Don't get on with Boba wrap - want something more structured. Help!

[Cheeser]

I don't like using my boba wrap sling, I don't feel like DS is secure in it and he tends to bob his head out to look around and then his neck is unsupported and I end up holding his head. Even if his head is tucked in, I feel like he's too unsecure.

So I was thinking about more of a structured carrier - we looked at the Baby Bjorn in John Lewis a few months back but I've since read that they're not that great as the baby's pelvis isn't supported properly in them. The Manduca looks good, that I've just read about on a thread on here - does this sound like what I need?

DS is 13 weeks old (but 3 weeks corrected, he was prem) and is 9.5lbs at the moment. I'd like to be able to use it for a good few months yet so should be comfy to carry larger/heavy babies/toddlers. It needs to be quick to put on and take off - the boba wrap was a pain to put on I thought. DP would also like to use it but we're fairly similar sizes so it wouldn't need to be massively adjustable.

I have just missed my local sling meet which is annoying otherwise I'd go and have a play with some.

Any ideas other than the Manduca?

Thanks

I love my Manduca and it would be suitable to use from now as it says from about 7lbs. I got mine when ds2 was 14 weeks so haven't needed the newborn insert, it looks a bit of a pain to do but easier than a wrap .

Other than a Manduca you could look at the boba 3G, also suitable from birth, a connecta or an ergo, though you'd need an insert still for the ergo. I have a connecta solarweave which is great for the hot weather but you might find it not so good on the head support.

I'm sure someone who can think of more will be along soon!

I really don't like the look of the ergo insert, and I bet it's no fun at this time of year. Manduca is fab. Also look at Beco maybe? Or Babyhawk, Rose + Rebellion.

I like my Beco Gemini.

But do try to go to a sling meet or sling library so much depends on body shapes.

www.naturalmamas.co.uk has good advice and fsot is good for buying and selling

Thanks Wriggle bum - when you say the Manduca complicated, is it difficult? Can you get it on and off fairly easily? And does it take long to get the child in? I have to wrestle ds's legs into the boba wrap which can be a real pain if he's crying... Also where did you get yours from? I've seen the German site which charges 109 euros pls 14.99 intl shipping

Thanks to the other posters too, I'll check out the recommendations and that website.

Any other recommendations?

Cheeser if you can hold out that long, the sling library round the corner here has its next open session on 28 August?

With the boba wrap, the lady who runs the sling library showed me some tricks when I was struggling with it that have made it work much better now - I could show you when I next see you?

I agree that a SSC is a good plan though, I think we will want to move on from the wrap soon too.

The Manduca is really easy to get on and off, but when using the newborn insert you'll need to sit down to clip them in (google 'Manduca newborn insert' and you should find a video of what to do). Without the insert it takes a little while to get it initially set up at the right size (do that when baby is calm) then it is a doddle to get on and off- again there are videos on YouTube. You do need fairly flexible arms to do up the back clip but that is the case for most ssc.

I got mine from Kiddicare- was £85 less a 10% discount (again, google 'Kiddicare discount code' to see if there are any) with free next day delivery. I'm really pleased with it but DH seems to find the connecta more comfy.

Thanks TeaandHobnobs! Think I'll
Need it before 28th as we're going away that weekend and we head off on 29th so would need it by then. Would def be interested in learning a few tricks though with the boba wrap.

Wiggle thank you that's really helpful. The Manduca sounds great, I'm tempted to just order one thru kiddicare, don't think I'll have time to go to a sling meet before I need a new one.

Thanks everyone for your help

Hi Mama,
i'm suprised you are having probs with the Boba wrap, i run a sling library and its one of the most popular stretchies we have.
are you tying it tight enough to begin with-you really do need it Tshirt tight.
i personally really like these types of wraps for wee ones, i think you can get the snuggliness that you want with a lil baby, and the support easier than if you are using a structured carrier. try tying tighter to begin with mama, will make a big difference xxx

The key with stretchy wraps is to tie them much tighter than you think Like Mamazookeepr I run a sling library and the number of people who tie stretchies and forget about the stretch is a lot. You want them bandage tight. I have used the boba wrap a lot with my newborn (now 16weeks and 14lb and he still fits well). As you say your son was prem (as a babywearing consultant) would recommend you stayed in a wrap longer than moving onto a ssc. Have you checked out the instrutional videos on bobafamily.com website and youtube?

Try a boba 3G structured carrier, that should cover your baby carrying needs up to 3-4 yrs or 45lbs. It's soft, with great easy to use clasps, which stay put. I did nt go for a wrap, as I have 10 mth twins & when they were little , I needed to get in & out quickly, sometimes on my own. We were also looking at value for money, as we have twins & can't afford a new type every year so we wanted a quality one that lasted. 1st we got an ergo which is also good for discrete breast feeding on the go. Babies fall asleep within 15 mins in it. Got mine around 4-5 months but if newborn they'd need a padded head insert. Next as we had a long day trip for the 2nd twin we have a Boba 3 G which can also be used for up to 3-4 yrs or 45lbs in weight also a structured carrier. Like the ergo it has a hood which covers the babies head to reduce bobbing & give some sun protection & helps to get them off to sleep day or night. They both have pockets. I personally prefer the Boba 3G as it is comfortable for me & baby for more than 4 hrs. We had a long day at the Olympics for over 10 hrs & even the boba 2 g I had was comfortable throughout for hubby & baby , who loved sleeping in it. At this 10 months , my back was really starting to hurt after 4 hrs & the baby was arching her back in discomfort. I hadn't noticed a difference before as we hadn't worn them for over 4 hr periods at 20lbs . The Boba carriers have a higher back so it gives more support when you carry them. The difference between the 3 g & 2g is that the 3 g can be worn from newborn 7lb without an insert. And the 3 g now has a pocket & the horizontal back strap is adjustable

Hi, would just like to stick my nose in this thread as I have the same problem with my sleepy wrap (same as boba wrap I think?) I was just about to post the same thing! I even went to our local sling library where the lady who runs it said it was fine, and also that she thought it was the most suitable one for me. I was going to try a close carrier but she said mine was better. I did love it at first, but just been for a walk and ended up h

Agh stupid phone! Ended up holding DS's head as it was flopping backwards. He's also 13 weeks so does have some head control and seemed comfortable, but just didn't seem right to me. I'm pretty sure it was tight enough as I always have it tight, but it seems like I can't get him far down enough in it? Like the fabric doesn't come far enough up to support his head and shoulders IYSIM? But if I try to wriggle him down any it starts to come a bit loose. Any tips?

When I was having trouble, the advice given to me was tie it tight, but then put your hands between the pieces crossing your chest in a prayer position and push them outwards to stretch those pieces - it gives room for baby but the fabric is still taut over the shoulders and round your back.

Then as you slot baby in, underside cross piece first, hook the fabric under his knee, and the same in the other side. This should make his knees and hips go into a horizontal straight line. You can then spread the fabric across his back from both sides.

If baby won't tuck his head in (I can only do it to DS once he's fallen asleep), you can roll up a muslin and tuck it under the top edge of the horizontal bit of the wrap that goes over the top, so it forms a sort of cushion behind their head.

The main problem I was having is that DS wanted to stretch his legs out all the time, so the fabric wasn't spread under his bum from knee to knee and he was effectively suspended by his crotch. By hooking the fabric under the knees, this stopped him from doing that.

Thanks Teanandhobnobs, will try that with the muslin. DS is too nosy to fall asleep!