When Zoë was born, one of the baby carriers I had on hand was a sling. I had heard they were great for breastfeeding discreetly and for keeping your baby close to you. Unfortunately, I could never get comfortable in it, so I ended up passing it on to someone else who could use it. However, I know a lot of sling-loving mamas out there, so I decided to give it another try – this time with the Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling.
This sling was developed in a collaboration between Shirley Pepys, founder of Noel Joanna Inc. (NoJo), her son Noel Pepys and Dr. William Sears.
It’s a one-size, adjustable sling that is designed to grow with your baby. Kaylee weighs just under 25 pounds (the sling’s weight limit) and she still fits perfectly in it.
I was surprised by how comfortable I was wearing her in it, even at her weight. I was expecting a more challenging experience like I had with my first sling. I wish I’d had this one back then!
It has a padded strap and heavy-duty nylon rings to make it comfortable and easy to adjust. The trim is covered elastic as well so that you can safely position your baby close to you.
It also has a small pocket on it, which is a nice added feature.
Overall, the sling is comfortable and well made. If you’re looking for a high-quality sling for your baby, check out the Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling.
As part of the Ultimate Babywearing Giveaway Event, I’ll be giving away a Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling ($60 value) with a group of bloggers from the Green Moms Network. We’ll be giving away several great carriers, so be sure to come back between August 1-14 to enter!
In the meantime, be sure to connect with Balboa Baby on Facebook and Twitter.
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Thank you to Balboa Baby for providing the products mentioned in this post. Although I received these products free of charge, all opinions expressed are my own.
About Chrystal Johnson
Chrystal, publisher of Happy Mothering, is a mother of two sweet girls who believes in living a simple, natural lifestyle. A former marketing manager, Chrystal spends her time researching green and eco-friendly alternatives to improve her family's life. She enjoys sharing those discoveries with anyone who's willing to listen.
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{ 197 comments… read them below or add one }
First off you and your little girl are too cute! and second, that sling looks super comfy! Thanks for a great review! So excited for this event.
courtney fisk recently posted..Our Favorite New Toy! {PlasmaCar Review and Giveaway}
Im not a fan of slings mainly because I have a hard time using them and find they hurt my neck after a while. This sling looks easy to use. Id like to give it a try.
thanks for the great review! this sling looks so comfortable and i love the pattern on it!
I love the side fit…especially as baby gets taller and harder to see over!
I love the 2 tone accent pieces
My ring sling is my favorite, but this one has some added features I would love to try out!
I like the side sling, and the pattern is cute.
I’ve never seen a sling quite like this. The padded strap looks comfy!
An adjustable sling looks like it is much more comfortable then others I have tried
This looks very interesting! I’d love to try it!
The pocket looks so convenient for car keys or emergency binkies!
I have this sling, and love it. I personally think it is better for a newborn, to cradle and breastfeed in. As the baby gets more heavier, and moves into the side hip carry, it puts a lot of stress on your neck. Its great for short trips, but hurts if worn long.
Twitter: craftykatydid
August 1, 2012 at 6:28 am
I was given a few slings and could never figure them out, maybe this being a ring sling I would be able to get a better fit. Maybe one to try again now that my daughter is older since I hear from so many moms how much they love their slings.
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I am not a big sling fan either but this one looks nice
Looks comfy & easy to use!
This looks easy to use and very comfortable
Twitter: acshaver
August 1, 2012 at 7:36 am
I haven’t tried any slings before and I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant to buy one because I wasn’t sure I would like it. But this one looks like it would be worth trying out!
Andrea @ One Tomorrow at a Time recently posted..My green(er) family
I like how it can go with anything, and I like the pocket in the front.
Love the coordinating pocket
I have never seen or heard of this sling so it was great to see a review!
I like the colors, and the storage pocket. I have problems with getting slings to stay where I want them on my neck. I feel like I do more adjusting than enjoying – probably just user error
It does look comfy and the pattern is so pretty!
Love the design and versatility.
