Second sling to be used when I can't be bothered to tie my Moby

[neverquitesure]

As it says really! I have an almost 4 month old and a 22 month old and would like an easy-on easy-off sling to use for my youngest when it's too much of a faff to tie the Moby on (e.g. for popping into the garden to hang the washing out).

Doesn't need to be as comfy or adaptable as the Moby as it will only be used for my youngest and only for short periods. I have been considering a ring sling but am very used to having both hands 'free' and am not sure how feasible that would be with a 4 month old. I have also looked at the connecta baby carrier which seems pretty easy to get on/off.

What about a Close carrier? similar to the Moby but is pre-tied so you just slip it over your head and tighten the straps by pulling.

Close carrier looks pretty good - just watched the Kiddicare video on youtube (I'm sure they make these things look far more complicated than they actually are!)

The advantages would seem to be that it would do pretty much everything my Moby does and neither baby or I (or nanny who also uses it) would have to get used to something radically different. I was hoping for something even quicker/easier still but am thinking that I might not get that and hands free in one package!

I have to confess to putting my moby on first thing in the morning and wearing it all day, just sliding DD in and out as needed.

Connecta is excellent for easy on and off, and comfortable too.

However a pouch sling would be even easier for short, quick trips - just slide over head & 1 shoulder, slot baby in and you're off. I keep one in my change bag at all time for emergencies (a.k.a toddler wants to use the buggy). The only thing is to make sure you get one correctly sized for your frame as most of them don't adjust

Lol oops - that pretty much describes my first 6 weeks with DC2! Really don't know how I'd have coped without it.

Lionstar - ok I'm obviously being a bit daft here but what is a pouch sling? I thought they were just for really young babies to be used for cradle hold only (which DC2 hates with a passion - she even insists on bfing upright now she's a bit older which is a complete pita!) but am obviously confusing it with something else. I don't mind buying secondhand so I can afford to try more than 1 if I can't make my mind up!

Pouch slings have a number of different positions - cradle hold, tummy to tummy, kangaroo, hip and even a back carry if you are confident and have a cooperative toddler. I use the hip carry mostly once they have good neck control. Have a quick google and you should see illustrations of all the carries.

The most important thing is to get one that is the right size for you. However there are some brands out there that claim to be adjustable, or there are ring slings which work in pretty much the same way but are adjustable. I don't like all the extra dangly fabric with the ring slings though (and I'm paranoid about it coming undone - even though I'm also a big Moby fan).

The big advantage to pouch slings is that they are light and fold up really small so you can carry them anywhere. As they sit across one shoulder they aren't much good for long stints as they will pull your shoulder and back. For those quick trips around and about they are invaluable. I have a Comfy Joey, but there are loads of brands out there and many lovely designs.

Thanks! I think I'll be looking at pouch slings then :-)

I have found my Papoozle similar to my Moby but easier to get on. It fastens at waist then the fabric goes over each shoulder, crosses at the back and ties round the waist.

The Moby is marginally more comfortable but I use the Papoozle more as it is so much simpler to get on.

I have a pouch I quite like. It is a fleecy Kangaroo Korner. Light-weight, doubles as a blanket. I haven't used it nearly enough, partly because whenever I did DS3 insisted on sitting in it facing forward with his legs crossed.

I used a Moby and a lovely ring sling until DD was one (now finding the connecta my best bet). A ring sling is really easy and DD loves the hip carry position. Not great for long distance walking, but you have a moby for that.