can anyone suggest a sling for 12 month old who loves slings but obv. getting bigger ?

[mooshy1970]

I loved the peanut and then the ring sling-but its starting to pull on my neck now.
DD absolutely loves her sling and is about 20 lbs now.
I suppose i can carry on with the peanut but just wondered if there is anything more back / neck friendly where i can still keep her snuggled close to me ?
Thanks x

I use a ring sling just for short trips to the shop - anything longer and have to have ds on my back. I have a Beco Butterfly.

I had the baby bjorn one that sits on hips but depending on childs weight will only be ok for about 6 months or short trips. Loved it though, so comfy. Couldn't get to grips with all the folding and hoops of the fabric slings!

I second the sling guide - it's a great site. You can also see lots of videos on youtube showing different styles and how-to guides.

My DS is 2.4 and 22 lbs and I wear him on my back with a mei tie carrier. You could still carry her on your front depending on her length I just find DS to long for that now.

I've got friends who swear by their Ergo but I've never tried one.

Also, google to see if there is a sling library near you. You can go and have a play to try them out :o

I use a ring sling for shorter trips where I want to chat to DS3 as I walk. For longer trips (e.g. hill walking with my dog) I love my patapum. It's a soft sling so he can cuddle into my back. You can also bring it round to the front if necessary although I don't find that as comfortable. I used it to carry DS2 in the patapum until he was nearly 3 and I was 5 months pregnant. I've even used it is for a day of tree-planting on the moors - obviously not something you can do easily with a ring sling!

The toddler Patapum is good from about 9 months+ and not too pricey. It's comfiest for back carries although can be used on the front too.

My son is 12 months and I have just started using an Olives and Applesauce buckle carrier. I also have a couple of mei tais I like - a Front Back and Sides one and an Ocah Wrap Conversion that I bought second-hand.

We're pretty much at an age when the babies are moving up a size from some of the more baby-oriented slings so you might find what works for you by trial and error. Natural Mamas is a good forum to read more about them.

If you like a ring sling, perhaps woven wraps would be good for you? (personally I am more of a mei tai gal).