To sling or not to sling?

[Rosenip]

What are the pros and cons? I am a clueless first time mum!

Also, which one should I get, it seems there are so many options...

[InMyShreddies]

I'm pretty bonded to DS1 ta I don't want to defend my ff-ing, just curious if people think it's a bf thing. I will most likely ff my second and am perfectly happy with that. The only sling users I know bf. Would be interested to hear from any ff-ers who use a sling - maybe I'll start a thread. As another poster up there ^ says, people make assumptions if you use a sling - one of mine is that it's for women who bf, so am curious. I know there's no physical reason I couldn't stick my little one in a sling, but seems like it is linked to bf-ing.

[PetraBaelish]

Absolutely! Slings are the best thing ever. Just make sure to go for a proper one, not a 'crotch dangler' like the Baby Bjorn that does not support baby enough.
I have a Closer baby sling which has rings and is somewhat pre-structured, so it's easy to put on and tighten up. Loved it as DS1 was still using the pushchair when DS2 was born, I didn't want to get a cumbersome double buggy, and the sling/buggy combo worked fine. DS2 loved being snuggled up and I used it a fair bit in the house as well (better to have your hands free when chasing after an energetic two year old!).
I didn't have the sling with my first and really regretted not buying one sooner!

[maja00]

Weird that you think it is linked to breastfeeding! I mostly had my baby on my back so couldn't get a boob in his mouth anyway

Do you think breastfeeding babies (or mothers?) are cuddlier?

[InMyShreddies]

No - I just haven't come across any sling-wearing ff-ers! So just curious. DS and I have a great bond, but he was never very cuddly. All his formula feeds were from me or DH cuddled up on sofa or bed, so no lack of feeding bonding time. All fine, he's happy enough and now he's older he runs to me with massive bear hugs but I like the idea of a sling. Probably DS1 would have hated it! Also seems practical with a newborn and a toddler.

[noblegiraffe]

My DH uses a sling, and definitely can't breastfeed

[noblegiraffe]

Oh, and a sling for baby with an older child is so much better than trying to push a buggy and deal with them too. You can easily hold their hand, go round the park with them etc. I think it stops them feeling pushed out.

[Helspopje]

btw watch out for fake ergos on ebay

[PurplePidjin]

My dp also has his own sling, definitely no feeding there!

I have fond memories of the face of a particular friend of mine when i said how much ds likes his puree. She'd automatically assumed that because i use a sling and reusable nappies, i would also be blw, co-sleeping and gentle disciplining. In actual fact, i live in an upstairs flat so cba with a buggy and cloth is cheaper - lifestyle choices not ethical ones!

Can't wait for the first time she hears me say No

[PurplePidjin]

Oh, and I've seen plenty of bottles at sling meet. No one bats an eyelid :)

[Fairylea]

I must have the only babies in the world who both hated a sling. They both settled much better swaddled with a muslin and laid flat in a cot! Both would scream non stop whatever sling I had.. and I tried loads! - Moby wrap, ring sling, mai tai whatever else, all same reaction!

[noblegiraffe]

I use a sling, bf and do blw, but definitely disposable nappies for me. My friend who bf and used reusable nappies weaned on purées at 17 weeks.

Basically, while some people subscribe to a parenting package, for most each of these issues is an individual choice. So if you sign up for ff, that doesn't force you into using a buggy, or a type of nappy or a type of weaning, and anyone who thinks it does is a bit narrow-minded.

[Hamwidgeandcheps]

Our sling library is the bf/bw/blw/cloth nappy/attachment parenting....csp club!

I do all of that except the CSPs but I don't preach and don't care if other parents don't

[Potterer]

I used a sling with ds2 who is now 7, he had reflux. I loved not having to go and find a lift when out shopping as I had no pram.

I started with a babba sling (not so great) then a mai tai then went onto the Ergo, I carried him till he was 2 yrs 9 months then he was just too heavy for me!

I got people asking weird questions like "does that not hurt?" I always replied yes, it is damaging us both but I also had sensible questions, mainly because I would put the sling on, then put my coat on so you couldn't see how it was tied, and I used to wrap a blanket around Ds2 and tuck it into the straps of the sling. This was before specially made items were available for sling wearers,

I loved the closeness, I mean who doesn't want to cuddle their baby? And to be honest I always smile at any sling wearer I see because I loved it. Happy memories.

[noblegiraffe]

I just googled csp and it says common sense parenting. Is that where you don't let them play on railway lines and chew electric wires?

[PurplePidjin]

CSP = cloth sanitary protection, noblegiraffe :)

[AnotherStitchInTime]

Definitely sling.

I used a Joy and Joe stretchy wrap sling with dd2 until she was 7 months, then I got a Manduca and now back carry her at 17 months.

Really regretting selling my stretchy wrap sling as I am unexpectedly pregnant with number 3, they are very good for breastfeeding on the go (important when you have to run after a toddler too). I am going to buy another Joy and Joe, the £20 is more than worth it.

[InMyShreddies]

Ah well I BLW and SAH and am sometimes usually quite gentle so perhaps I'm allowed to use a sling although I ff

I'm just so used to judginess from people who do subscribe to an all-or-nothing type parenting strategy. As soon as I mention ff with some people on here and in rl it's like I need to be saved or fixed. I don't really subscribe to attachment stuff that with DS1 at least, might have stopped him being such a good self-settler, but I hope lots of sling cuddles won't impact that! Although probably DC2 will be an awful sleeper since we've been so lucky with DS...

[Hamwidgeandcheps]

I don't get the all or nothing either and it annoys me quite a bit. I use a sling and I bf but my two sleep in Moses baskets and cots without any fuss at all - I have had the folk described in my lady post utterly aghast assuming I must have done cc to achieve that - ESP if I say they mostly sleep through....I Leto meaning to start a thread moaning about this kind of judgement.

[InMyShreddies]

Yes I'm sure none of my mummy friends believe me that I've never left DS to cry and yet he just loves his own company, spends ages chatting to himself in his cot and looks quite annoyed when I go to get him up

I do hate saying I ff, I wish I had the courage of my convictions the way people who do other 'imperfect' mothering stuff manage to.

[BlackholesAndRevelations]

Blimey, shreddies, I never would have linked using a sling to only bf. Bizarre thought that ff babies can't be carried/worn!

Anyhow... I loved my moby and can't wait to use it again with number three. Takes a little practice to get it tied on correctly- I watched a vid on YouTube and practises infront of the mirror a couple of times! Will be investing in a woven wrap too as they can be used longer than a stretchy.

[Hamwidgeandcheps]

Caboos down to 40 on zulily in some fab colours

[enormouse]

Thanks hamwidge. Just a general question, is it worth getting his and hers slings? My DP prefers the babybjorns and I really don't like them (prefer caboos and kari mes). We already have a toddler and don't have the room or patience to go down the double/tandem buggy route.

[Hamwidgeandcheps]

Is it the look or the comfort of the baby bjorn. They really arnt great for babies as thru do not sit knee to knee. If he prefers more structure with secure looking buckles have a look at ergo and manduca - both come in lots of muted masculine colours and are v comfy and supportive. I know lots of dads who use them inc my dds dad - v blokey bloke - ergo fan

[RNJ3007]

Go for it! I have a moby, an ellaroo woven wrap, a hugababy ring sling and will soon have a boba 3g!

Just make sure they keep bub's hips in a suitable position!

[enormouse]

It's the look hamwidge. I think he finds the wrap style a bit girly and he wants something more blokey. I'm against them for the reason everyone's given but I'll definitely check out the ergos and Mandriva. Thanks!