Soft Structured Baby Carriers - query

[bumbleweed]

Just read a thread further down about ergos and alternatives.

I have been using the baby bjorn around the house and out because ds wouldnt settle in a ring sling or in the hugabub, but he likes forward-facing in the baby bjorn.

But its killing my neck. Want something I can wear front or back - are these slings that people were mentioning like papatum and pikkolo and easy to put on and off, are they suitable for wearing round the house?

Also how do you get the baby on your back? Ds is 4 months old.

any babywearers around today?

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I have an ergo but I don't think I used it on my back before about 5 or 6 months. Depends on head control I guess. On the back is great for around the house because you've got hands free, just remember they're there when you sit down .

BTW, forward facing isn't recommended. something to do with weight baring and hip development I think (have a look at the babywearing website).

Ergo very comfy although if you're narrow in the shoulders it might not be the best choice. Can you hire or borrow one to try?

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I find mei tais more comfy than ergo as you can get them in really close to you and more adjustable.

Here is a link to a babywearing discussion forum and there are always cheap 2nd hand slings for sale.

groups.yahoo.com/group/UKbabywearingSWAP/messages

Meggle thanks for that link - the instructions are really detailed. Thing is I have tried and tried and just cant get away with my ring sling. In kangaroo position it feels like ds is just going to flop out forwards - it just doesnt feel secure, and I need to be able to be hands-free.

Thanks gingerninja and mumtoboys, I will try and borrow or hire an ergo and a mei tai.

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I have one of these, and it is great for back carries. I painted my kitchen with the baby asleep on my back.

I used a baby bjorn until DS was 6 or 7 months old and then tried an ergo, but didn't get on with it. It was fabulous in that he felt nearly weightless in it, but I found I just didn't have the strength to tighten the straps once he was in place, especially in the back carry position (one of my shoulders is very stiff!). I ended up having to get a framed back carrier (Vaude) because you adjust all the straps to fit you before you put baby in it, so no awkward reaching behind or over your shoulders which I couldn't manage. It isn't nearly as light or as comfy as the Ergo was, though, but I can get DS in it & get it on my back in a matter of seconds. No good for wearing round the house, though. Would definitely recommend the Ergo for that, as long as your more flexible than me!

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the kozy looks lovely vlc - similar to a mei tai - is it quick to put on and ajust with baby in?

thanks saltcod thts good to know about the straps, but it looks like I need to try something similar

megglevache thank you for the offer of your sling pattern, very kind - but no I am crap at sewing and have no time!!!!

I think I need to give up on ring slings even tho they should in theory be really flexible, I just cant adjust them and I need something quicker with less 'technique' involved I feel!

these sling threads and the lovely links on em make me soooo broody. megg - your ds is delicious!

Kozy is a type of mei tai. They have them here, along with babyhawk which I have.

www.bigmamaslings.co.uk/zen-cart/soft-carriers-tieon-soft-carriers-c-10_99_97.html

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really easy to put on bumble, the tricky part is getting the baby on your back, but there are actually a lot of videos on youtube which helped me, and you only do it a few times before you begin to feel very confortable with flinging your baby over your shoulder .

Very easy to adjust, because you just tie straps into a knot or bow. No buckles or anything. The Kozy is deeper than some other mei tais I've seen, so your baby can fall asleep on your back and the head is really well supported.

I really like mine, as you can tell!

Pic on my profile for you temporarily.