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Original poster

Recommendations for a baby sling / carrier

18 replies

NewbieMTB · 23/03/2009 12:39

Has anyone got any strong feelings or reccomendations on which baby sling is best - am looking for one from birth - am only 5ft 2in so good back support is important to me as no idea how much 'bean' mght weigh etc...

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redflipflops · 23/03/2009 13:07

Hi Newbie - there are lots of slings reviewed in MN product reviews (bottom of page).

I have read loads of reviews and tbh it's made me more confused! there are so many types/styles and different people seem to get on differently.

sorry not much help!

BikeRunSki · 23/03/2009 13:31

I am currently part of a group of mums trialling different baby carriers. I have tried a few for this trial, and used a Tomy Freestyle for my son (who is now 6 months). I have found the Baby Bjorn by far and away the most comfortable. I gave up using my Tomy a few weeks ago as it was not comfortable with the heavy baby (he was about 7.5kg when I stopped using it). With the BB I can still carry him so comfortably, I hardly know that he is there! Superb back support. I know BB are very pricey, but they seem the most popular for comfort amongst my comtemporaries (including a girl who is also 5'2" and a 6'4" dad). You can also get watwerproof covers for them, which is a bonus.

Everyone one I know who used a Babasling stopped using it when their babies got to about 4 months old, they just were no longer comfortable with heavier babies.

CMOTdibbler · 23/03/2009 13:35

Most people who use a sling a lot like a stretchy wrap (like a Moby), or a ring sling for tinies. As they get older you tend to move to a MeiTai, woven wrap or a Soft Structured Carrier (like an Ergo or Connecta).

The BabyBjorn type are not very good for supporting babies as they dangle from their crotch, rather than being cuddled in against you with their legs in a nice, wide spread position

I have used a sling with my DS from when he was tiny, and still carry him now that he is a 17 kg 2.10 year old

If there is a SlingMeet group near you, then go along and try some slings on

FruitynNutty · 23/03/2009 13:36

You can get a Babasling from TKMaxx for £20 instead of £40. I love mine

EllieG · 23/03/2009 13:39

I found my ring sling from freedom slings was best when DD was teeny

McDreamy · 23/03/2009 13:41

I have a hotsling which is great. Just received my Moby in the post today - will let you know how I get on with that!

lowrib · 23/03/2009 13:52

I have the Baby Bjorn but I think I'd much prefer a wrap around sling that spreads the weight across my shoulders.

"The BabyBjorn type are not very good for supporting babies as they dangle from their crotch, rather than being cuddled in against you with their legs in a nice, wide spread position" I hadn't thought of that, it makes sense.

Although what I do like about the Baby Bjorn is that my DS (12 weeks) can easily look around. I use the sling instead of the buggy particularly when he's awake as it's just lovely to see him looking around and interested in everything. (The buggy sends him to sleep).

Can babies get a good look at the world with the wrap-arounds when they are facing you, or are they positioned to close to your body?

nightshade · 23/03/2009 13:54

if you become a seasoned sling wearer, you will generally find that one sling is not enough.

from birth to about four months, a ring sling is great, as it is easy to use and baby can be brought in and out quickly, also the best carrying position for newborn.

from about four /five months, a ring sling is great for quick carrying, ie in and out shops but no good for distance, as baby is too heavy.

if you are planning on walking longer distances, travelling etc, definitely go for a wrap sling, as they are more evenly balanced.

CMOTdibbler · 23/03/2009 13:57

They can look around and see the world, even when cuddled up close - they just turn their head to look to the side. And if it's all to much for them, they just turn back to you (and option they don't have if facing forwards)

With a ring sling you can do a hip carry as they get bigger so that they are facing forwards a bit more if you want that

JackBauer · 23/03/2009 14:13

I would say a RS is a good start as they can lie down as a newborn and then sit up with their legs in as soona s they can hold their heads up, then legs out from about 6-7 months on your hip. They cna face out if you want them to, or in, no problem, although I did find with a wrap they can see around just as well.
Plus they are fast to put on and have no buckles etc so can be swapped from one adult to another in seconds (speaks from experience)

For reasons already stated on thread I would never use a baby bjorn or a tomy style carrier.

redflipflops · 23/03/2009 14:35

I'm also not not sure about a BabyB carrier as not as discrete for BF. A more wrap/ring sling would be better for BF. Although my DH would prefer to wear a carrier style than a wrap sling.

Am thinking about a Close sling - which seems to be a cross between a ring and a wrap. Quicker to put on that a wrap - or so they say?

There are so many to choose from..... arhhh

I've also looked on ebay and you can buy & sell slings slightly cheaper there. I thought if I fork out £50 for a 'Close' but don't use it I can sell on ebay!

hairygodmother · 23/03/2009 14:59

Have any of you guys tried a Wilkinet? It looks like a nightmare to use with long tie things dangling off, but once you get the hang of it, it is brilliant! I had a Baby Bjorn for dd1 and really loved it but think it is a bit better for when they're bigger and like being carried forward-facing. My sister lent me her Wilkinet (they do have a website) and it was perfect for dd2 from the very beginning. She was quite small and it held her in really close and secure. She used to sleep for hours while I got on with running around after her older sister! But as other posters have said, if you are a regular sling user, you may find having different ones useful anyway! Baby Bjorn v easy to put on if you're on your own ...

JackBauer · 23/03/2009 18:12

I didn't really get on with the wilkinet, much preferred a MT when I wanted to strap it on and off.
A close is fab but will only do you for a few months before you will need to trade it in, and that' where the problem starts

Have a look at UKbabywearing Swap yahoo group, they buy and sell 2nd hand carriers on there, I have bought all of mine from there and they have all been great condition and much cheaper/easier than ebay

redflipflops · 23/03/2009 19:44

I also had a Wilkinet with last baby - I found it OK for small baby but when the baby gets heavier the thin straps aren't too comfy (around both waist and shoulders). Also straps slightly complicated and not easy to get baby in and out if on your own (or getting baby/sling on from car etc.. unless there is somewhere to lie baby down).

Everybody seems to have own preferences tho' which makes choosing another one so hard.... arhh....

JackB - Thanks for that swap group info
might give that a try.

Is Close not good for heavier/older babies?

hairygodmother · 23/03/2009 20:13

Good point re Wilkinet being difficult to put on getting out of car. I used to use parcel shelf to put dd on while I was fiddling with it! And I practised with a doll quite a few times before I felt confident to do it with a live baby! I remember putting her in the sling when in the dr's surgery waiting room, when I'd finished I got a round of applause! So if you want a sling that's going to make you feel like a Mensa member when you use it, the Wilkinet's the way to go ...

JackBauer · 23/03/2009 21:11

Close is fab but it is stretchy so once they get a bit heavier it is not as supportive. But has great resale value so worth it for first few months (costs less than a buggy anyhow!)

lowrib · 24/03/2009 00:52

Where are you?

How about going to this sling meet in Finsbury Park next week to try a few on to see what you like? I think I might go.

Original poster

NewbieMTB · 25/03/2009 12:59

Hi - thanks everyone - great advice!! Can't make Sling meet as still working boo .. but has given me lots to start off with... Thanks again!

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