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/mom2HuntrnChris
August 1, 2012 at 9:28 am
I’ve always been intimidated by slings so I’ve always used wraps or soft structured carriers. This one looks easy to use and comfortable. Definitely one I’d love to try.
I love my ring sling. Those prints are to cute as well. Definitely looks easy to use
Love ring slings! How much weight this one hold?
Mrs. Cox recently posted..Gender Games
It will hold up to 25 pounds.
Having the easy adjusting rings looks like it would also be very Daddy friendly
Twitter: shebreaksdown
August 1, 2012 at 10:42 am
The last sling we used didn’t work at all, but this one looks so much simpler! I would love to try it!
Kirstie recently posted..UGH!
LOVE the flowers!
I like the hip carry for bigger babies.
I like the idea of a padded strap, because slings always hurt my neck and shoulder.
love the design!
i love how snug you can make these with the rings! doesnt hurt your shoulder and the material is so nice!
Love this cute sling! I’d love to try it out.
i like the pattern! but i have found that i am not a huge sling fan! i wonder if this sling would change my mind!
I’m glad this one worked for you – sometimes you just have to try different things until you find one that works!
My friend has one of these and she swears by it! I would love to try it out!
Side carrier, brilliant!!! My 16 month son wants to be held a lot lately, this would be so nice to free up my hands.
This carrier is so cute and comfortable
This looks like a really great sling. I love the extra padding in it and it is so cute. I think this looks like a really comfortable option for baby wearing
it looks so cute and easy to use.
i also like the lola print they have
I had a sling but rarely used it…I think this one would have gotten used a lot!
i never have tried a sling out with my little man!! lol- i had a moby wrap and managed to figure it out alright but was intimidated by the slings!!
the pocket is a great idea & i love that it’s in a matching fabric.. very cute! looks comfy!
I have never tried a ring sling, they have peaked my interest though. Thank you for this review!
Twitter: jdm2551
August 1, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Your pretty little girl looks mighty comfortable!
Jessi Greenmamajama recently posted..Red Barn Cloth Diapers (Ai2 Review) + #Giveaway! WORLDWIDE!
I love the print on the pocket fabric! I also really like the width of and padding on the strap, it seems like it would be comfortable.
I’m in love with the fabric options for this sling!
I like that this fits on the side instead of a front facing backpack style
this looks awesome!!
Although I have the utmost respect for Dr Sears, I don’t think I could use the sling type of carrier. I have terrible balance and I’m afraid this would send me toppling.
Twitter: thinkermommy
August 1, 2012 at 5:48 pm
I wish you had a review with an infant using this. I tried it and maybe I was doing it wrong or it was just too big for my small frame, but the sling just didn’t feel safe for a baby only a few months old. I know lots of people who love them though. Never thought about trying it later on when my first was older and could sit up and now she’s definitely too big – darn!
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It looks so easy to use! I bought a different sling for my first but it just wasn’t comfortable for either of us.
Thanks for the review, cute picture!
Seems like a great sling option, the pocket is a nice touch – thanks for reviewing!
Twitter: BabyGivesGalore
August 1, 2012 at 6:39 pm
I would love to try a sling, especially for breastfeeding. What it the minimum weight limit?
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It’s for babies 8-35 pounds. I was thinking it was only up to 25 pounds, so I guess I can keep using it!
I’m not a fan of the sling I have. It hurts and it’s hard to get my son in and out of. I’d be open to trying this one though!
looks like too much fabric, hot and stuffy……
I don’t know, the sling looks a bit uncomfortable to me because it seems to way against or on your neck.
Twitter: FloraFoster2
August 1, 2012 at 7:40 pm
You daughter looks very comfortable. That is actually the position my little guy prefers as well!
I’ve been nervous about trying a sling – I have back problems and I worry the one shoulder design might be painful. The extra padding seems like it might help.
I’ve never heard of anyone I personally know (IRL) use this so I would love to try it out!
love the design!
I like that it looks so comfy, especially with the padded shoulder strap. I used a sling with my first son on occasion, but it wasn’t passed and I couldn’t get very comfortable with it. This one looks much easier to use and adjust!
