Review by A. F. Lunn:

I started wearing the Mini Cradle two weeks ago and have noticed a significant improvement in stomach and back pain. It's the smartest I've ever spent!

The only reason I give it four stars (rather than five) is because I think the sizing recommendations are off. I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant, weigh 135 pounds at 5'6", and am wearing the size small belt. It fits, but I'm wearing it on the largest setting and still have indentations on my stomach when I take it off. I can't imagine that it would comfortably fit someone at the high end of the recommended weight range (136 - 180 lbs). I definitely recommend the product, but would suggest sizing up if you're not at the low end of a weight range.

Review by She-Ra:

I ordered a size small, and it's too small (even on the largest setting). The other reviews indicating that the belt runs small are correct. Except that I *just* hit 130 pounds, and their "small" size says it goes from "136 - 180 lbs". It is ridiculous that their sizes should be *that* inaccurate. I'm returning it, and going to buy one in a store that I can try on.

Review by A. Davis:

I'm pregnant with twins and have been getting a lot of back pain and abdominal strain which I know will just keep getting more pronounced as I get bigger so I have been looking for a support garment. I borrowed one of the single-strap type supports you can get at Motherhood and I found that to be really uncomfortable - it was uncomfortable while I was sitting down, it didn't stay in place very well and rather than help with the pressure on my bladder, it made it feel worse. Clearly I needed something better.

I ordered this prenatal cradle and had a lot of relief immediately. It has seriously improved my lower and upper back pain and abdominal strain. I find it easier to lift and carry things and just getting up off the couch is easier.

The "adjustablility" of this model was one of the reasons I bought it and I have to say, its nothing to write home about (3 sets of hooks that are pretty widely spaced) but better than nothing. The company says this will fit 150 - 220 lbs. I am 156 lbs and found I have to wear it on the middle set of hooks to avoid uncomfortable compression but maybe thats just how I'm carrying.

All in all, I would say if you are getting big and don't have super-strong core muscles, this support can really help improve your pregnancy experience. I wish I hadn't waited to buy this - get it before you HAVE to have it and save yourself some pain.

Review by GrandMa:

The small size indicates it fits up to 175 lbs however my daughter weighed 150 when we got this and it was too tight. I would opt for the next size because she is not able to wear it. She is due it January and by the time we return and receive another her pregnancy will be over. She still does not weigh 175 lbs.

Review by 4th time mom:

As a Physical Therapist, I knew I would need some extra support to stay on my feet helping patients. That was 4 pregnancies and 2 garments ago. Each of my Cradles have been loaned to friends, and wear well through 3 pregnancies!

Once I hit 4 months pregnant, I really appreciate the support it gives me. Other, smaller straps just didn't contain my tummy, and I like that I can just slide it up or down as my activity requires. Occasionally I get impatient with the shoulder straps, but when I am REALLY big (after 30wks) the straps are indispensible.

Review by DD:

My doctor told me to buy this because my back pain was so bad by my 3rd month that I couldn't stand upright without a pinching pain in my lower back. Within two days my back pain was at a tolerable level, and now I am even exercising! It is a little difficult to get on, and it shows with ALL of my maternity clothing, but it is worth it. I tightened two straps with safety pins so it is a lot more comfortable for my growing belly. This is the exact invention that I needed. With a toddler running around I couldn't be laying in bed all day. If I have any more children, I will definetly use this.

Review by M. Carlson:

I bought this because my OB said my vulvar varicosities were causing my pelvic floor pain. I had a feeling it was something else, but was desperate to relieve my pain so I got the belt. It did nothing to relieve my pain. Turns out I have Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, along with Vulvar Varicosities. Lucky me. If you can't roll over without severe pain, google SPD. I'm posting this because I wish someone else had before I bought this.

I'm rating this product based on fit. My weight and dress size were within the range suggested for a small, but I didn't feel like it fit right. I wished I got a medium. The bands around the hips folded over and were very uncomfortable. The bands over the bum kept riding up and giving me a super-wedgie. I also wish there had been some kind of directions on how to make it fit right. Like "You know you're wearing it right if..." It basically said, "put it on like panties and adjust the straps." Adjust them to what? Maybe that would have been apparent if my pain disappeared immediately.

Review by T. S. Lopez:

My doctor recommended this product because of my vulvar varicosities and although it seemed weird at first, it has helped ease the pain of the veins. I do find it hard to wear all the time, but if I did, I think it would relieve my pain. I tend to put it on after the pain is already there and that doesn't help as much.

Review by Lena Rae:

This is my fourth pregnancy and this time I'm having twins. I had severe back pain to the point of nearly not being able to walk with the previous three, and I doubted that a support belt would work for me, so I never tried one. Needless to say, being pregnant with twins, I gave in this time and decided to give one a try. I can't express enough how satisfied I am with this product. I still do experience slight pressure from time to time only. But overall, as soon as my back starts aching and I put it on, the pain goes away. It's been a great help for me. I wish I had used one before.

