What to buy as a second/spare sling?

[HurlerOnTheDitch]

Hi All,

DS arrived 6 weeks early and is now 7 weeks actual/1 week adjusted. I bought a Kari-Me as it was the only wrap I could find that specifically stated it was suitable for premies (was originally looking at Moby, but that had a minimum weight of 8lb - DS was 5lb 13oz at birth and is now 7lb 14oz).

Anyway, I'm loving the Kari-Me. I want to buy a second/spare sling as DS has already possetted several times on it and I can't wash and dry it quickly enough for how frequently I use it. Rather than just buying a second Kari-Me in another colour I thought I might branch out and try something different (but similar iykwim). Should I go for the Moby or consider something else? I know the Kari-Me and Moby are both stretchy wraps - how long do they last and what's the next stage up? (and when could/should DS move into a non-stretchy wrap?) I don't want to buy another stretchy one if they're only useful for about 6 months.

Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions.

[pootlebug]

If you love your stretchy, why not try a woven wrap? They are a little more work to learn to tie than a stretchy, and a little pricier, but will last until you no longer want to carry your child....I can still put my 5 year old in one very comfortably.

You tie it like this (at least to begin with....there are dozens of ways to tie it on your front, back and hip)

Good brands to start with include Little Frog (at the cheaper end for wovens and lovely and soft from new), Lenny Lamb (the bamboo blend ones are lovely and soft, the cotton ones vary more) and lots and lots more....Didymos, Oscha, Ellevill, Natibaby, Hoppediz, Girasol....too many to go through them all.

[Geraldandhisgiraffe]

I found Kari me and Moby identical. I'd be tempted by a different colour in your position. Or a mai tai for variation.

We got an ergo at about 10 months and stuck with that but the stretchy wraps are fantastic for smaller babies :-)

[pootlebug]

Meant to add, f you go for another stretchy I wouldn't choose the Moby - it is thick and hot in summer.

I'd go for something thinner like the Hana Baby Wrap, or the Wrapsody Stretch.

[HurlerOnTheDitch]

Thanks pootlebug and Gerald. I'll certainly look into the woven wraps (I have a 3 year old as well so it could come in handy for him too) and the Ergo for when he's bigger. And thanks for the pointer re a lighter wrap - I'm already finding the Kari-Me hot in the sunshine and was worrying about baby overheating (though maybe our summer is already over...)

[HurlerOnTheDitch]

Oh, and I've just watched the video which was really useful and not too daunting (though my immediate thought was "wow, what a big newborn and what amazing head control!")

[Geraldandhisgiraffe]

I used a gauze calin bleu in the summer as yes I found the stretchy wraps very warm. Is there a sling meet near you where you could have a play?.