How soon after a c-section will I be able to use a baby carrier?

[Alva]

Curious to know how long it is likely to be/ has been for others; carried my first baby a lot and it would be a handy option with the second - keen not to open anything up, tho! Second one due in a few months - just planning ahead...

Do you mean sling or infant carrier (car seat thingy)? I used my sling almost immediately after i was out of hospital. Was a bit worried, but it is a lot higher than my sore bits.

Hiya, It really depends, some women have more local pain than others. I would recommend a 'over the showlder' sling as the baby won't put too much pressure on your tummy that way. A front sling such as the baby nbjorn can sit a bit lower on the tummy.

was at least a month - 6 weeks before i managed it, but then i wasnt even walking as soon as i came out of hospital! [in awe of babbit] hobbled around for a few weeks hanging onto pram. wasnt catching the scar that was a problem, it was standing up straight and having to use tummy muscles to keep us both upright

a sling would be best as we tried a baby carrier - Tomy Roma - and as DD was a heavy big baby she was hang off my and dps chest so it wasnt suitable but sling keeps the baby into your chest..

i was using baby bjorn after 4-5 weeks i think with no problems

I'm thinking sling rather than carseat...
thanks for the tips!

I used the Baby Bjorn a lot last time as the over-the shoulder-one I have felt awkward and sort of floppy; in retrospect, think it might have been a bit big (was made to measure, but something might have gone awry!) I'm not keen on the ones that involve lots of fabric/straps wrapping around repeatedly; prefer something simple.

A simple well fitted pouch would work well for you. Easy to wear and use, no wrapping or straps.

If you get a fleece one it would be very comfortable and soft.

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Try this English site, I have heard good things about them
Bright Sparks

To find out what size you should order, measure from your left shoulder to the top of your right hip (the VERY top of your hip!) passing the tape measure diagonally across your front. Match your measurement to the table below and you will see which size you need.

Adult Slings:
1: Extra Small: 51 - 55cm (20-22 inches)
2: Small : 56 - 61cm (22-24 inches)
3: Medium: 62 - 66cm (24-26 inches)
4: Large : 67 - 71cm (26-28 inches)
5: Extra Large : 72 ? 77cm (28-30 inches)

If you fall between sizes, I would go for the smaller sizes, large pouches are hard on the shoulder.

i found using a sling easier that pushing a pram, espicially getting over kerbs.i think i used mine from about 2 weeks (basically when i was properly back on my feet). i used a wilkienet. good luck.

If you want a nice version of a baby bjorn, look under SSC (Soft Structured Carriers) on this great website

Or maybe you might like a mei tai (also known as a ABC or an Asian Based Carrier) They look a bit scary, a square with four straps but they are very easy to use.

Depending on where you are in the UK, you might have a sling group nearby where you can borrow slings and get advice on how to get the right one for you and how to use it.

last link I promise to sling meet site

a ring sling is a great starter sling for anyone new to babywearing and it would mean taht the baby is up higher against her body early day. Bigmamaslings is very good about answering your questions before you buy.

Thanks everyone! May need to postpone taking those measurements until my bump is no longer confusing the issue...

I used a ringsling from day 4, to go home from the hospital and didn't really stop for months. I didn't think there'd be a problem, probably a bit foolish but no one stopped me at the hospital and I had no undesirable after effects. I was quite fit before and during my pg, and bounced back quite quickly after the section (unlike my belly, alas), so I expect that helped.

with my DS five years ago, I was using a carrier after about three weeks (I would go to the supermarket with him and balance myself up with carrier bags), but in hindsight it was too much too soon, even though I was feeling normal after a week.

i had my DD sixteen weeks ago and had some post op infection and felt really rough for weeks, and couldn't walk very far. I used the carrier at about 8 weeks but found it really uncomfortable still.

I think it will depend how quickly you are on your feet and how well you are healing.

Good Luck

I used a wilkinet carrier from sometime in the first week. ds wasn't light, either, but I don't remember having problems. I was told I shouldn't be pushing a pushchair too early, either, so a sling was considered better for my recovery.

Alva, a ringsling vendor would be able to help you choose the right size of sling going by your clothing measurements. Because they are adjustable, it is easier to find the 'right' size.