Baby slings

[iloveavocado]

Hi,

I've got a Babasling that I'm really keen to use with my 3 week old baby but whenever I try and put him in it he looks all squashed up and uncomfortable, with his head and neck pushed forward and all the material seems to drown him.

Not sure if he is too small; he was 3 weeks early and weighed 6lb 5oz when he was born. He lost quite a bit of weight initially, but its all back on plus a bit more now.

Has anyone had any experience with this type of sling? Is it just me being rubbish and totally not doing it right? Please don't recommend lots of other slings that are better as I have this one now and can't afford another. I just want some help with how to use it correctly.

Thanks in advance...

Hello - try visiting babywearer.com where they have lots of advice. i think there's some specific instructions for getting a newborn into a ring sling in a sideways semi-upright pos ition, which might be good for you.

my two tips would be to pull the inner fabric up really high - i.e. pretty much to your chin - and tuck the outer fabric under your baby's outer arm, i.e. use his arm to keep the fabric away from his face.

but they do tend to slump forwards - i guess this is natural and when you think about it your bub was pretty squashed up and comfy 3 weeks ago!!

if he is in too deep you can try placing him on a folded blanket or muslin to raise him up slightly. be sure you can get a finger between his chin and chest and watch out for grunting noises - i had a pouch at the beginning and thought dd's grunts were normal newborn snuffles but they weren't - she is fine though!

this is a useful guide

I am slightly worried at the head pushed forward part, and originally was concerned you may have been using a bag sling (like the Premaxx) because they have been found to be dangerous (Article here) - don't panic, I looked up a picture of the babasling and it's not one of these bag slings, but I did wonder whether it shared some design features, which it would help you to be aware of. Babyphat's suggestion of the blanket/muslin should help. Failing that you might have to put it away until he's a bit older.

You said you can't afford to buy another sling - do you know about the Yahoo group UKbabywearerswap? That might be an option (ie a straight swap) if you're not getting on with it.

Good luck