Need sling/wrap/carrier advice

[vitapulchra]

I feel clueless about slings and wraps, despite researching them on the web. They look so confusing to wear, adjust and use for breastfeeding. And what exactly is the difference between a wrap and a sling (a sling has some type of adjustment mechanism, a wrap is all fabric, but what does that mean?) I used a bjorn for my first 3 dcs but since dc4 will follow so closely (14 months) I think I need something I can breastfeed in and use for dc4 whilst having option of carrying dc3 on hip. Any advice is welcome. I don't have too much time left to decide!

[ReneRusso]

I have got two. I have a Close, which is a bit more than just a plain wrap it has metal hoops that the material is threaded through and it's not too difficult to put on. DH couldn't cope with it at all so he got a Mothercare 3-position carrier basically a bit more like the baby bjorn type of thing. The Close one is good because it's very comfortable and I can breastfeed, but DD doesn't like being in it for long unless she's asleep, she can't work out where to put her head and she fusses a bit. The mothercare one is good for long walks, DD seems more comfortable, but you couldn't feed with it. The best thing to do is try a few out in a shop, or at a sling meet up. A friend of mine has an Ergo, she seems quite pleased with it.

[catftm]

I;ve tried a lot! I carried my little girl until she 18 months then i got pregnant again. Used baby bjorn when she was a baby but then she got too big (sorry cant remember the name) but used a 'pattapum' from 6 months was amazing and i carried her until she was really heavy. You can carry on the front or back. I've got an ergo this time which is same as pattapum but can be used from birth.

Can breastfeed in both. Ergo has lying down position, hip, front carry and back carry position.

Both carriers carry round yur hips so you dont feel the weight, really comfy soft carrier, easy to use, baby was really comfy. I got lots of compliments when i I brought mine for £44.
Ergo are a bit more expensive. Both Highly recommended from me.

Good luck!

[catftm]

sorry my message confusing becaus emy computer keeps moving the cursor and deleting text. Very annoying!

[BertieBotts]

I think for combination of nursing newborn and occasional carry of toddler you want a ring sling. These are a strip of material threaded through two rings, worn on one shoulder, the material creates a "pouch" for the baby/toddler to sit or lie in. They are easily adjustable (just pull on the fabric to tighten/hold the rings open to loosen)

Here are some to look at

Also here (a WAHM local to me)

Another site - you can hire a pouch sling from this page.

[mum2oneloudbaby]

i have a wrap, a kari-me, which i loved.

went for a wrap primarily because i have a bad back and found the wrap fabric kind adjusted the weight better across my whole back, hips and shoulders whereas the ring sling i borrowed nearly crippled me because all the weight seemed to hang from my shoulders.

I soon got used to putting it on and breastfeeding in it (a bit daunting at first but much easier than it initially seems)

Also, a great benefit which I hadn't thought of when i bought it was that it fit everybody. My dad (6ft 5) used it, my husband (5ft 8), my mum (4ft 10) and me (5ft 4). My dad has had 2 back operations and never felt even the slightest twinge wearing it and actually said it was more comfortable than pushing a pram.

[vitapulchra]

Many thanks for all the tips! It's much more helpful hearing from mums who've used these things than just reading the bumph on websites. I loved my bjorn but after dc3 I thought my back would give out, so I think I may have to try a wrap . . .

Thanks again for the help.