advice about slings

[molly84]

Hi there, I'd really appreciate people's thoughts on slings. I'm 6 months pregnant and starting to look into getting stuff ready for when baby arrives. I really like the idea of a sling so I can carry him around at home and get on with things. I've read good things about the Kari me sling. Is it a bit of a pain to tie up? Does it become easy to put on quickly? Is it safe for the baby - I'm paranoid about the baby not being able to breath properly in a sling. What are the real risks ? Some people have told me to wait and get one once the baby is here, but I like the idea of having one ready to use straight away. Any thoughts would be great x

[PenguinsIsSleepDeprived]

It is very safe if tied properly because the baby is high up on you so you can kiss hiss head and can check on him by simply looking down (no need to move fabric).

There is a knack to tying them, but easy once you get the hang of it and places like sling libraries can show you.

[ohthegoats]

Go to a sling library if there is one near you. Not necessarily to borrow one even, just to get some advice and try a load out. They've got dolls of the right sizes and weights (and when I went someone loaned me their baby!).

I ended up wanting a completely different one to the one I'd have bought had I just done it online etc.

And do it soon before you've got too big a bump to be able to work out how they fit!!

[addictedtosugar]

That looks very similar to the moby wrap I used with both mine.
With DS1 it was a godsend: he was the ultimate velcro baby. DS2 would have been quite happy without it.
I practised a couple of times before I put pfb in - and tried the largest teddy we had in, to work out what went where before I tried with an actual baby! Its pretty simple, but not something to do done in a carpark on a wet day. I used to tie it before I left the house, drive with the sling on, and add baby at destination.

[PotteringAlong]

Definitely agree with the sling library suggestion!

[ohthegoats]

They suggested doing that at the library - basically leave it on all day and put the baby in and out. Also, the first few times you use it, do it all over a bed or sofa, so that if you drop the baby, it matters less!!

[molly84]

Great advice, thanks. I'll check out where there is a sling library!

[Chachah]

you can also look into ring slings, they take a little practice but once you have the hang of it they're great for popping babies in and out

[tryingtocatchthewind]

I'll second and third the sling library suggestion. Slings are all so varied and different and it's difficult to know what suits before trying them. I was very surprised at preferring mai tai slings over structured ones like an ergo. There's also so much advice available from libraries as well as some tea and natter

[KernowKids]

For a nb I think stretchy wraps are great - you can practice tying and watch instruction on YouTube. Kari-me is a stretchy wrap, as is a Moby. I had a Moby and it was hands down the best money we spent.

I really agree with the library suggestions though - that's how we found a good carrier once the Moby was outgrown and as a pp said I made different decisions to that which I would have done with online info only.

[Madratlady]

I had a kari me for ds when he was tiny, make sure you don't use it in the cradle position as that is dangerous, although it's included in the instructions it's very easy for the baby to end up with their chin on their chest which can potentially block their airway. The upright position with head supported is much better.

I used mine for a few weeks then moved on to a connecta although with my next baby I will use my ring sling from birth.

Definitely worth going to a sling library if you can, there's so much variety.

[Madratlady]

A sling is by far the best thing I ever bought for ds though and a stretchy is a great starting point and easy to use.

[GreatJoanUmber]

Slings are great! I have a ring sling which I love, but I agree try out a few different ones, as different slings fit different body types.
If you position baby correctly, upright and high, there is no breathing risk. On the contrary - it is very reassuring as you would notice immediately if something was up with your baby!
Bit sad now that my 7 months old DS has outgrown the sling since lugging all 25 pounds of him around would break my back .

[KernowKids]

Great Joan, have you looked at other carriers? I still carry my preschoolers a lot in a Rose and Rebellion.

[RedPony]

I have a liberty sling which looks pretty much the same and it is fab! I got a brand new one for just over a tenner on ebay and it is the best £10 I have ever spent. I had a look on YouTube and watched lots of videos on how to tie ( if you type how to carry twins in a moby wrap there is a hilarious fail of a new dad trying to do a tutorial! )
I was desperate for a sling when DP went back to work. Ds loves it and will sleep for hours whilst I get on with house work. It's great to pop him in when we go out to places where it would be awkward to take his pram

[molly84]

Thanks ladies

[lighteningmcmama]

Watch lots of YouTube videos and practice before baby comes with a soft toy and you'll be fine. Also look up the TICKS safety guidelines for all slings