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Slings and backpacks

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Original poster

Sling help!

10 replies

AsukiBlue · 25/06/2013 17:18

Hi, apologies if this has been asked and answered recently before but I'm getting myself in a panic so want to ask for myself!

My ds is 13 weeks, he wants to be constantly held so I have been using a babasling since birth, he's now over a stone and I can no longer comfortably carry him in this - also it only frees up one arm! I wanted something soft but with more structure so ordered the connecta but I've found that this feels as if its going to slip off my shoulders and I still feel I have to hold on to him.

I'd love to wear a wrap but he hates the close caboo I have, I think he likes the freedom the babasling allows him (enjoys looking out before snuggling to sleep) and hates the tightness of a wrap (hated swaddling!).

I'm now swaying towards the ergo but there are so many conflicting reviews I really don't know what's the right way to go now! Annoyingly there is no sling library anywhere near me.

Any advice greatly received!!

OP posts:
CreatureRetorts · 25/06/2013 17:20

I got a manduca which is similar to an ergo. Very good support. I didn't get on with wrap slings as dd and ds got bigger. I also found that from about 4 months they liked the pushchair (not a lie flat pram) as could be propped up and would take naps in it.

MollyNollyNoo · 25/06/2013 20:17

I had an Ergo which was great, but as I gradually lost my baby weight I found that it slipped off the shoulders. It is a lovely sling though and the pocket on the front was really useful.

Tula are worth a look, really similar in style to the Ergo but the straps a a slightly different shape and I find that they stay on the shoulders very well and I've never had that slipping problem. The Tula and the Ergo have thicker waist bands that the Connecta, some people love that, other people don't.

I wish I'd bought a Manduca too as you don't need a separate baby insert, I ended up recommending one to my friend and she loved it. I had a try obv and it was very comfortable.

The other option is to look for a second hand one, The Natural Mamas website has a 'for sale or trade' section and they come up there, slings seem to hold their value really well so if you did try a sling and not get on with it you could sell it on.

If you do decide on an Ergo look for a registered seller as there are loads of fakes on e-bay (they even have fake ergo websites), some of the buckles have been known to beak.

Original poster
AsukiBlue · 26/06/2013 08:32

Thank you both for your help. I think I would have the same problem with the ergo, I'm not tiny but have narrow shoulders, as the connecta has no connecting strap I think this felt especially loose.

I'm going to check out all of your recommendations, thanks!

OP posts:
extracrunchy · 26/06/2013 08:43

Boba 3G! We've had and Ergo too and the Boba is way better. Can wear front or back, converts to newborn (so reusable!), and has 45lb weight limit (though you'd have to be insane!).

Would very highly recommend it Smile

extracrunchy · 26/06/2013 08:44

Oh and I have narrow shoulders too but DH is broad - it's very adjustable!

Original poster
AsukiBlue · 26/06/2013 09:59

Thanks extracrunchy, sounds like a good option! I've found a site that stocks all those recommended so have asked what they would recommend before ordering, I'm tempted to order 3 just to try them all out and be sure, I could start my own sling library! Grin

OP posts:
surfingbabies · 16/07/2013 21:07

Congrats on your baba Smile
I went through a few slings in the beginning with my now 6 month DD, I stayed clear of the ERGO as they are so expensive and I was told they are really hard to put on especially on your back........
Well I ended up buying one when she was 15 weeks and I absolutely love it, I wish I'd bought it before she arrived now. I bought the insert which I only used a couple of times as she was too big for it. I suffer with back ache and the ergo hasn't caused me any problems, I don't feel a thing especially when she's on my back and I can get loads done. I struggled in the beginning to get her on my back without help but I practised in front of a mirror and I've now mastered it.
I'm normally a small size 10 so I'll be interested to see what happens once all my baby weight has gone (if it ever does Sad) but my friend who's a tiny 8 carries her with no problems, she just tightens the straps.......
I love it that much I've ordered a different colour Grin
Good luck Smile

Liara · 16/07/2013 21:11

Beco Gemini!

It's like the ergo but without all the flaws. I had an ergo with ds1 and loved it but did find that it was a bit too loose for me (great for dh though).

With ds2 we got the beco and we both like it much better.

chocolatemartini · 16/07/2013 21:17

I second Beco Gemini. I like that you can wear the straps crossed at the back or rucksack style

changechangechange · 16/07/2013 21:50

^ That's also true of the Manduca straps.

I'm always glad to see people made aware that there are lots of 'like the Ergo, but a bit better' carriers out there. Nothing personal against the Ergo, but I resent that it's become almost the definitive SSC when it's so far from the best one.

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