Best sling/carrier for newborns

[Amyjay19]

I need recommendations for the best carriers or slings from newborn I like the look of the wrap slings but want to know how secure/safe they are as obviously you tie them yourself I wouldn't want baby falling out while I'm out with them
Thankyou 😊

They wouldn't be allowed to sell them if baby would fall out easily. They will come with instructions , there will probably be about 50 YouTube videos too if you do some research on a particular one.

Having said that I had a Baby Bjorn mini carrier and it was amazing, I used it nearly everyday with both dc were little.

@mammiaa sorry I think I worded that wrong I meant because I would be the one that tied it what if I did it wrong I know they are safe and they look so comfy for babies that’s why I’m hoping to get advice on the best/easiest one to use! Thankyou😊

Is there a sling library in your area? The trouble with slings is what one person thinks is great, another person doesn't get on with so the responses on here are irrelevant to a degree.

I asked the same question when pregnant with my second baby and my friend who is an experienced mum of 3 recommended a Manduca. I spent £80ish buying one only to find I just don't get on with it! I much prefer the one I found at my local sling library (an Izmi) and have booked myself in to get it back. Still not sure why I returned it in the first place!

Case in point here as I was about to recommend a Manduca. Got it when my first was 18 months after trial and error with others and then used from birth with DC2 and until she was 4! Was perfect for us. But sling library if you can access is an ideal solution.

I felt really insecure with a soft wrap. I'm sure they're safe if you tie them properly, but I found that immensely tricky and I couldn't help worry that DD was about to slip out (that was after watching a million videos on YouTube).

I loved structured carriers though, and had several for various reasons.

YY to a sling library, or buy a few different ones on Gumtree or whatever to try. They are always available to buy, and if you hardly use them you can sell the ones you don't like on for what you paid.

@bakewellbride sorry if this seems like a silly question but what is a sling library? This will be my first baby so I’ve still got so much to learn about! I understand what you mean everyone feels comfortable with different things but as I don’t know much about slings or carriers I was hoping for afew different recommendations to research and see what fits for me! Thankyou for your reply it was really helpful😊

I loved the wrap sling and my baby was in it always for the first few months. I found help on youtube and after a few goes really got the hang of it. Baby needs to be high enough that you can kiss them on the head, and the tighter the better. If it's tight enough they won't fall out as there's a couple of layers to it. They are soo comfy for you and baby! Once you get the nack. Or there another sling that's like half wrap half structured carrier. I liked a baby bjorn one once she was 6m plus.

@Violettaa thats my worry with a soft wrap too! They do seem like the comfiest option for baby but again I don’t know if I trust myself to be able to set it up correctly on my own I’m sure I could practice but wouldn’t want to take the risk of making them uncomfortable 😣

I love the Connecta/Integra but definitely agree with the sling library point as it’s quite personal. A lot of my friends recommended Ergo 360 but I didn’t get on with it myself. I know a lot of people who have found stretchy wraps great but I have never managed to master tying one. You can get some buckle carriers that mimic the feel of a stretchy like the Mamaruga Zensling.

Close Caboo is sort of in between a wrap and a structured carrier, might be worth a look.

@Teapot1990 thankyou! Yeah definitely think it’s comfiest option for baby! It wouldn’t be for everything but would make dog walks so much easier than lugging a pram and a dog down the stairs 3x a day! Another reason why I need to have 100% confidence in the safety of baby before using one

@SpamIAm ive heard afew people recommend the close caboo I definitely need to go a see if I can test a-few different brands out at my local baby shop!

A sling library is essentially a shop where they stock a tonne of slings, and you can try them all out (with help to get them fitted ect), then rent or buy them.

I think there are a few online if you don't have a physical one close.

don't get baby bjorn - the baby's legs dangle too much and it can be bad for them.

I found Close Caboo to be great for a newborn and then Ergo for a baby > 6 weeks.

I have a dog too and that's why the sling was so important for me! If you drive somewhere to walk the dog then I would 100% recommend you put it on before leaving the house as they do drag on the floor! Go on Vinted and buy some second hand ones if you can spare the cash and resell the ones you don't like. I've got about 4 now but it's nice to have options!

I did sling wrap - ergobaby embrace - ergobaby 360 with mine but its so personal. Definitely recommend searching for a sling library and buying second hand as it's your personal preference (and baby's - dc1 HATED all slings and carriers woth a passion but dc2 and 3 have loved them)

I also have a baby Bjorn mini and we used it a fair bit. I did think it was on the small side though but I did have a big baby! I couldn’t use it past about 12 weeks as it was a bit narrow and short for him! X

@Teapot1990 i don’t drive yet! But I will keep that in mind for when I do! Obviously I could just use a pram for walking but with living in a first floor flat on my own with a big dog the sling just seems like the best option for me and baby as it would be a lot easier than lugging the pram down then getting the baby and dog etc it’s going to be hard work hence why I need the safest comfiest option for him!!

And then you have hands free which helps.. Also I use a dog lead that goes round my waist and a bum bag so you don't have to hold the lead (depending on how big dog is and if they pull)!

@Teapot1990 he is a big dog but doesn’t pull me much but I wouldn’t like to risk that or his lead breaking! But definitely having both hands free would be ideal! I’m going to look into a sling library/second hand slings that have been recommended Thankyou so much for your advice it’s really appreciated!!

Yep, same. Close Caboo is brilliant for tiny babies and for wearing round the house and then Ergo for when they're a bit bigger and you need more structure.

Close Caboo is super easy too. I am cack-handed and can manage it fine.

(And I wore my Caboo for about seven hours today with my 6wo DD in it!)

@Hugasauras im looking at a close caboo online what style did you use? The one I’ve found is called close caboo + cotton blend carrier it seems comfy for baby and simple enough to use

Yep think that's the one. Mine is a few years old as I used it with DD1 too so there's probably a new model but I think they are all the same format. No complicated wrapping or tying, just over shoulders, stick baby's legs under each side, tighten the bits at the side and tie the second piece round.

I found this video more helpful than the written manual for putting it on. It only takes me about 30 seconds to do now.

I dont know if you are in Scotland but there is one in the baby box.

There are 3 main types a stretchy one all of which you can use from birth.

Stretchy ones, woven and structured. If there are local parents groups on Facebook near you you should be able to find a library who you can hire from but they also tend to run meet ups which can be really handy for advice from other mums.

I used all three but used my connecta was brilliant for quick carries if i was nipping out to the shops.

Good luck with the baby and enjoy all the cuddles