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I really like the way this sling looks. It seems to be pretty comfy and I like that the strap is padded.
These slings are too cute! I actually make my own ring slings but not with a padded shoulder, I would love to try one with padding to see what it is like. I’m looking forward to wearing my new little one in a sling though, hopefully I don’t have the same trouble you had.
I love that this sling is adjustable!
Copper recently posted..The Things I’ve Learned- Five Month Edition
looks comfy for older babies
but i think wraps are more my style
I thought they looked uncomfortable too, but I’m happy to hear that they aren’t!
I have a different sling that I don’t like very much, but maybe I’d like this one better.
Twitter: MrsKucz
August 2, 2012 at 8:34 am
I especially love using slings for newborns, I feel like a sling allows them to feel like that are being cradled by you
I have a ring sling that I’m not 100% confident with – it feels like my son is able to slide himself out if he straightens too much, no matter how much I tighten the rails. Maybe this style with the elastic would be more secure.
My favorite thing about this carrier is the print. ADORABLE!
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I would have liked one of these when my little was well little. would have been much easier then the sling I had that didn’t fit very well and dug into my shoulder. Love the print!
Roxanne recently posted..1 Year
I really like that there is a storage pocket & the carrier does not take of that much space
Twitter: H
August 2, 2012 at 10:59 am
I’ve always wondered if slings would be that comfortable for very long, but this one seems like it would be nice to try!
I’ve never tried a sling, but I like that this one has the extra padding.
Looks like a very comfortable sling that is easier to adjust than the typical ones I’ve seen.
I know my babywearing group would LOVE to have one of these in the lending library!
Twitter: urbantimesinmi
August 2, 2012 at 11:40 am
I like that this has a side carry.
I really like the prints the Balboa comes in. Very cute! Would love to own one.
Aw! Looks like a very comfy sling!
I have one of these and didn’t understand how to use it, this helped!
I know a friend who would just love this sling, my baby is past the weight limit now
oh well maybe next baby?:)
Hoping my grandbaby will use this sling.
This looks much more comfortable than the old traditional slings. It would be worth a try for sure.
this sling looks comfy
love the pattern too
That is a very stylish looking sling.
It looks comfy for the both of you. Thanks for the great review.
That carrier looks great!
Bondmoran Charlotte recently posted..En paus i gödselrännan
I love ring slings, but I have never tried one with padding before. The Balboa sling looks very comfortable!
I like the side sling, but wish it would be for bigger toddlers. My daughter is 25 pounds, and wouldn’t fit into it
Actually, I discovered in the hip carry, it can go up to 35 pounds for people who like slings.
have never tried a sling, but this one seems bulky, did you find that?
I actually liked all of the fabric. I felt like Kaylee was more secure and it still folds down pretty small. It is bigger than slings that are fabric only, simply because of the padding – but I wouldn’t trade the padding for a smaller sling
this carrier looks great. Love the sling and being adjustable. Perfect for moms and dads that are of different sizes.
Twitter: xolilpeachxo
August 3, 2012 at 12:22 pm
I’m always nervous with slings, due to the one sided thing. But maybe this would work well on the hip, and looks cute!
Twitter: hh crafty
August 3, 2012 at 12:44 pm
I love the look of that sling! I haven’t really tried slings in the past, but that one looks quite manageable.
I haven’t tried this type of sling but I’d love to give it a whirl!
Twitter: juditupp
August 3, 2012 at 1:47 pm
My first positive babywearing experience was a Nojo ring sling. I’ve moved on to an unpadded ring sling that I found worked better for me but this one might be nice for quick hip carries.
Great review!
It looks really fashionable simple and fun!!! The slogan is absolutely true!!!
Thank you for the chance!
ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com
I own the Balboa Shopping Seat Cover and love it. Such beautiful patterns. I bet I’d love this. I own a Beco, but would consider one of these in the future.
I like the ones that you hold the infant in front of yourself.
I’ve never been a huge fan of slings, but this one looks pretty neat! Thanks so much for the review!
