to just want a toddler sling

[kaffkooks]

DS is 14 months and I have just become aware of slings. He isn't walking yet and I think a sling would be really handy. My friends have now put me on 2 sling Facebook groups and I am totally overwhelmed by the jargon. Tried to contact connecta about buying a new one from them but no reply. I think I'm going to give up as I am wasting time on this. I want ONE sling, I don't care what it looks like, I just want something portable that I can use to carry DS when I've cycled somewhere with him in the trailer. He'll probably be walking by the time I get something suitable!

Ergo is about the simplest option. I use woven wraps and I find them far more comfortable than the Ergo, but not everyone can get the hang of them.

Be aware that if you haven't carried him over the last 14 months, your muscles won't have gradually adjusted to his changing weight, so you might not find it as comfortable as someone who has always carried.

Just google 'todder connecta' and get one from one of their partner sites that sell them? Of the top of my head; Love To Be Natural, SaSa Slings, Little Possums, b2boutique, closertoyou.. Or just put a post on the FB group (which one is it?) and say 'ISO a Toddler Connecta, flexible on colours' and see who responds?

I loved my babyhawk and they do a toddler version: slumber-roo.co.uk/product/133/toddlerhawk-single-sided/babyhawk/mei-tai

He may be too big for a sling but we have this and it's great. Disclaimer; I get my DH to carry him most of the time!

Sorry, working link slumber-roo.co.uk/product/133/toddlerhawk-single-sided/babyhawk/mei-tai

have a look on ebay as you might pick up a bargain.

my ds was too heavy for me to carry in a sling, so I got one of these hippychick seat

Although, I LOVE my toddler Tula. 'Tis the dogs balloons. Much more structured (padded waist and straps) than the Connecta, but so comfortable, sturdy and doesn't hurt my back even carrying my 30lb+ two year old.

Manduca! Very good - use it for my 2 year old still.

Slings go all the way up to pre-school size, so he most certainly isn't too big. The framed carriers are good for hiking etc, but if you want something that will roll up small enough to be stuffed in a changing bag, the connecta is a good option.

I had a Rose & Rebellion carrier. They do toddler size.

Try action baby carrier (abc), they do a toddler sling that I've been using since DD was 1 and I love it. Decent price and more padded than a connecta. I got mine from it's a sling thing (I think).

There are also a lot of Facebook groups that you can buy or sell second hand slings on- slings n things fsot is one.

Oh, forgot about the manduca though they're not as wide as a proper toddler carrier, kiddicare do them instore so if you have one nearby you can try it out.

Minty, I already go walking with him in a little life backpack but I need something transportable that I can put in the bike trailer or take on an aeroplane.

I have a Connecta and a Manduca. Youngest DC now 2 - I still stash the Connecta in my bag for emergencies.

At 14m I wouldn't go for the Manduca, the Connecta's simpler - though the Manduca does have padded shoulder straps, depends on your strength and weight of the child. If you get a Connecta it might be worth getting the additional lumbar belt too, though I've never used mine. Can't remember where I got mine, I've definitely used SaSa and Little Possums but maybe just for wraps. You can buy the Manduca from Amazon.

X-post. Connecta rolls up much smaller (due to not having the padded straps, padded semi-rigid waistband -basically comfort vs convenience!).

I loved my toddler tula but they are rare even in baby size on BWFST or affordable slings. If you're looking for a structured soft carrier (SSC) with good support plus can be transported easily, ie folded then an R&R would be good, ergo or a tula. Be careful buying ergos as there a lot of fakes out there.

Have you tried any at your local sling meet/library?

Ergo's are brilliant, used mine with DD right up to she was 5, and she isn't a dainty type! Used it for proper hikes, and round town. Also used a pashmina just knotted....that was the super duper so flexible option. As long as the knot sits below your shoulder the material (and load) can then be spread. Managed to lug sleepy 5 year old two miles off a beach with the pashmina. Do miss our sling days.

My DD is 18 months and still happy to be on my back in the Boba sling.

Have you got a sling library near you? I was a bit overwhelmed by the choice at first, went along to our local library and tried out a few different ones, then bought when i found one i knew worked for me. The reason people all advocate different brands is because different slings fit differently, so one may be perfect for one person but awful for the next.

Local sling meet is an hours drive away on a day I work so not an option. Phoned Connecta and they were helpful. For long walks I will keep using baby backpack so think Connecta is best option. It's amazing how nowadays due to internet I just don't think to phone people. My mum used to call shops all the time to ask what they had in stock as there is nothing worse than trekking to town from a rural area to find shop doesn't have what you want!

I found the toddler connecta massive and dd1 is not tiny. she is still in a baby sized rose and rebellion at nearly 2, which is perfect because her 5 mo sister also fits in.

I also liked the ergo but found it much more bulky than the rose and rebellion. rosevand rebellion is quite a lot like a connecta material wise.

I Iove my toddler Tula, have a big 14 month old and it doesn't hurt my already bad back to wear it! Found my back hurt with the ergo!

I had an Ergo but I sold it when DD turned 1 and bought a Boba 3G instead - fit me better and has a back which goes up higher so felt a lot more secure for carrying.

Try contacting Connecta through their Facebook page - they seem reasonably good at getting back to people there.