Sling with back pain

[BreeVanDerTramp]

DC3 due in July, tried tomy carrier for DS1 and babasling for DS3 both only used once or twice due to searing pain across upper back and aching in lower back. I do have large breasts.

Would really like to use one this time as DS2 will only be 20 months when baby arrives, not keen on babasling or similar as don't like it when I can't see baby - worry about them suffocating!

Any recommendations please?

Hi, I had a similar problem as I suffered with back pain whilst DD was young.

I tried a few including a Tomy, a babybjorn and one of those ring slings that sits on one shoulder. The best when she was small was by far was my gypsymama wrap sling, as they have fantastic instructions so it can be tied in many ways and the weight is distributed better. I wore this almost full time with DD until 6 months (was a refluxer, terrible sleeper and generally could not be put down) As she got bigger I moved from a front cross fold hold to a Tibetan back hold which is supposed to be good for those with bad backs.

I also have an Angel Pack which is pretty good too. I bought this one when she finally decided she wanted to get down from me as it was just a bit quicker to get on and off. We still use it now occasionally when out walking and DD is now 20 months!

Thank you for that I will have a look at those later and see what I think, like the idea of one with plenty of instructions though - easier on the baby brain!

I'd agree with fumbling about a wrap sling. I'd suggest a good, supportive woven wrap such as a didymos. With a wrap the weight is well distributed, you can ensure that the bulk of the weight sits on your hips rather than pulling on your shoulders and you can spread the fabric nice and wide to avoid it tugging in any particular spot. Wraps take a bit of getting used to but they are really fantastic and will last from newborn to "no I am not carrying you in the bloody sling oyu are 4 years old!"

Bad back and sling use doesn't have to mean a problem by the way - I had a bad back for years but it has actually been much better since carrying my kids in slings - I think a good sling forces your posture to be better which actually helps. I would have got backache with the Tomy or Babasling though!

Depending on what appeals, I would go for either:

• A stretchy wrap (Moby, Wrapsody, Boba wrap etc). Pros - can pre-tie it then pop the baby in, so quite beginner-friendly. Very snuggly with a tiny baby. Cons - limited lifespan as baby gets heavier for many brands
• A woven wrap (Didymos, Girasol, Lenny Lamb, Hoppediz, Ellevil, Natibaby, Oscha etc) Pros - can be used from birth to big kid, lovely and snuggly for all ages, can use for front, back & hip carries. Cons - steeper learning curve than other carrier types in the early days
• A mei-tai type carrier. My favourite from newborn is the Hoppediz Hop Tye, because it is so adjustable that it's as snuggly as a wrap, but less daunting if you're in the 'scared of very long piece of fabric' camp. Lots of other possibilities but beware ebay DIY jobs as some are really not fit for purpose.
• A soft buckle carrier like the Manduca or Connecta etc. Not as snuggly or comfy for a newborn as the options I've listed above imo, but some people just prefer buckles rather than ties. Can use for back carries, and blokes tend to like them!

Have a look at www.slingguide.co.uk for a bit of background info on various types.

By the way - the Gypsymama Wrap is now known as the Wrapsody Wrap, if you're googling.

That's brilliant thanks, I can't believe how much more is out there compared to what they have in Boots, Mothercare, etc last ones where bought spur of the moment after babies arrived so want to put as much thought into this as I would a pushchair! Actually I hope if I get the right sling I won't need a double buggy.

Thanks again!

Just at a look at the sling guide website am shocked at the info on bag carriers. - this is exactly how I felt about babasling I couldn't relax and only used it for an hour!

Mei tei looks like a good solution for us I don't want the weight put onto one shoulder and they are so lovely looking! Fingers crossed for third time lucky baby wearing

Are you anywhere near a sling library or sling meet (www.slingmeet.co.uk) - it would give you a chance to see some things in person before you buy