Ok can we talk slings? The choice is bewildering to a heavily pg woman!

[sorkycake]

I've had a front carrier with Dd the tomy safari, didn't like it much, gave it to my sister. I've bought a premaxx baby bag, but it seems quite bulky and may well have to go back.
I'm wanting to carry from birth, breastfeed on the go and want something that doesn't require either another person to help you adjust it, or a Phd to get in and out of.
I'd like to be able to wash it in washer and stuff it in a bag if I need to.
I have a hip seat which Dh prefers to use when the baby is older but if one sling could be flexible to hip carry relatively hands free as well, then all the better.
The reason I bought the premaxx was because Dh & I could use the same sling so as a last request I'm after something which I don't have to buy in 2 sizes, ideally, but I will fork out if Dh will put hands in pockets.
Phew! There that's about it. Have I forgotten anything?
I've looked at babywearer and another site which helps you choose but it only narrows it down to about a choice of ten and then how do you choose which one to go for?
Btw I'm only little at 5'3 and when not pg, rather petite, don't know whether that makes any difference.

Please help me, I'm due in 3 weeks and this is the last thing I need to get to feel sorted.

Can anyone help me?

Coorie!!

I've carried DD in it since birth starting with her in it like a hammock as a newborn and now she sits in it like a hip seat at 11 months. It's idiot proof, doubles as a blanket and I could rave about it for hours

There's another thread about at the moment too or search the Mumsnet archives for Coorie and loads more will come up about different sorts of slings.

If you can sew, you can make them very cheaply so could have 2 sizes. Or you may find a ring sling more versatile for you (although I never got on with mine).

Ooh I can sew a bit! How would I go about making one? Will I need to order one to pattern from do you think? Thanks SD, it does look very comfy!

Hi Sorkycake.
Not long to go now! Hope you've had a good pregnancy.
My DH and I use the Hug-a-bub. Was a bit skeptical at first and it took me a while to get the hang of it (first baby/first sling so was a bit daunting). Now I wouldn't be without it - really is hands free and very comfortable. If you have the sewing skills though you could easily make it - just a long piece of material.
On the downside - DD doesn't sit as well in it when DH uses it, probably because he doesn't have in-built cushions! Although that's easily fixed with a padded bra!
HTH

There was an article in the Guardian about this a while ago. It might be a good starting point as it has some useful links.

hth

ergo carrier
mei - tei carriers like patapum but there are loads of brands out there

are idiot proof and fit all shapes of adults and carry all babies except tiny ones. dh is 14 stone and i am less than 8 stone and we both get on fine with the ergo carrier - and it is manly enough for him to wear. (except my waist is so small that i have to cheat when i do the waist band hence would love a mei-tei but cannot financially justify it)

a pouch sling is excellent for a tiny baby to a toddler and excellent first sling. see soupy's link below or here at www.sleepytoes.co.uk

wrap slings are fantabulous but take some getting used to to tie them.

I used these instructions.

I love using my hugabub

It's sooo comfy. I love the way DS feels in it - very secure and snug. It's actually quite easy to put on. Much easier than the instructions sound like, iykwim. DH also wears it - I think it would adjust to almost any body shape.

It costs about £50 which seems extortionate for what it is (basically a veeeeerrrry long piece of stretchy t-shirt material), but it really is so comfy, easy to wash and folds itself into a neat bag.