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Original poster

Babywearing experts... v specific carrier advice needed!

29 replies

Vanoose · 20/09/2015 08:10

Hi all

I am trying to find a carrier that will work for my 6.5kg baby to nap in. He will only nap when being worn and with something to block out the light. Currently he naps in a Caboo Close which has been PERFECT - stretchy, holds him close, covers his face if he wants. However he's getting a bit heavy for me in it - he's started to slide down mid-nap and the shoulder and neck pain is starting to get pretty rough, so I feel like a semi structured carrier is next.

I had whiplash a long time ago but guess it's never really healed perfectly so I need a carrier that holds as much weight as possible on the middle/lower back and waist, and has spreadable or very wide shoulders (like the Caboo's straps).

I use the Baby Bjorn for shopping and this is great for my back with the huge panel. He won't sleep in it though.

I have tried an Ergo, Tula and Manduca - these don't give the middle/lower back support I need as the weight is on the shoulders and waist...

So I guess I'm wondering if there's a carrier out there:
1 - comfy enough for him to sleep in
2 - with a wide hood or stretch panel to block the light
3 - with a super supportive back structure with the weight on the lower back and waist as much as possible, and wide/spreadable straps
4 - that will work as he gets bigger and heavier
5 - something structured so that he won't slide down during the nap

I've got a sling library close by but it's only fortnightly and the next two sessions are both on days when I'm away (typical)!!

I wish I didn't have to be so specific! We have tried non sling naps and the only other option is the car, and my back is suffering more each day it feels, so I am desperate for a solution!

Thanks a lot
Vanessa

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blibblobblub · 20/09/2015 08:13

Could you look at something like the Boba 4G? That has a fairly wide waist belt (which I didn't get on with myself, I found it too bulky as I'm quite short - I much prefer something more unstructured) and it might give you that bit more support you're looking for.

blibblobblub · 20/09/2015 08:16

Or a wrap could actually be better - a woven wrap maybe? There's so many different carries you could make sure the weight is distributed over your back.

I think there are a couple of sling libraries that do postal hire, though I suppose the downside is that you don't get that face to face support you might need.

KatoPotato · 20/09/2015 08:36

Have a look at the moby aria. Ice just had a private sling consultation and had pretty much the same wish list as you!

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superbfairywren · 20/09/2015 08:58

I might not have exactly the same requirements as you but my Dd went from the caboo to a connecta really well. The waist belt isn't very wide, actually none of it is really but the shoulder straps are padded and cross over so I never feel the weight across my shoulders. She's now over 9kg and it's really comfy. The hood is quite big too and can be tucked away when you don't need it. There are a few postal sling libraries, try it's a sling thing, which is actually where I bought my connecta, they are really helpful and have a big selection to post.

Littlef00t · 20/09/2015 08:59

I use the Kibi. It has a little hood that clips to the back and padded backpack style straps...?

Original poster

Vanoose · 20/09/2015 09:01

Ooh how much is a private sling consultation? Think that could me my way to go... the Aria looks good, I'm just worried about the cross on the back being up high, if it was in the middle/lower back I would be sold.

Woven wrap... I just don't know enough about these, think I definitely need to research them a bit more as they sound so versatile for the weight spread.

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Devonicity · 20/09/2015 09:04

At that age I had a half buckle Ocah wrap conversion with padded wrap straps for exactly those reasons. The top stitched buckle waist and wrap material made it incredibly supportive and the wrap straps have that blocking out the world effect as well as spreading the weight over my whole back (I wore them crossed and then spread over my back and the baby), then tied at the back.

I'd suggest asking in one of the secondhand sling Facebook groups if anyone is selling a baby sized half buckle with wrap straps and seeing what's on offer.

poocatcherchampion · 20/09/2015 09:06

I was thinking woven wrap as well.

It is a logical next step from a stretchy.

Original poster

Vanoose · 20/09/2015 09:18

The connecta looks good - the x on the back, does that sit in the middle/lower back or more towards the shoulder blades? I need something crossed and low on the back... nowhere near my poor shoulders!

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Joskar · 20/09/2015 09:22

Woven wrap for sure. The tying takes some getting used to but easy with practice. Check out Wrap Me in Love for videos of ties.

