Has anyone used a Close sling?

[Caitni]

Hello

I'm 24 weeks with my first and am thinking of getting a sling. We live in London, so I think it would be handy for public transport etc. Plus I just like the idea of having baby close to me for those early months

My brother and SIL gave us a Baby Bjorn, which my DH loves already, but I'm thinking I'd prefer a sling. I want something over both shoulders, that's easy to put on and comfortable and so far the Close sling is looking good.

Has anyone used it and if so, what did you think?

I'd also love to hear of any other slings you'd recommend - I feel a bit clueless at times!

Gah! Posted this twice - sorry

I haven't, but I know lots of people who swear by the Close as a first sling. They say it gives the effect of a stretchy wrap but is easier to master and less fiddly.

Although, to be honest, a stretchy wrap like a Kari-Me, Moby or Hugabub is not that tricky and you can pre-tie it and pop the baby in.

Both the Close and stretchy wraps are really only comfortable with younger babies. As they grow heavier the extra stretch in the fabric means the sling is less supportive, and you will want to move on to something else, a woven wrap, mei tai or soft structured carrier.

But the Close and the stretchies hold their value very well so you would have no trouble selling them on to fund a new one.

You'll find lots of helpful information on slings, including mass produced carriers such as the Baby Bjorn, here including links to other sling sites.

Hi Caitni. I have got a Close, used it a few times with DS2 and found it very easy to get on and off, and comfortable. He never seemed that keen on it for some reason, though. I got mine second-hand from a MNer and will definitely be selling it on as he has long since grown out of it.

Btw just nosing at your profile, I live near you and in the same industry... wonder if we know each other??

Thanks for the link Moomin - very informative! I'm mainly only thinking about the younger stage at the moment, but it's good to know at this stage that another carrier would be needed for when the baby is older/heavier

Megbusset would be funny if we knew each other!

Hi - I have one and I love it...have used it with DD since she was very tiny (and she was a 6lb-er) and still using it now she's 6 months.

It's much easier than my Baby Bjorn to get on (no problem putting it on on my own - unlike the BB where I still need DH to help and this is DC2!), and I sold my Hugababy sling after DD sobbed every time I put her in it!

I'm also in London, and I've happily carried her around London, on and off tubes etc, in it when I've needed to go 'up town', but when she was very little, I used to pop her in it whilst I got on with jobs around the house and she'd sleep for a couple of hours whilst I baked, mumsnetted etc

Hope that helps - good luck!!

Thanks Sparky - you've been using exactly how I'd like to .

Ive got the close sling and had it for 4 mths, my DS 7mth loves it and still enjoys it now, as yet he's not heavy for me/it. Its very easy to get on/off I love it.
But i am looking at getting a Mei tai. (more of a 2nd sling thou not to replace)

I had a Close sling for DD3 and I sooooo wish I'd had it for DDs 1 and 2! I used it round the house, as it gave me 2 hands free for the other girls while DD3 snored on happily. I also used it on public transport as it was easier than getting a buggy off and on a bus/train.

I never did master bfeeding in it, though it says you can. Oh, and we have a Baby Bjorn and I hate it - kills my back after about 20 minutes. DH gets on fine with it though (and refused to try the Close sling as he felt he'd look like an eejit in it - not sure what that says about me!).