Review by H. Mokhtarzada:

This is my second pregnancy and both times I was in a great deal of discomfort...so much so that I couldn't walk some days.

This prenatal cradle has made a world of difference and allowed me to enjoy my pregnancy. I highly recommend it. The only downside is that the straps do sometimes show when you're wearing an open neck shirt.

Review by bmkd:

At 22 weeks pregnant, I developed pain in my right hip and leg. The pain became worse as the weeks went by, and by 26 weeks, I almost couldn't walk normal anymore. After talking to my ob/gyn, she suggested I try a maternity support belt to relieve the pressure on my sciatic nerve. I read a number of reviews on Amazon, and finally decided to order two different belts, based on the good reviews each one received. While I was waiting for my belts to arrive from Amazon, I also went to Babies R Us and bought one there. Here are my reviews for each belt:

One of my choices from Amazon was the "Soft Form Maternity Support" belt ($ 33.99). As soon as it arrived, I took it out of the package and was a little turned off. The belt's color is a really dark brown, which I wasn't too thrilled with. When I tried it on, I noticed how thick the material is, which adds bulk underneath clothing. First, I put on the abdominal support pad, which really cradles your belly. Felt kind of nice. Then, I attached the belt and the upper tummy strap. I didn't like either one of these. The belt is split lengthwise into two panels across the back, which makes adjustments a little annoying, and it was rolling (or folding) down on top. The Velcro taps on the belt are wider than the abdominal pad, leaving parts of the Velcro sticking out either on top, where it scratches your stomach, or on the bottom, where it scratches your legs. The tummy strap is thick and scratchy. No matter how I adjusted it, I couldn't get comfortable in this thing. I hope I can return it for a refund.

My second choice from Amazon was the "Mother-to-be Maternity Support" belt ($ 31.98). As soon as it arrived, I tried it on and loved it. The abdominal support pad is soft and comfortable. The belt is made from strong material and really hugs your back, which feels great and supportive. The belt doesn't roll down or fold over and really keeps it shape. The Velcro taps fit perfectly on the abdominal pad and are flat against the belly. Even though it is a strong belt, it also feels soft and stretches with your movements. The tummy strap is a little thick, but still feels comfortable. Initially, the top and bottom edge of the belt are a little scratchy, but I imagine I can get used to that. It's a minor price to pay to be pain free once again. The edges might still soften up a little, as the belt gets broken in with repeated wear and washings. Also, the belt hugs the body so well, it doesn't show underneath my maternity clothes. The only negative thing I can see with this belt is the fact that the back panel doesn't have the little breathe strips like other belts. This might cause extra sweating during the summer, but I would still take the sweat over the pain.

At Babies R Us, I bought the "Especially for Mom Maternity Support" belt ($ 32.69). The nice thing about buying it at a store was that I was able to try it on before I bought it. Once I brought it home, I put it on right away. Everything about this belt is great. The materials are soft and comfortable. I'm wearing it on my bare skin for most of the day, and it doesn't irritate or scratch at all. It fits great, and the support is excellent for a soft, light-weight belt like this. The pain in my right hip and leg pretty much disappeared after wearing it for a short time. The belt has little breathe strips built in, so it is really easy to wear even in the summer. It keeps its shape without rolling or folding down. The belt fits very well and doesn't show underneath clothing. Overall, this is my favorite of the three belts. If you can get this at a store near you, I'd say buy it. If not, get the "Mother-to-be Maternity Support" belt from Amazon.

Review by C. Seeber:

This product is just as described. I am 7 months pregnant, and I have been suffering for about 3 months of back pain, plus my hips are too loose and hurt, my belly was hurting quite a bit too, trying to carry the weight of my baby and there wasn't must I could do. I couldn't walk for more than a few blocks....(less than 10 at a time, and ten was a lot... just in a good day)

I've been wearing that belt for a week and a half, and most of the pain is gone. My back and hips feel a LOT better (not completely painless, but that's pregnancy...) and my belly doesn't hurt! I just went for a 3 miles walk (ok, it was a bit much, but 2 miles felt fine). And that's the longest (by far) that I have been able to walk since I was about 3-4 months pregnant!

I recommand this product to any woman who suffers like it did. I am so happy with it, and wish I had bought it sooner...

Review by Maine Mama:

This is a great product for aching parts. This is my 3rd pregnancy and this time things started to ache. I avoided any maternity support until month 6 and finally gave in when I had pain sitting and (mostly) standing. Sure, this thing is a bit cumbersome and I wish the straps were more discrete, but it does the job! It sure is not attractive when on, but who cares?! You're pregnant! Anything with a wide neckline will show straps, but most people just thought I had a tank top on under my clothes. This product arrived quickly and I even got a call from the vendor confirming the size! What great service! I only gave 4 stars out of 5 because I have yet to find washing instructions on this item.