Sling or carrier? And/or BF butterfly?

[Cydonia]

I'm expecting my first baby at the end of May and I want to get some sort of carrier, mainly for outdoor use like walking the dog where a pushchair can't go. I also like the look of the breast feeding butterfly thingys for discreet feeding when out and about. Do I need a carrier and a butterfly? Or would a stretchy sling do both jobs? Am planning to get second hand so suppose I can stretch to two things if I have to! Ease of use is also important as have no previous baby experience, can see myself all fingers and thumbs!

I love my close carrier, v easy to use and comfy to wear.

Can't comment on the butterfly things as I haven't seen them and have never used any kind of BF cover, I tend to wear baggy tops a lot though which kind of drape and screen by themselves

Thanks I hadn't heard of those- just had a look on the website (I think they're called Caboo carriers now?) They look nice and you can feed in them if you want.

stretchy slings are LOVELY.
I had a moby after getting about a million recommendations (everyone said get a moby lol) and it was one of my best baby purchases. used it tons for ds2 and ds3

(if you use code CLAIRESTEPHENS at sasaslings it'll give you 10% off!)

Would a moby sling be supportive enough for walking though?

Yes, they are called caboo now but easily available on ebay as close carriers still!
Moby carriers should be supportive enough but I never trusted my tying ability enough - the close is similar in style but simplified!

yeah absolutely! DS2 was a real velcro baby and literally lived in it for at least the first 6 months of his life

yeah absolutely! DS2 was a real velcro baby and literally lived in it for at least the first 6 months of his life

The only downside to a Moby is that they can be quite hot - so for an end of May baby maybe not as ideal. The Wrapsody Stretch is a much cooler bet for summer, but they are pricier than the Moby (although they are also more supportive so will last a bit longer). They come up 2nd hand on www.naturalmamas.co.uk for sale forum and on ebay occasionally.

But either will definitely be supportive enough for the first few months. The Close was my first (of many!) slings, but I prefer a stretchy wrap - it is more adjustable and easier to fit just right.

Are you near a sling meet or sling library? You could go along in person and find out what appeals before your baby arrives? Check out www.slingmeet.co.uk

Oh will have a look, never heard of sling meets or libraries! I suspect we won't have one near us as we have nothing near us but you never know!

I prefer stretchy slings for newborns but as they get older to a few months I prefer soft-structured carriers (the kind you can adjust once to fit you, then whenever you need it next, just clip on and go) which have substantial padding on the shoulder straps and waistband. I used to do a lot of walking with my DCs in slings until they were a year old or when they got a bit too big and heavy for me to walk comfortably.

Speaking of bf butterfly, I own a Mamascarf. I liked it and used it a couple of times. I keep meaning to dig mine up and sell it as used on Ebay.