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Original poster

Pouch sling, ring sling, wrap sling: Which one before my head explodes!!!!

48 replies

ConnorTraceptive · 31/10/2007 12:27

I just can't decide and I really want to get one for this next baby and I would like it to be be so wonderful that I use it all the time!!

Key factors for me will be:

Good for breast feeding when out and about

Quick to put on and put baby in as will have a toddler and want to be able to whip baby out off pushchair and into sling should DS need to use it.

Comfort obviously

Suitable for big babies as am aniticiping another hefty bub!

OP posts:
NAB3 · 31/10/2007 13:19

Buy mine.

Easy decision and gives me some space!!

I used mine with baby 2 and 3 and there was 22 months between them and had a 4 year old to get to school too. I had the baby in the sling, DS1 walked and DD was in the buggy. If I can manage with it, anyone can!

See it here www.picturetrail.com/nab1

Philomytha · 31/10/2007 13:22

Well, I've got a lot of use out of both a pouch and a wrap, but I haven't ever had a ring sling. I think a ring sling is quite a lot like a pouch in terms of function, but slightly more complicated to use. The pouch's strengths are

  • very quick and easy to put on
  • quick and easy to put baby in
  • pretty good for breastfeeding
  • very small and folds down easily and its weaknesses are
  • you often need to use one hand to steady the baby if you're moving around
  • can make your shoulder a bit sore after about twenty minutes or so

The wrap is

  • incredibly comfortable even for heavy babies and toddlers and for long periods
  • totally hands-free but also
  • great big length of cloth to lug about when not in use
  • takes a while to learn how to use
  • takes a minute to put on and put baby in
  • is tricky for breastfeeding.

Personally, I have one of each and use them for when I need their particular strengths. I'd probably say a pouch would suit you better, though.

Loopymumsy · 31/10/2007 13:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

puppydavies · 31/10/2007 14:20

for something quick and supportive enough to bf i'd say ring sling for sure.

puppydavies · 31/10/2007 14:22

i find unpadded more flexible as not sewn together so much at the ring and so can spread better = more comfortable.

puppydavies · 31/10/2007 14:23

ring end

NoviceKnitter · 04/11/2007 10:06

I've got:
a Coorie - great for quick in and out, around the house, and bfing but hard on shoulder for longer periods

Kari Me - versatile positions, comfy but not i find you have to put it on all over again once taken baby out once. also as baby gets older a bit too stretchy and hard on shoulders - tbh i don't get on with it but dp and dd love it. so i got...

Calin Bleu wrap - great - v supportive - but tbh haven't tried bfing

And (my sling addiction has really kicked in now) my new maya wrap light;y padded has just arrived... supposed to be great for bfing and loads of mners rave about ring slings.

i really don't think there is one sling that ticks all boxes, and if you're going to be babywearing alot you need more than one so different muscles get rested/used.

about to watch my ring sling instruction dvd - will report back if i think it is "the one" - if not i would def invest in a coorie - so handy - and a soft wrap (maybe the new close one?)

susiemj · 05/11/2007 11:36

Any conclusions on the ring sling, noviceknitter? wiats with bated breath ...

NoviceKnitter · 05/11/2007 13:44

Well, I'm still trying to stick out the instruction DVD and have not had a chance to have a proper try yet. But first impressions are that once you've cracked it, it MAY be "the one". Plan to give it a proper try later and promise will report back with my findings!

Piffle · 05/11/2007 13:47

I have a Coorie which was FAB when ds2 was little, now he just stands up in it all the time.
I tried a kari me and just detested the wrapping and tying and refolding of the fabric.

I bought the close baby carrier which does AFAIC tick all the boxes.
Pricey though but IMO worth it I am really really glowing about it

NoviceKnitter · 05/11/2007 14:52

Jeez the maya wrap instruction video is long...

Just taking a break from it to say that I've managed to thread it correctly third time lucky... it's like the A level version of the Coorie... DD now happily asleep in it and it's definitely more comfy on my shoulder.

Also, the USP of ring slings, I discover, is that you can adjust the fabric to support different bits of your child, which makes a handsfree carry more possible.

I'm glad I had the Coorie from six weeks till now but this feels the right time to graduate to the maya - but I also think that the breathable fabric would have been great when she was newborn - I always used to get paranoid that she'd suffocate in the kari me.

don't think it's hte one as shoulder already beginning to ache - but DD is 4 months now and getting heavy. But do think a wrap and a coorie or a ring sling is the way to go. I do think you need two for different times.

Think the Close sling looks great - but not sure I can justify a further purchase! But maye the one for those starting out!

hth

susiemj · 05/11/2007 14:58

Thanks Noviceknitter. It all looks a bit daunting. Have just been trying to follow the wrapping instructions on the Close. Goodness me!

