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Original poster

Baby Slings - can someone help?

19 replies

Twins123 · 21/04/2009 14:04

Hi there
I am looking to buy a baby sling for my newborn but i dont know what brands/types are good...I have heard that the baby Bjorn is the best on the market but the one i like cannot be used before my baby is 3.5kg so i need something for before then...

I know this is silly, given that so many mothers have used them but the slings dont really look safe or secure...I keep thinking my baby might fall out of it!

Any suggestions on a good make/brand?

thanks
maz

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misdee · 21/04/2009 14:06

dont go for a baby bjorn.

have a look at mei tais. very good for newborns upwards, or the close baby carrier

ChairmumMiaow · 21/04/2009 14:07

twins - I would look at anything but a babybjorn or those ones you get in mothercare, personally

What sort of thing are you looking for? Something quick and easy to use like a Mei Tai (here

Something with a bit more of a learning curve, but really comfortable, like a stretchy wrap sling (here)

There are lots of other options, but those two sorts are good for first-timers!

mumcah · 21/04/2009 14:08

Hi,

I would not recommend a Babybjorn for any age particuarly a newborn.

If you type in baby slings and wraps into a search engine you will find websites that specialise in slings and will give you loads of advice.

Also check out 'sling meets' in your area as you get to try slings out before you buy.

Mumcah
xx

pedalmonster · 21/04/2009 14:52

depends what you mean by sling. There is a really good one by wilkinette or something like that - its brilliant, definitely recommend that one. It is more like a front carrier but fabric and flexible. brilliant for a new born.

I also had one of those "banana shaped" slings from "babysense" website - but honestly could not get DS in it without him looking like I had broken his head - and he hated it too... so gave up on that one.

I also had teh baby bjorn and I thought it was brilliant! when he was tiny i used to hold one hand on him all the time anyway, and it was also good cos it was sturdy.

best idea - go into mothercare or similar and use a toy doll / pillow / teddy to experiment. And think about how you will be using it - just to wander around the house, when you are pretty relaxed or for a daily walk, or whatever.

Would definitely say try a couple out to makesure they are not too complicated.

minxofmancunia · 21/04/2009 14:59

I used a kari-me with dd and it was brilliant, only prob is it does look like you're waering a wierd sort of monk garment and it gets v hot!

Am pg at the mo and will def be using it again but thinking of getting a mei-tei as well or similar

Good luck!

alittleteapot · 21/04/2009 15:04

I had a Kari me but preferred Mei Tei as they are not so squashed up which also used to scare me a bit.

hanaflower · 21/04/2009 15:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ChairmumMiaow · 21/04/2009 16:01

I wouldn't go into mothercare though, as all the (what I would class as) decent ones they stock are online only, so you can't try them out.

What you can do is hire a sling from these sorts of people:

here

and here

craftynclothy · 21/04/2009 16:05

Definitely try to get to a sling meet if you can. That way, not only can you try them out, you'll meet lots of other mums who will be able to show you various carries that you can do with each sling and get hints & tips.

There's a babywearers group on Yahoo that's worth joining too

Bettymum · 21/04/2009 16:10

Another vote for a Kari me here
I travelled on my own to Italy and France with DD in it (at 17 weeks and 6 months) and it was an absolute godsend. Really comfy once it's on - I tried my sister's Baby Bjorn once with my DD in it (who was a skinny, light 17 weeks) and found it really dug into my shoulders and was very uncomfortable.

hanaflower · 21/04/2009 16:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

redflipflops · 21/04/2009 16:19

If you read the Slings product reviews (bottom of MN pages) you'll see that everyones experience is so different! One persons favorite's is another's worst ever etc... Different slings suit different people.

If it's your first baby it's hard to work out when and how you'll use a sling - but if you can work that out it's easier. Will your partner also use it? Do you want to BF in it? Will you walk far in it? Is it for summer or winter? etc....

So hard to make a choice... if you get into slings you'll probably end up buying more than one.

Baby feels safe in most slings - you can feel them next to you. Much closer contact than buggy/car seat etc..

Orangesarenottheonlyfruit · 21/04/2009 16:21

Don't do Baby Bjorn, v uncomfortable and can only be used for a very short time. If you can face it, I have found wrap slings brilliant. Had a Hug-a-bub for newborn and then moved onto a beuatiful blue Didymos, really fantastic and I can carry my 28 pound 18 month old regularly in it still! Best thing to do is consult an expert; the wonderful big mama gave me excellent advice on both my buys.

redflipflops · 21/04/2009 16:22

is weird how Baby Bjorns aren't popular on MN but in RL loads of people have told me to get one and they loved it etc....

hanaflower · 21/04/2009 16:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thehairybabysmum · 21/04/2009 16:40

I had a baby Bjorn, it was fab and i used it loads and for long periods. V easy to get on off and DS loved it.

I also hired a wilkinet for when ds was older and it was OK but thats all (rear carrying). Not the easiest to use though.

I have friends who have used the ones that are banana shaped and they didnt get on with them..plus you cant actually see the baby, its like it is in a bag.

Agree redflipflops BB's not popular on here but everyone i know who has one thinks they're great too.

FrizzBath · 21/04/2009 16:47

I didn't like my Baby Bjorn, I found it awkward to get DD in it especially when she was newborn. For DC2 my friend has recommended a Coorie - hers looks brilliant

redflipflops · 21/04/2009 17:58

Hana - you're right they're probably not hardened sling wearers but still it just makes me more confused....

I had a Wilkinet last time which I didn't like that much (thin straps dig in with heavier baby and faff to put on).

Dysgu · 21/04/2009 18:48

I have three slings.

I have a Huggabub which is a wrap sling that is made of jersey-type material so really easy to tie as is stretches nicely.

Then I got a ring sling which I use still with my 14kg DD1 - used it lots carrying her on the tube in London this weekend. I also use it for DD2 who is just coming up to 4mo.

Then i have a calin bleu - which is also a wrap but made of non-stretchy material so a bit easier for using as they get bigger as having less 'give' means it cannot pull on your shoulders.

I have worn both my girls more than I ever used the buggies and have travelled easily by plane, car and train with them (of course, IN the car the girls sit in car seats - i mean I can avoid taking a buggy away with us.)

Try different ones but it does lead to contented babies - both of mine were premature and wraps are so easy to use for tiny ones when doing kangaroo care too. You get used to tying them very quickly and I can put mine on as quickly as friends can strap their DCs into buggies or 'plastic-type' carriers.

Do bear in mind though, that because it is so comfy to carry them, your DP may expect you to do more of the carrying!

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