Best sling/carriers for newborns to help mums with joint conditions

[maydaycoffee]

I'm going to be a first time mum in a few months times. I have a condition that affects my joints, which can cause some problems like pain/stiffness.

I have asked friends what they used when they were expecting, but majority of them said they usually held their child/children and never used slings or carriers. I have held newborns (plus older children), but it can be a struggle for a long period of time as their weight can put too much pressure on my arms especially, so just holding my baby for a long time may not work.

I have asked my midwife about suggestions and she gave her options, but she wasn't too sure as it may work for others, but not for me. I asked my GP and they said the same thing.

Unfortunately, don't have a local baby shop to see if I could try any products beforehand or at least ask the staff about recommendations. I have found different slings and carriers online, but when I read the reviews, I get mixed responses to how the products are, but no reviews on mums (who have joint conditions) find the products and if it benefits them. I don't want to just buy something and find out it doesn't work for me.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

For a newborn up until about 12 weeks (depending on the size of your baby) I'd recommend an ergobaby embrace. Easy to put on and super soft and comfortable for you and the baby. After that I used an ergobaby adapt as it gave more support once they were heavier, but initially the embrace was the absolute dream. If you're breastfeeding you can also feed in it with a bit of practice - you still need one hand to support the baby but it does leave one hand free!

I don't have any joint problems per say but do suffer from aching and sore shoulders and lower back due to being tall. I used the ergo baby 360 with newborn insert and found no issues - it didn't cause discomfort and was comfortable. I actually bought it second hand on vinted which would be my advice to you! Do a bit research then buy second hand. That way if it doesn't work out for you then you won't be too out of pocket and can sell it on 🙂

I used a stretchy wrap when tiny - it does take a bit of practice but once you get the hang of it it is easy! After that I bought a Kahu baby buckle carrier. I liked that you could use it front, back and for side carrying. The woman that designed them lives locally to me so that pushed my decision. She also runs a sling library that does postal loans - https://koalaslings.co.uk/collections/sling-library

As a PP mentioned if you google sling library and your area you may find one near you where you can go and get advice and try out a few slings. I found this really helpful.

I had a Beko Gemini and it was so supportive and well made I used it from about 8 weeks up to 3.5 years.

Definitely see if you can meet with a sling consultant. Our local one only advertises on FB - she doesn't have a website. So worth joining any local FB mum groups and asking around as you might find someone who isnt on google. I had a boba wrap for newborn stage, which felt lovely and thick and secure, and then ergobaby omni once DC got bigger. The ergobaby has been used for two DC and still looks great.

Hi OP. I'm in a similar boat to you - 6 months pregnant and I have a musculoskeletal condition which means it will be difficult for me to constantly carry the baby myself, so I need a carrier/sling.

I did a lot of research and the best I found for people with back issues is one called Carifit.

It's quite expensive, but I got in touch with the company and explained my situation, and they let me order, try it out and send it back if I didn't like it (I didn't need to in the end - it's perfect). https://www.getcarifit.com/

They will also do a free video call with you if you want, to make sure the carrier is fitting properly and show you how to adjust it. It's really nice customer service.

I haven't got the baby yet but when trying it on it feels really flexible and moulds nicely to my body. It's designed for people who want to workout with the baby, but even if you don't, this just means it's super supportive and fits and moves really nicely.

I watched this video review on youtube which is very in depth - this lady (Sheen Slings) reviews a lot of slings and carriers and her videos are very informative. I watched a lot of her videos before choosing this one. Could be worth checking out some of her other videos if you want to see reviews of certain carriers (she's done loads!)

Also, if you are able to, I really recommend doing a bit of strengthening exercise.

There's lots you can do even whilst pregnant that can help you get stronger for carrying the baby (because there will be times when it's necessary even if you have the perfect sling) - even if just some arm exercises/ dumbbells - if it's OK with your condition of course.

It's always worth strengthening up! :)