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Parenting

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Original poster

Can anyone recommend a sling or wrap which isn't too hard on the back?

34 replies

ACatCalledFang · 17/10/2015 20:20

I'd really appreciate any recommendations for a sling, wrap or carrier suitable for a seven week old baby which won't aggravate the wearer's back...

I had a C-section and have had some lower back pain ever since, nothing major but don't want to make it any worse. I'm assuming a wrap like the Moby might be a better option than a carrier in terms of spreading the weight? But then I saw the Close Caboo and the Mei Tai soft carriers and wondered whether they might be better.

We actually have a second-hand Baby Bjorn but DS doesn't like it, I feel he's too small for it (we last tried it when he was about 9 lbs) and I know they're not ideal for newborn hips. It also really made my back ache!

I originally hoped to make it to the local sling library but, for various reasons, we won't be able to go before early December so I'm now thinking I'll just pick up a second-hand wrap or sling on eBay and sell it on if we don't get on with it.

All thoughts welcome, and thanks in advance!

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ISpidersmanYouMeanPirate · 17/10/2015 20:28

I love our connecta. I bought it for DS2 and we never again used the 2 we had for DS1 (baby bjorn and closer)

It never hurt, is extremely easy to use and folds down very small.

Even my mum used it and was amazed how comfortable it was.

Wotsitsareafterme · 17/10/2015 20:31

Get rid of the baby bjorn it will hurt your back. You need a wrap they carry the baby right up on you chest well away from the scar - I carried dd2 in a stretchy wrap with no problem - I couldn't push a pram! Look st lightweight wraps moby bit heavy

Devonicity · 17/10/2015 20:34

I'd suggest a cheap stretchy wrap for now and then get to the sling library and see what works for you. Slings are very individual, so it's hard to recommend.

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bumpertobumper · 17/10/2015 20:34

Have a look at the papoozle - it is soft fabric but with a padded hip band to support the weight. I could never use a baby bjorn as it strained my back a shoulders. Found tris very comfy and DD likes it too. However I didn't have a cs so don't know how it would work with scar.
Think they are on sale at the moment too.

Iggly · 17/10/2015 20:35

A manduca. Work from newborn to toddled realy well

Snossidge · 17/10/2015 20:35

The close would be really good for the first few months, then get a more structured one - I like Rose and Rebellion carriers.

annatha · 17/10/2015 20:47

I used a Moby from 5 weeks to 4/5 months and loved it, wish I'd discovered it sooner. Stretchy wraps are good as you can tie it once the pop baby in and out for feeds etc without having to retie it like you would with a woven wrap, and at this time of year the jersey material is lovely and cosy. We switched to a connecta when dd got heavier and also love it. Www.itslingthing.co.uk do postal hire so you could rent a couple of different types to try before buying, or you're on Facebook search for a group called slings under £100 for good deals on second hand slings, and you can easily sell them on if they're not right for you.

Original poster

ACatCalledFang · 17/10/2015 20:49

Wow, so many responses already, thank you! Some good ideas here, and I'm definitely erring towards picking up something cheaply which will do for now, then perhaps spending more on something which will last longer once we've had the chance to try a few via the sling library.

The scar is less of an issue than the back at the moment, but carrying higher is probably a good idea.

Would a stretchy wrap be better at the moment, or should I fork out a bit more for a woven wrap?

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Original poster

ACatCalledFang · 17/10/2015 20:50

Just seen your post, Annatha - looks like my question about stretchy vs woven has been answered, thanks!

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nephrofox · 17/10/2015 20:54

Close caboo is basically a wrap that's pre-tied so easier for beginners to wear. I used mine everyday after c section up to about 4 months old. Life saver!!

BertieBotts · 17/10/2015 20:55

Anything which is a babywearing type sling rather than a commercially produced carrier will be better. I know that sounds really wanky but I don't really understand why the bjorn etc keep producing designs which don't support the back properly - even their "ergonomic" ones totally miss the mark, it's bizarre. The baby sling industry is large so it's not like they are some niche thing, not any more.

For me personally I prefer a soft stretchy wrap like the Moby over the Close but it's personal choice. You might also want to look at soft structured carriers like the Connecta. Be careful on ebay because you can get fakes, especially of Ergo carriers but on different brands too.

This might be helpful (There used to be loads of good articles but I can hardly find any now :( )

slingguide.co.uk.gridhosted.co.uk/types-of-slings/

Maplessglobe · 17/10/2015 21:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BlueChampagne · 17/10/2015 22:45

Loved my Wilkinet. Looks like an octopus but website video very helpful.

