my Babasling really annoys me sometimes...

[muslimah28]

i got this because I wanted all the benefits of being able to carry DS around while I do my own thing, especially on days when he won't settle or like today when he's ill and wants to be close to me.

but i just can't seem to get the hang of it. i finally worked out one comfortable position for us which is the joey position, and he likes that so he can see the world.

but i just cant get the hang of other positions, like sleeping position, feeding position, carrying but facing me (like a baby bjorn type position). these other ones are more useful if i want to keep him in the sling for longer.

what makes it worse is when i experiment with another position, i need to adjust the cords but i can't adjust them while on because i can't reach and also because the tension with DS in the sling works against me tightening it.

do i have the wrong sling? or is it just me? how do i get the hang of it???

ps wasnm't sure where to put this thread so put it here cos lots of BFers use slings and also cos this topic has more people on it than the products one!

From what I understand, the babasling is quite basic in terms of what positions you can realistically achieve and how comfy/flexible it is. I have found the sling products forum quite useful before.

If he's very little still, I'd recommend a stretchy wrap (as BooBoo did) as he can be kept very close to you that way. Woven wraps might be good if he's older/heavier but I think they can take a bit of getting used to.

Personally I use a mei tai at the mo, but it's much better for walking than doing chores.

I don't think Babaslings have been banned (at least Amazon and Tesco are still selling them), but some other slings that keep babies in a position that's bad for their spines/airways.

The problem is with pouch/bag slings where the baby is hanging low down - the babaslingisn't one of those.

My ds doesn't like the cradle positions so the babasling wasn't great for him as a newborn and I can't feed him in it. Because it's over one shoulder it's not very good for using for any length of time.

I have a close carrier (which I love, comfy for both of us, easy to use and easy to get ds in and out of) and a wilkinet (more like the baby bjorn style but quite fiddly ties so not easy to get the baby in/out).

i never managed to get the hang of my babasling. it seemed so perfect when i was pregnant and was sizing up all the different slings but once i actually put my baby in it, it was an exercise in torture to try and carry her around in it.

It was swiftly ebayed in favour of a babybjorn which i personally think is the bees knees.

Another vote for a stretchy wrap. I have a Moby and just tie it on in the morning and can pop DS2 in and out as and when I need to.

Just wish I had known about them when I had DS2.

Mei tais are also good (I have a Napsack), although you have to re-tie each time.

Also recommend a stretchy wrap (til about 6 months).

Baby Bjorns are not recommended because they put pressure on the developing spine.

thanks so much for all your advice. i guess it means i have the wrong sling....

will check out wrap slings and other carriers.

oh, i found the sling topic, i think i had been looking in the wrong place before, cos its really useful!

MoonUnitAlpha does the close slingrequire tying each time? how easy is it to adjust? i like the stretchy wraps but they look so complicated! also am very confused how long a stretchy wrap is suitable for, i've hear 6 months, a year, and then i've heard it depends on weight....i just want something simple (which is what appealed about the babasling...) but which works, and is safe!!