HELP... Which sling/carrier

[Lucylockett106]

Hey all
I have a 6 month old who is about 18lb and a 3 year old how has hyper mobility and other issues with his legs, therefore can't walk far at all. I'm keen to walk as often as possible to lose baby weight and I think it's good for the kids to not expect to get in the car every morning!!!
I have been looking at the stretchy slings but tbh I have no knowledge as I've never used any! Any tips and ideas would be greatly appreciated !
Many thanks in advance x

I like my Close Baby sling, it's really comfortable and supportive. I've heard the Ergo is good too, but pricey.

I wouldn't get a Close or other stretchy sling for a 6 month old tbh - it won't be too much longer until it stretches too much to be comfy.

Are you anywhere near a sling library or sling meet? If you go somewhere in person you can try some things and get more idea what works for you.

A woven wrap will fit both of your children with a single carrier, but does have a bigger learning curve than some carriers....definitely do-able, but you have to be more committed to learning.

If you go for a buckle carrier or mei tai, you'll need two separate ones - a standard size for your littler one and a preschooler size for the bigger one. Although some people carry their 3-4 year olds in a standard size carrier, both you and he will be comfier in a larger one, and given his hypermobility issues I'd want to make very sure that his legs are fully supported. For the 6 month old I'd recommend something like the Manduca. For your 3 year old either the Preschool Rose and Rebellion, or the Preschool size Kinderpack (with perfect fit strap adjusters if you are smaller than UK size 12 and/or shorter than 5'6). Or if you'd prefer a mei tai, something like a preschool size Melkaj.

Cool thanks. I won't put 3yr old in sling. Was thinking him in pushchair and baby in the sling simply because I hate the buggy board!! Sounds like a stretchy one it is!
Not sure if there is anywhere I can go to try locally. I've found a stretchy wrap sling on eBay brand new £15!
Thanks for your replies x

I really really really recommend a mei tai style carrier, so much easier than the wraps which are great for little babies but from 6 months onwards can restrict them IMO especially because they start getting nosy! I had a connects which was good, I also had a catbird mei tai and am now eying up a rose and rebellion!
Try eBay for 2nd hand slings, I got my catbird mei tai for £15!!!

Whereabouts are you? There are sling meets/libraries in loads of areas...

I reckon a stretchy will hurt your back pretty fast with an 18lb-er to be honest. The fabric will give under his weight and he will sag down which will pll on yor back and shoulders. I had to stop using anything stretchy when DS was about 4m.

What sort of budget do you have?

I love my close but am using it with my 6wo. No idea what it will be like when she is much bigger but its so comfy and easy to stick on. i would really recommend it.

I would highly recommend the Ergo. It can be used as a front or back carrier and makes my 11 kg 17 month old feel as light as a feather. You can use an Ergo up until 4 years of age and so it might be useful for your 3 year old too.

I also had a Close baby carrier which was great up until about 4 months, when DD became too heavy and too wriggly for it to be comfortable!

Ergos are quite pricey if you are on a budget though (ignore any on Ebay - they are almost all fakes, untested, with unknown dyes and fabrics used in their manfacture).

Connectas or Patapums are cheaper buckled alternatives, and come up on Ebay quite a bit. Or, if you like the idea of tying the straps, Babyhawks are pretty good value and easily available preloved as well

I'm in Worcestershire. Budget really no more than £30 ( I'm a student !) ivebeen looking at the Mei Tai carrier. I will continue to look. Thanks :)

Any thoughts on the Kari me sling?

I used the Mothercare 2-Position Baby Carrier for the first 12 months, and it was great :)