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Original poster

Any sling experts around?

19 replies

Daisymoo · 17/09/2006 12:24

I've mostly been babywearing ds3 since he was born, partly because he wanted to and partly because he hated any kind of pram/pushchair we tried. Over the summer he started using our urban detour quite a bit but over the past few weeks he's started wriggling out of the straps, standing up and generally being a pest in it.
So I've started carrying him again, which he obviously prefers, but my back has started really aching. I'm using a kozy carrier, which is a mai tei style and carrying him on my front rather than my back a)because I've never got to grips with getting him on my back by myself and b)he seems to prefer it. I'm wondering though whether my back pain is being caused by carrying him on the front and whether I should try an ergo? Or something else? Would this be more comfortable for me and do babies prefer being on your back in an ergo?
He's almost 1 btw and I'd guess around 25-30lbs (never had him weighed
Thanks!

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kitbit · 17/09/2006 13:54

was going to suggest an Ergo then I saw you´d mentioned it! We have one, ds is 16 kilos, and nearly 2. It distributes the weight really well on your hips so doesn't pull your back, and the back carry is easier than most to get the hang of because the ergo keeps its shape while you're trying to get your baby into it! I get him on the back by putting him in on the front without putting the straps on then doing a strange wiggle with a jump and turning the waist strap round while holding him sort of over the top over his shoulders. Takes some preactise but not impossible! You could try bigmamaslings.com (think thats the link but try googling of not) as I think they offer sling hire so you can try various sorts.

TooTicky · 17/09/2006 14:12

these are the best - never had backache or shoulder ache, weight well-distributed, rings don't slip - just brilliant!

chocybickie · 17/09/2006 14:15

Ergo definitely. I've used about every sling, carrier and wrap available.
But if you haven't always carried your baby you will find it a little uncomfortable over long periods. So build up the wearing time or just use it for short trips.

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Kif · 17/09/2006 17:57

Can I gatecrash pls?

I've been looking at newborn slings - intend to carry a lot due to stairs and needing to get out with DD1. With dd1 used baby bjorn - after the first few weeks it felt very secure and was very successful. I've been looking at some of the 'sling' type carriers this time round.

My first questions is if they are better for the baby? My second question: are they really secure? They look like the baby can just roll out if you bend over or move sharply.

LaDiDaDi · 17/09/2006 18:19

Kif, i've been using a coorie sling with dd and she is really secure in it so long as you make sure that the material is well pulled up around her. I don't know if it's better for her than the baby bjorn type but it feels like a more natural position for her to be in.

kittywits · 17/09/2006 19:15

I've always used these they are very comfotable and I can carry babies around for hours.
I have tried pretty much every sling on the market over the years. I am quite small and my back and shoulders are not strong.
The fact that I can carry a baby around for a long time using these and still be comfortable says it all really.
I personally don't like the ones with the rings. I used them for one baby and the rings kept digging into me and the baby never felt secure enough. Hope that's of help.

Papillon · 17/09/2006 19:17

This thread has loads of MN sharing Sling info

here

FillyjonktheBananaEater · 17/09/2006 19:31

er-go!

they are seriously the best, ime, and my god do i have a cupboard full of sling experience.

the tricotti does not fit me

and ring slings cost me in osteopath fees

FillyjonktheBananaEater · 17/09/2006 19:33

chockie is spot on about building up gradually though. Short periods.

oh btw i can carry dd, who is 14m and same weight as your ds i think (last weighed at 4 wks on front or back

archiesmummy · 17/09/2006 23:14

Sorry to hijack.
So glad I found this thread as I've been looking for slings for my DS who is now 8 months. We used a 3 way carrier in the early days but found it awkward (mainly because if DS fell asleep in it then you couldn't get him out of it without waking him up [annoyed emoticon]}.
I'd like a sling for when he starts walking so I don't have to drag stroller with me all the time.

I love the look of the Ergo and also the Didymos.

OxyMoron · 17/09/2006 23:45

Hi,

can I ask what the problem is with back carries? Because if you could solve that you wouldn't need another carrier. I also have a kozy (well, 2 tbh!) and the back carries are so comfortable, even with my nearly 2.5 yo. Maybe if you tell us how you're doing them now we could troubleshoot for you.

kittywits · 18/09/2006 07:17

Filli, how can a tricotti not fit you?!!!!! They fit to your size!!!!!

FillyjonktheBananaEater · 18/09/2006 08:18

I am a freak, I guess

I dunno. both my kids have managed to escape from the tricotti, ds when he was only about 10 weeks old.

Plus I could never move my shoulders properly in it.

(go ERGO! go ERGO!)

FillyjonktheBananaEater · 18/09/2006 08:19

Plus I inherited it from my very svelte friend, and I am not so svelte

dunno, its a mystery.

Original poster

Daisymoo · 18/09/2006 08:57

Thanks everyone, sounds like an ergo would work well. Oxymoron, I don't really know how to describe what I'm doing with the back carry so I'll try and take some photos and post a link later and see what you think.

OP posts:

kittywits · 18/09/2006 10:36

Filly, I've looked up the ergo and it looks like they could simply fall out of it, especially when on your back. What happens if they lean backwards? I'm very curious!

kitbit · 19/09/2006 09:12

noooo, their legs are around your waist and the straps would prevent them falling out! Trust me I know, I have a very wriggly 22mth old! They can throw themselves backwards, true, but I would say that if your lo is prone to doing that maybe get them used to the front carry first. They won't fall out, but if they fling themselves back you obviously don't have your arms to bring them back upright so you have to lean yourself forwards which is a bit awkward. But in practise, even my wriggly ds doesn't go backwards he just throws himself sidways in order to see where we're going which can have hilarious effects on your balance! After the first time it happens though you can spot it coming a mile away and just need to be firm in your footing!

belgo · 19/09/2006 09:29

I've had back ache with every sling (tricotti, tricot slen, kubeba) I've used except the ergo! It's difficult put on your back in the beginning, but with practise it gets easier. It's extrememly well designed, and very comfortable. There are even special coats to go over it.

kittywits · 19/09/2006 12:19

It sounds good. Has anyone heard of or used a mei tai sling or a kangaroo korner pouch?

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