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Slings and backpacks

Find baby sling and baby carrier advice here.

Sling for feeding/round the house

5 replies

Oeisha · 30/12/2011 18:15

I have the Baby Bjorn Active for being out and about and for DH. It was recommened to me by Mums with similar back issues to mine (all mucsular).

I would however potentially, like a sling for buggering about the house in, with the potential for feeding (obv. can't do this with the baby bjorn!). Not squeemish about feeding, so it's not a privacy thing. Just want a 'backup' and am willing to forgo the back support the baby bjorn offers me at home.

I'm 5ft3, so not the tallest person, though the baby bjorn fits fine. I'm not planning on hiking with LO in it, or doing anything wildly exciting, but would like it to last as long as possible with her.

Any recommendations from you lovely ladies?

OP posts:
pootlebug · 30/12/2011 18:33

How old is your little one?

Scaredycat3000 · 30/12/2011 21:31

I did a bit of research on this when expecting and found the one that was most recommend for feeding a newborn in was a ring sling. So I made one. I was familiar with a stretchy wrap and took that in my hospital bag. DS 2 as it turned out had great head control, unlike DS 1, so turned him sideways in the wrap and feed him, his head supported by me and his body by the wrap. We have been happily using this method anywhere and every where ever since, DS 2 now 2 months. I still haven't bothered to master the ring sling, simple though it is! From 3 months I believe you can feed in Woven wraps, Mai tai's or SSC's. The amount of head control will determine how easy it will be. All of which you are likely to find more comfortable for your back as they get heavier.

Oeisha · 30/12/2011 21:36

LO is still in utero. 37wks...

Thank you scaredycat, I'll have a look ar ring slings!

OP posts:
pootlebug · 30/12/2011 22:07

If you have back problems, I would avoid ring slings. Although they look quite simple, it can be tricky to get them adjusted just right, and since they go over one shoulder rather than two it is easy to end up with the weight distribution lopsided, which then exacerbates back issues.

To be honest, I wouldn't generally suggest feeding in a sling from newborn. Breastfeeding is an art that takes practice - as is getting the knack of a sling just right. Trying to combine the two in the early days is a bit like trying to run before you can walk. It is much easier when they are a few months old and can feed semi-upright, and it is also much safer at this point....there is a (albeit small) risk of choking with a newborn feeding in a cradle position.

I have tried the normal bjorn but not the 'active', so although I'm not 100% sure how much difference the active one makes, I am sure that you could actually find something more supportive for your back than the Bjorn. It really depends on what sort of style of sling appeals to you.

If you like the idea of buckles, I'd go with something like the Manduca, which can be used from birth, but also will last a good deal longer than the bjorn, and can be used for back carries once the baby gets bigger too. Unlike some brands of buckle carrier, you can cross the straps over your back in a front carry, which I think distributes the weight better. The waistband will transfer a lot more of the weight to your waist and away from your upper back compared to the bjorn. It has an integral insert to use from newborn, and the back is adjustable in height.
If you prefer something simpler, that can still be used from newborn, have a look at the Connecta.

If you like the idea of a long wrap, I'd think about either a stretchy wrap (e.g. Moby, Kari-Me, Boba Wrap, Wrapsody Bali Stretch, etc) or a woven wrap. They seem a dauntingly large amount of fabric to start with, but because you tie them on they are very adjustable. Wovens have a bigger learning curve but can be used comfortably for longer than stretchy ones.

If you'd like something inbetween, have a look at Hoppediz's Hop Tye - it is made from the same fabric as a woven wrap, but has a shaped body that is very adjustable to make it nice and snuggly for a tiny baby.

www.slingguide.co.uk is a good place to start for looking at different carrier types. And if you can get to a sling meet or sling library (www.slingmeet.co.uk) you could try some things out to get more idea what might work for you.

drcrab · 30/12/2011 22:17

The connecta is great. I'm 5ft3 too and carried DD till she was one (would have gone longer but returned it to friend). She loved it and it was handy as I have an older DS. She loved it and we travelled on trains across continents, flew across continents with them. Also organized and ran 2 NCT nearly new sales with her in it. Perfectly fine.

And vv pretty!! Smile

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