Advice on ring slings

[Pitapotamus]

I've decided I need some kind of sling for my 8 month old very heavy little boy. The main use it would get is when I try and go from the car to nursery with my very spirited toddler and his bags. It would also come in useful around the house so I can get on with things.

I think I need a ring sling so I can have him on my hip and be hands free. I know nothing about slings. I have a baby bjorn but its a bit like being pregnant and i cant reach stuff with it on and with all the buckles and stuff it takes a while to put the baby in - he is also growing out of it because he is quite chunky. I've done a bit of research and seen the maya ring sling and the ellaroo ring sling online. Does anyone have any views on these? Unfortunately I don't really have time to get to a sling library (I live fully in the sticks!) so I'm going on what I can find out online.

If anyone has tried these or has any suggestions I'd be very grateful.

Thanks

[Theoldhag]

I had a maya ring sling for dd (many moons ago), I found that for getting things done, cooking etc she was better on my back.

When I had ds I invested in an ergo back carrier, found it much more comfortable for long spells.

[misskatamari]

I've got a Girasol one and it's fab. Do you have. Sling library nearby you could go along to and try some out?

I find ring slings take a bit of practice to get right but once you get the hang of them they're fab.

[SweetTeaVodka]

I love my ring slings but they do have a bit of a learning curve. I've never used Ellaroo or Maya slings, but I have used other woven wrap conversions. One thing to bear in mind is that the shoulder of the sling can be sewn in different ways which can effect the comfort for some people - I use a gathered shoulder but I know others who hate it and prefer a pleated shoulder. I would say I don't find the ring slings the easiest for getting things done around the house or long periods of use, I find back carrying much easier in those circumstances. My ring slings are mostly used for quick ups and downs, like if my toddler is mostly walking but has periods of wanting to be carried briefly and for short trips.

If you can't get to a sling library there are postal sling libraries like itsaslingthing.co.uk and Slumberoo
co.uk you could hire from.