Hotslings AP Review and Giveaway! *closed*

Way back when, in September, I attended ABC Kids Expo to check out all of the latest cloth diapers and babywearing products.  One of the most thrilling items I saw was the Hotslings AP (Adjustable Pouch and a clever play on Attachment Parenting!)  Hotslings is a major name in babywearing because they made it accesible for the masses.  Their original pouch slings are sold in big box stores and boutiques all over the country, and their fun prints make babywearing stylish and fun!

What makes the AP different than a Hotslings Pouch sling?

The Hotslings AP™ is a safe continuous loop – it cannot detach or break apart. Two strategically placed buckles allow the AP to adjust and fit comfortably on multiple users. The shoulder design is wide, yet sleek without excess fabric. Sleek padding is included on both sides of the pouch providing more comfort and support for baby in all three carrying positions.
Parents and caregivers will now have the benefits of a Hotslings® pouch without the worry of buying the wrong size and/or needing to buy multiple sizes for breastfeeding on-the-go, post-partum body changes or sharing with caregivers and partners. The one-size-fits-most design makes gifting the Hotslings AP™ a no brainer allowing parents and caregivers to just adjust and go.

The new AP is packaged in a matching drawstring bag that offers storage for the sling itself or can be used as a coordinating, compact diaper bag and more.

I have been able to test the AP out for quite some time.  I have to admit that I have never used a pouch sling.  I opted for a ring sling when my son was born due to the adjustability.  I did at one point buy a Hotslings Pouch, but I got it home and it didn’t fit so I took it back.  I was also still losing the baby weight so I was uneasy about what size I would be in the end.

The AP solves all of those problems.  Using innovative buckle adjustments on the shoulder, the fabric is essentially gathered to adjust the size.  If you have used a pouch sling before then trying an AP will be easy for you.  Your only challenge will be learning how to size the AP.  If you are new to pouch slings then you will need to learn how to put one on!  This was a challenge for me in some ways.  I watched the videos and got it right in a few tries.

To adjust the AP the two buckles can be tightened or loosened fairly easily.  Finding your size is the hardest part.  There isn’t really an easy way to adjust the sling while the baby is in it, unless perhaps you have someone to help you.  There is some trial and error to get the right size.  if the size is wrong you may feel some extra strain on your shoulder.  I had an issue when wearing my son at the mall, and after adjusting again I got a comfortable fit.

My favorite way to use any sling is the kangaroo carry, where the baby is sitting cross legged inside, but facing outward.  By the time I reviewed the AP, my son was much too large for that!  Instead, we have only been able to use a hip carry.  Even with him being 20 pounds it was a comfortable ride for short shopping trips.  I would not wear him in a hip carry for long excursions.  If he were a newborn then yes, I would use the AP for longer periods.  No matter how comfortable a sling, 20 pounds on one shoulder will become uncomfortable after a long time, at least for me.

Pros:

Adjustable

Sytlish

Far less bulk than a Ring Sling

Stylish

Affordable

Safe

Compact enough for the diaper bag

Cons:

Learning curve for adjustments

Doesn’t adjust to ALL Hotsling sizes (works sizes 2-5, which translates to roughly 5’0″ tall to 6’1″ and 110-220 pounds, a good range.)

If not adjusted correctly you may have shoulder and back strain.

Hotslings is giving one lucky DDL reader their own Hotslings AP!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Hotslings.com and tell me your favorite pattern for any sling they make.

For extra entries do any or all of the following.  Leave a comment for each you do.

Follow @KimRosas on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Please tweet, “Wear your baby in a @Hotslings AP.  Enter to win from @KimRosas http://3sg9n.th8.us”  Leave a comment with a link to your status.

You can tweet once a day for the duration of the contest. Leave a comment with your status for each tweet.

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner. Leave a comment.

Follow me through Google Friend Connect or via a reader. Leave a comment.

Grab my button and post it on your blog. Leave a comment.

Blog about this giveaway. Post a link in the comment.

Have my New Baby Event button on your blog.  3 extra entries.  Comment for each entry.

Get Creative: Post about this giveaway on a messageboard or forum. Leave a comment with a link.

New Entry: Become a fan of Dirty Diaper Laundry on Facebook and get 5 extra entries! To qualify, post on my wall with either your favorite review I have done (would prefer this to be diaper related but it can be another product if you don’t dig my diaper reviews) or let me know a diaper you want to see reviewed.  Then copy and paste what you wrote as a comment here.  Then, leave 4 more comments saying “facebook entry 2, 3, etc)

Giveaway ends on April 12. Winner will be chosen using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn.

***Open to US and Canada***

I was not compensated for this post however the product sent for review was kept.