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Original poster

A few questions about baby slings, can I do the following...?

35 replies

Pinkflipflop · 15/02/2013 16:55

I've had a few sling recommendations on here which I am going to look into and check reviews!

Now I'm wondering how exactly I can use a sling and what for!

Please be patient and apologies if these queries sound daft!

Can I wear a baby in the sling if I was going for a walk around the park, for example?
Could I bring the dog if I had baby in the sling?
If I was meeting a friend for coffee, could the baby be in the sling or would I need to bring pram also?
Is there a time limit that you can have a baby in a sling?
Do you feel a bit daft wearing your baby?!

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estya · 15/02/2013 21:43

I second a hooded top to keep the baby's neck warm.
When the dc were newborns I'd keep the wrap on all day and pop them in and out as needed. It pulls it a bit wonky when you move it to the side to breastfeed but its easy to even it out again.
I now use a connecta (soft structured) carrier which is easier to get on and off but not a lovely as being snuggled in a stretchy wrap.

I was wondering the other day why people using babybjorn types tend to wear them over their coats.
Babybjorn types aren't supposed to be used for long periods because of hip dyspraxia (or something) and lack of back support for babies that don't yet have good muscle strength. They are also uncomfortable for the wearer after a while because they don't strap the baby against your body, they hang on the straps to your shoulders.

I don't really like bending down with a baby in the sling. In a strechy wrap you can tuck their head in. Mine didn't like this for long but would tollerate it long enough to pick up a dog poo. For a one handed job I'd support them with the other hand so I empty a deep trolley like this, or unload the dishwasher at home.

I never feel daft wearing a sling but you have to get used to lots of people talking to you. Especially old woman are mesmerised by it and by how contently the baby sleeps.

NaturalBaby · 15/02/2013 22:05

I loved carrying my newborn babies in a Moby wrap. It's like they would switch into fetal mode.

It does take a bit of practice to get it tied up right ready for baby to go in, and I ended up wearing the sling a lot more than the baby so it was ready to go.

Please wear your baby up on your chest and not dangling in front of your crotch! There is a local dad who has a really old sling and the baby was always hanging down below his waist belt, usually lop sided... I don't know how I resisted having words with him! They should be close enough for you to kiss the top of their head.

Original poster

Pinkflipflop · 15/02/2013 22:07

So do people think it would be a mistake to but the baby Bjorn one? I like the look of the Moby or Rose Rebellion one, think they are the correct names!

Are the material ones hard to fasten?

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LemonBreeland · 15/02/2013 22:13

Baby bjorn really isn't best or most comfortable for you or baby. You would not be able to wear it for as long, but a newborn would be comfy for hours in a moby.

SamSmalaidh · 15/02/2013 22:15

I wouldn't waste money on a Baby Bjorn tbh - not good for the baby, not great for the adult and most babies get too heavy to be carried for very long in them by about 3 months.

Wrap ones aren't very hard to tie, but I found the idea of them a bit intimidating when DS was a newborn so I got a Close carrier (think they are called Caboo now?) which is basically the same thing but you don't have to tie them. Stretchy wraps like a Close, Moby etc are brilliant for newborns but only last til the baby is about 5-6 months and you can only have them on your front. Woven wraps are a bit trickier but will last forever.

I had a Rose&Rebellion which was excellent - very easy to use from newborn on your front and can go on your back from about 6 months too - I used it til DS was about 18 months and then got the bigger size and still carry him in that one at 2.5 years!

LemonBreeland · 15/02/2013 22:17

I have an Ergo that is really comfortable, you can get a newborn insert amd it could last you until your lo is 2.

InvaderZim · 15/02/2013 22:31

I had an Ergo and it was great, even better once they're 6 months you can put baby on your back instead!

I also had a Moby (great in the early days when they just want to sleep on you all the time) and a ring sling (handy for quick trips, left it in the car so I always had a sling when I needed one).

I now have a Boba 3G because it fits my 2 year old really well, but these fit newborns too - you flip the waistband over so the whole carrier is smaller. I love my Boba 3G!! :D

estya · 15/02/2013 22:48

With respect to the crotch danglers, google 'ticks' sling safety.
Its a checklist of safety points and while i can't remember what they all are, one is that they should be close enough to kiss their head.

PurplePidjin · 16/02/2013 02:29

There's a very good reason why there are so many cheap BabyBjorns and other structured carriers on ebay etc, and they've all been stated here

Estya, one of them is about keeping the baby's head up iirc?

They're not hard to fasten once you've got the hang of it - bit like shoelaces tbh. I can't recommend enough that you go to a sling meet and practice, they have dolls if you're not ready to risk the baby :o

octanegirl · 25/02/2013 16:44

I use a Stokke one. It was hideously expensive but it's fab. Better than the Closer one I was lent. And no, not remotely embarrassed about wearing my baby. Its so practical.

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