I need advice on a sling for a 2 year old.

[tutu100]

I have never used a sling before. I had one of those front carriers when the kids were little, but stopped using those when they got to around 18lbs.

Ds2 is 2 next week. He has got very clingy and likes me to carry him quite a lot, both at home and when we are out. I need to be able to use both my hands! which I can't do when he's on my hip. So I was thinking maybe a sling would solve my problem.

Ds2 is quite small for his age, he is 85cms tall and 24lbs so don't know if that makes a difference to what would suit us. I have no idea about slings at all so any help of even where to start researching would be great. Thanks.

Hey
Google Slingguide, or try to get to a local slingmeet to try out lots of options. If he's quite heavy you might be best carrying him on your back, which can take a bit of getting used to.

There are several options available - you really could do with trying lots of types out. the Natural Mamas website is a fab resource and you will get loads of advice on different options as well. There are Mei Tais, wrap conversions, woven wraps, soft structured carriers, hip seats, stretchy wraps etc etc, lots of carriers made by work at home mums - so it can be a real minefield.

Personally I am in love with my clippee Ocah, desperate to try a Melkaj (both wrap conversion Mei Tais) and have a selection of Didymos wraps which I use for front and back carries. I never use a buggy with DS2 (14 months) and can't see me starting anytime soon . The right sling is a godsend.
HTH

If your child needs to be held a lot at the moment then I think a sling's a really good idea. I use a mei tai and a wrap for my nearly-two year old. Wide straps/fabric helps spread the weight (my son is over 2 stone) so well that I can have him nap on my back if we're out, no problem. Second the natural mamas & slingmeet suggestions, you need to try before you buy. It may take a little while, but is really worth it, I think.
I love carrying my son, it feels very 'right' for us, we reconnect while he's on my back, his face is right above my shoulder so we're looking at the same stuff, chatting to each other etc. If he's tired he goes on my back while I cook.

Thank you both for your advice. There is loads to look up . I will find out if there is a local slingmeet to me then as I think I will understand all the different slings better if I can see how they work in person.

Will probably be back with more questions later.

Wow, just googled slingmeet and there is a massive one quite near me. I can't make the December meeting, but will definately go to the one in January. It all sounds great - they can offer advice, and have a sling library which you can try whilst you are there, or rent for the month.

I had no idea these things existed.

They are really good. Worth posting on the slingmeet site what you've posted here, then experienced slingers (is that a word? sounds a bit pampas-grassy!) will bring slings you might like to try with them to the Jan meeting. (That's what happens in SE London meet, anyway - but that takes place in cafes so there's no formal library, might be different where you are.)

Slingmeets are fab, that's where I developed my Ocah addiction ! Its also great to connect with people for whom carrying their child is 'the norm' and not seen as a bit 'out there'.

They really are great, I had DS2 up on my back for ages this afternoon as he's a bit of a cling-on at the mo (teeth...). We like our woven wraps for back carries, as he very firmly likes to ride arms out ! It means he can yank my hair play with toys / eat snacks and be happy while I just get on with mumsnetting laundry.

I hope you manage to get to the Jan slingmeet, the right sling should pretty much have your boy weightless and feel really comfortable.

Ergo's are brill for toddlers! I use mine for my 2yr old on my back and he loves it it is also very comfortable and easy to use.

Beco Butterfly II! Do take a look at these. They're sold at a similar price point to an Ergo, but offer a number of advantages.