Is a ring sling worth it for an 8 month old?

[Marrilou]

Hi could really do with some advice. Currently have an 8 month old and am 19 weeks pregnant. Taking my son out in the pram used to be a great way to pass time but now he hates it. We have a pram, a buggy and a stroller and he hates being in all of them. I've tried inward and outward facing, a variety of toys and different pram liners but he just cries to be taken out. This is really limiting our ability to get out and about which isn't great, especially in lockdown!! We have a carrier that he's quite happy in but I find it too uncomfortable round my bump. Am just wondering whether to buy a ring sling that goes over my shoulder so can carry him on my hip? Does anyone have experience of using one and can say whether it's worth getting one or not? Many thanks!

How much longer will you be able to carry him like that while pregnant? Unless you would use the ring sling for the new baby I would just use the pushchair and let him get used to it.

Have you got a local sling library who are still offering advice via phone or zoom? They'd be my port of call for carrying while pregnant.

@GrumpyHoonMain

How much longer will you be able to carry him like that while pregnant? Unless you would use the ring sling for the new baby I would just use the pushchair and let him get used to it.

Yes this is the worry as find him fairly heavy already! Just trying to think of a way we can still get out; when I try taking him out in the buggy he starts screaming and I end up quickly taking him back home or trying to carry him whilst pushing the buggy which obv isn't ideal!

I’m a big ring sling fan but you might be better with a back carry. Either a carrier like an Integra or a fabric wrap.

@Disappointedkoala

Have you got a local sling library who are still offering advice via phone or zoom? They'd be my port of call for carrying while pregnant.

Thank you, yes I visited one a few weeks ago to try out back carrying as thought that could be the solution but, although I rented a carrier, I just couldn't get on with it. I'm reluctant to go back as it was quite a drive and baby isn't great in the car either! I usually carry him round at home on my hip, that's why I thought a ring sling might be the answer!

Try YouTube for videos by wrap you in love and wrapping Rachel to see if you like the look of a fabric wrap on your back. A fabric wrap could also be used for hip carries like a ring sling would be.

Have you thought about a backpack carrier? Maybe something like the Little Life Ranger S2. The waist stap might be able to be adjusted to go under your bump. We have a 8 month old who also isn't too keen on his buggy and he loves being up high in his backpack carrier. Its much easier on your back than a front carrier as well.

I used a ring sling from young toddler to preschool age (my DD was very light). We loved the hip carry... Could talk easily, she could see stuff (I used on trips to museums, farms etc), fitted in my bag easily.

I'm not sure how comfortable it would be with a bump though. Their legs wrap around you. It could be a bit of an awkward position.

When i was pregnant I had a one year old. I back carried as advised by my physio in an ergo baby sling under the bump, it was really comfortable.

Could you get an ergo baby or similar soft structured carrier and adjust the fit so the waist strap goes under your bump? You'd need to carry baby on your back obviously.

I think you need something that will spread the weight as safely as possible for you, not putting too much extra strain on your body in awkward places.

"We have a pram, a buggy and a stroller"
What's the difference between a buggy and a stroller; I thought they meant the same thing?
I assume a pram is the flat carrycot that's used from birth... my DS outgrew his pretty quickly (well before 8 months) and was happier when he was sitting up in the pushchair seat. I assume that buggy/stroller is doing the same thing, though.

Thank you for the comments/ideas. I shall look up the carriers suggested and maybe need to be more open to giving back carrying another go!
NameChange30 you're right they do mean the same thing really, I just refer to the one that's more lightweight as the stroller so my husband knows which one I'm talking about!

Ring slings are fab for toddlers too so you'd get the use out of it. I'm a carrying consultant doing online consultations so feel free to pm me if that would be more convenient.

For a non pregnant woman, 8m is the perfect time for a ring sling, I used it more between 8-18m than I thought possible. Far more than in the newborn days.

In pregnancy, I'm not sure whether it would be comfortable later on as it is uneven weight distribution. I'd suggest using a woven wrap for back carrying, as you can choose how you tie it - ie around boobs and avoiding bump if you want, and it's very comfortable and flexible.

@AnnaBegins thank you that's really kind of you! If I continue to dither about it I might take you up on that

@Thespottytortoise good to hear about your experience with it, thank you!