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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Should I buy a baby carrier wrap before giving birth?

24 replies

tilda0 · 20/02/2018 19:39

It sounds like I just have to decide...but I can't decide!
I'm 38+6. Should I buy one before giving birth? Is it useful the first days? I'm thinking of the soft baby carrier wrap made of fabric but the hard ones might be for indoor...
Thanks for your help!

OP posts:

help1978 · 20/02/2018 19:45

No. Wait until baby arrives and go to your local sling library to try some out! X

HobnobBob · 20/02/2018 19:46

Yes I really liked mine, I had the caboo close.

TheHeartOfTeFiti · 20/02/2018 19:46

I’d buy a cheap stretchy wrap then investigate further later

Countingsheeeep · 20/02/2018 19:51

Hmm it's tricky, in an ideal world you would go to a sling library, however it's not always that simple when you are getting used to looking after a new born. That said, I would get yourself a sling, and second the recommendation for a close caboo, really easy to use, excellent for newborns, and then in time once you find your feet you can head off to a sling library if you feel you need advice etc.

My dd lived in her close caboo, ds is due in a few weeks and I'll be treating myself to a new one. I couldn't put him in dd's, she spent so much time in it, it just feels like her, so I'm putting it away for her future children 😍

Callamia · 20/02/2018 19:54

You can borrow them online too. It’s a sling thing offer lending by post.

You can pick them up pretty cheaply though, esp second hand.

welshweasel · 20/02/2018 19:55

Urgh, I hated my close caboo. Waste of money, I bought a stretchy wrap of amazon for a tenner and sold the caboo. Everyone is different, hence the popularity of sling libraries. Although with a cheap wrap at least you’re not losing much if you don’t like it.

sw2102 · 20/02/2018 20:00

I would wait until you have baby. I got given two, one wrap one carrier and I barely use either. My baby hates the carrier. Will just about tolerate the wrap. If I had paid for them I would think it a waste. Wait till a baby comes and when you feel up to it go and try some out.

Original poster

tilda0 · 20/02/2018 21:21

Thanks all for your replies! Very diverse answers, still not sure what to do! I might have to wait. I guess the first days maybe it is not that needed...?...

OP posts:

DrWhy · 20/02/2018 21:28

Yes, unless you live in Scotland when you will get one in your baby box!
I had a Hanna stretchy wrap, you can google how to tie it but it’s easier if someone shows you. It’s so soft and comfy I just left it on all day (winter baby) and took Baby in and out as necessary, DH also happily wore it to carry the baby.

Owlettele · 20/02/2018 21:34

@Countingsheeeeep such a beautiful sentiment. Putting away for her future children 😍😍. Love that! Also recommend cheap stretchy wrap for newborns as it snuggles them perfectly. Then investigate something more structured later on. Ds loves being in the wrap. Looking now for something else as he is getting heavier.

Original poster

tilda0 · 20/02/2018 21:42

@DrWhy Do you get that in the baby box in the UK? I'm in Sweden, I don't think I'll get that for free...
It does look comfy!

OP posts:

Anxiouschild · 20/02/2018 22:35

IMO you need to try it on with a baby (yours or borrowed) before you buy, and with a big bump you won't get an accurate feel of how comfortable it is to wear or how easy to put on.

Personally I found a stretchy wrap was great for the first few months (once I'd got the hang of tying it) with both DCs, but it was trickier past that point. What worked for DD1 wasn't suitable for DD2, and I had to try a few with both DCs to find our 'fit'.
A good local sling library was invaluable for this. I found online sling hire very expensive when the p&p costs were added in. In fact it worked out with the sling I settled with for DD2 that I could buy brand new and try it for a few days (local sling library didn't have it), and if it wasn't right resell 'as new' only losing the cost of online hire + p&p (ie quids in if it was the right thing and avoided paying hire plus purchase of a new one, but no worse off if not right).

EssentialHummus · 20/02/2018 22:37

I’d buy/borrow something cheap for now, then get to a sling library once the baby is here. Local FB groups might turn up something?

bbearshh · 21/02/2018 11:45

We have the baby Ktan sling, which is stretchy material but doesn't involve any wrapping, you just put it on and slip baby in. Its really simple and DS loves it. Life saver for us.

Be aware that your newborn might not fit in some of the more structured carriers til they're a bit bigger.

villainousbroodmare · 21/02/2018 11:48

I got a second hand Moby (stretchy wrap) and used it every day from about two weeks. It wasn't expensive. That would be my recommendation.

TheHeartOfTeFiti · 21/02/2018 12:01

Oh yes if your in Scotland and get a box you’ll get one in it

Jupiter15 · 24/02/2018 21:49

Buy a stretchy wrap before baby comes and practice with a doll or teddy. You can get them cheaply and they are ideal for newborns. When you feel up to it get yourself along to a sling library!

NoNoCharlieRascal · 24/02/2018 21:54

Agree with the above, get a stretchy wrap to have ready. Ds lived in it in the early weeks. He was a summer baby and I would walk the whole town at night to get him to settle at night.

Just please look into how to safely wear and beware that sleepsuits with feet might not work as they can squash babys feet when in a sling.

Buxbaum · 25/02/2018 09:15

Yes to getting an inexpensive stretchy wrap. They are v useful on the postnatal ward to enable you to pop to the loo etc without having to leave baby. Then go to a sling library after a few weeks to find something which suits you and will last longer.

mindutopia · 28/02/2018 12:49

We bought a moby wrap with our first while I was pregnant and though I'm not sure we used it straight away (maybe after 2 weeks), I'm very glad we had it. I was in no shape to be making it to a sling meet that early on and it really was a lifesaver. Our 2nd is 9 days old now and we've used the wrap with him from probably 4 days old. Again, an absolute lifesaver and would not have wanted to faff around with getting out to try them on. The only option I can see working is if you were able to book a consultation with a peer supporter to bring some round to your house the first week or two rather than having to get out to a sling library. Then you'd have one on one support in fitting it and putting baby in the first few times. Really though we both found it was easy enough to work out. We watched a few youtube videos and were confident enough doing it and it was wonderful to be able to keep her close and be hands free doing things in those early days.

willisurvive3under2 · 28/02/2018 12:54

I second getting a cheap one. eBay 'Moby wrap', it's just a long piece of stretchy fabric. Watch an YouTube video. If when baby is here you don't get on with it, sell for the same price! The very first few days I didn't need one, but it saved my sanity from week 2.

DrCoconut · 28/02/2018 13:21

Agree regarding stretchy. I found a ring sling was a great option for a smaller baby too but please get proper advice on correct use.

AnUtterIdiot · 28/02/2018 20:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Fannyfanakerpants · 28/02/2018 20:13

Agree with others about a cheap stretchy. If you buy something like a Moby, you will make your money back if you either don't get on with it or when baby grows out if it. Please don't buy something like a baby born. They hold baby in the wrong position which is bad for their hips, and they're awful for your back.

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