Slings / Carriers

[mumma2b2020]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying a sling/carrier that I can wear around the house but don't want to spend the earth for one - has anyone got any recommendations? One that is easy for me to put on alone. Thanks xx

Find a local sling library and try some on there then buy 2nd hand on eBay is my advice

I like the ergo best, it’s the easiest to use. I never liked slings because I found wrapping them a major hassle.

Second ergo baby. It was absolutely the best baby investment I made - used it endlessly with both my dc. I'd have a look on ebay for one.

We bought the Babybjorn One Air. It wasn't cheap but suited our criteria:
Easy to put on
Comfortable to wear
Easy to change size so DH and I can both use it
Suitable from birth to 3 years so can get lots of use from it
Can be worn inward facing, outward facing and on the back.
Breathable to stop baby and us getting too hot
We tried a few on in the shop to get a feel for what we liked so would definitely suggest trying before you buy.

I used a Moby wrap round the house and a Stokke Mycarrier when out and about. Still using the Stokke now at 15 months. Sling library is a great idea if you can get to one. Also look for second hand deals on local facebook selling sites as you can get really good prices on slings that people have hardly used and most are machine washable.

I used the k'tan with my dd when she was a newborn and it was amazing. She basically lived in it for about 6 months. When she got too heavy for it I switched to a connecta which was really comfy, but limited as you can only face inwards with it. I used that until she got too heavy for it at about 16 months and then switched to a pushchair. I also have a baby bjorn but I can't remember which version. It was OK, good for outwards facing and back carries, but massive on me even on the smallest setting. My dp wore it quite comfortably but it put huge strain on my back. So, if youre smaller framed I'd go for a k'tan or close kaboo to start with, and then move onto a connecta or integra. If you're buying new these are quite expensive, I think the k'tan is about £40 and the connecta about £90? But I got mine on ebay for £20 and £40 respectively. They were good as new and plenty of sizes/styles to choose from. Lots of buying and selling sling groups on fb too. I've also heard a lot of good things about the ergo but never tried it myself.

I would recommend a stretchy wrap. They are one long piece of fabric and very simple to put on. They adjust easily to the growing baby and are perfect to support them as newborns. When very tiny their spines should curve in a J shape- the stretchy fabric is much better than the more structured ones for this. They are easy to wear all day and slip baby in and out of. They are also very comfortable for you to sit, bend and move as they are just fabric. I am only very small and find the stretchy wraps spread the weight of baby very well so can carry him for as long as needed. I personally like "je porte mon bebe" brand for the fabric.

Avoid crotch dangling 90s style Bjorns- very bad for your back and baby's hips.

Sling library is a good idea, it's also a nice, easy place to go with a newborn as if they start screaming everyone there has been through it! Confidence building trips are nice in the early days.

Just remember with any sling/ carrier it should be Tight, baby should be high- face above boobs and mouth/nose clear and visible.

Thanks all! Xx

Another lover of the egro carrier. At retail price it is expensive but I got mine second hand on Facebook market place and it's one of the best things I have brought

We had a close caboo for preemie Dd and then an ergo 😍