Changing bags and baby slings

[heroineinahalfshell]

Question for mums: if you use slings more often than a pram, what style of changing bag did you go for? I'd like a backpack style bag, but I'm worried that the straps will get in the way of slings. Equally, a messenger style bag might cross across the front of the sling? Would be interested in people's experiences and tips, before I make an expensive mistake!

I use a backpack.

Definitely backpack style - everybody told me to get one and I didn’t listen, now just admitted defeat 10 months in.. you’ll thank yourself for it!

Backpack. A messenger bag would be incredibly irritating, plus I find a backpack acts as a sort of counterweight to the baby, which was helpful when I was getting used to the sling (the tendency to start with is to slouch forwards because you feel like you'll squash the baby otherwise, which of course you won't).

I used a back pack, just a nice one I already had from sweaty Betty. I always travelled light anyway I never used a big bag

Backpack. But I did struggle with a backpack with my ergobaby sling. Maybe it's because I had an old style but the straps of the sling were too padded to wear a backpack comfortably. I have a Beco now and no problems.

@beggingforsleep I have an ergobaby sling with padded straps that I bought from a friend (so about 5 years old), so this is exactly what I'm worried about!

@heroineinahalfshell ah right. Well a backpack was deeply uncomfortable then! Used a nice tote most of the time but then I was a bit lopsided. A backpack with thinner straps might work.

Thanks, that's helpful.

Are you going to use a wrap or fabric sling or a more structured carrier? Some of the carriers have pockets that you can fit nappies/wipes/spare babygro into. I used a wrap with my second but I still had a pram that his older brother was in so could still hang messenger style bag on the back. Also, are you planning to breastfeed because this hugely reduces the amount of stuff you need to carry for a day out.

@TooMinty I have an ergobaby 360 with a newborn insert which i got from a friend, so it's a structured carrier with padded straps. Planning to breastfeed if I can, yes.

I just use a regular Eastpak rucksack with my Ergo 360 and it’s fine

I use a backpack with our sling, and a messenger bag with a ring sling. I would avoid buying an official changing bag/backpack though, they’re usually bulky and much bigger than you need most of the time (especially if bf). It’s easy to feel overloaded or like sandwich filling when you have a sling and a big rucksack on! I just use normal leather/fjallraven bags with thin straps and take the minimum I need out with me.

If breastfeeding works out and your baby isn't refluxy then you might not need to carry much. I'd hold off until you know. Traditional change bags are designed with formula feeding in mind, I never used the cool bag style pockets on mine.

Regular backpack. It worked fine, still does.

Backpack. Not necessarily a baby specific one, but do make sure it's one you can open and close one handed. Many zips aren't doable that way, and with a nursing/sleeping baby you don't always have both hands spare.

Yeah if you breastfeed you definately don't need to bring a lot out. I always just had a spare babygrow and vest rolled small, a couple muslin, a little bag with a couple nappies, wipes and cream and a bottle of water for me. And maybe some small toys.

I have a bjorn but just used a cloth sling when my son was little - didn't have a problem with backpack on either