Buying a baby sling for my friend, recommendations please?

[clara26]

I'm not a parent (yet) so I have no idea but my friend is having a difficult time with a baby that cries constantly. On another thread people have recommended amongst other things a sling. Anyway as she's having a tough time I'd like to buy her one. I'd love to know which ones you liked and which you didn't.

Thank you in advance.

Close caboo great for babies up to 6 months and v easy to use - ergos will last longer but need insert for small babies

My children particularly liked my fleece pouch sling - it was similar to the ones here

I like my ergo. Used the insert for 4 months and now can go without it.

Mei Thai works from birth to about 3

Check first to see if there is anywhere near you that offers sling hire or sling meets where you can try out different kinds of sling, maybe local NCT group or children's centre. Some shops that veer to the more natural-parenting approach may also do this. There are so many available & it can depend on your build & length/size of baby as to what will be most comfortable, & some of them are quite an investment.

Take her to a sling library or meet so she can have a consultation & try something. They're often somewhere you can get coffee & cake too, which it sounds like she could do with. Well done for being such a considerate friend

Mine both had severe reflux. Along with special milk & high doses of Omeprezole my Lenny Lamb stretchy wrap was a lifesaver!
I second the Sling Library suggestion. Some brilliant ones near me in North London. If that's close to your friend PM me & I'll give you details!

Thanks everyone. I'll look into the meets and libraries. She's having a really tough time (deets on 'aibu to be terrified of my dp behaving this way") and she deserves it. Cost isn't an issue really, just want one that's right for her and her DD.

Thanks again

A manduca. Awesome sling, no need for an
Insert (it's like an ergo). Using it still and dd is 2!

Thank you! We're up north sadly

I started with a stretchy Moby wrap, bought secondhand for 20 quid. Seriously the best thing I have ever bought, saved my sanity with a colicky, refluxy, unputdownable baby. Doesn't matter what size or shape you or your baby are, the wrap fits perfectly. I learned to tie watching YouTube tutorials, found it daunting the first couple of times but was a pro within a couple of days. I mostly use woven wraps or a Boba soft structured carrier these days but cannot recommend a Moby highly enough for those most challenging early months.

A trip to a sling library is a great idea, and a nice enough trip out - the baby will be welcome even if its feeling crotchety. I love the ergo that we bought. My three month old goes everywhere in it, including persuading him to sleep around the house. I like it because it's really straightforward to use, but it is also a little chunky.

You're a smashing friend.

Thank you all so much for your responses. I've found a drop in session locally tomorrow morning that I'm going to take her to.

I second an Ergo. I have a Boba which I love but the Ergo comes with the infant insert and the pockets are better lol.

What a lovely friend! Hope you find something!