OK, people, I don't care how much your credit card limit has been extended this year or how faithfully you read Lucky magazine. Upping the price tag of baby gear every time a celeb shows up at Starbucks with a couture version is just not cool for the rest of us parents who shove coupons in our pockets every time we need diapers and sippy cups.

First, it was cheeky onesies and toddler tees. Then bedding. Now, slings have gone the way of the stroller, with brands popping up all over the place with ridiculously high prices.

I get the allure. Slings are cool. They were the secret to maintaining the shred of new mama sanity I had and I still rely on my slings to get myself, three suitcases, a car seat, a Pack & Play, two carry-ons, a purse, a husband and my kid through the airport. Slings helped me get my post-partum ass out of the house and sometimes, even get up off the couch for a sandwich and a glass of water while the ever-breastfeeding boy was latched on.Slings are a lot more ergonomic than lugging around an infant in an infant car seat. Slings are made up of gorgeous fabrics that cover up conveniently match the maternity jeans you'll be wearing for 6-8 post-partum months and are a handy conversation-starter with strangers at Target who feel comfortable asking questions like, "Your baby doesn't fall out of there?!"

But just because slings are all that doesn't mean that they need to be priced in the hundreds of dollars. Remember! There are women in other countries who carry their kids for years with a simple strip of fabric. They probably think my $50 pouch was a big old  crazy "investment."

But what about for weddings, proms and other special occasions?, you ask. Sure, you want to snazzy up your baby-toting crunchy-granolaness. But do you really want to shell out three-hundy for a sling that you know you're going to spill a giant glass of shiraz all over when the baby startles when the Electric Slide song comes on? Or that the wee one is sure to spit up all over once you get really into the Electric Slide? Factor in a thirty-dollar-a-pop dry-cleaning bill and the price seems even more silly.

There are lots and lots of mamas out there earning a living by making gorgeous slings. And there are lots and lots of funky, kooky and fabulous styles. Hop on over here or here to find one that suits your style and your budget just fine. Take the extra bills and get yourself something you really need for carrying your kid around: a very quiet, very long professional massage.