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Slings and backpacks

Find baby sling and baby carrier advice here.

Original poster

Carrier for a one year old

19 replies

Munkiii · 31/10/2011 14:06

I was wondering if some of the more experienced carrier/sling users could help me.

I am returning to work soon and my DD will be starting nursery. The nursery is next to my workplace and we will be using public transport. The way things are with traffic here it would be a door to door of half an hour on public transport rather than nearer an hour in the car! Plus isill not have parking work as it is city centre. We live right next to the bus stop and the nursery is a five minute walk from where we will be dropped off.

I have a lightweight buggy, and will not be travelling in peak times. We will be setting off at 7.30am and I pick her up at 4pm. Remembering from before I was on maternity leave, these buses are not very busy.

But there is the chance that in the year I have been off things have changed, and I am now wondering if perhaps it may be a better idea to carry my one year old in a carrier instead.

I work in the frozen north and as such there will be days where I and DD will be dressed like arctic explorers and a carrier will need to accommodate DD in a fluffy snowsuit and go over my ski jacket.

A lot to ask perhaps, but any suggestions gratefully received. We use a cheaper version of the Baby Bjorn for days output wondered if there was something better and easier to put on and use.

Thank you very much indeed.

OP posts:
BlueAndBrown · 31/10/2011 15:08

I use a Mei Tai, mine is a babyhawk. DD is nearly 17 months and she is still happy in in and at a push my 2.5 yr old DD can be carried in it too, though she would rather walk usually.

With a Mei Tai the advantage is that you tie the straps so can be as big (around a snowsuit) or as small as you like, but it also means you have the faff of tying it. I love mine though and I think DD does too.

Original poster
Munkiii · 31/10/2011 21:20

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I will have a look.

OP posts:
belindarose · 31/10/2011 21:21

I use a Connecta, which is similar to a mei tei but has buckles. I find it easier to get her on my back on my own in it.

BlueAndBrown · 31/10/2011 22:27

A friend has the connecta, she loves it.

pootlebug · 31/10/2011 22:44

Have a look at www.slingguide.co.uk for some ideas about different carriers and work out which sorts you like the look of.

Although some can be pricey many come up 2nd hand on ebay, or on www.naturalmamas.co.uk for sale or trade boards.

Are you anywhere near a sling meet (www.slingmeet.co.uk) so you could go and try some things in person and work out what might suit you?

Original poster
Munkiii · 01/11/2011 09:06

Thanks, have been searching online using your suggestions.

Shall investigate this sling meet idea too, haven't heard of it so not sure it's done up here.

I may be back with more questions!

Thanks again for the replies.

OP posts:
Loopymumsy · 01/11/2011 22:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RitaMorgan · 01/11/2011 22:05

If it's just for half an hour on public transport, I would consider a ring sling to carry her on your hip.

TastyMuffins · 01/11/2011 22:06

Wouldn't you put the sling/carrier inside your coat? Warmer for both of you. Get a bigger coat or an extender. I loved having my DS inside my coat on a cold day!

4madboys · 01/11/2011 22:25

yes put your dd inside your coat, its easier that way, i use a mei tai or a wilkinet they are fine with a child in a snowsuit/big coat.

also a moby wrap is good.

and as rita says if its a short ride then a ring sling is very easy to get on and off, all can be put on under your coat, that its what ihave always done :)

NinjaChipmunk · 02/11/2011 12:40

I used a ring sling inside my coat with ds and he loved it. Very easy on and off too.

TheBrideofFrankenstein · 02/11/2011 12:45

I use an ergobaby with my 13mo son (11kg) and I love it. It's a front carrier but very easy to walk with. You take the weight on your hips whereas the Bjorn puts the weight on your shoulders/back, so EB much more comfortable.

We also have a Bushbaby backpack/rucksack thing but that's more for hiking.

dreamfeeder · 02/11/2011 19:40

I love my borrowed Ergo baby. They're pricey, and beware fake cheap new ones on eBay (if its less than £75 its fake if 'new') but i carry 13 month dd on my back and its so comfy. Like a not very heavy rucksack. If i buy I will buy a Boba 3 g baby carrier, very similar to Ergo but comes a little higher on child's back so more supportive plus can be used from newborn for your next without buying a separate insert. I'm kind of in the frozen north- don't know if you mean Scotland, but I'm nw England so tell me if yo u find a sling meet this way!!!!

Original poster
Munkiii · 03/11/2011 09:42

Some great ideas here, thanks once again for your replies. I do like the idea of putting her under my coat, will have to get a new coat as well though!

OP posts:
BarryShitpeas · 03/11/2011 09:44

Patapum

thesurgeonsmate · 11/11/2011 16:27

Is nice to wear coat over sling with front carry. Not so cool with back carry!

BertieBotts · 14/11/2011 11:13

I would definitely get a babywearing coat and a carrier which goes under it - if you have bulky coats on a carrier isn't going to spread the weight effectively. They can be quite expensive - if money is an issue look on ebay for second hand or see if there's any combination you can adapt - an extra large fleece with a hole cut in for her head is good, but then you're stuck if you need another over the top. I've worn a very large coat just behind DS' head but it does look strange.

Although actually on a bus back carries are a bit of a pain, because you can't sit down and for some reason, even if it's very comfy when walking, the weight distribution feels all off when you're standing still (at the bus stop or on the bus). Do you have a long walk either side? If not I'd probably go with a front carry, but even then, she will get too tall for you to be able to see where you're going before she is able to walk reliably.

I love slings and I think back carries are excellent, but if most of your journey involves the bus and it isn't too busy I'd probably go with the pushchair TBH.

If you do go for a sling, then at the age of 1 you want either a Mei Tai, buckle carrier or woven wrap. Anything else just isn't going to be supportive enough.

MrsDobalina · 14/11/2011 11:25

I have an ergo too and it's great as I can't cope with knots (second hand off eBay so not quite as eye wateringly expensive!) It is fine with a big padded baby.

I'd second just using the pushchair or having one of those fab sling coats though. I did a bus run with DS in a sling at that age in winter and after half an hour in a hot bus, we were both baked! It's much easier to temperate regulate with that coat/pushchair and have a slightly less fractious baby.

bigkidsdidit · 14/11/2011 11:34

I collect my DS in a Babyhawk Oh Snap with a wool coat wrapped over he top. I love getting him in the sling, it's easy and after a day apart from him I can have lots of kisses :)

He's massive btw and the oh snap is great

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