Regular sling users - pros/cons?

[EithneBlue]

I'm really addressing this at those of you who already have at least one child and primarily used a sling for the first 6 months.

For a range of reasons, I'm looking at not buying a buggy/pram for the first few months after baby's arrival (due mid-late November) and giving the sling a really decent try first - that leaves me free to buy a small-folding buggy at 6 months which will be cheaper than a full travel system and take up less space (therefore fit in my tiny car and narrow hallway). I am just going to pre-empt the sling-haters here by saying that I have already done my research and know that if I hate the sling (or if baby hates the sling) there are enough prams available online that I can pick one up quickly if I decide that's actually what we need.

So, those of you who used a sling a lot (and therefore had time to get used to it) - especially those of you who used one with a winter baby - what were the main advantages and disadvantages that you found with regularly using a sling? I'm not asking for disadvantages in order to be put off (As I think is clear, I've already decided what I want to do) but I'm asking so that I can be a little more prepared and have a full picture :-)

You don't need to buy a travel system - I bought a good quality stroller that was suitable from birth for when I needed it.
With dc1 I used the sling alot especially as he had reflux, it was also great for feeding and he loved it when he could face forward and see the world. Great when you're out and about on a day trip/walk, not great when going to the shops it's heavy to carry a shopping and a 6 month old.
My second pregnancy was twins but one was fussy /reflux so he often went in the sling.

Can anyone shed any insight on what is it like to use a sling if you have back, hip or knee pains?

I've always imagined I'd only have a sling, I didn't even want to buy a pram because I like the idea of closeness. In the end we bought a whole travel system. With the baby arriving very soon now, I'm thinking I'd still like to give the sling a go occasionally...

My knees and back have been in a bad shape my entire life. It became much worse didn't pregnancy and then hip/pelvic pain started being a huge issue too. I don't see this ever fully resolving, in fact I'm about to be checked for arthritis after pregnancy. My whole body is simply weak, knees, back, abdomen, arms... I just accepted the fact that I have a body of a on old lady. Got no help at all during pregnancy because the whole COVID-19 situation started just when I was discussing physical therapy and swimming with my midwife and GP

So I'm quite concerned if the sling is a good idea at all.

Saoirse, you can always get a second hand sling and use it for very short walks or around the house for short periods of time and see how you feel. It might be easier for you with a sling than to just hold the baby. Your body might be just not in good shape right after the birth but from week 3-4 you might feel better. And there are lots of other ways to be physically close, sitting and lying down.

I also don't agree that babies always cry when put in the pram, DS loved it. We actually used to wheel it into the living room for his daytime naps haha

@Saoirse22

I had very severe pelvic pain - I could barely walk. Im 18m post partum on what has been a long road to recovery - finally starting to see improvement with physio. My pain was through hips, butt, back... It just radiated. And i had a c section.

Anyway... That's not the point haha - I found the sling fine. I couldn't do hours and hours in it but there was never a need for that. I went to baby groups, the shops etc.

I would say you need to draw your abdominals in and engage your core, work on your posture so you don't concave your back like you are pregnant and take all the baby weight into lower back. And make sure your sling is fitted correctly so you distribute the weight across upper shoulders.

Wow, I wandered away from the internet and came back to this thread -- lots of fab insight and advice, thank you! :-)

I forgot to mention on the topic of winter carrying that you can get 3-in-1 coats which have an extra zip-in panel to cover your bump in late pregnancy and then the baby once you are carrying. It would be worth investing for a November baby. They are sometimes called ‘baby wearing’ coats. Vertbaudet usually have a few and they are periodically reduced in their sales.