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Original poster

Advice on sling/baby carrier that would suit me and my baby

33 replies

peaches27 · 08/04/2006 21:53

There are so many I dont know which to buy, but I want one second hand and it must be suitable for our needs(those of you who are following my exploits know that I am bringing up my grandkids on a budget).

Our needs are:

  1. I am not a skinny person (size 18) it has to go round me.
  2. The little un is quite petite, and is now 4 months, but I would like to use it for a little while longer.
  3. I want to be able to carry the baby on my front while I do housework - not fussed for outside - I will use a pram or we have one of those bigger backpack types.
  4. I want the little un to have the option of facing forward because she is very very nosey.

So, experts, which one will fit us?

OP posts:
Original poster
peaches27 · 10/04/2006 22:30

kiskidee, I am trying to get her to face forward kangaroo style, with her legs kind of in front. It all seems a bit loose at the front and also a bit low down. Perhaps I need to adjust it.

OP posts:
kiskidee · 11/04/2006 12:20

experiment by making it shorter. I'd either put a 1/2 inch seam in the base to see if that will make her rise by a bit or put it on your shoulder and flip the lowerhalf inside out. this has the effect of shortening the sling. (look at the web instructions for wearing on the hip to see what I mean.)

kiskidee · 11/04/2006 12:22

i also get muscle spasms in my back. so it is by distributing her weight on your shoulder and across your back that you make the carry easier. Make sure the sling is wide across the 'cup' of your shoulder rather than near the neck and that it is spread openish across your back.

Original poster
peaches27 · 11/04/2006 16:41

HOORAY! someone on our local freecycle has offered me a Wilkinet carrier. They are supposed to be really good arent they? I havent collected it yet, but this kind lady is also offering me a grobag too. (dp says its about time I started some lettuces this year!!!) shall I explain to him about the grobag or wait until it arrives?

OP posts:
Original poster
peaches27 · 13/04/2006 16:55

Dear everyone, thanks for all your help and advice. A very kind lady on Sheffield freecycle has given me a lovely stone coloured cordoroy Wilkinet carrier and it is absolutely fabby. It looks really nice too. Little un has nodded off in it twice and I dont have the heart to take her out ...

OP posts:
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 17:22

Ergo.

Or baby bjorn.

IMO, slings are fab if you have just the one. And never need to bend down. Forget anything without loads of buckles if you have a toddler, you will inevitably need to bend to their height and the baby will wobble dangerously.

Personally I have never managed to do housework while carrying a baby. I think having a baby is a good excuse not to do housework and do not want anything to burst my bubble

Oh another tip, I think 4 months is a bad time to get a sling, they are in between newborn (cradle hold) and older baby (hip/back). Can you wait til about 6 months, when they are more muscular and choose a sling then?

Original poster
peaches27 · 16/04/2006 21:48

We are going well with the Wilkinet, but there is an issue. You are supposed to cross the straps over at the back then tie in the front. They arent long enough for me to do that (its probably designed for a size 10! ha!) so I just tie it at the back. Its been fine and not budged, but just wonder if this is OK. Do you use it and have you found this?

OP posts:
nappyaddict · 03/11/2006 05:18

hi with the ergo can the baby sit cross legged as with other slings?

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