10 mo so clingy- is there any point trying a sling?

[mamaonion]

I've not really used slings much, apart from a handed down baby Bjorne that we sometimes use for outings, but my 10 mo is at times soooo clingy dnd only carrying him stops the crying. Generally this is when I'm doing something like trying to prepare dinner for my other 2. In desperation I stick him in the BB but can only hack 10 mins as it kills my shoulders dnd neck. He weighs 19lb. Could a 2nd hand sling that distributes the weight better still be useful? Or will I only get s couple of weeks out of it?
TIA :)

[runnervt]

I have a similar problem with my dc3. It's always the dinner thing that's tricky. I use a wrap sling and put her high up on my back while I get on with things. she can see what's going on (and pull my hair!) which keeps her happy. The way I tie her on also keeps her legs behind me so I'm not worried about burning them or anything.
I think a sling could well be useful for you. If you put him on your back his weight shouldn't be a problem and you'd be able to use it for a fair while.
Hope that helps!

[TheSurgeonsMate]

In general, yes. I mean, obviously its going to depend on a million factors, but I would have thought you would see a big improvement over a BB at that size.

A Mei Tai style can be used to tie him onto your front while you both get used to it, and you can start strapping him to your back later with it if you get on well. I think your past the stretchy wrapstage, and a woven wrap is much harder to use than a Mei Tai.

[Rubirosa]

Have a look at the Beco Butterfly. You can put him on your back then - I used one with ds until he was 2 years old without discomfort. It has a kind of internal harness so is very easy for back carries, you can strap your baby into it first and then put it on your back.

[mamaonion]

Thanks for the recommendations I'll do some further research!

[mamaonion]

Hello again! I like the look of the beco butterfly and the mei tai but I'm a little scared of counterfeits! The beco is prohibitively expensive new I think, and I can't seem to find a mei tai retailer of genuine mei tai in the uk. Does anyone have any tips on where to buy?

I also found a sling library near me in S London so I might contact them. Ooh it's like a whole new world has opened up!

[runnervt]

I reckon the sling library would be a really good place to start. There you could try out different types of sling and get personal recommendations. There are also sling meets around too.

[TheSurgeonsMate]

My Mei Tai is a BabyHawk, I did buy it online in the UK, but there wasn't a huge choice. There is a good second hand market for all this stuff based around the specialist sling forum websites, check out some other threads in this topic for links, I think.

[TheSurgeonsMate]

My Mei Tai is a BabyHawk, I did buy it online in the UK, but there wasn't a huge choice. There is a good second hand market for all this stuff based around the specialist sling forum websites, check out some other threads in this topic for links, I think.

[runnervt]

I think mei tais are just a type of sling. I've got a Joey sling but there are loads out there. There is a Yahoo group called UK babywearing swap (I think) where you can buy second hand slings.

[mamaonion]

Ok great I'll have a look tomorrow. I think it might really stop ds and me getting frustrated when I need to get jobs done and he wants to be carried, he absolutely loves the BB but my neck is hurting too much to carry on!

[ScariestFairyByFar]

I've got a very cheap sling I got off eBay can't link but its like a mei tie but with clips only cost about £12 and is great for clingy times.

[Rubirosa]

You can get slings second hand (I have never bought new!) - look on Facebook for the Slings and Things group, if you post what you are looking for then someone might be selling one.

[LittleWaveyLines]

Try www.facebook.com/groups/209783279077720/