Talk to me about slings!

[milkyman]

I will have a csection and a toddler and think i sling would be good. I know there are sling libraries but what would people recommend?

[nehagarg]

John Lewis also do a sling test space. I was planning to take the baby when he's here and try a few out. Sorry, no advice on actual slings as this is my first.

[Nectarines]

I'm two weeks post csection and have a two year old. I couldn't survive at the moment without my stretchy wrap.

I've got this one.

www.amazon.com/Innoo-Tech-Original-Fashion-Comfortable/dp/B0156HL9WE?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

There are fancier ones but this does the job just fine! Instantly settles baby and leaves me hands free for toddler. Easy to tie and leave on, putting baby in and out as necessary . As the baby gets bigger I'll probably switch to connecta.

[cuntinghomicidalcardigan]

I had ds via c section when dd was 2yo. I used a close caboo dx at the start and then progressed to a Tula when he was a bit bigger. Love the tulas! Now have a standard for ds (15mo) and a toddler for dd (3.5yo). They are so comfy and have been a lift saver when we have been trekking across muddy fields this winter after being stranded by floods!

[Quodlibet]

My advice would be stay away from baby Bjorn, as they hold baby in a bad position and are also uncomfortable for many women as lots of weight is hanging off the shoulders.

A stretchy wrap is great as it distributes the baby's weight across lots of your body, and if you learn how to put it on right (doesn't take too much practice) you get a perfectly adjusted carry for baby every time even though they are growing.

Soft structured carriers like the Connecta, Tula or Ergo are all great for convenience once baby is a bit bigger (though I found it hard to get a perfectly adjusted carry with my DD as she was small for her age and the back panel of the Ergo was too long).

Or you can move on to woven wraps, which is essentially very much like a stretchy wrap but more supportive. Having tried all the above, woven wraps worked out most comfortable for me and DD and are what I used from age 1 til she stopped being carried recently at 2. I'll probably just use wovens from the start next time.

It is worth getting yourself to the unbiased and very specialist advice of a sling library as oppose to eg JL where staff may be well meaning but won't actually have any specialist sling training.

[Julieb85]

I had one for my DS and it was ok but I was a bit nervous with lifting DS in and out - it was a Bebe one. However I noticed a mother out shopping a few weeks ago and got sling envy with her ergo baby. I'm def purchasing one this time around!

[soundsystem]

I had a Close Caboo when DD was tiny and plan to use it again. It's nice and soft and holds them in a nice froggy position.

Then the Connecta for slighter bigger babies who want to look around a bit more. I think I switched around 4 months but I may not be remembering that entirely accurately! Still use the Connecta occasionally now (DD is 15 months).

[ChilliMum]

I had a mobi and loved it, it wasn't my first choice as I wanted something simple but my local sling library offer rental so you can try out a few and find the one that works for you. I found that after a couple of days I could get in on and off in no time, I liked the security it offered especially as I was always bending down to pick up things dd had left scattered about the place and most importantly ds found it very soothing and dh was happy to wear it around the house to give me a few hours break in the evenings and weekends. If you have a local library I would definetly recommend a visit before you purchase.

[Frazzled2207]

Love my connecta but not great for very new babies, I used mine from about 6 weeks.
Stretchy wraps great for newborns.
Look on facebook for sling libraries and slingmeets.
My area had an active sling library and useful facebook discussion page.

[Junosmum]

Stretchies for newborns are ace. I got this one -www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B013WNX6DO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

a friend has a close caboo which she loves. You can then go to a sling library and tray some others.

Do not get a high street carrier such as the baby bjorn. They are uncomfortable and bad for the hips (baby's).

[Missingcaffeine]

I did a lot of research and went to a sling library and got a caboo closer, but it took me a while to get the hang of it - probably because I was so so tired - it really isn't that difficult - but worth practicing before baby arrives. My baby never really enjoyed being in the sling and looked very enclosed in it, so I wonder if I'd have done better with something else. I'm thinking about an Ergo now I'm expecting my second, as although they are pricey, I think it may be a bit easier to use and that it's easier to face baby looking - something I never quite managed with the caboo.

