Is this OK or i am going into crazy pregnant lady mode?

[qazxc]

I have just got the travel system, i plan on getting a sling as i hear a lot of newborns like being close to you.
I have been toying with the idea of getting a doll (not one of those reborn ones but close to size of an actual baby) so that i can practice with slings/car seat/changing etc.... Is this a crazy idea? (I only plan to do this in the privacy of my own home BTW)

[akachan]

Honestly, it sounds a little crazy but so what? If it makes you happy go for it!

[CatchesTheNightTrain]

This made me chuckle, if it makes you happy go for it, but the reality of a wriggling moving little baby will be a revelation after practising on a doll :-)

[Trinpy]

I think its usually recommended practising with a doll in the sling before trying with your baby - hard enough working out how to tie the bastard things up without having to deal with a tiny newborn too. And we use dolls at our antenatal class to practise bf positions/nappy changing/etc.

You can get them cheaply from charity shops.

[Slippydippysoap]

You might find it way more uncomfortable with a doll because newborns snuggle right in and they are super squishy.

My advice is a Moby. Combines all the best element of a soft sling with all the convenience of a backpack type sling. And they are gorgeous

[Rockchick1984]

Practice with a teddy rather than a doll unless you can get a soft bodied doll - other than the weight it's far closer to how it will be rather than a solid plastic doll.

At my local sling meet they have a soft bodied doll with metal ball bearings inside (in the centre of the padding so it's still squishy) so it's got the weight of a newborn.

[LlamaLover]

Why not head to a sling library and try with their dolls? You'd also get expert advice. ;)

[HomeIsWhereTheGinIs]

Makes me laugh - at some shops they have newborn dolls that are weighted so that you can practice with a realistic weight. I couldn't face buying one (creepy faces) but I have to admit I'm nervous about the baby being more squirmy than originally anticipated and so wondering whether or not I could practice with the Dcats...

[AlwaysDancing1234]

Try a sling library, they have sort of 'practise babies' which are weighted. Or try a doll/teddy. As long as you are not walking it round Tescos or the local park chatting to it I think it's a great idea

[AlwaysDancing1234]

Home I would love to see you trying to practice with the cat in a sling!

[MummytoMog]

I practised with the cats. Even put cloth nappies on one...I think we all agreed it was a bit mad.

[HomeIsWhereTheGinIs]

MummytoMog What did the cat do? One of mine would be fine (he's a tolerant soul) but I suspect that the other would feel it greatly offended her dignity. Going to have to exercise great restraint the day the sling arrives...!

[SweetPea86]

Mummytomog you legend my cats would rip my face to shreds if I even attempted that.

If it makes you happy Hun go for it :D x

[ithoughtofitfirst]

Absolutely creased reading this thread! I was so unprepared for my first i think it sounds like a really good idea actually. I thought it was a learn on the job type of thing. I must have phoned home about 10 times a day after bringing DS home 'muuuuuuum? What do babies wear to bed??' 'muuuuuuuum? What's happening to my boobs?'

I'm a pro now, obv.

[qazxc]

I realise that a real life squirming baby will be harder to get in a sling etc... but i just wanted something to do a few dry runs with to make sure i can tie it up right before i actually try it on a human being. I also have a vision of me and DP being totally flumoxed as how to get our newborn safely into the car in the hospital car park in the lashings of rain (bet you wills and kate had a few practice runs before she went into labour). I did consider one of the cats but DP said no he didn't want cat hair all over PFB stuff.

[qazxc]

unfortunately i live in the sticks abroad so no sling meeting nearby. Surely it's not too crazy if you don't give the doll a name? clutching at straws Oh god I'm going to be like Dawn French in psychoville aren't I?

[HazleNutt]

We practised with cats. They were not amused. But any item of clothing too complicated to put on a cat is useless for a newborn as well.

[HannahG315]

I practised using my Liberty sling using a teddy. I spun round and round making sure he didn't fall out... Haha

[HomeIsWhereTheGinIs]

Hazle: But any item of clothing too complicated to put on a cat is useless for a newborn as well.

I honestly think that this should be the NCT's slogan...!

[Timeforabiscuit]

sod the nct - that should be mumsnets new slogan

[MummytoMog]

I have photos, but they would out me horribly as cats are fancy pants breed. Cat in question was unamused but essentially resigned. He's prepared to put up with a lot if it gets him tummy tickles and cuddles.

[qazxc]

Surely we entering a world of crazy pregnant cat woman if we start trying out baby clothes on unsuspecting felines as a rule of how practical they are? I also hope that my baby doesn't have a long furry tail.