Very sensitive collarbone scar which sling?

[Minstrelsaremarvellous]

I've got a very bumpy, sensitive collarbone scar about 5" long (I can't carry a handbag strap over my left shoulder as a result). Can anyone recommend a sling that I could probably wear! I will probably need wide straps, no buckles or rings near it and maybe padding? All advice much needed! I've looked up sling meet to see if there's anything local but I can only find dates for 2011 and nothing for this year.

Whereabouts are you? It is likely that sling meets still run near you but it's just that no-one has been updating the slingmeet site. You could also try here www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk/ although that site isn't really comprehensive either.

Is this to carry a newborn or a bigger one?

A ring sling will definitely avoid your left shoulder, since it is a one-shoulder carrier that you can wear on your right - like this www.babywearinginternational.org/images/Ring%20sling%20tummy%20to%20tummy.jpg My favourites are those made out of woven wrap fabric.

If you want something two-shouldered, then something like the Hop Tye would probably work as you can spread the straps nice and wide over your shoulders. Otherwise a mei tai with nice wide padded straps maybe - brands like Kindercarry are good in this respect....they're tricky to get new as made in the US but come up 2nd hand on www.naturalmamas.co.uk for sale boards. They are more of an 8 months+ sort of carrier though.

Thanks pootle - I'm in west Hertfordshire on beds herts and bucks border. There looked to be a sling meet nearby but no dates beyond Nov last year. The Kindercarry looked good - looked at the Hop tie and the thin strap coming over the shoulders would cause me trouble I know it's over the padding but I can't wear spaghetti straps cos they hurt. Will look at the other website now!

Oh my DD2 is 4wks - I never used a sling for DD1. But now I think I'd really benefit from using one so I can get stuff done!

On the Hop Tye, the thin strap coming over the shoulders is to tie the hood up. You don't need to use it - you can also use buttons at the side to create a head-rest like in these pictures - some babies hate having the hood up anyway.

For a 4 week old a stretchy wrap might well also work for you - you can adjust where it sits on your shoulders and the fabric is very soft. Something like a Moby, Kari-Me etc.

There's a sling library in Harpenden if that is anywhere near you www.slinglibrary.co.uk

Yes I can get to Harpenden - I've had a look so will go and have a look! Thanks for the help, much appreciated!