Which sling - moby, kari-me or close?

[LaCerbiatta]

I want to try a nice sling this time round, but it's a mice field!!

I think I'll use it more in the first few months so really want one suitable for a newborn.

I'm happy to learn how to tie it, if necessary, as long as it's not too complicated.... Definitely want a strechy one as they look a lot easier.

So, have sort of narrowed it down to the moby, kari me or close.... Which do you think is the best? Or do you have other suggestions?

TIA

So many responses! Thanks everyone!

I think I might go with the kari-me. This will be my leaving present from work colleagues so it can't be too expensive.

I definitely want an ergo for later though, a friend has one and she carried her dd in it until she was 3!! Unfortunately it's too expensive to ask for as present and I can't aford it either. It'll be my return to work treat!

Hi All

We've just been bought a Kari-me for a Christmas present and although I've yet to try it with a real live baby, the 4kg bag of oranges I've been practising with(!) suggests it should be a real asset, assuming the baby takes to it okay (I'm very determined that she will...!) I'm going to try it out on a friend's DD (6 months) to get in a bit of practice ahead of time (6 weeks until EDD for me).

Given that I plan to use wrap carriers as my main form of baby transport, I've also picked up a Calin Bleu gauze wrap in an internet sale (for 20 quid) as an alternative when Kari-me is being washed and for when the weather gets hot (I live in Spain) - it's a shorter version, so less material to be wrapped in and is made with a cooler type of cotton. It also comes with some instructions on how to wear your LO on your back using the wrap (without needing another adult to help), which is likely to make life easier once they get heavier.

Check out this site for live demos with real babies on various ways to use a wrap.

I like the idea of wraps (although I guess even the Calin may prove to be too hot in the Spanish summer, so may need to consider a cooler alternative, like a mei tei) because they've got other uses apart from just being used to carry your LO, so even if it doesn't work out, you've got a handy length of cloth for any manner of other things (snuggler, sit on in the park, something to sleep under etc.) and it doesn't have to be a waste of money.

The slings and backpacks forum here on MN is also full of suggestions, if you haven't been there already.

Go, slingmums!! I look forward to joining you soon...

I am so looking forward to having a lovely little baby snuggled up again. DS is almost 6 now and has much better things to be doing!

I love love love my Ergo - still carry my 30lb toddler around in it! Considering getting a Moby for #2 after reading this thread....

Z x

Is it possible to breastfeed when baby is in a Moby?

Apparently. I didn't manage it but if you are an experienced breastfeeder I would have thought you could. There are 'instructions' that come with it.

Yes it is, but it is a bit tricky and you need a cooperative baby. However I have done so whilst walking round Wisley gardens and I don't think anyone was much the wiser. It helps if you are wearing a top with breastfeeding access or you tend to get your clothing layers and the wrap all mixed up.

I've been looking at the Connecta for dc2! My friend has one and is able to bf whilst walking around! I like that it clips in and they come in funky fabrics! She did recommend a place that you can hire them to try before you buy and the money goes to the SANDS charity:-

"You can loan slings for a small fee which goes to SANDS from this site www.petitpoppet.co.uk/ but they also have some gorgeous designs for sale. You can buy them with a hood (the Integra) which I didn't bother with. You can also get solarweave Connectas which are lightweight fabric with a sun protection factor rating for the summer. Mine's a bog standard plain old Connecta though. "

oh i had a kari me for when my DS was younger (under 12 months) he was small and light but by a bout 6 months was looking to get a better one for heavier babies and eventually got a ergo which was fab ( btu very expensive). i was addicted to the kari me, wore it everyday and LOVED it. even my husband was good to wear it, although i always had to remind him how to tie it!

ergo is good, but i could live without it, I could nto lived the first 6 months with out the kari me but it gets uncomfortable as they get older.

oh and breast feeding in the KARI ME was something i never quite got hang of when he was small, but when he was older ( about 7 months) i suddenly got the hang of it, and started using the kari me to put him off for a nap, when i wanted to go out for dinner with friends and there was no bed for him. he always went to sleep at the breast so that was good for me. was quite discreet. did it on a bus once ( emergency ) and no one ever noticed. but is a knack had to practice in private first!!
hahA

Have you seen the Hotslings ones ? They come in beautiful patterns and fabrics - I've bought one but have yet to use it as haven't delivered yet.

I got my Moby delivered the other day - am looking forward to practicing with one of DS's teddies at the weekend!

Had a Baby Bjorn last time and DH will prob still insist on using that but I found it hellishly uncomfy on the shoulders.

My BIL is convinced fabric slings are the work of the devil and cause backache. I really hope I get to prove him wrong.

If you end up with an "unco-operative" baby I found the huggababy very good - it's a ring sling, so no knots, which is also great for when they are just learning to walk and want to be in and out all all time, and I was able to use it comfortably until dd was 18 months (and only stopped then cos I was 6 months pregnant)

wasabipeanut I never had a moment of backache with the hugabub even when carrying around a giant toddler, just ensure that the fabric is spread out as much as possible so that the weight is all over your body (I assume that holds true for all the fabric slings).

I find breastfeeding in the hugabub a bit of a trick to get started with, but by the time he was 3 months or so I could do it hands free while wandering around, which made life much easier.

Thanks Morloth - yes the hands free feeding is one of my objectives as I have a feeling that with my suitably energetic DS the long feeds with my feet up on the sofa are a thing of the past!

pastagirl, you're an inspiration!!