Slings for short people

[MrsChemist]

I'm just shy of five foot and when I had DS, I bought a babasling and I thought it was rubbish. One of the many problems was that I felt I was too short for it.

I'm pregnant now, and hoping to buy a sling instead of buying a double buggy (DS will be two when the baby comes along, so will still be using the buggy) and I don't want to get it wrong again.

TIA for any advice

Babaslings are just rubbish, regardless of your height!

If you're planning to sling the newbie, I'd suggest something a stretchy wrap (like a Moby) as that will be lovely and snug and more supportive than a one-shouldered carrier. I used a Moby with my DD and loved it. We then moved on to Woven Wraps, which are more supportive for bigger babies and can be used for back carries too with practice. We're still using them now at 19mo.

If you prefer something with straps & buckles, then maybe an Ergo or a Manduca as you can use them from birth...you'd need to make sure you get the infant insert for the Ergo though.

I didn't get on with my first sling ( a ring sling) as I felt I was too short for it. I then got a stretchy wrap which I love and am still using for 9mo DD2.

Might be worth seeing if there's a slingmeet near you where you can try some out.

Try an Ergo on before you buy. I'm 5'3 with a short torso and found that the body of the Ergo Sport we have is too long for me so I've never found it as comfortable as a woven wrap (or stretchy wrap like Moby when they're tiny). My husband (6') and Au Pair (5'10) both love the Ergo.

I am 5'3" and slim (size6/8) and I love my Babasling...as long as you follow the instructions, as with any sling, you should have no problems. It adjusts so easily and can be worn in 7 positions. I've used mine for coming up to 4 years and my babies love it! I wear mine every day, either with my 1 year old or 4 year old!!

If people say Babaslings are rubbish, then more than likely, they are wearing it incorrectly...with most slings and wraps, they will accomodate any size and any shape. Structured carriers are where you may find the actual size of the carrier is too long/big...

If you would like some help trying out the Babasling again, please post a reply and I can but try and help you!

Good luck!

I'm bumping this because I'm wondering (with my short stature in mind) whether the moby or karime is better for breastfeeding?

I'm struggling looking after DS1 while attached to the sofa, so being able to wander about (and play trains) while I feed would be great.

Thanks again!

I am about the same height as you and was warned off the Ergo because of my height. I got a Beco Butterfly instead, which fits me well. I liked the Close carrier for the early days and just wish I'd got it earlier for DD - I'm pregnant again and planning to use it from the off this time and then move onto the Beco.

Thank you :)

I have tried a stupidly large number of slings.....and I think the babasling is crap, whether you're short or tall.

It is tricky if you are short getting carriers with buckles to fit properly - very few of them have straps that go short enough for petite mums. One that does is the Sleepy Nico.

Stretchy wraps are good - although it feels like a lot of fabric, by the time it is tied it feels much more manageable. My favourite is the Wrapsody Stretch, which is more supportive, but lighter weight, than the Moby. It is pricier though. Moby or Kari me will also both work well. Or you could go straight for a woven wrap - you'll probably need one about 4.2m long (size 5) to do all the carries. There is a slightly bigger learning curve than a stretchy, but not massively so. They are more supportive until the baby is much bigger too (I regularly carry my 3.5 year old in one)

I'd avoid stuff like the Close Carrier - again, it feels like it is made for a bigger/taller person. It didn't fit me well at 5'5 / UK10 and I think it would be worse if you're smaller.

slings for short people

... and here was me thinking you were going to offer to 'sling me' and carry me around the shops, these little legs do get tired you know :)