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Original poster

The only baby in the world who doesnt relax in a sling?

26 replies

bumbleweed · 20/02/2008 11:20

Just posting out of frustration really. I had huge hopes for baby-wearing as a way of coping with a baby and a toddler, and am the proud owner of 3 different slings, but my baby doesnt seem to like being in the sling.

Sometimes he just fusses for a while but eventually settles, but most of the time the last few weeks he is wriggling and squirming until he is crying and the sling is all loosened, and I have to take him out. He wont sleep in a chair or cot during the day, so he is just in my arms the whole time which is driving me demented. Not to mention my 2 year old who is taking her frustration out with aggression and defiance.

Anyone else had a baby who doesnt settle in a sling or do I just produce the world's awkwardest babies?

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nickytwotimes · 20/02/2008 11:24

My baby liked it for the first month but after that just wriggled and squirmed so I had to abandon it. He is an independent wee soul and still is not very cuddly, despite my best efforts! So no, you are not alone.

OneHandedTypist · 20/02/2008 11:51

I nevr got on with slings, babies didnt like being scrunchd up. baby bjorn workd betr 4 us.

needmorecoffee · 20/02/2008 12:00

dd2 hated it.

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Fillyjonk · 20/02/2008 12:00

ok we may still be able to help

not out of any messianic sling-crusading-ness but just
because imo/e it IS the most succcessful way, in the scenario you describe, of everyone getting to the end of the day alive

  1. what slings are you using?
  1. The best way to get a baby used to a sling imo is to bung them in it then go for a walk in the fresh air. I take it you've tried that?
  1. I'd consider a baby bjorn a sling, actually, and next to the close baby carrier, I think its the best if you have a small age gap.
  1. How old is he?
belgo · 20/02/2008 12:01

Filly, which sling did you finally decide upon for your new baby? Are you happy with it?

Fillyjonk · 20/02/2008 12:02

close baby carrier

only thing is, I am unconvinced it will last +3 months (mine was a gift)

but its great atm

belgo · 20/02/2008 12:03

And I agree Filly, often babies cry when you first put them in a sling, particularly if you are a bit nervous about using it yourself. Go for a walk and see if they calm down.

Fillyjonk · 20/02/2008 12:04

x posted belgo!

I am really happy with it, actually. It is like a tricotti but adjustable. dd2 seems very comfy in it.

and at 3/4 months, I reckon I could use an ergo with possibly the newborn insert. Or a lovely friend lent me a virtually new, new style baby bjorn...but dd2 possets rather extensively

belgo · 20/02/2008 12:04

Why are you unsure it will last three months? Is the material too stretchy (sorry bumbleweed for the quick hijack!)

Fillyjonk · 20/02/2008 12:12

yes sorry bw

yes its jersey fabric

because its adjustible, it might be ok, but I suspect that it will start to drag on my shoulders around that time.

I always have problems around 3-6 months, when other slings stop working (back probs, can't use side carry slings) but really they are too small for an ergo.

belgo · 20/02/2008 12:13

I have the same problems filly, which is why I'm picking your brains about it!

mrsgboring · 20/02/2008 12:40

You could try froggying legs in ergo instead of using the insert. If you think they look unstable, try a large scarf tied round the carrier and baby's waist, as an extra side protection.

Fillyjonk · 20/02/2008 12:48

that is my plan re the ergo. I can try out the insert in the sling shop at the bottom of my road though...

there is a website somewhere

I dunno, the cbc might last longer. Part of my problem is that I walk a lot and so carry the baby on the sling for 2 + hours. And also-small age gaps-I MUST be able to bend down without the baby toppling out...

BabiesEverywhere · 20/02/2008 12:54

Where abouts in the country are you ? There are many sling mums on Mumsnet plus sling meeting all over the UK check out www.slingmeet.co.uk

Like Fillyjonk said, you need the right sling for you/baby. It is important that you relax and feel happy else the baby will pick up on your worry. It is important to get moving as soon a the baby is slung, it is the movement which calms the baby.

