Sling recommendations

[confusedfirsttimemum]

My DD is nearly four weeks old and loves her Close baby sling. It is the only thing that will pacify her when she's grumpy (works like a charm) and the only way she will take decent length naps.

The slight problem is that she refuses to go in the fetal position and wants to be in the upright position, but also doesn't like having the fabric drawn up over her head if she's awake - she wants to see what's going on in the world and doesn't like her head feeling constrained. Does anyone know any slings that would support her head/neck, but also leave her a bit less tucked in? Ideally I'm looking for something at least partially pre-formed (not just a long piece of fabric - I don't think I'm up to the knotting) but nothing as stiff as a baby bjorn. Have been looking at the mei tei style carriers?

Also, without wishing to sound like a complete idiot, roughly what age do babies get enough head control to leave their head poking out of the sling without worrying. I am thinking abour four months provided the rest of them is supported. Is that anywhere need the mark (as you can see from the name, pfb and also confused!).

[KirstyJC]

Hi there confused! I had the same thing with my DS - he hated having his head tucked in (and still does at 6 months!).

I have a Moby stretchy wrap (long piece that you tie - it is MUCH easier than it looks, honest ) and I found that by 4 months he could hold his head up well enough. Before that, I just had to move the fabric that goes over one shoulder slightly more towards the middle so that if he fell asleep I could tuck his head over a bit, even though it wasn't covered up. When he was awake, he either just snuggled his head against my chest (was worried at first that he wouldn't be able to breathe, but he seemed to manage it!), or he just kept flinging his head from one side to the other.

He didn't really have much head support tbh but it didn't seem to be a problem - I just made sure the shoulder fabrics were quite high up so that his head couldn't go too far no matter how hard he tried .

[CMOTdibbler]

A ring sling can support her neck and leave her head free. I had an Ellaroo, which was lovely as the rails are lightly padded, so go nicely behind the neck

[WhereTheWildThingsWere]

I waited until my second baby was 5 months, before I brought a wrap sling (I had 4 other slings in the meantime) And I wish I had brought the wrap first, it's way easier than you think and so comfortable, I can carry my nearly 5 yo in it!

[confusedfirsttimemum]

Thanks guys. I might think about a wrap sling. Everyone says that they are easier than they look, but I am still a bit nervous! DD is quite a vomity baby, so I think that the sling might spend a lot of time in the wash - a second would be good for that, and presumably a wrap washes easily!

It sounds like the head issue happens with most slings. If others have been fairly laid back, I think I'll just carry on with what I've been doing and try to tie her in enough that she can't flail about, but not worry too much. DD already seems to have quite good neck control, so maybe it's not a bad thing to let her 'exercise' it a bit.

[Fillyjonk]

actually I'd recommend a soft structured carrier, Ergo is good (has newborn insert) but absolute best IMO is beco

(you can get them in the UK but the manufacturers website shows the lovely fabrics especially nicely)

[expectingno2]

A wrap sling definitely. The moby is great - i couldn't have lived without it with a newborn. have now become quite sling obsessed and have a mei tai and a cotton wrap too for the summer. The mei tai is fine but nowhere near as comfy and cosy as the wrap slings so wouldn't have liked it at the newborn stage. I find the wrap one very easy to use I don't understand why they are made out to be difficult at all. I can put the wrap sling on quicker than the mei tai and it is easier to get a nice secure fit imo.

[misdee]

if you can get the hang of wrapping, then go for one dd4 favourite carry atm as she can play with my hair.

but i do find a mei tai or a soft structered carrier easier.

[Fillyjonk]

horses for courses tbh. depends on lots of things what you find easier.

wraps are easier than you'd think, imo, but not that easy. but then I am rubbish at origami.

best thing of all might be to go to a shop or a slingmeet or something and have a go at a few. or rent a sling.

[chimchar]

i loved my wrap (i had a non stretchy ellaroo) and used it daily until my ds was 11 months old. i tried my friends ergo and was hooked from then on! i also bought a rose and rebellion carrier and still do now my ds is nearly 3. i wish i'd got into slinging with my older kids too....sooooo easy!