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Slings and backpacks

Find baby sling and baby carrier advice here.

Original poster

ring sling or mei tai?

37 replies

PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 30/08/2009 20:08

Help me unscramble my brain please!

I used a baby bjorn last time and was fine with it, but DD was small and I could not use it from newborn, also I want to try something different.

baba sling/similar or mei tai, or other? I like both the ring slings and the mei tai.

I have an active 3 year old to run around after/give attention to as well. I would like to either be able to bf with it, or take it off and put it on again easily in order to bf. I would like to use it around the house to soothe baby/get baby to sleep/do housework etc.

I am small framed, not intending on a cs (but who knows what the future holds) have no back problems.

Will I need 2? I have forfieted the choice of pushchair in order to get any sling/carrier I want, DH said if I need 2 I can get 2 (he is getting the pushchair of his choice as he will not use the sling)

OP posts:
LadyStealthPolarBear · 30/08/2009 20:11

if you want a ring sling I'll be putting one in for sale soon (thanks for reminding me), if you're interested
But TBH I never got to grips with it, DH refused to let me use it as DS looked so precarious. Have a wrap this time, and even though I haven't had the baby yet I'm much happier with it and the way it holds the baby to you.

Original poster
PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 30/08/2009 20:15

so mei tai might be the order of the day. The thing with the slings - i have seen some where baby looks snug and comfy and very protected, and others where as you say, baby looks precarious!

I do like the mei tai, but I am wondering if they are a bit faffy, how long do you think they take to put on/take off on your own?

I shall look out for it, what make is it? what are you looking for price wise? can you send me a link to thread when you have posted it

OP posts:
noodlesoup · 30/08/2009 20:18

I hated my ring sling because it put all the weight on one shoulder. I have a mei tai but mine isn't suitable from birth. I use a moby for my tiny 5 month old which is lovely because it stretches around them but they aren't as good with big heavy dcs. I am small and I had a cs and the moby is great.

LadyStealthPolarBear · 30/08/2009 20:21

Just had a google and the mei teis do look good - definitely not precarious!
Mine's (the one I'm keeping) a didymos wrap (I think) - at the moment it takes me ages but people seem to do it very quickly once you get the hang of it!
Will link to the thread, maybe £12 including P&P?? It's dark green btw. Anyway, no worries if you don't want it.

whyme2 · 30/08/2009 20:23

I have a mei tai which I love. Only got it when dd was 6 months old so I don't know how it would be for a newborn. It takes a little practice but once you've tied it a few times it is easy and quick. I can do most things with dd tied on.
A friend had a stretchy wrap for her newborn which was very easy to use, she just tied it on and almost slipped the baby inside - very snug and barely noticeable.
Had a ring sling but the pull on my shoulder was too much and I never felt secure enough to totally let go of dd.

IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern · 30/08/2009 20:42

I had both and loved them both but preferred the meit tai for running after a toddler with.
They take a bit of getting used to but if you use them from a tiny baby then because they are light if you don't get the tie quite right the weight of the baby is very forgiving so by the time the baby is a bit heavier you will have the knack.
It is no slowere getting them in and out than a sling you clip on and off.
If you do prefer one sith clips there is a connecta. It is like the mei tai but with buckles and clips
see here

and here

I have 2 mei tais (different shapers and fits and a ring sling if you fancy trying something out before you buy, I won't need them for a while.

LadyStealthPolarBear · 30/08/2009 21:17

my ring sling in for sale

MrsMerryHenry · 30/08/2009 21:19

Pavlov - I think 2 is your best option - I actually have three and have used them at different stages. Ring sling is brill for babies/ bfing, etc. Eventually they get too big and heavy to carry that way - so I use a Beco carrier (one of the light 'rucksack' type, like an Ergo) with my 2.9 y.o.

Definitely go second hand if cost is an issue, as they are usually very hardwearing.

Original poster
PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 30/08/2009 21:20

I think I am leaning towards the mei tai. And I have seen those stretchy wraps for newborns too....any recommended makes for those?

I could get a mei tai for out and about, running after DD, that kind of thing, and the stretchy sling for at home, quick nip to the shops that kind of thing.

Oh, I am getting it sorted in my brain, and I am actually getting a bit excited! ineedacleaner that is very kind of you, what kind do you have? I could maybe borrow one before baby is born and practice for a week or two before returning (thus removing risk of baby puke all over it) once I have made my mind up on whether I want one or not?

