Am I wearing baby sling wrong?

[lizzlebizzle33]

Hello
I have a 20 month old and a 2 month old, I really wanted to carry baby in a sling when I went out with the pushchair so I can still get on a bus, there's no way I can fit the double pushchair on a bus.
I've worn the wrap around the house and it's seemed OK, baby usually falls asleep in it. I went out with him in it today for the first time and I realised I just can't do it for any length of time.
I was too hot, he was too heavy, my back ached, it was hard to push the pram. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or it's just harder than I thought it would be?
Also what do you dress baby in on a cold day when they're in the wrap?

What type of sling is it? I had a Caboo close and it was really comfortable. Google sling libraries in your area, they will be able to help.

Read TICKs guidelines. High and tight is key. Higher and tighter than you would think. Try a sling library. Different people suit different slings.

It's just a long material wrap kind, like s moby wary but non branded. I have watched tons of you tube videos on how to put it on and how to put baby in but I'm still not very confident taking him out and feel like I need both hands on him in case he falls out 😬
Baby I need s better wrap? In worried I will spend more money and it just be the same though

I never got on with the Caboo wrap, no matter how much I tried it felt like it was slipping. I used an ergobaby with dd2 from a couple of weeks old and it is really good. I did work out after a few months that it is best fitted a lot higher than I was initially wearing it. It makes getting out so easy and dd1 is nearly three so now we can go out without a pushchair.

I had a caboo (with a 2 year old in pram too and I get where you’re coming from) and agree with pp they’re comfy and feel good for all, but tbh with a hefty sized child (baby was 4kg at birth) you won’t be able to caboo much after 4 months, and yes it will be hot and heavy and a real workout with the pram too. I had just a 15 min push to nursery and back and I really felt it!

Thoroughly recommend the ergo baby for when baby is big enough, it was a revelation and my back was never sore.
For both ergo and caboo, I used an outer cover (which was meant to go over the babybjorn but I rigged it to work with ergo) which was wind/rain proof and gave some warmth. So baby was basically dressed for being inside. And nobody got too hot.

Thank you, I did feel like it was s little low and too loose today, I will try again and also see if there is a sling library locally.x

I didn't use a sling (didn't trust myself to put it on correctly)but I did use a structured carrier. I used it from birth. It was a Beco Gemini. It was so comfortable I really could keep him in it for hours. At one point I borrowed a friend's Stokke carrier and it was so uncomfortable that I only used it once. It really hurt my shoulders. It made me realize that all brands aren't created equal and what works great for one person may not work for the next.

When I went out with my stretchy wrap I found it would loosen over time and I had to stop to tighten every now and again. I moved on to a buckle carrier, the ergobaby adapt can be used from newborn. And I also had a connecta and I found them much more comfy for longer walks. I still used the stretchy at home but only until about 4 months.

If you like the wrap you can get non-stretchy wraps which you might find more comfy.

If you tie it like I did, you need to tug the left and right downward sections tight before you tie round your waist. Don't know if that makes sense.

Baby's head needs to be on the hard part of your chest above your boobs/just below your throat. You should be able to kiss the top of her head easily.

Thank you all, I think maybe I'm just not comfortable with a stretchy one although I love the idea of it.
Ives looked at the ergo carrier and it looks great, a bit pricey maybe. Would you say it's worth it?

I still occasionally use the Moby wrap for my 16kg 2.5yo and I used it a huge amount when he was younger. I reckon you are tying it too loosely which does feel very insecure and annoying. It should be quite tight for a 2mo. When it's right, you won't feel as if you have to put a hand on it.

I really think you should try a few more times with the wrap you have! It's super comfy for both of you when you get it right. I much preferred it to both Ergo and Tula as the weight is even across your whole shoulder, making it very easy on your back.

I had the Moby for DS1 and quite liked it when he was small but the Ergo with DS2 was a total revelation. Used it until he was a toddler (and he is huge). There is a newborn insert which is fab.

I have a Moby wrap & while I never had/have a problem getting them in/out it was the overheating I couldn't stand. Instead I use a pair of sling rings with a kikoy when they're little & then use the kikoy, or any length of material/pashmina/towel, to carry them on my back when they're a bit bigger. To do this, balance baby on back with assistance until you get the hang of it & pass towel across your back & roll the top of the ends together in front of you like with a towel when you get out of the shower. Take the bottom ends & pull them tight underneath the baby's bum before tying into a knot. It's surprisingly secure & with a little practice it's fast & easy & much like giving them a piggy-ride while keeping your hands free. I saw a woman on a beach carrying her DC like that & begged her to teach me!

Can you get to a sling library? Google your nearest one. I found it really helpful to get some hands on help, and to try lots of different slings. For what to dress Baby in, remember that the stretchy wrap (if worn correctly is 3 layers, so Baby won’t need much if any extra clothing, maybe a hat and some warm socks. Have a look at Sheffield sling library web site for info on this, and TICKS Baby wearing guidelines.

Just to say I used an ergo for dd1 and would say it's definitely worth it. Used it loads and could carry her in it for hours with no discomfort. However sling library is a good idea to try out options, as pp says different carriers suit different people.

If it's a stretchy one wrap it from front of waist to cross over your back and bring up over each shoulder. Put both ends through front and cross again before wrapping around your waist and secure with a knot. You want it so there's no pocket, so it's just tight but not stretching. Then it will stretch around baby holding them in. Make sure your shoulder straps are wide. I've just had to retire mine as 7mnth old is too heavy. It will over time start to hurt your back but should be bearable for easy 5-6 hours with the age of your baby

My local sling clinic meet tomorrow which I can't make (my birthday) ad then not agin until 13th Feb! 😰