Babywearing - Gauze or cotton jersey wrap?

[ajm200]

Hi Ladies,

I'm looking for a second wrap around sling to use when current sling in the wash and could do with some advice.

I have a kari-me stretchy cotton wrap for DD (5 weeks) which we both love but she does get hot in it and it takes forever to dry. I've also heard that stretchy slings are not so good when baby gets heavier.

I'm trying to decide between a second kari-me or a guaze calin bleu. My budget is limited so hug-a-bub and other expensive options are out.

The calin bleu appeals as it is cooler so should also be good in the summer months so I can use it all year round. It isn' stretchy so will be good when DD gets bigger.

My concerns are that as a novice sling user I might struggle to get her into a sling that doesn't stretch.

Apologies if this has already been answered before. I read a number of sling related threads but couldn't find the answer.

Thanks

Could you get a cotton non-stretchy sling? Or make your own?

I got a CB gauze wrap when DS was about 11 weeks. I did find it hard at first, but that was because I'd always carried him in the 'cuddly' (ie lying down) position in a kari me, and it took me a while to realise that I couldn't get that to work with a non-stretch wrap.

I'd say it's been my most used sling - really comfortable, cool enough for summer, cool enough for winter when you're wearing lots of clothes and going in and out of shops. People say didymos etc. are even more comfortable, but I've not tried them. I'd definitely recommend NOT getting a second kari me, I stopped being able to carry DS in it for more than a really short distance when he was 3 months - the stretchiness started to bounce my back too much.

I'm reluctant to make my own as I'm useless at that kind of thing and I haven't got a sewiing machine

I think the calin bleu is a cotton guaze non-stretchy sling but maybe I'm wrong

I'm hoping some MNers can tell me about their experiences with these slings or similar

x-posted oops sorry

The didymos do look good but are over twice my budget

I've only used a Didymos - they are pricey, but I really like them and they get nice and soft with use.

I have both, I didn't really like the CB when I first got it because I was used to popping ds in and out of the stretchy one and this was hard to do with the gauze, especially when trying to transfer a sleeping baby to cot. Also he couldn't snuggle into it quite as much (I only really wore him upright because he hated lying down). However it was really good in the summer, epecially as he was older so less prone to snuggling anyway. It was definitely more secure for back carries too. I've washed it a few times and the first time it went a bit crunchy but subsequent washes have softened it and it has a bit more give to it now.

I also have a moby and find that as long as I tie it tight enough I can still carry ds in it now (11 months)-I haven't had a problem with the stretch at all so far although the gauze does feel more secure on my back. The moby dries quickly too-I put it on a coat hanger in the airing cupboard overnight

Didymos too pricey for me as well! I think you'll be pleased with a CB gauze - though think about the colour, you'll be seeing it a lot!

i have a Storchenwiege wrap. it's lovely. but it's non-stretchy and atm the fabric is stiff but it's new and only been washed a few times. it gets softer i believe.

I've never wrapped (ring slings then Mei Tais here), but assuming that you are looking at the second hand wraps on the Yahoo UKBabywearingswap group ? It's really good value, and if you buy something and find you don't like it, you just sell it on. And the wraps are nicely broken in too

I make my own, no sewing involved because I use jersey or fleece. I love my stretchies, I used them up until around her second birthday when she started to try and climb out (PGP has made me grateful that she'd rather walk!) I've used the jersey in Majorca and Menorca and she was the coolest one of the family.

Drying was never that hard, I folded it in half and lay it out between the radiator and clothes horse in the bathroom.

If you want a cheap sling you are welcome to have one of my spares and I can link to my pictures if you want to see me carrying Tink about 15 months old.

Have you looked at 2nd hand? I'd be wary of a 2nd hand stretchy sling (based on my experience of my 1 hug-a-bub), but woven wraps are like fine wine and improve with age. Try UKbabywearingSWAP mail group, [http://www.rumplebums.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=12&sid=f9187401560d14bb638dd36a0b5dff1d RumpleBums]] or The Baby Wearer. The 1st two are UK based and the last in in the USA - less likely to get a bargain there with the exchange rate the way it is now, but you do get UK sellers so might be worth a look.

aj I actually have a barely-used CB gauze I'm looking to sell on - I found a pouch easier in the end

CAT me if you fancy it

Oh, I might be interested in the CB gauze MrsBadger but don't have a subscription to the CAT facitily. Can't set one up today with two sick DCs crying constantly.

What colour is it?

I need one that DH will be willing to use too so need a 'manly' colour

chocolate - v manly!

you can email me on badgerweasel at hotmail .com if it's easier

Bebecanelle has a sale on, I bought a gupsymama gauze wrap from there for just 20 pounds. I've used it a couple of times and it's really lovely to use.

look here

Thanks again for the offer Mrs Badger. My DH has been given a (free) second hand stretchy wrap by one of his work colleagues and we've decided to make to with it for now. It amazes we what men find to talk about in the kitchen at work

We'll reconsider a cotton or guaze wrap in the summer. Otherwise we would definately been interested in yours.