OP posts:
LadyStealthPolarBear · 30/08/2009 21:21

there's a sling thread too isn't there? If you want more advice, they're the experts!

MrsMerryHenry · 30/08/2009 21:21

Oh, and I've heard MeiTais are a fiddle to tie (I've tried a similar 'tie' sling and chose the Beco instead) whereas the 'rucksack' type slings I mentioned above need no re-tying or readjusting once you've set them to fit your frame. Until your child grows, that is.

LadyStealthPolarBear · 30/08/2009 21:23

mine's a one of these - am annoyed they don't show it in use.
Can't believe I'm recommending it before I actually use it! I have tried with a toy giraffe though, and we both loved it!

Original poster
PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 30/08/2009 21:27

Stealth I just chuckled with this image of you cooing over a giraffe in the sling! I do like the look of those, they look quite simple to use.

I think, whatever I choose I should do it soon and practice with a doll or something first to get the hang of it

OP posts:
fruitymum · 30/08/2009 21:40

In the same position as you! Very active 3 year old and a 19 day old baby. 3 year old just started ante pre school so lots of trips in and out of the car . Used a baby bjorn with DD(3) - great but a bit of a faff with the buckles when in a hurry and its pouring with rain. I have just borrowed a Kari - me sling and tried it today - seems grand! They are online at www.Kari-me.com with instructions - about £37 new and some on ebay .

IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern · 30/08/2009 21:47

Oh god it's awful but I cannot remember what makes is what.
Drop me an email at pamela0903@ googlemail dot com (without spaces etc) and I will dig them out their box tomorrow and let you know.

Am honestly not fussed about baby puke on them you can give them a try once baby ir here as well if you want to and see how you get on.
I have 2 mei tais and a ring sling.
Will tell you what I loved the ring sling for was when ds was a bit bigger and able to sit up in a shooping trolley was great to have in the car for dashing across car parks as I had dd's hand to hold too and ds was big enough for a hip carry.

fuzzywuzzy · 30/08/2009 21:57

Has anyone tried the hug a bub? I love the look of them, but unfortunately no more children in the immediate horizon for me. But I do love looking thro all the new sling styles [saddo emoticon]

MoominMymbleandMy · 30/08/2009 22:01

I would go for a mei tai like a JoeySling or a Babyhawk because a two-shoulder carry is much less tiring and ring slings can be fiddly.

But if you want a one-shoulder carrier, and they are lovely for pottering about the house, eating meals, and short trips, I'd get a pouch - much easier to get to grips with than a ring sling.

Get both.

Original poster
PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 30/08/2009 22:07

I am allowed both

So. One mei tai. And one pouch/sling as yet undecided.

ineedacleaner I will email you, thanks!

OP posts:
IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern · 30/08/2009 22:15

I never liked pouches as much as the ring sling as it was a great or poor fit depending on what you were wearing the ring sling was good as you adjust it every wear to fit.

PinkyRed · 30/08/2009 22:15

I'd really recommend the kari-me ones. I've got one for ds (17wks) and I'm finding it really useful. V easy to tie once you get the hang of it-and ds loves it.

Original poster
PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 30/08/2009 22:33

so with a ring sling - once it is adjusted to baby and mama size, is that it? Can it then be slipped on over the head or does it have to be undone and redone up each time?

OP posts:
IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern · 30/08/2009 22:36

No it can stay like that you don't have to pull it out every time and re-tighten it but the difference between it and a pouch is that for a pouch to be both secure and comfortable you need to get a really really good fit and from experience it can be difficult and also dpendant on what you are wearing.
With a ring sling you can adjust for comfort loosen tighten as you need then leave it along or re-adjust next wear.

Original poster
PavlovtheForgetfulCat · 30/08/2009 22:36

i could buy *stealth's ring sling, give it a try, then if not happy i have not wasted a fortune and I could resell. And then I could buy a mei tai, and perhaps a pouch too? You know, just in case?!! I mean I am not getting a pushchair after all so this is to replace any pushchair obsession that might have taken hold !!

OP posts:
IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern · 30/08/2009 22:37

And apart from my shocking typing that also probably made no sense at all did it?

IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern · 30/08/2009 22:42

You could do that sling buying does get addicitve I have had loads in the past 6 years and have now kept my favourites out of them.
I was gibbering rubbish about pouch slings.
One of the reasons I preferred the ring sling is that I measure right on the cusp of sizes so the lower size was too tight and the bigger size was too big.
The ring slings was great because I adjusted it to fit me.

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