Best wrap or sling for a newborn?

[MiniPenguinMaker]

I'm just under 24 weeks now, and starting to think about buying baby things - including (I hope) a sling or wrap. I hope I'll be able to use a sling library to test some out later on, but I'd really like to buy one to start using straight away.

Does anyone have any recommendations for the best wrap or sling for a newborn? Are there any you would steer clear of?

Good idea to try a few on Mini.

I'm at a similar stage to you and the range and types of sling out there is mind boggling. Having looked at the mumsnet reviews, I'm thinking about getting a kari me sling.

I had a babybjorn for previous dcs but have since read they are not recommended as they tend to dangle the baby from the crotch rather than support them in a 'frog' position.

Stretchy fabrics are fab for newborns. You will need to practice wrapping but you both will be rewarded wtih a much more supportive carry.

Can you go to a sling library while still pregnant? They are well used to this, and will help you with different options to for once the baby arrives.

My own personal recommendation is for a stretchy wrap - so snuggly with a newborn and you can tie it on and just pop baby in and out as needed. Moby are probably the most popular brand however something like Victoria Slinglady is half the price and just as good IMO.

Definitely don't get a high street carrier (baby bjorn, Stokke etc). They are not ideal for baby's hips, and will hurt your back very quickly! If you prefer the style of these to a wrap, an Ergo with newborn insert is a better choice but be sure to buy from a reputable seller as there's a lot of fakes out there!

Moby wrap is fantastic.

Another vote for a stretchy. I loved Kari me Used it for 18 months and sold it on on eBay for more than half what I paid.

I loved my Kari me as well but I can't compare to any others as its the only one I used, no sling library round here! I think trying a few first is a good idea.
I practised tying mine before I had DS and once I got used to it was really easy and quick to do.

I bought a Joy and Joy wrap (£16 + postage and has all safety approvals, etc). You can get one similarly priced from Victoria Sling Lady. Basically - stretchy wraps similar to Moby but fraction of price because small, UK businesses. My plan is to use that for first few weeks/ months and go to a sling library at some point during that time to try out something more permanent (I have my eye on a soft-structured carrier such as the Manduca or Boba 3G, but I don't want to shell out all that cash until I've tried it and determined whether both baby and I like it).

I have a mamas and papas voucher and I'm loking at the stretchy wraps - the Flo or Flex
m.mamasandpapas.com/products.php?category=baby-carriers+slings/shop-by-type/slings+wraps

I had a BabyHawk with DD, which I loved when she was a bit older.

Can I ask a quick question, sorry to hijack, Is there a sling best for carrying the baby across the body rather than upwards. I don't know how to explain that really. So the baby lies across your body rather than up, with their head under your chin and feet by your stomach...does any I that make sense?!

Thanks

Makes sense tea a stretchy is your best bet as you can use lots of positions across body (can feed like this too) head up face in (and can support head with top of sling) and front facing. Never used mine for a back carry though - not safe in a stretchy.
You can buy those across body ones (premaax?) I tried one and it was awful - pulled on one shoulder and baby didnt feel secure.

Notea you can use a ring sling like that, you have to be very careful though to make sure baby's chin isn't on chest as that can restrict their airway. Also really not good for a baby with reflux! A ring sling can be used from newborn to toddler (and beyond) - if I'm out with my 2 year old and no pram I always throw a ring sling into my bag as its perfect for quick up and down if he gets tired!

I've done a fair bit of research on this recently, but overwhelmed by the choice and cost of some wraps. I was advised a stretchy wrap for newborn, (moby and close carry being well known brands) I got a second hand moby, and then read great reviews for a cheaper version available on eBay made by someone called Victoria sling lady. So I ordered one of them too so me and dp have one each, or one for wash.

I've also bought a buckle carrier, connecta. I believe they are suitable for newborn but better once they are a couple of months old. I think it will be easier for popping baby in and out of quickly without tying, but not as good as the stretches for feeding in and the first few weeks.

My tip is look at videos on YouTube for instructions!

great thread I never knew there were so many local alternatives to moby

The (Close Baby) for a newborn is lovely & snugly and really easy to use. I used it with both DC and then moved on to an Ergo.

Oops, that should read Caboo (Close Baby).

I wish I'd thought to post this thread as I've just ordered a babasling after discovering the front carrier style one I'd bought was completely unsuitable for a newborn (despite advertising to the contrary) as it is too big and the baby's legs dangle straining the hips. Has anyone tried the babsling? Is it any good?

Worster I've got a babasling and I just couldn't get on with it I'm afraid. The baby just never felt secure in it. I used it when DS was older but as he weighed a lot I could only use it for very short periods of time.

Hope you have more luck than me! I'll try it again second time round though and see what happens.

I had a selection of Didymos wraps which I absolutely loved. I would definitely say so for a soft sling and nor anything more structures, such as th Bjorn ones. The structured ones don't hold babies in the best position and they don't distribute the weight so well, so you end up in pain really quickly.

Wraps have a steep learning curve, but it's worth it.

I've got a Moby D wrap that has seen me through two babies and has been loaned to 3 more. It's great, but it is essentially a long length of material!

I went to our local market and got 3 lengths of bright cotton jersey(about 4 or 5 yards each) from a stall for a total of £15. I just tuck the ends in, but if I was less lazy, I would sew the ends nicely!

Thanks patches, I might return it and try one of the others recommended on here then. Buying a sling is much more complicated than I thought!

OMG, please don't buy fabric from the market to carry your newborn!! You don't know its properties, how breathable it is, how supportive, what chemicals are in the dyes, will it stretch with time, etc. Try to find a local sling meet or library to try various versions and to borrow if you want.

And it is not complicated at all, you just need to find people who can show you what is available.

Moby - great for newborns , snug and secure. however consider how and where you will use it. I found it very hot ( it's a lot of material and if u r having a summer baby....). I also found it a tad inconvenient to put on if I was out and about as the material would drag on floor as I wrapped it around me ( not nice to do in a car park for instance). Rose and rebellion do a great carrier, v similar to ergo. Suitable for newborns too.

I'm using a victoria sling lady since my ds2 was born. Really nice and cosy and at £18, much more reasonably priced. Especially if you think you're going to use another one eventually.