Balboa Baby Dr. Sears Adjustable Sling

by Balboa Baby

• One-size-fits-all design
• Developed, tested, and recommended by "america's pediatrician" dr. william sears
• Babies can be carried in five different positions, from cradle to the hip hold
• Deep pocket design and covered elastic trim keeps baby snug and secure, allowing parents to move freely without worry
• Folds easily and can be conveniently stored in a diaper bag or stroller

Product Description

Color: Signature Black

The adjustable sling by Balboa Baby is so soft and comfortable that slinging your baby will feel totally natural for both of you. Designed to grow as your baby does, the Balboa sling offers parents hands free motion and promotes bonding. The unique contoured padded strap features a sleek design, yet evenly distributes your baby's weight. The covered elastic trim ensures your baby is safe and positioned close to you, while the deep pocket design keeps baby snug and secure, allowing you to move freely without worry. The one size Balboa Baby sling folds easily and can be conveniently stored in a diaper bag or stroller. An outside pocket fits all your essentials which can be accessed without disturbing baby.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

168 of 177 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars BEWARE THE PHOTO! August 14, 2010

By Sharon

Color Name:Blossom Trim

Please beware that the photo advertising this sling shows a baby positioned EXACTLY how the manufacturer tells you NOT to position him!

This sling is almost identical to the Infantino SlingRider, which was recalled several months ago after 3 babies died in them. The babies were positioned like in the photo: curled into a C, with chin drooping toward the chest. This can close a baby's airway, and has been shown to lower blood oxygenation levels, and ultimately, can be fatal.

This sling may be adequate for an older baby who can sit upright in it, but PLEASE do not put your newborn in it as shown in the photo! If you read the instruction manual, it actually tells you not to do this, so it is incredibly irresponsible of the manufacturer to use this photo to advertise the product. Research safe baby wearing and buy a sling that keeps your baby pressed into your body, with his head supported to keep the airway open.

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I Bought this Product, Comfy May 25, 2010

By Red

Color Name:Signature Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I recieved this product yesterday. I tested it out with my 2 month old boy as soon as I opened it. He immediately calmed down once in the pouch. I didn't realize at first that you need to wear the sling high on you. You need to be able to easily kiss your baby's forehead. It's the biggest thing Dr. Sears urges for this product, having learned that from watching one of his YouTube Safety videos. But it doesn't highlight that in the directions. The adjustable strap is only so long, but if you need to get the carrier higher on you (for you more petite peeps) it is perfectly fine to pull more fabric through the rings to get it as comfortable as possible for you and your baby. (Don't adjust strap while baby is in sling to prevent pinching.) He seems to mello out every time I place him in the sling. His neck is still unstable so I do keep one hand over his neck when moving around with it, atleast until he's a little older.

I love the design. Very fashionable and cute. I purchased the solid black color to savor my husband's masculinity for when he uses it, but I really do love the colorful ones with those beautiful patterns. Not to say that the black isn't cute and sleek in it's own right, because it is. The material is soft and the shoulder pad is thick and comfy.

Another thing I love about it is that unlike the other carrier I have(Infantino Front2Back Rider), with this one I can get him out of the sling easily and very quickly. A concern of mine was that I have chronic back problems, but surprisingly with this product my baby seems light and it doesn't agitate my back whatsoever. And the rings do not dig into my shoulders like I have seen on other reviews. Wearing the sling high and correctly should take care of those problems--be sure to read all the instructions before using. (There are demonstration videos on YouTube for how to place your baby for each type of carry. The manual instructions are good, but it's even more helpful to SEE it done.) Overall, I like this product and am glad I bought this one and not another brand or type of sling. I look forward to using it in the coming months.

UPDATE:
Once my baby started weighing more, I found that I couldn't carry him endlessly in this sling like when he was lighter. At 8 lbs, I could carry him around for an hour, easy. But once he started closing near 14 lbs I found myself getting uncomfortable within 15 minutes. Now that he weighs 19 lbs I use this product for temporary uses, such as a quick run into a store or getting chores done around the house. As for fairs and other longer occasions I just stick with the stroller now. Although I do keep the Balboa under the stroller, just incase. There have been times I've been very thankful to have the Balboa Pouch with me, so I still recommend it. It's great to know there are options for getting around with baby!!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Hard to Correctly Position an Infant July 12, 2010

By Sarah R

Color Name:Blossom Trim

I'm sure most new parents and parents-to-be have read or heard about the CPSC warnings regarding positional asphyxiation of babies in slings. This is precisely the type of sling they are warning about. This sling has a deep pouch that is not adjustable making it very difficult to correctly position a newborn or small baby. A baby should always be able to be placed upright, tummy-to-tummy in a sling and should always be well above the wearer's bellybutton close enough to be kissed! I love wearing my baby, but always do so safely and would never purchase a sling like this. If you want to wear your baby in a sling, buy a good ring sling (like a Maya or Ellaroo) and makes sure to search for online resources on how to correctly position your child. Good ring slings have a shoulder that can be spread for the mother's comfort and have no elastic or gatherings on the rails that would make it hard to adjust the depth of the pouch (though they may have lightly padded rails for baby's comfort). Please buy a good, safe sling for your baby and take the time to learn to use it. These cheaper slings look inviting and some look easier to use, but they are dangerous and uncomfortable!