I am not a lover of slings. Although they are nice to nurse in….. I have always been a wrap kind of girl. This looks like a sling I could love……
never tried a sling, love my moby wrap
I love the pattern!
This sling looks like it would be easy to use. And supportive enough for older children.
thanks for the review!
I’ve been looking for a sling to try and would love to try this one.
Oh they are just so adorable! I can’t wait to carry my new little one around with my in something so comfy!
I could not get this sling to work for the life of me
I love my regular ring sling but this just wasn’t comfy. I wanted to be able to BF in it so bad because they’re so cute… glad you had better luck than I did!
It looks so comfortable!! How easy to maneuver around I love them.
Kathleen Quinlan recently posted..Natural Linens Organic Eco-Towels #Giveaway {#Choose2Reuse Hop}
That sling is a lot bigger and more supportive than the one I had. I would love to try something like this out.
I’ve never tried a sling before. This one looks so cute and comfy.
Looks so comfy and easy to use, super cute too!
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I have to say, I’ve only had one experience with a sling and it wasn’t a good one…I prefer to have the weight more evenly distributed. But this one looks like it could be comfy.
I’ve come scross similar issues with slings, but I am hoping to find one I like! I would definitely give this sling a try
slings were wonderful for discreet nursing and carrying my colicky newborn, this one is gorgeous!
I’m more a fan of the ring slings with the long tail but this looks nice!
I wish I had a sling when my baby was little! He’s only 18 months now, but I didn’t look into a sling carrier until 12 months.
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Twitter: 7kidsandcountin
August 5, 2012 at 11:21 am
I am not real familiar with Balboa. It seems to be a nice sling. Ring slings were my first baby wearing experience.
This sling seems perfect for hip carrying! I have a sling right now that isn’t adjustable. I think an adjustable one would be easier to use, though.
I’m not usually a fan of ring slings, but this one looks really well made!
This looks like a great version of a sling! I wonder if it fits a plus size woman?
I am learning to love the ring sling, it has taken me a while. This one looks so nice!
I wish I would have known about these when dd was smaller and younger! It would have been perfect since she liked to be carried on the hip most of the time.
This carrier is new to me. I would definitely give it a try though.
it looks comfy and I like that its adjustable!
I have yet to try a sling. The pocket is a nice touch!
Teresha recently posted..Vera Bradley Travel Set Giveaway (US/CAN)
I haven’t tried a sling yet. This pattern is really pretty!
I like the versatility of being able to wear baby on the side
have’t tried a sling yet, this sounds interesting and comfy!
nice review. never would have heard of this carrier otherwise
Look like something I Can Use.
Hmmm, that weight limit seems too low. A nice looking carrier though.
This looks super helpful, and the model looks so happy
Twitter: Our_Crazy_House
August 7, 2012 at 8:03 am
This sling looks easy to use, but I’m curious if it adds neck strain/stress after long wearing times.
Amanda recently posted..Building a train layout, part one
Almost makes me wish I didn’t dislike sling carriers so much. XD
This looks very comfortable! I too had a bad experience with a sling.
In general I’m not a huge fan of ring slings, but this one looks like it could be comfy and easy to use!
I love that it’s adjustable! It does indeed look like a quality sling.
I like that this carrier is an adjustable pouch, it looks so comfy for mom and baby!
I had never heard of these before. But it looks nice. I like the padded strap.
I’m nervous about trying a sling, but this one looks very easy to use.
It’s great to see that it is comfortable, even with an almost 25 pound baby!
This sling looks comfortable. I like that the strap is padded.
this sling looks great
I never got the hang of my ring sling either…maybe i was using the wrong one!
I would love to try this! It looks really comfortable! I had a sling but also passed it on once my baby got a little big bigger because it became uncomfortable for me.
very Cute design
ilike the one two and look comfy for mom or dad thanks for giving it way
This looks comfortable, would like to try it.
My first experience with a sling wasn’t too great either. After reading how easy this one was to use (even with 25 pounds) I’m excited to give it another try. Thanks!
