Stretchy slings

[LuckySocks13]

Please talk to me about stretchy slings. I don't know where to start! Thank you!

I wonder about those too.. I imagine them to be hard to put on and precarious but I like the look of them so would like to know too.

They're brilliant, my number one recommendation for a newborn. You can use them from day 1. I even used one as soon as I was up and about after a c section. There are loads of different brands - Kari Me, Moby, Boba Wrap, VSL Stretchy.... All same principle of a long piece of stretchy material like a heavy tshirt.

They're not hard to put on at all once you're used to it - there are loads of videos on YouTube (search for FWCC stretchy or front wrap cross carry). The first time you try it feels a bit like you're wrestling with metres of fabric but once you have the hang it's simple. And they're definitely not precarious at all, the way the fabric crosses and forms a seat between the baby's legs means they can't slip down and the cross over their back means they won't tip out.

I found the trick with them is to tie as tight as possible, as tight as a very close fitting tshirt, and let the stretch in the fabric accommodate the baby, rather than leaving slack in the way you've tied it. It's hard to describe in words, there is no substitute for someone showing you all this in person! Sling meets or sling libraries are lovely friendly places with super helpful sling addicts who can show you how they work.

It's going to depend on the baby - DS hated them and preferred the meitai.

TBH I wasn't sorry to see it go - the long length of fabric was more of a pain pratically than the little mei tai with long straps (both home made) - took longer to wash/dry etc. although I didn't find the wearing/tying to be a problem at all.

I turned a length of silk into a non stretch and that was great for summer, and DS - who clearly didn't mind being a bit restrained, but didn't like being squashed by a stretchy one!

I loved my Mobi and used it from about 2 weeks old until DD was about 35lb, using various carries. DD was 'high need' (icchy term I know) and really benefited from being close and is now very independent. It was also really easy to get about on public transport.

I would put mine on after my shower and then take it off when I got undressed for bed. I learned to feed in mine too, so we could bf wherever we were (a few old ladies were very surprised when they peeped in )

I would definitely recommend going to a sling meet or a decent sling shop to find out what suits you.

Oh that's a good point glen - I never did manage to feed in the mei tai, but when he was very little (and tolerated the stretchy wrap if he was tired) I could feed him in the stretchy as they're so adjustable.

If I was wandering around the house the stretchy did seem more convenient - just as glen said, just putting it on and popping him in and out as needed, if only DS'd liked it once he could make his feelings felt.

I used a moby wrap with dd2 and wish I'd had it for dd1. I used it from 6 days old and found it invaluable for hands free outings with my 3yo and baby, and for walking the dog. Also very good for settling overtired babies and for getting on with essential stuff when baby won't be put down.

We've now moved on to a mei tai which I would also recommend for older babies.

I have a stretchy one for DD. she is a very clingy baby and she screamed when I put her down! It's brilliant for going round town too rather than lugging a pushchair round. She often goes to sleep in it because its so cosy.

I would suggest you see if there's a sling library near you and go along. You can hire near me for a fraction of buying to see if you and baby like it before forking out!

Stretchy slings are brilliant! Good makes are Moby and Kari Me. Like PP said make it tighter than you think and tie it just beneath your boobs for a newborn. My daughter loved it until about 5 months when she started to find it too restrictive so I moved onto a Beco Butterfly and now at nearly aged 2 I carry her in a toddler Tula.

I recommend checking out sling meets in your area - you can go and try out tons of slings, get advice and borrow them to take home. I was so overwhelmed before I went and it all fell into place after a quick meeting (&social!).

Good luck!
www.slingmeet.co.uk/

Thank you for all .tour replies. So many different sorts. Not sure if there are any local sling meets but will have another look on google!