Slings

[squidkid]

First time mum, 33 weeks. I'm pretty fit and active and live in the city centre in a flat with stairs, so I'm thinking a sling would suit me a lot better than a pushchair. But I'm so overwhelmed with the choice and variety! Any advice?

There is a sling library here but I don't know if I can go before I have a baby to try it out with if you see what I mean? Definitely want something before I give birth as will go completely crazy if I can't get out the house for little walks after giving birth.

Any tips gratefully received!

I don't have advice as such - sorry! - but I'm in a very similar position and have read really good reviews about the Kari-me and I'm planning to buy one. I saw a man wearing one in the street the other day (it did have a baby in it, I'm glad to say) and ran up to him excitedly to ask his opinion, and he raved about it, which was very reassuring. I'm sure someone will be along soon with more practical help or look in the 'Products' section here.

I'm keen on the idea of using a sling mostly and have become slightly obsessed over the past week researching this, but am becoming slightly overwhelmed by the choice. There's loads of information in the sling section of products here.

It seems that from birth a wrap, like a Moby seems a good option and not too expensive. They seem a bit faffy maybe to get the hang of but useful to have one. I am currently thinking of getting one of those first and then investigating other options more once the baby is here.

i would def get a stretchy wrap to start with, like a moby or kari-me

I really love my ring slings and they are very easy to get baby into and out of. My ds loved his and used it up to the age of about 3 and a half (although only for naps then as he was rather heavy!) and I have used it for dd who is 5 weeks pretty much from birth. There a lots of tutorials on youtube for positioning etc too. I also have a patapum toddler carrier (you can get a smaller non toddler version) which is good and even dp used it. I would say if you go for a mei tai/ soft structured carrier don't go for a baby bjorn style one, you need one with much more support/ wider between the legs to support babys hips.
You might like mei tais too as ring slings tend to leave you one handed when they are very little rather than two free hands.
I would go to your sling library and really ask as many questions as possible, and try as many as possible. It may be difficult to try them with a massive bump though! You could see if there are any slingmeets in your area too?
I love carrying my kids and they both seem to really love it too.

I used a kari-me pretty much every day with DS until he was about 5 months old and then still used it regularly until he was about 10 months. Really comfy but when he got heavier I did get mastitis a couple of times as he was pressed against my boobs, but I was prone to mastitis, haven't heard of anyone else having this problem.
Would definately recommend, he felt really snug and secure ad always went to sleep! but maybe try some different ones on if you get a chance.

You can definitely go to the sling library while pregnant, I've seen lots of pregnant ladies at sling libraries and sling meets getting advice. The library will probably have a demo doll that you can practice with.

I would always advise borrowing before buying as different slings suit different people. Go along to your library, see what they have.