This sling looks like it would be more comfortable than some others I have seen. Does it seem easier to have them at the side?
This carrier looks great!
this looks really comfy for a sling!
I’ve only ever used a sling and a homemade carrier. This looks awesome!
I’ve never seen a baby carrier quite like this! I love that it has a padded strap and is easy to adjust!
I have never tried a sling and it looks comfy. I’m loving baby wearing my newest so I think I’ll look into a sling for her when she gets older.
Ihave this sling and I love it! I tried others but none worked like this one. Josh loves it too!
Hmm, for whatever reason this sling looks way easier to use than most other ring slings I’ve seen. And it looks incredibly comfy!
Love it!!
Sue K recently posted..What’s Up Wednesday!
Twitter: reinventlolli
August 10, 2012 at 10:06 am
This looks like a nice sling! I would love to try it!
Lovely!
I haven’t really wanted to try a sling, but this one looks like it could be comfortable.
This was a fantastic review! I have a baby due soon and this is beyond helpful.
Twitter: jjcjejmami
August 10, 2012 at 11:17 pm
I don’t think I’m really a fan of this one!
Sarh S recently posted..Jewelry Candles Giveaway! US 8/23
I’ve never considered using a sling, but this one looks like something to think about!
Twitter: WifeyAsh09
August 11, 2012 at 10:09 am
cute sling. looks comfy too
Twitter: Opalandrouge
August 11, 2012 at 11:07 am
I’ve never been a huge fan of slings but this one looks comfy!
Alyssa recently posted..Updates
I have a ring sling that I love, with metal rings. I kind of worry about nylon rings lasting, and the actual adjustability of a sling like this. In my ring sling, I have top and bottom control. I can see the bottom control, but is there also top control? I don’t want my LO to fall out if I need to bend forward and having to hold him IN defeats the purpose of my sling being truly hands free…..Just my thoughts right now. LOL
I have never used a sling like this.. looks nice.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) recently posted..#Just4Baby Giveaway Hop Winner!!
Love their design looks so chic!
Cute design. I wish the weight limit was just a tad higher since my 2 year old is 27.5lbs now.
This looks like it might work to breastfeed in!
Nice that you can wear her on your hip!
My son is just starting to really like being carried on my hip so this looks ideal for now! He’s also growing really fast (17lbs at just under 6 months) so I’m not sure how long it would be good for. I too wish the weight limit were higher on this.
It looks like so easy to carry a toddler in a sling. Hope i can carry my 5-months-old daughter with no worries
Looks easy to use and the print is super cute!
That is a deluxe looking sling! It has a lot more going on than the basic one I had and couldn’t figure out…
This looks like a pretty well made ring slings! And the print you have there is super cute.
I love the pocket! Perfect for not having to carry extra stuff!
Love the print on it.
Twitter: surfmommie
August 14, 2012 at 10:57 am
This makes me want to try a sling again. I bought a Hotsling before my son was born but it just didn’t work for us. That made me think all slings wouldn’t work but the Balboa looks nice.
Samantha Jenkins recently posted..Let’s play catch up
I love that you can use it on your hip!! way awesome
I like the idea of a padded strap makes this sling look quite comfy.
Not a huge fan of slings, but his one looks easy to use.
lauren.uda(at)gmail(dot)com
Love the print!
Jenny K recently posted..Snack Time!
It’s so cute.
I am new to slings and this one looks cool.
I really like the print on this one. Out of all of the carriers this one stood out to me as far as aesthetics. I have never used a sling, but I can see how this one would benefit for breastfeeding use. As far as carrying goes, I would think that you have to still kind of hold the little one somewhat while they are in this, so it’s really just taking some of the strain off of you, but it won’t let you be hands free.
looks easy enough to use, and the design is cute!
I have never used a sling, my little guy is pretty heavy…I wonder if it will hurt after prolonged use.
Twitter: prissybenavides
August 14, 2012 at 8:48 pm
This carrier seems very cozy for baby! I would love this for what I hope will be a girl baby.
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