Best sling for your back (4 month old)

[newbabyinthestow]

I am going away to live in Cape Town for 4 months with my 4 month old baby, and want to get a sling that I can use when traveling. The one I have is a bit rubbish and my back aches after using it for 10 mins. Any advice on carrying devices for this age group of child and at what ages does carrying them in a sling become impossible?

Do you have a local slingmeet? If you can get to one, try out various sorts and see what suits you both! At 4 months, you might find a stretchy wrap (like a Moby) doesn't offer as much support, and a woven wrap (Ellaoo, Didymos, Girasol, etc) might be better. Wraps distribute the weight far better than conventional carriers like Baby Bjorns.

i would use a wrap, or a mei tai

I liked my patapum (or was it papatum?!) Really soft and padded and DS2 loved it too. Can wear it front and back.
CT will be getting chilly soon?..so may not be as relevant, but if you are travelling around, it is cotton and soft and doesn't get you all sweaty like some more structured ones, and you can pop in in the washing machine!
We moved onto the toddler patapum/papatum (!) which kept us going past 2 years!

I tried Moby Wrap, which I found a PITA.
Also Bushbaby carrier which was better but never quite got it in right position as I have a long back / torso.

Finally got an Ergo carrier (on ebay) which I love, used it for DS from about 4 months to 2 yrs as both front and back carrier.

Really comfy and easy to use, walked for miles with him in it.

Agree trying a few different ones before you decide is a good idea.

Enjoy Cape Town, a wonderful and beautiful city

I have a 'moby' type which I used up to nearly 7 months and still do occasionally now at 10 months. There is also a good tie for it here called the Tibetan back carry if you have back problems. (and many others!) I'm told they can be used up to toddler age, but haven't met anyone that actually has. I used mine for travelling to SA in December when DD was 6 months. She slept beautifully in it whilst travelling but be aware the airlines insist on you taking it off on the plane for some bullshit health and safety reason.

I also have a soft structured carrier which is easier to use now DD is older and won't stay still for as long Its very lightweight, possibly more so than the moby and less bulky so may be easier for packing if you are travelling. I also know they can be used up to age 2 and a half as my sister still uses hers for my niece who is nearly 3. Can be used front and back. Slightly less warm to wear than the moby.

Personally I find the moby more comfortable but I do have a very dodgy back and I can spread the weight better with it. It is just more fiddly to tie with a wriggly 10 month old.