Sling recommendations??

[ACM88]

Hey all, I'm really keen on using a sling. It's so confusing, there are so many different brands, and some have great reviews, but I was just wandering what your experiences are??

I have used a baby bjorn in the past, as a CM, but they were for babies aged 5/6months. Is there anything you would suggested for newborn? I think baby will be long limbed, both me and hubby are 6ft+. This is my first.

Any advice will be greatly received!!

Do you have a sling library near you? NCT usually run one. My advice would be to wait until the baby is here and try a few out before you buy. A sling is something you wear, so it all depends of body type, carrying preference, the baby etc.

For what it's worth though, I used a moby wrap and loved it. Different tying options, and it grows with your baby.

The other advantage of going to a sling library is that they can show you how to use all the different styles safely.

Used the Caboo Closer with DD1 from birth-2 years, it was brilliant, very supportive and comfortable for both of us. I also found I could wear it for longer periods than the Bjorn without getting uncomfortable. You can also breastfeed with it.

I haven't been using it so much with DD2 as the weather is so warm at the moment and the Caboo has 3 layers and holds baby very close.

Moby wrap when tiny tiny, then Manduca from 3.5kg. Both have some resale value.

Another vote for caboo. Just got mine out and washed for dc2.
Also have a look on eBay when you decide what you want as there's loads on there.

I started off with a Moby then moved to an Ergo when my dd was about 5 months. Moby was great for me to start with, but the Ergo is quicker to use when out and about and my DH is happy to wear it too. HTH.

I had a Close caboo but find it a bit of a pain. The rings mean it has long tails down your back and I find the two bits faffy and less adjustable than a stretchy wrap. I loved it with my first though as I was less comfortable tying.

Now have a kari-me (same as a Moby) and love it for tiny babies. Will move on to my woven wrap Didymos and my Manduca as he gets older.

Thank you, so helpful!!

I hadn't heard about Sling Libraries I'm in NLondon, so there should be a pretty accessible one!

Oooh yes. If you are London it should ve easy to find one.

mothercare 2in1 saved my life!

avoid the chicco one, it's hard to get little legs out of

Planning massive shopping trip tomorrow, massive sales on everywhere, but will now wait to buy sling until I can try a few out. Baby is due in winter so I don't suppose we will be going out much to begin with anyway. But I was thinking about using it when I return to work so I have my hands free!!

I would highly recommend a sling library as everyone has an opinion when it comes to slings! I have a didymos ring sling and I love it, however, I have lent it to a couple of friends and they hated it!!

I love my kari-me, but definitely try to get to a sling library.

I have a ring sling and a tula buckles carrier and definitely recommend a sling library to try them out

make sure any sling you buy allows you to follow TICKS guidelines. Any sling library will tell you about this, but the majority of high street carriers (and retailers) won't follow these guidelines.
Also, for winter babywearing think about how you will keep baby warm and will the sling you choose allow for this. For example I used a stretchy wrap and then put a big coat over me and the baby so that I could take off coat when I went into shops and not get the baby too hot. Other slings have a cover you can put over to keep baby warm. Babies in thick snow suits in slings never look too comfortable and can affect the fit and positioning.

The central london sling library is based in Notting Hill, I'm not sure if there's a north london one also.

We have got on brilliantly with the Connecta Integra (can use extra insert with tiny babies - start with them on front and then go to on back with same sling.

I've used Kari me stretchy wrap and ergo for both my kids. I can still carry my nearly 4 year old in the ergo!

Hard to know what you'll end up loving, even with a sling library. Depends on your shape, your baby's preferences, the weather and your lifestyle!!!

Most people do pretty well with a simple cotton or stretchy wrap for the first few months because they can be tied to fit anyone comfortably. If you feel unsure then just buy a second hand one on eBay, use it for a few months and then sell it again for the same price.

There is a North London sling library, though I've never been. It's really worth going and having a try (they have weighted dolls, to make it more realistic). I'd also second the person who said that the sling affects the clothes you need for the baby - a stretchy wrap with a big fleece over both of you, plus a hat for the baby, is really all you need (plus a brolly!) - snowsuits just make it harder to share body heat and to get a good position for the baby in the sling

I used a Sa-Be baby wear stretchy wrap from newborn. It was £20 and was used everyday, much more than the pram. I really can't recommend highly enough.

It has no rings or clips and can be chucked in the wash. It was awesome.

www.sabebabywear.com/plain-apple-green-baby-carrier-116-p.asp

I miss having a little baby to carry!

I used a Manduca from birth till 1 year old. Superb buy.

Mothercare 2 in 1 I found really good for wearing round the house doing dishes and washing etc when dds was a tiny baby

Ergo sling for when ds was about 5 months onwards for taking on days out, long walks ... he seemed to like being in there and would often fall asleep

I used a Caboo Closer for both of mine until 4/5 months then a Beco Gemini until 18 months ish. Both were fab. I found the Beco cooler for both myself and baby hence the switch, but although it's ok from birth, I preferred the support of the Caboo for newborns.

Thank you all!! I am going to borrow a friends kari-me and try find a library!