NoviceKnitter · 05/11/2007 14:58

forgot to say, one of the reasons i wanted a ring sling is to easily put dd down once asleep. just tried it and definitely better for this than any of my other slings...

NoviceKnitter · 05/11/2007 15:00

famous last words, she's just woken up...

mummypig · 05/11/2007 15:08

hi conortraceptive, different slings suit different people. I thought a wrap sling would be great but when I tried one I hated being tied up in so much material. My neighbour lent me a ring sling but I didn't get on with that either. I ended up with a Mai Tai style sling called a Kozy Carrier, made in the USA. There's quite a wait when you order them but I think they only cost about £40 if I recall correctly. I used it until ds2 was about 1 yr and it was far better for my back than my shop-bought Baby Bjorn, as you can well imagine. Plus you can do back carries in it, which are great for cooking when dc doesn't want to be put down.

If Big Mama Slings is still in business she is great as you can hire slings from her to find out if they suit you or not. Far better than shelling out for something you don't end up using. I hired her Kozy until mine was ready.

here she is, with a funky new website: www.bigmamaslings.co.uk/zen-cart/ and although it's not clear if she still hires out slings, she and her agents do 'sling consultations'.

there's also a very comprehensive site with reviews of all kinds of slings at www.thebabywearer.com if you haven't seen that already

Pannacotta · 05/11/2007 22:03

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best thing to use from 6 months? We have a Huggababy but I didnt really take to it with DS1, found it hard to get comfortable and to keep the ring bit in the right place. Also bought a Moby but found that not great - have had back probs so need sth very supportvie as DS2 is v heavy...
Woudl a Coorie be worth getting even now? it looks nice and simple. I woudln't be using it for very long at any one time.

Piffle · 05/11/2007 22:08

pannacotta I found the coorie great up to 6 mths, it really is not great for my back though now (ds weighs 8.5kgs) (have many neck back and leg nerve probs) as well as that he no longer sits in it nicely, he tries to stand

I have no issues with the close baby carrier and my back, I make sure to spread the fabric over my shoulders and it's really comfy

Pannacotta · 05/11/2007 22:24

Thanks Piffle, thats a shame I wish I had bought one of these before. But the CLose is like a wrap isnt it? I find these too much faff esp when I have DS1 to get ready too, as he is a real PITA to get out of the house!

youpeskykids · 05/11/2007 22:25

I have a hugabub, and a very heavy 7 month old son (I just seem to give birth to big strapping lads for some reason..). Anyway, I love the hugabub and so does DS2. He's about 23lb now and I find him easy to carry in it, even for long distances.

NoviceKnitter · 05/11/2007 23:25

Pannacotta - Others on MN have recommended a Mei Tei (eg babyhawk) from 6 months. You still have to strap it on but it gives a bit more structure so less of a faff than a wrap. I love my Coorie but at 4 months DD is getting a bit heavy in it and has also started the standing up thing Piffle mentions. Having said that I used it round the supermarket today and it's still great, but then she's younger than your LO.

Re my new ring sling - I'm feeling a bit disheartened that it's taking a lot of practice. I just don't really ahve time. Still, I'll give it anohter go tomorrow and fingers crossed.

A friend has a tricotti and used only one of the bands once her dd got bigger. maybe also worth thinking about that for you?

nappyaddict · 05/11/2007 23:52

a wrap or mei tai.

kiskidee · 06/11/2007 06:38

noviceknitter, if a slingmeet is active near you, try to get to one. the best tips are irl.

CorrieDale · 06/11/2007 07:18

I bought a hugabub, which was absolutely brilliant. Once you've got the knack of putting it on, it's marvellous. Comfy and hands-free. And although I am over-endowed in the nork area, I have managed to bf in it (while walking, no less! I was, however, in extremis and failure was not an option).

I have also bought a ring sling from a WAHM because I also needed soemthing I could whip out of my bag and throw on. And the ring sling is perfect for that. It is hands-free - perhaps not quite as much as the wrap in that if I bend over I press one hand against DD (just I think for my peace of mind, not because it's really necesary). The thing is you need to get a demo from someone who uses it. Mine came from the WAHM and if I hadn't had that, I'd have worn DD too low down and the rings in just the wrong place. With the demo, everything's right and very comfortable. I'd still use the wrap for long wearing periods, but the ring sling is brill - I'm even planning on making several more in catchy fabrics!

The slingmeet is a brill idea and well worth travelling to, but if you can't, then try an LLL meeting where there may be sling wearers. Doing it properly is what makes all the difference.

NoviceKnitter · 06/11/2007 09:46

Kiskidee - you're so right - a sling meet is the thing. Meanwhile. feeling better about my maya today. i reckon once i've cracked it it will be grand.

Pannacotta · 06/11/2007 10:18

Thanks all, no sling meets here in darkest Norfolk. Not sure about LLL will look it up.
Will practice with my Huggababy too, agree I need to be shown how to use it!

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