unsure of where to start

[lizmarshmallow]

I'm completely lost about what I want to buy, so I'm turning to you lovely people. I'm 35+4 and looking to buy a carrier my LO. I don't know what we're having yet as I've read somewhere one brand (which slips my mind) isn't very good for boys.

I don't know if I trust myself with a wrap style sling and would prefer something with a bit more structure. Is there anything in particular I need to look out for or a brand to avoid?

TIA

Ideally, don't buy one now, but try and borrow some once dc is born - try your local nct group, or local toddlers groups / friends - it's really hard before dc is born to know which one you and they will like. Some babies like them, and some don't. They are expensive if you find you don't use them, but worthwhile if you do!

We didn't use a sling at all for dc1, but used it loads for dc2. I tried several before being happy with one - I didn't get on with the wrap around style things, and the mothercare one that we had passed onto us felt too slack.

I have a bad back, and so the one that I ended up with is the baby bjorn active, which was brilliant - but it is expensive - so definitely see if you can find someone with one to try out first.

There's some good reviews on mumsnet too in the products review bit: www.mumsnet.com/Reviews/carriers-and-slings

sorry, forgot to say: what to look out for: that it supports dc well, especially the head for a newborn, and that you feel comfortable, that it distributes the weight well, and are not straining your back. (and also, that it will fit both yourself and your partner!) If possible, borrow possible slings, and try each sling for 30 minutes or more if you can - as this will give you a realistic idea about which is best for you.

There might be a sling meet near you where you can go and check out different types, try them and maybe borrow some. Our local one is at a children's centre.

Some sites let you hire slings to try for a couple of weeks, I would definitely recommend trying them first.
I got some from here in the past: slumber-roo.co.uk/
If I have another baby I will definitely get a connecta
( connectababycarrier.com/ )though, I loved the one I had but DD is too big for it now(18 months).It was very comfortable to wear.
Slingguide is a good site for general info and there may be a sling library in your area too.

I would have a look on this forum here, they have lots and lots of reviews and information. They have a page here I used this page to hunt through all the sling sellers and see what slings were available.

Things to look out for are for it to be comfortable (obviously) but some are more comfortable that others, I can still carry my 2 year old in my sling and be comfortable. You also want to keep you baby in a nice frog leg position with the bottom of the sling going from one knee to the other iyswim.

I managed to buy mine when I was pg, it is a buckle one so is quick to put on and feels very secure. Some good starters are boba, Manduca, Tula and ergo...

If you look through the websites of vendors you might see some others you like as well.