Tips for carrying 2wo DD in a Babasling? I'm keen for it to work.

[SaltyGoodness]

I've watched the videos but they don't really help much. Am travelling with her in a couple of days time and would love to do as much as possible in sling. It's not that she doesn't like it, it's just that we don't feel 'settled' IYKWIM. I don't have any opportunity to look into other types of sling just now, so please don't tell me about other brands. Need to work with what I've got!

Sorry, I didn't use a babasling but would just say- try walking. At first ds didn't like the slings I used (at that age) but after a few minutes of motion he normally settled down

I know you've said is not what you want to hear, but I'm going to say it anyway. It's (probably) not you, it's the sling.
Though some people love them - especially for older babies who can sit up - most people with some sling experience will tell you that Babaslings are ... not the greatest. Hard to get comfortable, hard to adjust, not all babies like the cradle position. DO you feel like you're holding onto her through the fabric, or like you're tensing your body to keep her in a particular position? That's not tenable.

If you do decide it's not working for you, please don't give up on slinging all together - a stretchy wrap would be a lot more versatile. You can borrow one from a sling library or try one out at a sling meet if you get the chance.
Love your name BTW - Buffy inspired?

If you use Facebook join a group called 'Slings and things FSOT and advice'. Post the same question there with a pic of you carrying your little one in the babasling and you will get some constructive feedback from lots of lovely people. There are 15000 members so someone will be able to help.

I've never used a babasling but when my DD was tiny she always grumped a bit when I put her in the sling. She soon settled down and ended up living in it for months. Top tip is to tie it nice and snug, it will be more comfy for you both that way.

Meanwhile, for the right-now - swaying or singing while she settles into it is a good thing to try; make sure her chin is off her chest and you can see her face at all times; keep the shoulder part cupping your shoulder rather than digging into your neck; and try keeping her body central (there can be a tendency with some pouch slings to slip off to one side so the baby ends up under your arm).

I know you said that you didn't want to hear about other slings but I had a Premaxx (similar in style to a Babasling and I think now withdrawn from sale) for dd1 and she never seemed comfortable in it - her chin was on her chest and I couldn't relax because I was convinced she couldn't breathe properly (I believe that's why you can't get them any more), plus it was really uncomfortable for me. I did go back to it when she was bigger and used it on my hip with her sitting up but when she was a newborn it was hopeless.

By the time I had dd2 I'd done a bit more research and I bought a stretchy wrap first, it was fiddly but much better for both of us. When she got bigger I bought a Patapum soft structured carrier and we still use that now (she's now 17 months).

Babaslings are really hard to use!

Are you trying to carry her upright or cradled? My DS never liked a cradled position so I only used it cradled - adjusting it is the problem with the babasling as you have to take it off every time you need to adjust it, or maybe get someone else to tighten/loosen it while the baby is in it?

Having said that, I never managed to make it work so got a ring sling instead.

Sling libraries and such will just have to wait, for the moment it's the babasling or a shitload of faffing at airports trying to take a buggy to the gate. And hoping I get it back at the other end. Given this choice, I am choosing to persevere with the sling that I have.

toklas you are right, need to just put in some miles and get us both used to it.

puddock thank you (and yes, my name is a Cordy quote ) - that's just what I needed. Have had a fiddle (best thing was taking it off and having a break for half an hour then starting anew... it worked much much better!)

amandine yes, it's my feeling that her chin is on her chest that worries me. She doesn't mind but I worry it can't be good for her.

Kitty brilliant. Thanks.

Will put in some practice tomorrow and see how we go

Honestly, regardless of the sling, I would really recommend taking the pram with you to the gate. Gives your back and arms a break and you need somewhere to put all the kit.

(Mind you I only have experience of travelling with a 6 month+ baby, it might be different with a newborn as I guess they need less stuff).

Where are you based? Just thinking I could lend you a sling if you're near...

Chin on chest can be dangerous and constrict her airways see here so please don't allow that to happen!

Babaslings are fine to use (not a bag sling like the premaxx mentioned above) however they are not particularly comfortable for many people, and because you can't adjust it once it's on you may need a lot of trial and error to make it feel the right size for you.

I couldn't master the cradle type carry they suggest, the only one I could get to work for me was the sleeping tiger (I think it was called) where baby is lying the opposite way to the sling. Keep practicing and you will be fine, but once you're back from holiday I'd suggest looking into other more comfortable options :)

I could never get little baby right in BabaSling. To be they always looked very squashed.

I used Baby Bjorn for DD1 and Ergo Carrier (fantastic) for DD2. And then I used the Baba when they were bigger and could sit up in it.

Thanks for the offers but we just need to get home from forrin parts and then I can investigate the wonderful world of sling libraries etc. For now I just wanted tips on getting comfy with the babasling as it is all I have to work with for the moment. I appreciate people may love other brands of sling but it's really not helpful to me right now!

rockchic thank you, I've just tried the 'sleeping tiger' position and it's a good one! Hadn't tried it till now as I wondered if she'd fall out like that