Recommend me a baby sling that won't break the bank!

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Am after a baby sling which me and the OH can wear - this is where am stuck! its such a mine field out there so many to choose from! any recommendations? it needs to be comfortable to walk long distances, suitable from birth etc
and user friendly!
Thanks

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BABY-SLING-STRETCHY-WRAP-CARRIER-BIRTH-3-yrs-BREASTFEEDING-/230801051488?pt=UK_Baby_Carriers&var=&hash=item7b6a131354

Just found the above and watched the video - what do you think??

I have a kari-me wrap style sling. Bought it secondhand from eBay. Its a good quality jersey material and you can tie it in different ways depending on how you want to carry your baby and how old they are. Really comfortable for you and baby.

I've been heartily recommended ergo, which are ferociously expensive but ebay will always provide...

Moby wrap

Be careful buying ergos on ebay though, most of them are fakes.

We have a fourth-hand ergo (and we know all previous owners). My BIL used it with the last four of his five dc until the littlest was 2, now we have it for our 1yo and still like flinging him on our back if we're just popping out, he loves it! And it's been very comfy as both a front-carrier and a back-carrier, ds is now 22lb.

I'd advise, if you're going to use it a lot, fork out for one unless you can find a reputable second-hand.

Do not buy ergos on eBay A LOT are fakes,also a lot of 'ergo' websites are fake.

'love to be natural' are trusted sellers-they sell lots of other lovely slings too!

My first was a hug-a-bub but there are mobys,VictoriaSlingLady,etc all the same sort of thing.
all good,and all under £50.

Ergos are fantastic if you want buckles,as are wompats and beco's.but are more expencive.

Then there are woven wraps,similar to 'strectchys' but made with woven fabric,you can carry heavier weights with these (I can still carry my 4yr old comfortably!) try Lenny lamb,for a good,but cheap,make.

And finally Mei Tai's (similar to a buckled carier but you tie with knots rather than clips) a good starter make would be a hop-tai.

I hope that was useful and not to confusing!

The most important things are to use a certified,tested,carrier.

Make sure your baby is Close Enough To Kiss the top of their head.

that their legs are supported Knee to Knee,and their bottom is lower than their knees (like they are squatting! This is important for hip development)

this is Lovetobenatural's website

and this is the ONLY Ergo webpage

Should say 'only offical web page'

I had a moby wrap which was fab. I sold it on ebay recently - there are quite a few on there. The wraps are washable and mine was in mint condition when I sold it (its pretty hard to trash them tbh I would have thought). Can heartily recommend them.

I don't know anything about the eBay listing you linked to,but this one is a good make

VictoriaSlingLady VSL

I used a Moby wrap when DD was tiny and it was really comfy but quite fiddly to tie. Then got an ergo, which was fab and I found it very easy to use (front and back carry). They're expensive but last for ages (have even used it for my friend's 4yr old when he got tired during a day out at the zoo). Now expecting baby number two and wanting to treat myself to something new, maybe a mei tai. Slings can be addictive! I think I'm going to go to a local "sling meet" to try a few out. Worth searching for your local meet then you can chat to other mums and get suggestions (even if your little one hasn't arrived yet).

There are some great slings available to buy and a few that I've tried and recommend have been mentioned already. One thing I would say is what you need from slings changes as baby gets older. I had a Kari-me wrap sling at first and loved it, but when DD got heavier i found that I had to frequently readjust it. At that point I went for a more structured hip carrier which she can still use and she's nearly 3 if I could ever get her in it that is

Do you have a sling library in your area that you could borrow from. That way you'll be able to get great advice, an opportunity to try and support if you have difficulties. Then if you find one both you and OH love you could buy one then knowing you were spending your money wisely.

We had no problems with a second-hand Wilkinet from ebay.

I have an Ergo which I love. I can still carry my hefty ds2 who is nearly 4 in it on my back and could comfortably carry ds3 on my front until about 18 months. Looking forward to using it again for ds4.

I have a bondolino, they are about £75 on amazon at the moment. Not the cheapest make but very very comfortable to wear and suitable from birth. I had a victoria sling lady stretch wrap at first though and I think that is more comfy for a little newborn.

Buy about 6 metres of cheap T-shirt material or fleece. Instruction on how to tie can be found on the internet (sorry can't remember where I got my instructions).

Put the middle of the material at the front of your waist and wrap around twice, so both lengths are back at the front.
Cross lengths over in front of you and put over each shoulder.
Cross over again behind you and wrap back around to your front.
Tie ends up behind you or on side.
You need to do this without twisting up material.
Place baby with legs straddling the front crossover and then pull one of the wrapped around layets over baby for support.

It is much easier than this makes it sound.
I'll look on the web and repost a link with pictures, if I can find one.

Easier than it sounds and will fit any size adult and baby.

Also doesn't strain back as the weight is distributed.

www.kari-me.com has the instructions on how to wrap.

I have a bad back and even I was able to wear my baby this way for about 12 months, without any discomfort.

Also Kellymom has some good info
kellymom.com/parenting/parenting-faq/sling/ - 57k -

Have you got a sling meet near you? www.slingmeet.co.uk/ it sounds really odd, but I wish I had gone to one before buying a babasling, which for me was useless [big boobs that meant less baby space, just awkward], I ended up [after MN advice] getting a moby wrap, which I loved wearing [I'm a dress size 16 top, 22 bottom with big boobs] had plenty of fabric, so comfy to adjust. DH's only complaint was the colour [brown], I wrapped him up in it, as he just got confuddled.

A sling meet, allows you to see all sorts of slings in use, some allow you to hire and try a sling for a small fee.

I had a kari-me sling and loved it. Can't wait to use with baby no.2. Loved it so much that lent it to 2 friends who after trying it bought their own. Even DH used it - might restrict your colour choice though! Was gentle on the shoulders and back and used until DD was 2 years old. She loved it and preferred it to the buggy. Soon get used t wrapping it.

I bought a second hand hub-a-bub on ebay for £22 (incl P and P).

I'd like to buy a Manduca too, but can't afford it at the moment.

Look up Victoria the sling lady on facebook or on google, I got my wrap sling from her and it was reasonable price and excellent quality. I also got a great mei tei sling on ebay from daisybabyshop. I would recommend both.

Bigmamaslings.co.uk

I would really recommend a moby wrap for a beginner, it took me about a week to master it. I then used it for about 18months and never ever used a buggy. I can't wait to use it again :)

A large, strong cotton scarf.
My friend's mother is from Zimbabwe and she taught me their traditional way of carrying a baby. It's absolutely fantastic. Comfy, secure and supportive for both baby and mum.
Tutorial- www.instructables.com/id/How-to-carry-your-baby-African-style/step5/Tie-in-front/