KatoPotato · 20/09/2015 10:11

The aria goes cross back or 'backpack' style

blibblobblub · 20/09/2015 11:51

The Connecta doesn't sit low. I have one and I love it but the cross on the back is fairly high.

5madthings · 20/09/2015 11:55

I was going to say a woven wrap or a wrap conversion so half buckles.

Have a look on some fb groups etc

A woven wrap will be easier to get hold of than a conversion but both would work.

ODog · 20/09/2015 16:48

Another vote for a connecta. Not sure about the specific weight distribution but I find it comfy with my big 15mo.

Plus it has an inbuilt hood that you can put up so it goes dark and cosy for naps

CMOTDibbler · 20/09/2015 16:57

I think a half buckle wrap conversion would be perfect. I had a dreamcarrier like that and it was incredibly comfy with nice wide straps and a rucksac style padded waist band

anythingicando · 20/09/2015 17:04

Just to say regarding the sleep thing, we've been using a wide brimmed hat while using a stretchy wrap, which has done quite a good job of blocking out the world and helping ds nap. This might broaden your choice of carrier options.

I am also looking for for shoulder straps that spread and at the moment am looking for the right woven wrap or possibly half buckle. Luckily we have an excellent sling library nearby and even better, a sling shop has just opened not too far away. I'm going this week and am quite excited!

superbfairywren · 20/09/2015 17:05

[]
If this link works it's a video on a front carry in a connecta, if not just Google connecta video and it will come up, you can also use it on the back and I think for a hip carry. The cross on the back is quite high but I haven't found it uncomfortable at all and I found the ergobaby 360 quite tight across the shoulder blades. Might be worth a go if you can get one from a sling library. Its also really light and folds up quite small which is good for putting in your bag, pushchair, etc. I always have mine handy. I found once my Dd hit about 5months the caboo was awful on my back and my shoulders were where I really felt it too. Good luck!

petalsandstars · 20/09/2015 17:08

Or buckle waist with wrap straps. Storchenweige or bondolino (velcro waist) might work. Hire first though if you can to try

Devonicity · 20/09/2015 17:57

Ive been thinking and I'm pretty sure sure Wompats do half buckles with wrap straps. I had a full buckle Wompat and it was very supportive and comfy though the cute pixie hood is ime less supportive and world-hiding than the flat Connecta style one.

Original poster

Vanoose · 21/09/2015 08:28

This has all been so helpful! I am feeling much more positive about finding the right one now. Will post an update as to what we went with in the end. Thank you everyone!!

OP posts:

queenrollo · 21/09/2015 08:38

Have road-tested the Bondolino and it was my first thought as a suggestion for you. One of the most comfy slings I've ever used (we did a whole weekend, and lots of carrying in Whitby with it).

I would say the Connecta might not meet your criteria. I have weak shoulders/neck and as DS got heavier the Connecta got harder to use. I much preferred my HopTye as I could spread the wrap straps wide across my back and shoulders to take the weight.
Suggestions from others of a half-buckle with wrap straps I think are spot on. The wrap straps are much more suited to get a good fit when you have shoulder/neck issues. It just takes a bit of practice to work out how best to tie them on yourself to distribute the weight right, but once you've got it you can wear for long periods of time without feeling the strain.

ohthegoats · 22/09/2015 22:24

I moved from a stretchy wrap to a woven Mai Tai. I've got one of these - wide shoulder straps, can be tied in a few different ways, baby is really high up. Mine slept in it quite happily from 4 - 7 months. At that point I moved to a rucksack carrier and a hip carry in a ring sling. She sleeps in all of them.

Babywearing experts... v specific carrier advice needed!

ohthegoats · 22/09/2015 22:25

Ah yeah, it's what queenrollo said - a Hopp Tye.

FusionChefGeoff · 22/09/2015 22:33

I'd vote woven if you have time / motivation to learn about the different carries and qualities of each kind of wrap (length, weight, weave etc) If not, a mei tai or half buckles with wide wrap style straps. Good luck - I used a close Caboo for practical reasons with DC2 but am now a sling geek and hope to carry her as she approaches her 1st birthday and beyond

Misty9 · 22/09/2015 23:02

I would also advocate a mei-tai style sling. We had a napsack baby one and it was very comfy for my weak back with the spreadable straps. Bit daunting to start with but I quickly got the hang of it. I'm actually finished with ours if interested... :)

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