Can anyone recommend a sling/carrier which might work for us please?

[barmybunting]

Hi,

We are expecting DC1 in November (still a long way off I realise!) and have been looking at slings/carriers but are a bit lost with so many options. Does anyone have any suggestions which might work for us please?

I have been told I am likely to need a c-section due to a medical condition, and I have ongoing issues with my lower back which means when I carry so I am not sure which sling might work. I am 5"7 and DH is 6"3, we would like a sling that would we could both use if possible. We do a lot of countryside walking, so are planning to use the sling for this as well as out and about during the day.

Many thanks!

There are sling libraries which you can hire and try different slings out to see how you get on before buying one. If you Google it you should find one close to you, or some do postal hire like www.carrymybaby.co.uk

For longer times you might find a maitei (tie on straps) or a full buckle carrier good but you can also get ones with the waist straps that buckle and shoulder straps that tie.

Or wrapping with one piece of fabric works well for some too.

Opinion is divided on using a front carrier for a baby (hip displacement issues), but Mamas and a Papas do one with adjustable settings for parents of different heights. DS (then a few months old) and I were prototype testers. DH is 6'2" and I am 5'8", we preferred the Baby Bjorn Active because is has excellent back support. I used it after both my csections, and it worked brilliantly to put the babies' weight on my back and away from my battered abs.

A wrap sling is brilliant for a little baby, gives you brilliant support as all the weight is distributed over your shoulders rather than overloading your back. Perfect to share between two as well as it will fit perfectly.

Baby Bjorns are horrible for backs in my experience, I have an ergo which is much better. Any sling which will carry a baby facing out is one to avoid.

The usual place to start with a newborn squish is a stretchy wrap or close caboo carrier which are both really comfortable for both mum and baby (IMO). I would then suggest moving on to a mei tai type carrier or woven wrap (woven wraps are harder to get the hang of but oh so comfy once you do!). Would highly suggest finding your local sling meeting as you can try out all the options before committing yourself to just one!

I used a Stretchy wrap. It was great for my back & DD2 loved it!
My friend borrowed it for her DS & was carrying him in it 4 days post section with no problems.
I would definitely research a local sling library. Mine were excellent. If you're in Central London, I can PM you the details of a really good sling consultant who does home visits.

Brilliant, thank you all for your advice! I hadn't thought to look for a postal sling library, we don't have one near us to visit as we live in the middle of nowhere so the postal link is great.

We are off to look at your suggestions now, many thanks!

One of my fav sling every is the SUPPORI one :)
Would highly recommend to everyone! Good quality, good price and just easy to use and carry around :) Also, my back doesn't hurt after all day of wearing it !:)

I use Suppori also!
They are truly fab! Completely agree with Tinnute here ))
I just pop it into my bag and that's it. Although, you should really try the sling library ))