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Slings and backpacks

Find baby sling and baby carrier advice here.

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Original poster

Need a sling that is easy to put on (whilst controlling a rampaging toddler!) for a newborn

19 replies

acatcalledfelix · 22/09/2011 16:19

Hi,
I know there have been similar threads in the last couple of days but one of my main criteria is easy to get on. Like I said in the title, I'll have a just-2 yr old when DC 2 turns up who has a tendency to not listen to mummy and run off. I've got a wrap sling that I used with DS but not from NB, it's fine but it can be a little tricky to put on (3m of material to deal with). I am tempted by the moby wrap after reading about it as a NB recommendation on here the other day, but I've read quite a few reviews that say it can be very tricky to get on.
I'm hoping to avoid having to get a double pram for a bit, so am planning on relying on the sling for a while.

Oh and it also needs to be good for a bad back, I did my back in at the weekend and I'm not sure how long it'll be before it's back to normal (am 35+4).

Thanks ladies

OP posts:

CosmicMouse · 22/09/2011 18:53

Moby wraps are great for newborns. There is a bit of a learning curve with stretchy wraps, but once you've put them on a couple of times they start to make sense. But if you've used a wrap sling before, you should understand them as they work in much the same way as a woven wrap.

You can leave a stretchy on and take baby in and out as you please, without having to retie. Which is helpful. However when you first put it on, you will need to have somewhere safe to put baby down.

A Ring Sling could be an option as long as it's a decent one (ie not a Babasling style). That would be quicker to put on from scratch, so to speak. Something like this perhaps: www.mamanatura.co.uk/catalog.htm?category=52 or this: www.naturalconnection.co.uk/storchenwiege-ring-sling-instock-p-190.html

RitaMorgan · 22/09/2011 18:56

I would go for a Close carrier - it's sort of a stretchy wrap/ring sling hybrid Basically just has rings to tighten the fabric rather than you needing to tie it yourself, so very easy to slip on and adjust. My ds lived in it for the first 5-6 months and I found it great for spreading the weight evenly.

Original poster

acatcalledfelix · 22/09/2011 22:16

Would anybody recommend a Mei Tai? Had a look on line and they look pretty easy to manage?

OP posts:

Loopymumsy · 23/09/2011 20:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

wonkylegs · 23/09/2011 20:23

I loved my close carrier and it was easy to put on even with my limited dexterity due to disability

bigkidsdidit · 23/09/2011 20:24

A close carrier!

nosleepsadie · 23/09/2011 20:43

I had a moby when ds was newborn and was easy to feed on move but I got too hot in it and fed up off lots of fabric trailing on floor when taking on/off.I've just got an ergo performance carrier,you can get infant insert.it's Soo comfortable.I have bad back but went on 5 hour walk today no problem including breast feeding on the go.you can also use it for your 2 year old.does front,hip and back carry. I got mine from first signs..she was quick with delivery and cheaper than others.oh and teething pads essential..for my dribbly lad anyway.not sure where you live but private message me and if you're near you can try it.the first signs lady does 30 days guarantee if you don't like it which I found useful as I couldn't find local sling meets to try. Hope that helps! X

FannyLogan · 23/09/2011 20:46

I love strtechy and woven wraps, but with a toddler and a newborn I have struggled.

I have been using my connecta as sling of choice, a soft structured carrier, bit like a mei tai but with clips, not fabric to tie. Click, click, pull, sorted. NIce and quick and cuddly!

pootlebug · 24/09/2011 17:40

The Close Carrier is fine if you're medium build, but if you're slim or petite I don't think it fits that well.

I'd go with either:

Stretchy wrap....it takes a bit of time to tie but you can leave it tied to pop baby in and out
Buckle carrier like the Connecta or Manduca. The connecta is more suitable for a range of sizes of mama, the Manduca isn't as good for petite mamas as the straps are a bit long in a back carry.

RitaMorgan · 24/09/2011 17:43

Really? I'm only 5'1" and didn't have a problem with the Close - I just tied the fabric ends up under the baby. You can pull it pretty tight around you.

wonkylegs · 25/09/2011 01:12

Close carrier was fine for me! I'm a tiny 4'11 also worked on DH whose a much broader fatter 5'11

TheWicketKeeperIsDown · 25/09/2011 21:59

Another titch (5ft and fairly petite) who had no issues with the Close.

pootlebug · 26/09/2011 15:18

Okay maybe I'm just fussy! I didn't have issues as such - I just don't think you can get as good a fit as with a stretchy wrap, and consequently it isn't as comfy. But I freely admit I am a sling nutter who has tried a lot and so therefore am a bit picky

ArmageddonOuttahere · 26/09/2011 15:31

I know mei tais are quite loved on here but I just didn't get on with mine.

I'm in your position too, OP - a mate has heartily recommended the simple piece of cloth approach because you can leave the fabric tied in place and pop the newborn in and out without faff.

ramblingmum · 26/09/2011 21:51

I had a Moby wrap when dd2 was a baby and dd1 was 2.5y. I often use to put it on when I got dressed and left it on for much of the day. I had a couple of big cardigans and one of dhs jackets so I just wraped these round both of us, so no need to get dd2 in and out of her coat etc.
I also had a vey simple home made pouch sling which lived in my changing bag for those need my hads free for a minute moments.

Original poster

acatcalledfelix · 28/09/2011 10:19

I've just looked at the Moby on Youtube and it's basically exactly the same as the one I have (A Calin Bleau). Lovely wrap but it's all that material that I'm not so keen on with a NB and a toddler. Though yes, I could just keep it on.
I'm visiting a friend today who I think has a Close so I'm going to see if I can try it out. Otherwise a local shop has one. They also have Ergo's which I'm tempted to try but they do seem pretty pricey, particularly as I'd need to buy the NB insert too.

But, I'm also coming round to the fact I'll need a double pram so think I'll be getting that sooner rather than later so the sling isn't so much of a urgent issue now. Thanks for your help ladies

OP posts:

fraktious · 28/09/2011 10:46

Moby is stretchy, CB is woven. Popping in/out a woven is a PITA but very easy with a stretchy.

MartyrStewart · 28/09/2011 10:49

I had a peanut shell with DD.

I loved the fact it was as easy as slinging a handbag over my shoulder. The downside was it was made of fleece, so not suitable for summer, but DD was born in the middle of a massive snowstorm and I was able to take DS to nursery with her in the sling in just her sleepsuit - she was toasty warm

Original poster

acatcalledfelix · 28/09/2011 11:49

Fraktious my CB is pretty stretchy. It's a kind of fleecy material. My friend has the kind of linen version which is harder to use, but mine really did look like the moby! Getting DS in / out was never a problem, the issue was getting the thing on in the first place as it's so bloomin' long!

OP posts:

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