Changing bag for when sling wearing

[CatastropheAgain]

I'm expecting our first baby soon and hope to do lots of sling using/baby wearing, rather than the pushchair, for walks and hikes.

I've not bought a changing bag yet and am wondering if a specific "changing bag" is needed or if I can use my regular old comfy osprey backpack?

Is it comfortable, or even possible, to wear a small purse or binoculars cross-body with a sling? What's the best way to carry a water bottle and a change of nappy without lugging a backpack on my back and a baby on my front?

Sorry if these are daft questions! Thanks

I did the same. I don’t think a cross body bag would work, but a backpack does.

I’ve always preferred my proper changing bag in a rucksack style to a standard one, because they are generally designed to open wider and stand up by themselves. That’s immensely handy when you’re holding a poo covered baby with one hand and ferreting for wipes with the other (you will do this a lot….).

A standard one would be fine though if you don’t want to spend much.

Mine is from Pink Lining, and is about to do its second baby so is holding up well.

I wear a small cross body changing bag (Tiba & Marl) with my sling - sling goes over the top. I probably wouldn’t go for a hike with it, but around town it’s perfect. If you’re hiking, your rucksack would be fine.

I do breastfeed so have never had to consider bottles, you seem to need more stuff if using formula.

I did baby on front and a small drawstring style rucksack on my back, as I didn’t find anything with wide straps comfy or stable on top of the sling fabric. I kept it light - end of a pack of wipes, a couple of nappies, a spare babygro, purse, phone, keys.

Once I was backcarrying, I used a cross body bag with a fairly wide strap so it just went over the baby’s back in the sling. I found I needed a bigger bag at this stage (sippy cup, bib, snacks, change of clothes, bigger nappies, more wipes etc).

My nappy bag goes cross body and works as a backpack too so it's really handy. I'd recommend getting a good sized backpack that's designed for hiking etc and just use it. Ideally lots of pockets/compartments so you can organise it and know exactly where everything is for quick access. If you get a water bottle that has a clip then some bags have attachments for that so just depends on the size of the bottle you're going to carry. If it's a big one for a particularly long hike I'd be inclined to get a bigger bag and put it inside. You'll need something to change baby on, wipes, nappy and nappy bag/bag to put dirty clothes in and change of clothes so you need a decent size bag anyways?

I'd also recommend going to your local sling library if there's one near you and getting fitted for a structured harness. I have a wrap that I use around the house or for very quick messages but it starts to get uncomfortable in my lower back and pelvis when I wear it too long and that's getting worse as baby gets bigger. My structured harness is much better and I can walk comfortably for a few hours. Some are good because they will let you wear baby front/ back/ to your side which is also really handy if you're planning to breastfeed as it gives baby better access when you're wearing them so you don't need to stop every time you want to feed them or if you want to go out and they're cluster feeding.

On another note I got a good waterproof coat that has a little attachment with a hood that zips on so if it starts raining then baby is covered in with you and has a hood. The only design flaw is mine has no hood for mum... but something like that is really handy for walking. I just keep it zipped down a bit at the side baby's face is pointing out so he's getting plenty of air. You might find a backpack balances you out a little as baby gets heavier.

I have a rucksack for long days out and a tiba and marl crossbody one for popping out

I just use a regular backpack (the kanken). The backpack itself is super light so you're only weighed down by what you put in it. I don't go hiking but I do go out for the sag with the sling and backpack.

Thanks so much this is super helpful advice!

It's a good point about the rucksack standing up, my super comfy old hiking one opens wide but does fall over...

Sounds like it might be a bit of trial and error with what works with what sling - both the kanken and a draw string have fairly small straps for example whereas my hiking backpack is comfy cause of the padded straps! I will have to check out Tiba and Marl - thanks.

I have a stretchy sling to begin with and a besafe carrier I bought cheap off vinted, but planning to visit the local sling library once baby is here. Have already rented a cloth nappy trial kit off the same person.

I wonder if a bum bag that can also be worn cross- body could be an option?

Finally I realise the reference to carrying binoculars sounds a bit random, I do a lot of beach walks and they are handy for bird/dolphin/seal spotting!

Finally I realise the reference to carrying binoculars sounds a bit random, I do a lot of beach walks and they are handy for bird/dolphin/seal spotting

Not random at all and LO will love the beach walks