Calling all Sling Junkies

[SoupDragon]

Having been very impressed with my fleece coorie (which I made myself because I didn't believe it would be practical!) I'm thinking of getting \link{http://www.brightsparkslingsshop.co.uk/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Kimmer-CottonandHempPouches&isThumbs=No&curpage=2&Thumbs=\a Stretch Kimmer} for summer and in the house where the fleece is way too warm.

I've also seen a mesh ring sling which is apparantly great for swimming.

Any opinions greatfully received!

I made the sling precisely because I couldn't see it working, roosmum! It was a doddoe - 2 seams and I neated the edges. made it before dd was born, when dss were in bed.

can i be cheeky & ask for a link to pattern?
dh will go nuts if i buy another carrying device...but if i make one

how long can you see it lasting dd?

I think I used \link{http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/index.html?Baby/index.html\this one} - scroll down for pouch pattern. I also have a \link{http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=coorie+pattern+make&btnG=Google+Search&meta=\google search} bookmarked which might help.

Not sure how long it would last - the sites you buy fromimply it lasts into toddlerhood where yousit them on it more like a seat (pistures on the selling sites show this)

thanks for the link SD, looks great!

now all i need is some spare time (fat chance!!)

How about a \link{http://www.mamatoto.org/Default.aspx?tabid=147\no sew fleece wrap} instead? Buy some fleece, cut et voila!

Click on the "make" link at the top for some more patterns including pouches and ring slings.

oh cool!

esp like the bit that says - cut out - now give 2 away. that's lovely!

ta so much SD.

:o Can't get simpler than that! Of course, you do then need to know how to tie it.

If you get fleece where the stretch runs the right way (has to be across the pouch rather than round the whoile length of it), you can make a pouch with only one seam to sew - the curved one for your baby's bottom.

BTW - with the hippychick seat, I never had any leg problems. Also, I was hoping I could use a pouch/hipyychick combo to keep DD sat more snugly on the seat (and possibly no hands required!) and also maybe spread the weight between shoulder and hip.

Used to use the Tomy Carrier but my DS also was too big and heavy by three months - thought of hipp chick seat but felt it was impractical - I ended up getting sent a Hip Hammock from a friend in the USA!! Its made by Playtex and was designed by a chiropractor - the sling goes across you and the baby sits on your hip but the best bit is that it leaves both hands free. Its designed from for babies from about 3 months to 2 1/2 years and is really comfortable - we found it was very useful at Euro Disney and on holiday last year - they had a stand at the Practical Parenting Baby Show - there is a link to their site from the BAby show site. Best one is the basic version which is black quilted and washes well - also good value I think for about £30!!

Talking of slings, tonight I went to see Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands. One of the dancers had a baby doll in a front carrier which looked like a modified Wilkinet.

Bizarre!!

ANyway, DD is currently snoring happily in her Stretch Kimmer which arrived this morning. She still seems quite warm in it but it is undoubtedly cooler than the fleece one. Seems to fit nicely and isn't too sertchy and the padded edge is good (not that she sits legs-out yet!) It's not a huge amount of padding - thinnish sausage width - but I think it would help with the problem of cutting into chubby little legs.

Now... which sling shall I go for next...? Snigger :o

I have \link{http://www.babytrekker.com\this one} from Canada and it has been fantastic. Back, front, facing back or forward. Had a little trouble with it when DS was quite new, but he's 23wks now and it's great that I can strap him to my back and cook dinner, wash dishes etc.

I want one of \link{http://www.weego.de/english/kids.htm\these} I already have an Ergo and finding it really hard to justify. What is cool is that this company does models for preemies and twins!

Blimey! Not sure I'd want to carry twins for very long!

Like the look of this one - but not sure Id want to carry twins either - is it comfortable and as versitle as it looks?

I like these ones where the baby can be carried on the front and be forward facing. I wonder for how long that can be done, though, e.g. would it still suit a 1-2 year old or only younger babies?

there is a link on the weego website comparing it to different slings. its in German tho which I don't read. it was highly recommended. it looks and seems to work a lot like an Ergo. I like the Ergo but find that even on the tightest hip adjustment, its a bit big for me so I have lots of extra material there.

:o at Weego - sounds like a toilet training device!

Looks just like a wilkinet too - willkinet bias here in the busy household!

I don't think you can easily carry bigger babies on your front facing outwards because of the balance/centre of gravity will be all wrong. They're probably better on the side where they can just look around themselves.