Which sling do I want?

[Kayzr]

I'm looking at slings to get for DC3 due in June(I know a long time away)

I had the close one for DS2 which was ok but no matter how I wore it, it always made my shoulders hurt so I'm not keen on using it again.

I've been looking at the wraparound ones and thought I'd like one of those and I quite like the ones you can use to carry them on your back too. I'd also like one that would be fairly easy to breast feed while the baby is in it.

Any suggestions please?

Thanks

Where in the country are you? If you google 'sling library' for your local area you should have somewhere you can go and try them out and borrow them.

We have a fab sling library in the north east and is only £5 to hire them. thenortheastslinglibrary.weebly.com/

There's a link on the website to other libraries I think.

I'm in north Yorkshire. I'll have a look at that.

There's definitely a west yorkshire one; the north east one is based in Durham so it depends how north Yorkshire you are!

If nothing else the website gives lots of pictures / examples of where to start.

Look at the natural mamas website too - lots of sling stuff.
www.naturalmamas.co.

I can't drive so the groups are no good to me. I will have to look around online.

It's worth contacting the groups to see if you have a local sling fanatic who could help outside of a meet

morning kayzr! I haven't used one before but did lots of sling research, I ended up buying a wrap sling from Victoria sling lady on eBay (good value, very pleased) as they are just so adjustable and worn so close to the body (and according to your size) that I assume they must be better for your back and help to spread the weight well. I also thought it a good option as would look good on DH too. I am also keeping an eye out for a ring sling though, my second favourite, for very short trips (local shops etc.) as they look very easy to chuck the baby into when you're nipping out in a hurry. HTH

Hi, I never got on with bf in a sling, but have used them for 3 babies now.

My absolute favourite is the Ergo, especially when baby gets a bit bigger (3 months +) as I can wear it all day and just not think about it. I've used it for an 8 week baby and a tired 4 year old. It's great.

The one I love for tiny babies is a Coorie fleece pouch - I get stopped by strangers and asked where I got it regularly. It's a single piece of fleece, so very, very easy to use. You are supposed to be able to bf in it.

I didn't get on with ring slings (could never get the top bit tight enough) or wraps, despite investing in a gorgeous, soft Moby.

For a June baby, I'd avoid anything that will be too hot. The Moby stretchy wrap for instance is great in winter, but just too hot in summer. The Wrapsody Bali Baby Stretch is a much better stretchy wrap choice for the summer. Because it is a different sort of stretchy wrap, you can use it for back carries, unlike the Moby, Kari-me etc.

Equally the Ergo needs to be used with an infant insert to use it from birth - this is a big padded thing like a section of duvet and very hot for a summer baby. A similar style carrier called the Manduca has a built-in infant insert bit that is much more suited to hot weather. And to be honest I think it is a better design for using from birth than the Ergo (both are great for 5 months+)

Woven wraps can be used back and front, from birth to preschooler. Thinner brands that would work well for summer are Ellaroo (though you might want to swap for something thicker by about 18 months / 2 years as they aren't as supportive as some other brands), Vatanai, Natibaby stripes, Dolcino, Ellevill Zara and various others.

Have a look at www.slingguide.co.uk for some different ideas, as well as links to a lot of videos showing you how to use the carriers.

If you are considering wraps, as an experienced babywearer I would suggest a woven wrap (Hoppediz, Didymos etc) as they will last a lot longer than stretchy wraps (Victoriaslinglady, kari-me, moby etc). They give the freedom to wear on front, back and hip whereas with a stretchy it isn't safe to back carry as baby can literally fall out if they lean backwards. Check out youtube for videos.

Connectas are superb as an entry SSC. Not a padded waist but can be used from 7.5lb upwards. They have just begun producing them again after company were sold. Cost £62 new or can be sometimes brought second hand (e.g. on www.naturalmamas.co.uk)

I know the North East Sling LIbrary does postal loans if that helps and the UK Sling Libraries Network has a link to those that are web based for loans too. Hope that helps.

I forgot to say. Breastfeeding in a sling is possible in most slings but does take practise. It is a skill that you and your baby need to learn.

Ooooh new Connectas? Where?!

Fraktious - they're here connectababycarrier.com/

Yesssss solar weave here I come!