Baby carrier / sling advice needed please

[JKDcot]

Hi

FTM here to an 11 week old boy. Looking for a good sling that will last years for him to face forward and backwards. I heard some aren’t good for boys due to restricting movement in their private parts.

I also need to be able to put it on myself. I tried one but need husband to clip at the back but he’s working again now. Would love a sturdy one with good back support for me too as my lower back is pooped from breast feeding and carrying the little man

Any opinions very gratefully received thank you

I have a Beco Gemini. Used it with DS up to 3.5 years. Still using it with DD 2.5 years and hope to for some time longer. Really easy to put on front and back and really comfy.

I really rate Ergobaby 360

Could I put the ergobaby on by myself? And get him in it without help!

I used the Tula and many husband used the Manduca. Very easy to put on by yourself and it saved my back and arms! Baby slept so soundly in the carrier, probably the best naps she ever took

I also used the grey baby wrap that comes free in the Scottish baby box, also amazing to use, very quick and easy.

@JKDcot

Could I put the ergobaby on by myself? And get him in it without help!

I've seen lots of people use it and would say yes. Definitely can with the Beco Gemini. On front and as a back carry later on. Dead easy.

I manage to put the ergobaby on myself. Can you borrow one to test it?

Forward facing is not great for the parent and it’s difficult to carry a baby this way as the baby is pulling away from you putting more pressure on your lower back. Have a look at the TICKS guidelines. I love my manducca and I can easily put it on myself. I keep the back strap fastened and slip the other straps over my head and fasten it like a backward rucksack. Alternatively you can cross the straps across your back but this is a bit trickier.

Is there a sling library locally where you can try some on and hire one to see which one fits best? Alternatively you can hire them from an online sling library.

@lockdownseparation I wholeheartedly disagree with your comments on forward facing. I find it so comfy. It all depends on the fit on the sling and where you carry the weight. Its one of the USPs of the ergobaby - the weight gets carried around the hips and therefore is better for your back.

I was using an Ergobaby 360 until an osteopath recommended the Baby Bjorn. It’s so much more structured, comfortable, easy to get on and off and easy to change the settings so my partner can use it after me without too much faff.