Best sling for newborn and also silly questions

[Changingoftheguard]

I have a toddler and newborn and have been hunting high and low for a suitable double pushchair/carrycot but as my toddler has her own little mind, any I have seen I just know she wouldn't settle in (not able to see in front etc...)

Think I'm just going to invest in a sling but no idea where to start. I would like one that I could preferably use as baby gets older, not too complicated, feels safe etc...

I've looked at sling groups and typically the last one was a few days ago so will have to wait until the end of the month and I'm getting a bit desperate (I know I haven't been very prepared).

Can anyone recommend something and also I'm probably overthinking this but what do you do when it rains? I would struggle to hold an umbrella when pushing toddler too and what about if it's sunny? I can put a hat on baby but what if she overheats?

Thanks.

[Changingoftheguard]

End of next month for the next sling group that should say.

[Changingoftheguard]

Bump?

[randomsabreuse]

Sling wise the easiest option with a newborn is the close caboo- as it can stay on you and is more intuitive to put on.

Staying dry wise - zip us in panel to make it possible to wear a normal coat over baby. Also close cocoon is possible.

[Changingoftheguard]

Thanks random, the close cocoon looks really good.

Really would like to try a few before buying, might have to venture a little further to test some

[AlfieTheRailwayCat]

I would really recommend trying some before you buy as different slings suit different people. Are there any sling consultants near you? Or sling Facebook groups that might help.

[Tortycat]

Ive found ergo baby good. If you cant wait for a sling library try buying second hand at least (local fb groups are good).

[DoubleHelix79]

We have a babybjorn one and love it. It's pricey, but is very easy to adjust and will last us several years. We only used it from about 6 weeks onwards though. It's meant to be suitable from birth, but DD would probably have rattled around in it a bit.

In the very beginning we just used a very simple fabric sling from Amazon (just a long strip of fabric really) for about £10. It was perfectly fine at that stage.

[Changingoftheguard]

Thanks for the suggestions, will take time to have a proper look over them, I've had a little look and think it's best to definitely try beforehand as some are quite costly.

I missed the recent local sling library by a few days but I've found another a little further afield.

I do have a moby wrap which I got for my first but could never quite figure it out and she screamed whenever I tried so gave up

[FridgeCut]

Would you try hiring? I have hired from it's a sling thing and that is really reasonable and very useful.

I had a caboo for the early days and then moved to an ergo. I bought a Phil and Ted where DS1 (Just 2) was on the top and baby underneath in the carrycot, worked well and we didn't need buggy for DS1 for more than about six months. He quite liked sitting in the bottom seat and I'd put the car seat on the top too.

[FusionChefGeoff]

If there are any sling Facebook groups near you then that could be a great way in. On ours, people will often 'gift' on a starter Caboo sling to new mums.

But the main thing is definitely get to some kind of face to face support - there's a knack to it and it would be a real shame to give up if it doesn't work for you - often there's a subtle tilt / tighten / repositioning and you suddenly go 'ooohhhhh, that feels much better'!!

[Ohyesiam]

Ergo, really brilliant.

[badg3r]

I have a beco soleil, it is similar to the ergo but I found it more comfy. You can use it from 8lb with an insert. Definitely get something with waist strap to distribute weight well if you plan on using it past tiny baby stage. I also have a very thin mei tai that is the same principle as the structured carriers but better for hot weather.

[Hibas]

Agree with PP; Caboo for newborns, ergo once they get a little bit bigger. Both so comfortable for you and the baby, and adjustable for your and their size, you can't go wrong with them.

[halfbuffy]

I'm another one for the caboo! It's comfortable to wear and my DD loves it, she always chills out in it :)

I did find it a bit fiddly to put on the first time but I watched a couple of YouTube videos and was sorted. I think you can also wear the caboo in different ways so you can feed at the same time but I've not figured that out just yet!

[SupermanStoleMyPants]

Just a quick note - if you're using a sling and pushing a buggy, make sure the handles are tall enough. I did my back in with low handles a few years a go.

[Hibas]

Superman is right, most good buggies/ prams have adjustable handles. Essential, unless you are not much taller than your toddler!