and more ergonomic than my ring sling. I appreciate the padding on the shoulder and the fact that I don't have fabric impeding the range of motion of my free arm.2. Easy to take baby out of due to the clasps. Reach your free hand behind your back under the strap and baby can be out in a literal second!3. This admittedly doesn't adjust quite as tightly as a ring sling, but the straps do help, and most other non-ring slings don't even try to give you the ability to adjust the edges and middle of the sling fabric, so that is appreciated! I do think it is easier to adjust the straps before putting baby in the sling, which means a bit of practice is necessary to get the fit just right.4. The roomy pouch gives baby's body somewhere to go and acts like a hammock. Instead of being essentially strapped to my body, this sling makes room for her and has a place specifically designed for her to fit into.5. This sling is so far big enough that her legs stick out minimally, if at all, and can be comfortably tucked into the ample pouch if needed.6. The upper/outer edge of the sling gives me enough coverage that I can nurse without a blanket or cover over us.7. The fabric is comfortable, soft and sturdy.8. I have discovered by accident that if I put baby in the sling and then lift the strap over my head while sitting down, I can use a haakaa and have enough room to do what I need to do, then put the strap back over my shoulder and wear baby comfortably without needing to readjust the fit.CONS1. Unlike my old sling, this isn't a sling I can put on over baby if she falls asleep on me while nursing. This one is thick and complex enough that baby needs to be in here beforehand, and I'd need to unlatch (and therefore wake her up) in order to put it on correctly if she was already asleep.2. Because it isn't easy to adjust this sling once baby is in it, I have found it is almost impossible to use a haakaa on either side while baby is in the sling. If you have an oversupply and are catching your letdown with a haakaa before baby nurses or you need to use a haakaa on the other side as baby nurses, this may not be the sling for you..or you can try using PRO #8 above as long as you have a place to sit down.3. Because it isn't a ring sling, this sling doesn't adjust as tightly as the original one I used. I have noticed that as a result, the arm under baby's head does carry a bit more of baby's weight than it does in the ring sling. I don't think it is dangerous or too loose to use comfortably: it is just different and has taken some getting used to.4. This sling, while sturdy, can be a bit warm. Probably not a great option if you live in a warmer area of the world and are planning to be outside while using it.On the whole, I believe the cons to using this sling are pretty minimal/manageable, and this sling seems to be my baby's favorite so far. I hope this helps you as you try to decide what will work best for you and your little one(s), fellow parent. Carry on! 😊