Daffodil1210 · 17/10/2015 23:00

I've got the Ergobaby 360 and a Boba Wrap. Both are definitely in my top 10 baby purchases. I found the wrap great for the newborn stage and for around the house, and the Ergo is great for venturing out and now that my DS is bigger. It's really comfy to wear (and I really suffer suffer with my back) and spreads the weight evenly. I always get asked by other mums about the Ergo when out and about with DS in it.

BertieBotts · 17/10/2015 23:57

I made my own stretchy wrap back in the day :) It's really easy to do (I can just about sew buttons, and don't have a machine) because all you need to do is buy Jersey cotton and just cut it. It doesn't fray, the edges just curl up, and it was cheaper than buying a sling at the time - not sure how prices compare now between fabric and slings.

You buy 5 metres or so, it usually comes in 60 inch width, you want to cut to 20 inches so you get three slings out of one bit of fabric. Or you can cut 40:20 which is what I did, and fold the 40 one in half lengthways to make it thicker. I had to cut tapers into the ends to be able to tie it but it worked well.

superbfairywren · 18/10/2015 07:50

I was coming on to say close caboo, connecta and mention its a sling thing which Is where I ended up buying my connecta from but they've all been mentioned already.

It's very much about personal choice and what you find comfortable. As they are washable it is probably worth getting a secondhand wrap of some kind, close caboo or similar to try out. I found it the most cosy while DD was little although I used mine for a really short time comfortably, about 2-4months as I had a c section and just couldn't carry her in a sling for the first 6-8weeks. It was too much pressure on my abdominals and tops of my legs and didn't help the healing so left it until I was healed.
I got a connecta afterwards and It is so comfortable, DD is a little heffer and with the connecta I plan to carry her until she's grown out of the carrier. You should try before you buy if you can. I took a punt on the connecta as there weren't available to hire when I looked and I wanted it for a holiday so just bought blind. Best thing I've bought! Good luck.

GiraffesCanDance1 · 18/10/2015 11:37

I had. bjorn but it hurt my neck so bought an Ergo baby 360. It feels quite big but is very comfy and dd is very warm and cosy in the duvet-like newborn insert. I can use it for hours with no pain, I had a section too.

Original poster

ACatCalledFang · 18/10/2015 12:38

Thanks, everyone (and thanks, Maplessglobe ) - some great ideas here, and it's definitely confirmed that I should try the sling library before forking out any significant sums. I now may be able to get to the library sooner than I thought, but am probably going to bid for a cheap Moby on eBay to see how we get on with it in the meantime.

Thanks again - I hadn't realised how many options were out there (or how enthusiastic people would be!).

OP posts:

BertieBotts · 18/10/2015 12:46

Cheaper but the same as a moby: Boba/sleepy wrap, kari-me, sa-be. Probably more I don't know :)

Moby is a well known brand so watch out for fakes on ebay. I don't know that a fake moby would be particularly dangerous but you never know. southlondonslings.co.uk/sling-info/safe-babywearing/untested-baby-carriers-and-illegal-fakes/

BertieBotts · 18/10/2015 12:46

Scroll down that article and you'll see signs to spot a fake moby.

Original poster

ACatCalledFang · 18/10/2015 20:05

Thanks BertieBotts, that's good to know!

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Iguessyourestuckwithme · 18/10/2015 20:10

I'm not a sling wearer - well I wasnt until DC2 arrived - I now have a close caboo, baby bjorn and a Hana - love the Hana;

Scattymum101 · 18/10/2015 21:09

I loved my close caboo til 5 months then I invested in a Tula buckle carrier and we both adore it. I use it every day and she loves it. She's 8 months now and I don't feel as though I'm wearing her at all.
The Tula is only suitable for 15lbs and up though. The boba 4g is very similar and has a newborn insert.

randomsabreuse · 18/10/2015 21:35

Love my close caboo. Best thing is that the straps spread out. Make sure you put the cross bit in the right place for you!

minipie · 18/10/2015 21:52

Ok I'm clearly in the minority but i didnt get on too well with the caboo - too much material for my small frame and DDs didnt seem comfy in it beyond the teeny newborn phase.

I love love my Beco Gemini though - baby's weight mostly sits on my hips via a very wide waist belt, so there is no pulling on my shoulders etc. Also it's one of the few good slings that allows facing forward, which both my DDs loved

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