I'm still some way off from DC2 arriving (due in October) and know that I will probably have to wait until she's born to go to a sling meet and try some slings for myself, but in the meantime am doing some research :)
Had a Cuddlywrap with DC1 and it was lovely if tied tightly and if I didn't have to get him in and out, but I never managed to BF in it and I found the yards and yards of material a bit of a hassle to deal with, particularly when we were out and about, so I ended up not using it very much. This time (armed with parenting experience from DC1!) I'm quite keen to do more slinging, get into the great outdoors more, etc.
I know I would like to try either (or both? 
) a mei tai or an SSC and appreciate that different makes will all have differing pros and cons depending on your requirements, build etc., but I was hoping to get a few words of wisdom from experienced MN babywearers! I have read a lot of the mei tai/SSC threads but it would be really helpful to get some specific questions answered.
These are the things I think I'd like from a mei tai/SSC:
- Suitable from birth up to about 2 years; I think I'm unlikely to want to sling an older toddler
- Can BF discreetly in
- Suitable for a small-built person (I'm 5' and normally a size 4-6); I have read that some SSCs don't go small enough for petite folk and that the dimensions of some mei tais may mean they don't fit optimally for small shoulders etc.
- Can be used by both DH and me although I don't think this will be an issue; he's not particularly tall and although he would prefer buckles, the tying of a mei tai looks reasonably straightforward enough for him not to be put off.
I'm not bothered about trying to do a facing-out carry although I think it might be useful to be able to do a back carry eventually.
After a lot of narrowing down of options (based on reviews as well as sling specifications) I think I'd like to try out the Manduca or Beco if an SSC and either the Babyhawk or Melkaj if a mei tai.
Do you think there are any particular differences between these slings that I might need to take into account? One of the things I can't seem to find much information about is how easy it is to BF in a Manduca - if anyone has experience of that, that would be marvellous. Also, from what I can see the Melkaj looks more padded and supportive than the Babyhawk, but are there any other differences in terms of how well it's likely to fit me?
Thanks so much in advance for any advice :)