Ok sling wearers, top 5 slings and where to get them???

[Dalrymps]

I'm looking to compile a list of the best places to get good quality, reasonably prices slings of various types.

It's to put up on the wall at my local breastfeeding group. Can you ladies recommend the best types of slings as well as the best websites to get them??

I'm a wrapper from premature to three (although that wasn't for long couldn't cope with the centre of gravity being so far behind me) and always make my own. They're so simple to make and you can sell the other two to make your money back. The cost of 5m of fabric is usually less than buying a sling so splitting the cost either two or three ways is a big saving.

Ah interesting. Where do you buy the fabric and how much is it? How would I find Instructions to make one?

I either get it from fabric shops, the rag market or online. You can get fabric that'll work for £3-5 and you need 5 meters. All you have to do is split it into thirds. The best fabrics are ones that don't fray, I only use jersey and fleece, so no sewing and finishing aren't required.

I'm not online or I'd link you a good website for making your own and different wraps.

There are many variables when it comes to slings, but my recommendations would be...

For a newborn (up to 6 months) - Moby, Kari-Me or Sleepy Wrap

SSC - Manduca, Ergo or Beco

Woven wrap - Hoppediz or Storchenwiege

Mei-Tai - Babyhawk, Kozy or JoeySlings

I would disagree with the PP in that a homemade stretchy wouldn't prove the most comfortable once baby reaches 20lbs or so. Great for newborns, but not so much for a heavier baby or toddler.

I use woven wraps with my 19mo.

Ah thanks for the info ladies

I have longterm PGP and fibromyalgia, if I didn't have my wraps I'd be stuck at home with my children. I'm not guessing about how long I've used them for. My youngest is two and my eldest was three last time I used it on her. I've tried woven and find them far too heavy and painful, didn't last long.

I would say the overall best is the beco gemini - I love it.

Stretchy wraps nice for newborns but didn't last long with huge ds2.

I'm not surprised you've used them for so long. I have a hugabub and find it really comfy even with my 3yo in it!

[[http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/ This is the website for DIY slings. I've made a pouch and a Mei tai.

Also really recommend a Kari Me stretchy wrap.

I think a Moby Wrap is always my go-to option when recommending slings for new babies, and for older babies and toddlers I love the Ergo Baby Carrier.

I think a top 5 list is a great idea, it can be really overwhelming when looking at lsings because there is so much choice.

I'd probably also put a ring sling on the list, Bara Barn is my favourite but seems hard to get hold of now. The EllaRoo woven ring sling is also brilliant.

Snugbaby Mei Tai are a good UK made MT.

I ALWAYS buy slings from Baby Bean - www.baby-bean.com because she's an online pal, utterly lovely, and is often a couple of quid cheaper than anyone else.