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Original poster

Best sling/carrier for 8 month old

50 replies

HolidaysQueen · 02/12/2008 10:50

My DS is often upset when in his buggy as he seems to really miss the closeness to me, and to be honest I miss being able to talk with him. It means I'm always a bit nervous about taking him out and about except when he's asleep as it gets quite stressful.

DH and I don't really want to spend hundreds of pounds on a rear facing buggy so were wondering about getting a carrier for him instead as that would be cheaper but provide the same solution really. He enjoys being in the framed back carrier when we are out walking, but that is a bit impractical for day to day use and I really want something that I can use to carry him on my chest so I can hold his hand etc. if he gets upset.

Any suggestions on which would be best? If it helps he is a tall, slim boy and is light for his age. We're hoping to have more DCs in the future so if it is also ideal for newborns then that would be great.

OP posts:
foxytocin · 02/12/2008 10:53

this also has reviews on MN.

GiraffeAHolic · 02/12/2008 10:53

I havethis and my 8 month old 21lb dd loves it.

It also has a special newborn hold for later use

LostGirl · 02/12/2008 13:32

Hi, I used to carry dd in a moby wrap, but because it was a stretchy sling, she was too heavy for it by 6 months because if I walked with her in it for longer than 15 minutes it stretched so much she was down near my knees! I switched to a napsack mei tai (will go and search for a link) which I still use for her in a front carry all the time which is comfy for both of us, and she is much happier than when she is in the buggy for the same reasons that you mentioned. SaSa slings and Big Momma Slings both hire out slings so you could try before you buy to see what you prefer most. Hope you find something that you and your ds are both happy with

LostGirl · 02/12/2008 13:35

Napsack mei tai.

Sorry, Big Mama slings, not mooma

ChairmumMiaow · 02/12/2008 19:42

Any sort of Mei Tai or structured carrier is great for that age. You find one that suits you (some like straps, others like buckles)

I like straps and DS loves his BabyHawk mei tai. They have lovely colours and funky fabric panels which makes them really fun.

If your baby is really heavy, its worth learning how to use a woven wrap as they are really comfy even for long periods.

thisisyesterday · 02/12/2008 19:46

i would go for a mei tai.

i have a babyhawk and a cwtshi, and atm much prefer the cwtshi, but that might just be because it's older and more worn in.

would def recommend either of them though.

sasaslings.co.uk hire slings, so you could try a few out before deciding.

cmotdibbler · 02/12/2008 20:28

Def go for a MeiTai - they are light, versatile (can do front or back carries) and last for ages.

I carry my 2.6 yr old still, and have a Toddlerhawk (larger size of the BabyHawk) and a TaiTasi (pics on my profile), and can carry for several hours even though he is quite large

alittlebitshy · 02/12/2008 20:52

A connecta is a mei-tei without the tying pfaff (though i admit I do a comedy act reaching round for the buckles ). My ds is only 4 months but is 18lb so I feel qualified to comment. My stretchy wrap is getting too loose as someone else mentioned...

I'm conisidering an ergo at some stage too...

Gingerbear · 02/12/2008 20:54

ergo, less faffing than a mai tai. DS is 18mths and still loves his. (back carry now, otherwise I topple over)

ChairmumMiaow · 02/12/2008 20:58

Holidays - the tying isn't necessarily a faff. I have a patapum as well as a babyhawk and I hate those buckles (possibly because I'm a large person, but DH and SIL prefer the tie-on too).

If you can borrow or hire one to try out buckles and tie varieties it will save you hassle and money in the long run - I strongly believe its just a case of personal preference.

alittlebitshy · 02/12/2008 20:59

Gingerbear - when did you switch to back carry?

thisisyesterday · 02/12/2008 21:02

I do a mixture of front and back carries for ds2 who is 13 months. still v comfy on front as well as back.

alittlebitshy · 02/12/2008 21:09

how heavy is ds2 thisisyesterday (I think we're stalking each other on these threads tonight)?

FeelingLucky · 02/12/2008 21:11

ergo
costs about £80 I think. You have to buy extra infant insert for newborn.
Very man-friendly. And has pocket for nappies, wipes which mei tai doesn't have. Also has hood which supports head well when LO sleeping.
My very small 18 month old DD still uses it.

If money is an issue, go to a slingmeet.co.uk meet-up and many slinging mums will let you try their slings before you make a decision.

thisisyesterday · 02/12/2008 21:13

i am not entirely sure, last time he was vaguely weighed, on some scales in mothercare I think he was around 26lb

alittlebitshy · 02/12/2008 21:15

no - that's helpful cos when i see ppl talking about their 18lb 12 month old I get all panicky that i'll never manage to carry on using slings (I don't do it very day just sometimes) as ds is already 18lb at 18 weeks...

alittlebitshy · 02/12/2008 21:15

*every day

thisisyesterday · 02/12/2008 21:20

i think the more you do it the easier it is.
a lot of it is using different muscles.

i know people who sling ALL the time who have said they find pushing a buggy really hurts them now.
so it's all about what you're used to.
and if you use it a lot you don't notice the gradual weight gain I suppose.
not like all of a sudden having to carry around a big toddler, iyswim?

ChirpyGrinch · 02/12/2008 21:21

Another vote for a Mei gtai here as well, I found it so handy with DD1 from about 6months until DD2 was born when she was 18 months. and I could wear it all the way through the pregnancy too by tying it a bit higher and putting her on my back.

I also found it was much easier to get on with a child not used to carriers. DD2 has been carried since birth so lies still but DD1 wasn't used ot it so trying to get her in a long wrap was a nghtmare!

(Re: weight thing, I carried DD1 on my back for about an hour the other day when she just kept on and on and on about me carrying her.
She is 2.10, weighs over 30lb, and I am still able to walk)

cmotdibbler · 02/12/2008 21:21

I used to have an Ergo, but found it really hard to get my arms (especially in a winter coat) through the straps. And doing the chest strap up when doing a front carry was really difficult for me. It was also too short for DS by the time he was 18 months old.

If DS is asleep in the car, I will front carry him still when we get out as its snugglier. Wouldn't want to do it for hours, but still fine. With the straps on a MT you can spread the weight around better than just shoulder straps

Gingerbear · 02/12/2008 21:50

back carry from about 12 months, but agree with cmot - tis impossible with a winter coat on. Have you tried a mai tai - I think it takes practice, but as DS is mobile, am reluctant to part with £ for one.

PeachyBidsYouNadoligLlawen · 02/12/2008 21:52

i have the mei hip- fabulous! struggled with frot carriers a bit (due to ryunning after ds3 mainly) but love my hip carrier, and it doesnt affect mmy shagged back either

cmotdibbler · 02/12/2008 21:56

Ginger - it's really easy to tie it. If you buy a MT second hand, then you can sell them on for almost exactly the same if you don't like them as well.

I do have a spare TH that I am selling (black, blue asian dragon reversing to flame opulence) with XL straps if you might be interested

thisisyesterday · 02/12/2008 21:57

mei tais are reeeeeeeeeeeally easy to use.

elvisgirl · 02/12/2008 22:05

I have a hip seat which also has an add-on to go around baby so you can go hands-free if you want. I like the idea of baby being able to sit on the seat rather than have the pressure of the sling between the legs. It can be worn on the hip or baby facing outward in the centre and has pockets like a tool belt so I can load up with keys & mobile. Easier to get on than any other of the more structured carriers but not suitable for baby to sleep on tho.
If you are going to have more kids why not invest a rear-facing stroller? Ours can go both ways but we only really use it facing us.

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