Connecta

We have a Connecta and we all love it! I started using it with baby when she was about 4 weeks. She was more comfortable when I was wearing it initially (I have boobs she could fall asleep on, daddy doesn't!!)

She's now about 5 months and never sleeps in it cos she's too nosey! It's very comfortable for both me and her dad - and even grandad has worn her in it!

I bought a Connecta Solarweave to use with dd2 from birth. We didn't get on very well with it at first and dd2 screamed whenever I put her in it. I just couldn't seem to get her comfortable. Also, as the Solarweave model has a hood for sun protection there isn't any padding around the neck and didn't seem to support her head very well unless the hood was up (which she hated as a newborn). So I went back to using the Baby Bjorn I had for dd1.

I started using the Connecta again from around 4 months and now find it absolutely brilliant. Dd2 is very happy in it and I can comfortably wear her in it all day (6 hours recently) without getting sore shoulders or back. It is also really light weight and can easily be packed into a bag.

I've used the Bjorn and Ergo, but the Connecta is my firm favourite.

I have tried a lot of slings. Both my babies were big (heavy and long at birth) and this is the only sling that I could use successfully. I find it really easy to use. It's excellent for a big newborn. My DD2 is on 99th percentile for weight and height at two months (weighing 14lbs!) but still can't support her own head. This carrier is perfect. Gorgeous fabric, folds up small.

A good buckle carrier. lots of pretty patterns but also some neutrals for dads.

Keep an eye out for the solarweave version - this has an SPF of about 50, keeps you both cool and dries really quickly. My son has sensitive skin and he's fine with it.

We actually have that version and the traditional version. They are definitely my hubby's first choice for a carrier. We've used these since ds was 8 days old and they're fab.

The only proviso I would add is that as ds has got heavier, I've found it sometimes pulls on the shoulders a little. However, they have just brought out an additional lumber belt that attaches to the carrier for when the baby gets heavier and it's supposed to correct this issue. We just haven't bought it yet.

I find the trad version too warm for the summer but great during the rest of the year. I love the solarweave version but had a scaare recently when putting ds on my back because the fabric didn't come up his back as it should have done because it is so lightweight. I've since worked out a way of putting him up that avoids this, but it's something just to be aware of.

Fab, and I've tried loads. Got it when my LO was 8 months old, but I wish I'd had it earlier. Much more comfy for long carries than anything else I've tried (Close, ring sling, stretchy wrap), as comfy as mei tais, but easier to put on and my partner can use it too as the straps are adjustable. No learning curve. I got the solar weave one and it's so fine it folds up to the size of a notebook. This is the one sling I would buy if I had another LO.