Sling advice requested.

[BroccoliSpears]

I have been searching and reading lots of great advice about slings on MN, but thought I'd ask my own question as I'm after something quite specific.

First thing to note: I am a complete sling dunce. Seriously. I tried various different slings with dd and never had success with any of them. I think this was partly because dd never really wanted to be slinged (slung?), but mostly because I'm awkward and elbowey and uncoordinated and slapdash.

Second thing to note: I'm absolutely determined to get the hang of it when dc2 arrives next year. I have to! I'll have a toddler racing around and I'll need to keep on doing stuff. A sling would be perfect.

What I'm after is a sling that is

• Usable from the start
• Soft - not scratchy canvas
• Possible to breastfeed in
• Simple. I just don't seem to be able to get the hang of tying metres of cloth in intricate knots about my person
• Also, I like the idea of being able to wear LO on my back, but think that this will be when he/she is a bit older. Am happy to get a second sling for that stage if that's best.

Any advice?

Am asking early as I'll need a bit of time to scour ebay for a bargain.

I have a Maya Wrap ringsling and it is just fab. It comes in beautiful colours too - mine is a lovely olive one.

Meets all of your requirements although have never worn DS on my back in it.

i recommend going to a slingmeet in your area. they will probably have a sling library and be keen to show you how to use a wrap sling, tips on getting the ring sling just right and a few mei tais to try out. then it will be easier to make a decision.

since you already said that a wrap is not your thing, can i suggest a mei tai? it is possible to use them from new born right to toddlerhood and it has a short learning curve. the ring sling is prob the easiest for most people to bf in but ime without having someone to show you just how to tweak it right to make it work, it can leave a beginner boggled as to what they are not quite getting right. which is why i recommend the sling meet.

For me a huggababy is the best - one of the first ring slings as well I think

Fits all your criteria as well

I loved Brightsparks Slings coorie when DD was small and am using it again as a bottom of the bag spare now she's two and walks 95% of the time.

Anna

type in sling in ebay and see what comes up. I have a natures sway which i wish i had bought earlier as it is still fantastic with a huge baby. Make sure it can be adjusted so your partner can use it too. Padding on the strap is handy.

Ergo (with an infant insert) - I still use mine with DS who is 2.

Easy to use, not as soft as others but has a nice cotton liner against the baby's body, easy to BF in & can be used from birth until your child is too heavy to carry. I know a couple of 4 yr olds who are still carried (when hiking etc) in these. Can be worn on front, hips or back.

Or

Kangaroo Korner Adjustable fleece pouch - soft fleecy, stretchy material, easy to BF in, usable for first yr, possibly longer (my DS would wriggle and try to climb out by about 10 months so the Ergo took over. Can be worn in various positions - see website.

People often stop me and asked where I got both carriers. I am so glad I had them.

Best of luck.

A hotsling. It'll be a little tricky getting your size measured while pregnant but they are absolutely great, totally idiot-proof. I have two and use one every day for ds2.