Sling for bfing a 4 month+ baby, recommendations and does anyone have one I could borrow?

[Bumperlicious]

Been feeling a bit resentful of all the time spent bfing my 4 month old at the moment and someone suggested using a sling. Can anyone recommend a good one for a baby of her age that I could bf in and be able to get stuff done?

I don't want to spend too much money so was wondering if someone has one I could borrow or buy?

Thanks!

There's a site here that my friend runs. You can hire slings from her for a couple of weeks to try out. She's obsessed with slings so she is usually very good for advice so if you phone her I'm sure she'll be able to recommend some.

Hello there! I am really impressed that you are still working so hard at it! A sling can really help but don't expect to get too much done. You really need to take care and get lots of rest. The housework will wait, honestly!! I am still using my sling or I would offer to lend it to you. It is an Over the shoulder baby holder. I have also used the Better Baby sling and loved it as well. HTH

Thanks Jac-OLan, I love the link! I wish we had more money!!!

bumperlicious - I'm on another sling thread and just found this site which has places to hire slings from:

www.brightsparkslings.co.uk/stockists.htm

I've fed successfully in a Coorie.

More slings here: thecarryingkind.com

Just had a nose on ebay - there are loads atm. Came across the "Freedom" sling which even new is only £26 - closer to my budget than some of the £50 plus ones.

Thanks guys, you are a great help. Is it worth trying to feed with a sling do you think? Especially this far along?

a mei tai is pretty easy to get on with.

i think i fed with dd sitting up in a pouch sling at 4 months. might be worth a go.

I might go for the freedom one, looks good. I do have a sling, but not really sure that I get on with it (cost me 50 bloody quid!) and don't think I could breastfeed in it.

the only problem with a pouch sling is it may be necessary to use a hand to support your baby's head as it's not possible to tighten them to hold your baby's position at the breast.

I borrowed one for free from my NCT breastfeeding support group.

I have a moby D, which is expensive (but very pretty), and I have bfed in it. You probably can't do anything too bouncy at the same time, but can definitely have both hands free to eat your own meal etc.

I'm so happy with it that I've just bought a length of jersey fabric on ebay which I'm going to make into a couple of other wrap slings to use to knock about the house in. These will work out at less than a tenner each.

There's a great site called mamatoto which shows you how to make your own sling, without sewing if you choose the right fabric, and it also has fantastic videos and instructions on the different carry positions for nursing etc. You may even find better instructions for using the sling you already have if you browse the site! Here's a link to a nursing carry hold nursing carry hold , or if your baby is too big for this position, there's a video link for a different position at the bottom of that page.

HTH

bumperlicious I have a freedom sling which I do use occasionally for bf'ing my v long 13 wk old. You can't do anything too energetic, but would be fine doing the hoovering, washing up, shopping etc. I went for the one with the padded sides as I figured this would be more comfortable for DD's head/neck.

Good luck

from what i rememeber my sister used to BF her LO in a maya ring sling. Which sling have you got right now? maybe someone could swap with you?
Good luck

Lisa

A Kozy mei tai has come up on UKbabywearingSWAP today for £25. MTs have a very quick learning curve and you can nurse in them. Additionally, you can use the same carrier well into toddlerhood if you like it. have a look here to see how to put one on and how to nurse in one. Of course, I don't know if it is still available so if you think you like it, I can make enquiries on your behalf.

Thanks for all the responses. I have invested in a Freedom sling. Don't worry, I won't do anything bouncy with it though!

I really appreciate your help, it was only £25 in the end, worth it if it works!

to add another option into the mix the only sling i've found really comfy for hands free bf is the close baby carrier - the one that's two stretchy ring slings joined together. something that's easily adjusted to provide perfect support i would say is important for bf - i find it easier with the additional support you get from 2 ring slings (and you have the wrap part of the carrier if for even further support e.g. if they fall asleep during a feed).

i have great respect for anyone who can feed a 4 month old in a mei tai (i can see kelley doing it on the link but she can do all kinds of xtreme-slinging stuff like newborn back carries i know it wouldn't work for us).

having said all this although i can feed in a sling i rarely do. i find it useful to have the option e.g. if we're out and about - getting buses etc. but i don't tend to do it at home.

oops cross posted. padded ring sling looks like a great choice

well the last two days I have walked around a shop whilst bfing and pushing a pram! so i might actually make good use of it!

lol bump yep sounds like you might

YEAH! I am so glad that it is helping. Well done you!