Baby carriers (again!)

[RGPargy]

Hi everyone

I've got a Freedom sling but i dont like it because i just dont feel safe with it.

I'd like to get a "structured" baby carrier, one that i can pick up, strap on to me and plonk the baby in, but obviously it has to be ergonomically friendly for the baby too and offer good support. They must be able to cater for larger mothers too and obviously offer good head support for my 5 week old DD.

What can you recommend me please? Hope i'm not asking too much!

I would go to one of the sling sites and ask for Advice, you can also rent them e.g. slingjax. Sounds like a mei tai would be good for you though as you can use it front and back, good support and you can tie them to suit you (some come with extra long straps). I'm going to try a Kozy from slingjax next week as I didn't like the ergo v.much, they were v.quick to advise via email and helpful.

Definately try a meitai first of a Soft Structured Carrier (sometimes known as a SSC) like an ergo or patapum.

Here is a good site, and here is another!

Would agree with ChirpyGirl about homegrownbaby (first link) - really great. Ergo meant to be better for larger ladies, reputedly and patapum for the more petite (according to what people have posted on mumsnet). There is some bad press about ergo at present, and similar carriers which are made in the UK/Europe are available.

I have an Ergo, and it is great for an older baby, but not sure about tinies - I think you need the infant insert. I used a ring sling till DS was about 13 months as it was so easy.
The Connecta looks nice, but I don't know it personally yet..

Thanx ladies, looking at the links now, and have also re-tried my Freedom ring sling earlier too.

accessorize - what's the bad press?

I found this I tried out a cwtshi from a lovely MNer and found it v. comfy with my 2 stone toddler. I can see how well it will work for a tiny baby too. (look at the instructions page to tell you about how it works for a tiny baby). What is more, they are discounted at the moment.

I wish this maker would make more noise about itself.

RG, they've been trying to drive smaller businesses under by intimidating suppliers etc. If you search for ergo under products you'll probably find a few threads about it, but questionable business practices.

Ah ok, thanx for that.

I've got a few slings and my BabyHawk Mei Tei is my favourite. DD is 6 months now and I can wear her for hours with no discomfort. I had a wrap before and just feel more secure with this. I like the way her head is supported and she's not pushed up against me so we can look at each other and chat. But i didn't get it till she was about 4 months so worth checking the BabyHawk site re younger babies. can't see why it wouldn't work though...

RGPargy, I take it the milk supply/colic issue settled down?

Novice - the mai tai looks lovely! Bit price at £50 tho. I might try and find a second hand one. I notice tho that the baby's legs stick right out on either side. Is that safe for baby?! Looks a bit uncomfortable!

Kiskidee - Yes thanx. I dont think it was a supply issue (there's plenty there!) but we've been using Infacol at every feed and it's really doing the trick - she's like a different baby! Also, we've also introduced a dummy which has helped her to settle enormously too as she wants to suck alot but not have the milk. I think we've pretty much cracked it! touches wood

RGPargy, If you are interested in a MT, I have one I have decided to sell. How old is your ds now?

I have a very heavy 8 month old. Just had to surrender my baby bjorn, now looking for another sling to carry him in. Looked at the Ella Roo mei, and the Beco, and the patapum.
Any advice on any of these. Need to get one ASAP. Thanks all!

RG - £50 feels a bargain the amount i use it - plus you get to choose your own colour scheme DD v comfy in it and my yoga teacher says the legs sticking out thing is best position for supporting the hips.

hols2008 - worth you researching on slingmeet.co.uk for your specific needs...

kiskidee - yeah i am interested. Would it fit a larger lady tho? It'd be no good for me unless it can fit a size 22(ish). What colour is it?

oh and DS is 17 years old, so a little too big for a sling now, but DD is 5 weeks.

Novice - ah right, i'm just paranoid about her getting the right support for her spine etc.

RGPargy babyhawk fits up to an american size 22/24 so should be fine.

kiskidee - I stalked a lady in Ikea afwe months back who was wearing a cwshti with her older baby. I eventually accosted her (nicely!) and she said she'd borrowed it from a friend. Not sure if her friend mde them or just sold them, but she gave me that site. They really are lovely carriers. But even £40 is quite steep. Will have to hint to family for present ideas

GF3 - great, thanx.

I just want a carrier that's going to support DD's head when she drops off to sleep when i'm carrying her. My sling doesn't have the head support unfortunately, but she absolutely loves being in it so i'm really keen to keep on using a carrier of some sort. It's just really awkward to keep on carrying her when she's fallen asleep front facing lol. Her poor little head is all floppy so i have to put her down.

I have put a photo of the MT I have for sale in my profile. I will ask dh to try it on to see if it will work for someone of a larger size as the length of the shoulder straps is important.

thanx for that. Loving the colours!! Hope it will fit me. The web site has dimensions, i'm going to measure up.

I still llluuurrrvvve my karime. DD is huge and its still comfy to wear at nearly 4 months. Am finding the having her forward facing is more comfy again now she is old enough.

i want to wear mine for ages too!!

I have a sling you can have. I felt my baby was very secure in it. I didn't have to hold her if I needed to use both hands and it is easy to use. Looking for about 8 quid plus P&P.