clueless about slings

[GlitterySkulls]

as the title says, i know nothing about slings/ front carriers/ back carriers.

i've recently discovered i'm pregnant with DC3, and when this one's born DS will be 3 & DD will be 15 months or so, so i think a sling is the way to go.

i want one with clips, i wouldn't trust myself to tie knots properly

any recommendations/ brands to avoid, etc

also if someone could talk me through the benefits of a sling, how safe they are (my mother frightened the shite out of me about them when i was pregnant 1st time around) & reassure me that they're really, really simple to attach correctly, it'd be very much appreciated.

[pootlebug]

For benefits, have a read here southlondonslings.com/sling-info/benefits-of-babywearing/

There is a mnemonic of TICKS relating to using slings safely that you can read about here www.schoolofbabywearing.com/Images/TICKS.pdf

In terms of safety, there was some bad press 4 years or so ago around 'bag slings' - and rightly so, because sling enthusiasts had been warning the makers for months and years that they were concerned about safety, and more than one baby died in them. But that isn't a reason to be put off all slings - they have specific design flaws that make them inherently unsafe. This is a bag sling www.thinkbaby.co.uk/products/the-premaxx-baby-bag-sling/1712.html If you look at the TICKS you can see it doesn't meet many of the criteria....the baby's back isn't properly supported, meaning they curve into a C shape which compromises their lung capacity. They are too low so it is more difficult to keep a close eye on them. There is a risk that they sink down into the bag with too much fabric covering their face making it a) hard to check on them and b) further limiting their air intake.

There is a huge variety of different types of slings and different ones will suit different people. Are you near a sling library or sling meet? You could go and try some in person, and be shown how to use them properly, which should help you pick what is best for you, and allay some of your concerns about safety.

Have a look for local help here www.babywearing.co.uk/localsupport/ or here ukslinglibraries.wordpress.com/find-a-sling-library-near-you/

[GlitterySkulls]

thank you, pootlebug , i'm off to read your links now...

i did google for local sling meets, the one closest to my area was at the end of february, but i'm assuming there'll be another one before i give birth.