Slings... Which one worked for you?

[RebeccaJames]

I just very reluctantly returned a Boba 3G sling. I loved it for Baby (3 months and too heavy for retro Baby Bjorn that I have, which sits all on your shoulders with no waist support) but I felt like the straps needed to be clipped together at the back, and one buckle seemed to rub under one arm as I walked.

I'm desperate to get a new one but unsure which. The next local sling meet isn't for weeks.

Any suggestions?!

[CorrieDale]

I loved my ring sling. I used it pretty much every day from about 3 months to over 1. And I still used it for the school run until dd was 2. I loved how easy to adjust it was - I had heard they were uncomfortable to wear but both DD and I loved it.

[RebeccaJames]

Corrie, I have just Amazon'd it and there are loads of types. Which one did you have? And does it have waist support? Can't tell from pictures...

[pickles184]

I love my Manduca, still use it most days at 15 months (dog walking) and can comfortably use it for really long walks,shopping, days out at country fair/shows etc.. without any complaints from dd or me.

[SunnyL]

I went on holiday and forgot our usual sling so we bought an emergency cheapie in Argos. At £28 I wasn't expecting anything good but ive been pleasantly surprised. It's a Tomy sling and v comfortable.

[TaurielTest]

Even though sling meet not for a while, perhaps you could find a sling library / consultant near you?www.babywearing.co.uk/localsupport/ You could try lots out and get some face-to-face advice.

//www.slingguide.co.uk might be helpful. Amazon is definitely not the place to browse for slings.

[FarToGo]

I have a Manduca. I've not tried any others but for me it gets better and better. It has a newborn/small baby insert which I used until my daughter was about 6 months old. She's 8 months now and carrying her is no problem.
All the weight is on the hips like a really good backpack.
I can wear it several ways - I can cross the straps at the back (preferred) or have them uncrossed with an added strap that goes across my shoulder blades (if that makes sense).
It can also side carry and back carry, both of which I've not tried yet.
I do intend to use my Manduca for as long as I can. We walk and go away a fair bit so I should!
I've heard good things about the ergo too.

[stargirl1701]

Initially, I loved my Moby wrap. When DD was 6 months, I switched to an Ergo. I also have a Natibaby woven wrap.

It gets addictive

[TheScience]

Are you after a buckled carrier? Maybe something like a Rose&Rebellion, Connecta, Manduca, Ergo, Beco? It might be worth hiring a sling to try before you spend £100 on one - these people do hires by post www.itsaslingthing.co.uk/

[InCiderMind]

Ergo for me

[KittyWells]

IMO nothing beats the comfort, support and fit of a woven wrap. The look isn't for everyone and it takes a few tries to get the hang of it but you're guaranteed a perfect carry whatever your size and shape. A good woven will last from newborn to toddler as you can tie it in so many different ways.

There are several really good sling groups on Facebook where you can get advice, buy pre-loved slings and see all the beautiful designs available. But as stargirl says, be warned: it's addictive!

[MsJupiter]

I found the Boba slipped off my shoulders in a front carry - disappointing as I love them!

I hired one from a local sling library and then bought a Rose & Rebellion which suited me more.

I also bought a Mei Tai and a ring sling off the facebook groups - it is addictive.

[soapnuts]

I used a wrap when my babies were tiny then onto an ergo. Have just discovered Tula which is like an ergo but even more comfortable (and I loved my ergo!) - they are also beautiful. It has a clip at the back like an ergo and both feel completely secure. Totally recommend either ergo or Tula.

[ThingsThatGoBumpInTheNight]

Skipped through the minefield of wraps and slings and got a hippychick carrier bloody love it

Did get and still have hoping one day I can try again because dd hated it a bobo sleepy wrap thing, I can't seem to tie it properly though despite watching the video over and over again
I quite like the look of the koala and cariboo (think that's how its spelt) carriers and seen rave reviews about the manduca ones too but not shellin out that kind of cash

[ThingsThatGoBumpInTheNight]

Oh and connecta which I think I was thinking of when I came up with cariboo

[CorrieDale]

I got my ring sling from a local woman who makes them. It is just two rings, unpadded, no waist anythings! Really really simple but easy to use and comfortable to wear. My dd was dinky, mind - I could carry her with relative ease when she was 2. I had had a hugabub and that was brilliant but ever so unwieldy. The ring sling just popped into my bag, ready threaded, and I was good to go. And dd loved it so much she only went in a pushchair 3 times.

[BertieBotts]

I thought the boba was more designed for toddlers? You could try something like a connecta, it's similar but smaller, meant for babies.

I know in my SSC it was possible to do the chest clip up at the back, just really fiddly (used to try and get someone to do it for me)

[LalaDipsey]

Another Manduca vote here - love love love mine. Also loved a Moby wrap when they were tiny

[MinesAPintOfTea]

From about 3 months (large) ds was in an ergo, very comfy and I can still manage him in it st nearly 2 and 14ish kg.

[callamia]

I've got an ergo and an ellaroo mei tai (for the summer, when I think the ergo will be too structured and sweaty).

I've got a big baby, and the ergo is still great for long walks (he's five months old, and about 20lbs). He can sleep in it, and has a good view if he wants.

I tried a RS but I just couldn't get it right. I think I need something with more structure to make up for my lack of coordination.

[marzipanned]

Ergo! Love it. 4 week old DD spends about three or four hours a day in it (in the infant insert), round the house and out for town and country walks.

We also have a caboo but she's not such a fan. Would love a ring sling for the summer as we have a few smart occasions and I think they look lovely.

[JanePurdy]

Kari-Me wrap until big enough for the Ergo.

[QuietNinjaTardis]

I've got a close caboo sling that I'm trying to sell as I'm not getting the use out of it. It's fab but I'm just putting dd in the buggy as she won't sleep in sling too nosy pm me if you're interested.

[DontAskIDontKnow]

The boba 4g does have a clip for the shoulder straps and I think they have adjusted the straps because people complained about them rubbing. I have one and it's great, but my baby is only 4 months.

[BigDogLittleDog]

I've got a kari-me wrap and a really bad back but I love it as it's so supportive. Ds is 20lb and still in it...I've currently got a woven wrap on loan and will probably invet in one of those next.

[Theyaremysunshine]

Another manduca vote here.

I've had a moby (great for early weeks) and a Beco butterfly (good) but the Manduca beats them for me. Love the ability to cross the straps at the back for a front carry. I can still comfortably carry my 10m old 11kg dd for a good long walk, despite having had a dodgy back for years and incomplete recovery from SPD. Brilliant.