[Missingcaffeine]

that is meant to read 'easier to face baby looking outwards'!

[Dixiechick17]

I hired a manduca from my local sling library which was great. Definitely go to the sling library before buying as everyones preferances are different.

[GoingLoopyQuickly]

The main differencees between wraps and slings ect (without writing essays) is a wrap is like a really strong scarf (but purpose weaved) which you literally wrap around you and the baby. There are loads of different ways of wrapping for back and front carry. A stretchy is just that a stretchy carrier that has no buckles or rigid structure. It is perfect for newborns. Check out close caboo to see what I mean.

A sling covers most styles of carrier from ring sling to wraps to mai tei.

Here is a quick summary of some of the choices:

Wrap –these are either cotton or blended with wool or bamboo. Used for traditional wrapping and can be used from birth.

Ring sling – like a wrap but with rings sewn into the end to feed the other end through (tail) and these usually sit across the body. I use mine for quick ups and downs when Ds was learning to walk further.

Mei Tie and Pods – these are more structured – a panel with straps to tie around the waist and body.

Half buckle and reverse half buckle – these either have buckled straps and tie waist or tie waist and buckled straps.

Full buckle - buckles waist and straps. (Ergo baby, manduca, Connecta). These usually have an insert for newborns.

A mentioned earlier, try to avoid narrow based cartiers like the baby bjorn. Althoughthey have an ergonomic out now too.

Check out the TICK guidelines babyslingsafety.co.uk/ticks.pdfHope that helps

[edwfaith]

Me and DS love our NCT Close Caboo

[AnnaT45]

This is a great thread. I'm going to be in the same situation in July. Has anyone ever successfully fed baby whilst in sling? I'm wondering if this possible? Oil know I'll need to support with one hand /arm but thought it may easier than getting a pillow etc?

[GoingLoopyQuickly]

AnnaT45 - i have seen friends successfully feed in a sling but it wasn't something I got on with.

Missingcaffeine - my boy went through a phase of looking out which us why I bought a becco gemini. But it is only recommended for short periods of time. It isn't long before you can fling them on your back for a high bavk carry. They get to see the world that way. All they need to be able to do is sit up unaided to do that.

Also, ring slings are great for hip carries which keeps the baby close, but facing you too.

[icklekid]

Great advantage for me of close caboo over long stretchy sling was not having to tie each time being so much quicker- didn't have huge amount of material dangling when trying to get out of car seat into sling which inevitably would get in the way. Was a real life saver for first few months. I've now got an ergo which ds loves going on my back in!

[Nousername2015]

Stretchy wrap or closr caboo are invaluable for the first few weeks when baby just wants to be on you. We got our stretchy wrap from eBay, was about £12 and it goes everywhere with us.

I have a connecta for when ds is a bit bigger (although he does meet the weight limit for it now) as it is a bit more 'open' and the stretchy wrap holds then very close to you, I suppose a little bit like swaddling.

[FindingNormal]

Loved our close caboo when she was tiny- now use a lillebaby which I LOVE (started using at about 6 months). Also heard good things about the ergo baby. Definitely go to a sling library if you can though.

[milkyman]

Is it worth getting one beforehand? Having a csection so will be difficult to get out.

[GoingLoopyQuickly]

I am getting one before the baby arrives. I plan on using it from day 1

[vitalite]

Following with interest! My main concern is that my baby is due in June and I'm wondering what slings are best for warm weather?

[bonzo77]

Stretchy wraps great for tinies but I would be worried about over heating. I think close Caboo has less fabric. Or I think Connecta can be rolled at the waist and cinched at the bottom of the panel to make it work for tinies. There are new born inserts for ergo and Tula etc but they're also quite hot.

[bonzo77]

I meant over heating in summer with stretchies. Used mine in Autumn and winter with the younger two.

[icclemunchy]

I'd deff recommend getting out to a sling meet or library and having a look at a few before you decide. I co-run our local one and we get quite a few ladies come before they have the baby.

Personally o preferred a stretchy and you can leave it tied all day no need to put in on/off everytime. Caboo are very popular because there's less of a learning curve but I found it didn't suit my narrow bony hips