Prams or slings from birth

[Orissiah]

Hello all,

I am thinking of investing in the Bugaboo Bee for my due-in-June baby as I live in London and use public transport and need something light and versatile.

But in all honesty, can this purchase wait? Will I be carrying her in a baby sling 100% of the time whilst out and about for her first 3 months?

Thanks,
Orissia

woven wrap slings are better when they are a bit heavier. Ellaroo do some but there are a few brands. Some people like ergo carriers. Some of the ones like Kari me or hug a bub work less well when they are bigger as the fabric isn't so supportive as its slightly stretchy but is great for little babes. I can carry my nearly 4 yr old in a back/hip carry in a woven wrap but not a stretchy wrap, she is 34lb. Its also worth knowing that you can get very light weight gauze slings for summer and also slings made of stuff called solarveil which is UV proof so their are other options in the heat of summer.

I see babies in those slings and I just worry about how hot they must be, I was on the tube the other day and granted, it wasn't warm outside, but down there it can get roasting, I was more than hot enough without a coat and there was a woman with her baby in a sling with her coat done up over it and the baby had a hat on as well! I suppose when it's your baby you know if it's too hot, but I would've passed out if someone put a ruddy hat on me!

My baby is due in June and I can see that being in a sling whenever I am out may be uncomfortable for the both of us - particularly as I live in London and I walk all over the place.

I think a Bugaboo Bee is the answer (as well as a sling) as it looks more lightweight and compact that the other Bugaboos and folds down flat with a single click (and one hand).

If anyone here has a Bugaboo Bee - can I ask you whether an older toddler can comfortably fit into it?

Oh my goodness and now I've just seen the Mamas and Papas Skate which looks as compact as the Bugaboo Bee but seems to have more space for a growing toddler - anyone looked at it?

Mamas and Papas Skate here:
www.mamasandpapas.co.uk/skate/index.php

skate looks like a clever bit of kit; but still looks quite large folded, and it's alot of money!

Sling, Our pram is in the spare room barely used but slings we used a lot.

Pouches, ring slings and wraps (stretchy or woven) are all suitable from new born.

As for heat, baby in a sling need less layers than baby in a pram, as the closeness to you helps regulate their tempeture. But of course regularly check the baby's position and that their airways are clear.

Slings are fantastic, I carried my 17th month daughter instead of a pram, although I am trying to encourage her to walk as I'm pregnant now.

Slings rock and this website has great reviews on different types of slings

Orissiah - have you had a look at this thread? also debates the bugaboo bee.
I live in London and am still wavering over whether to go for the Bee or the Bebe Confort Loola or the sling v. pram overall.

Slings are great and my little nephew loves his but being a first-timer, not sure how you carry anything else (change bag, shopping) with the sling? And since mine's due in June, it may get quite hot and sticky with a sling.

Had a play with bugaboo in John Lewis tho and was a lot easier and lighter to manoeuvre than the Loola.

Orissiah - I had a look at the Skate in the Mamas and Papas shop and it looks HUGE! I was almost completely sold on it because it does everything I want a pram to do, but it's very heavy and wide and would be a nightmare on public transport!

Deese20, thanks for the link to the thread. I am more and more moving the way of the Bee as it's so ultralight and easy to steer. PrePG, I looked at the Skate and it was too too bulky and very heavy.

I think I'm going for mixture of sling and Bee to give me flexibility. I like sling for freedom but I like Bee for being able to have a little more freedom to eat and drink with baby safely in buggy and also to put shopping into so I don't feel overloaded.

HELP! which travel system shall i buy? Im only 5ft3 and would like something compact but robust. Looked at icandys and uppababy vista but the vistA chassis find quite heavy.