If you have the strength you could sling your 2 year old on your back and baby on the front and go for a brisk walk outside.

Original poster
bumbleweed · 20/02/2008 13:01

filly, in answer to your questions

  1. hugabub for upright also got a ring sling for cradle carry. got a baby bjorn but ds still too little

2)been using it since he was 2 weeks old and he is now 10wks so he is used to it just doesnt seem to like it now. did u mean walk in frash air when first using it?

am tempted by the close sling bc adjustable and easy on/off but not sure if can justify on top of other three

OP posts:
magHOOVERlia74 · 20/02/2008 13:17

I found wilkinet great for ds1 and he was a wriggler

BoysOnToast · 20/02/2008 13:30

i love babywearing

but also thought id link to a couple of things that might let you put the baby down for half a mo now and then. these were a HUGE hit with ds3.

ours was the 'delux' but i think all do same job

and i imagine these might work v well too

you could see if any are on ebay... or you could sell on if they dont work.

you could have mine, but i already gave it away

BoysOnToast · 20/02/2008 13:37

and theres lots of links to lovely looking alternative slings to think about on this thread

the connecta looks nice.

Original poster
bumbleweed · 20/02/2008 15:21

wilkinet looks lovely, but dont think I can justify buying yet another just in case its 'the one'!

thanks boysontoast - we have a bouncy chair with toys on but ds will only sit for about 5 minutes before fussing to be picked up

the swings look good - but the whole point of using a sling was meant to be that he was close to me and not reliant on a mechanical device - thats why I'm so disappointed when he wont settle

OP posts:
BoysOnToast · 20/02/2008 18:08

yeah - ime i needed a sling he/they could get in and out of easily and quickly as he just didnt fancy being up on me all day.

Fillyjonk · 21/02/2008 08:14

yes close baby sling seems really really good atm but agree its pricey for short period of time

can you sew at all? (and do you have TIME? Prob not). BUT if you can you could make one cheaply. you'd need 2 sets of rings and 2x 1.5 m of fabric, I think (there is WAY too much on the cbs for me and I am, atm, a size 16).

Or I have another idea

you can hire them => sasaslings

they are very kind and helpful and are the reason that I have tried SO MANY slings...

kiskideesameanoldmother · 21/02/2008 08:19

where in the northeast are you bumble? I am having a slingmeetup in our village community centre. the sling library will be there and a few ladies who know their way around different carries and types of slings. it is this afternoon between 2 and 4 pm.

Original poster
bumbleweed · 21/02/2008 21:34

kiskidee I am in teesside - where are you? couldnt have made it this pm as dd was sick, but thanks for the suggestion.

is there another one?

Filly, thanks for the link, I like the idea of sling hire - good idea for trying out different slings.

No way do I have time to make one, I barely have time to go the toilet! Currently only get on here when I have problems and need to vent!

I like the wilkinet too as back carry will be good when ds bit bigger, and although you can do this in theory with a wrap I dont think I will ever be that competent if I am struggling with a ring sling (supposedly easy).

On the positive side, I did manage to get him comfy in the ringsling yesterday eventually. And I can use the baby bjorn from 3 months I think which he may prefer.

You can do activities in a sling, but you have to keep moving I find, so sitting at table doing crafts or painting with dd didnt work. And you cant roll about on the floor or play with trains and cars comfortably.

OP posts:
kiskideesameanoldmother · 22/02/2008 03:18

I am in east Durham in a village just east of Durham city and off the A19. There is one on March 18th in Walker, Newcastle. If you go to slingmeet.co.uk, and look at the Northeast thread, there is a timetable there for the rest of the year. I am sure there is one in Hartlepool in the summer. it will still be worth going regardless of your son's size at the time.

Egg · 22/02/2008 17:19

Hey bumble... you CAN use your baby bjorn now, I have put my little DTs in mine (one at a time I hasten to add) and although it says from 8lbs plus I did actually put DS2 in it at 6lbs but padded him up well in a snowsuit (following advice from another mner). Even when they are bawling they go quiet and fall asleep in it.