Dummies guide to slings please!

[TheDetective]

My baby is coming up to 6 months. I have toyed with the idea of a sling since he was born. I've managed without til now, as it is yet another thing I can't afford to buy.

But, he has reflux, and is generally a koala baby, having more koala days than not! So, I should probably get one as it would make life easier.

I don't have much to spend - perhaps £30-40 maximum.

I'm a size 16-18, and currently experiencing back pain from all the holding and rocking to sleep he requires . I'm also a short arse.

So, what would be best? I will mostly use it in the house I suspect. If I use it out, it would only be for short supermarket trips most likely.

If you recommend a sling, could you please direct me to a website or retailer where you purchased from. I know nothing about them really! So I'm relying on your advice. And please don't confuse me .

Ps. I like the idea of something that I could put him over my hip if wanted. He likes sitting on there !

[LillyofWinchester]

Not an expert but what about trying a wrap around sling, which is basically a really long bit of material you tie round you. Now your baby is 6 months old you'd need one made from a non stretchy piece of material, sorry I don't know any brand names. The reason I'm suggesting this type is that you can tie them in different ways including on your hip, and they fit any sized person.

Try googling sling meet/sling library plus the area you live in, there are often sessions organised locally where you can go and try out different types and hire them for a month (one near me costs £5 per month to hire one). Even you don't want to hire one you could still go there for advice - in my experience the type of people who run the sessions will love to help you decide which is right for you. Would really recommend borrowing one first to see how you get on with it before spending lots of money, and actually if you can borrow one for £5 per month your budget would last you 8 months, you could try lots of different ones in that time and probably by the end of the 8 months your baby will be less koala-like anyway and you won't need one!

Hopefully someone else might be able to recommend specific brands for your budget

babywearinginternational.org/pages/typesofcarriers.php

[Natmu]

I have an 8 month old DS and we have used a Hoppediz sling since he was 4 months. I could not live without it! It's a woven wrap so it's suitable right up to toddler (my 5 year old has even tested it out ). There are loads of ways to tie it including on your hip. They are quite expensive (£50 - £60) but it was the BEST money I ever spent. I'd imagine you could get a cheaper one second hand. I use it mostly around the house. I have used it for school runs when my buggy broke but found stomping to school quite hard on my back.

I also paid for a lady to come round and show me all the sling options and how to tie them which I found really helpful in deciding which one to go for but again if you're trying to keep costs down it might not be an option. Good luck!

[VeryHappyMama]

Hi, I haven't bought from this site (so cannot recommend it as such) but found it on a google search they sell Mei Tai slings for £19.99 and also have Ring slings. I have never used a ring sling but have a Baby hawk Mei Tai but they cost £70. The website is:
www.daisybabyshop.co.uk/
Hopefully someone will be able to recommend a site they have shopped from.

[WeOnlyPlannedTheFirst]

I have a bargain mei tai from mnsdesigns on ebay. Was about £28. It's very comfy but only good for front and back carries...though I did see something yesterday about looking on youtube for a tutorial on how to hip carry with one...
I also have a ring sling which is good for hip carries but as it's one shoulders your baby may quickly become a bit heavy for it. They are good for up to 15kg/toddler and lots of people use them but personally I'd rather distribute the weight better especially if carrying for long periods of time.
Finally I have just ordered a woven wrap from hammockheaven.co.uk. I haven't received it yet and have never tried wrapping before so can't say if it's any good. But the brand is Amazonas and I've been told by someone far more knowledgeable than me that they are nice and floppy even when new and don't need too much breaking in. A wrap can be used for lots of different carries and for all ages so seems a cost effective option. Think mine was £48.
I've been watching youtube videos by PaxbabyMom (I think) & she seems to explain stuff well.

[Bearwantsmore]

I have an Ergo which I love and it does front, back and hip carries.

[WeOnlyPlannedTheFirst]

I've seen lots of warnings to stay away from Daisy Baby.....

[RedBunny]

I also have an ergo and I will agree they are great. I love mine too and so does my 12 month old!

[VeryHappyMama]

"WeOnlyPlannedTheFirst Sat 11-May-13 06:30:40
I've seen lots of warnings to stay away from Daisy Baby....."

Ah ok probably best to avoid then as I have never shopped with them. Was considering it but wont now

[WeOnlyPlannedTheFirst]

I was going to buy from them too since the prices are so good so was disappointed when I looked into them a bit more. Babywearing can be expensive though!

[Eskino]

I have a mei tei that has taken over from my moby. It was about £25 from amazon but if you are just a little handy with a sewing machine you can easily make one for the price of a couple of metres of fabric. They are very basic.

I would have made this Mei Tei if I'd had the time but I needed one quickly.

You can use it front, back or hip. There are tutorials on Youtube to demonstrate and they have women of all sizes carrying their babies in them.

[MyNameIsSuz]

I'd try to buy a second hand one if you can - it'll be better quality for your budget. There are plenty for sale here - www.facebook.com/groups/209783279077720/ - and you'll get lots of advice. Just post there saying what you want and people will both advise and offer you slings!

We've got a mei tai and love it, just figuring out how to wear it on my back!

[MyNameIsSuz]

Just read that back and realised I sound like a lunatic with all the exclamation points, I am not that enthusiastic. It's definitely worth asking there though. I don't know if you might have reservations about second hand, but babywearers generally take incredibly good care of their slings, and if anything it may be softened up by use so more comfortable to wear.