Didn't get the hang of my ring sling with baby #1 - any recommendations for baby #2?

[lucasmama08]

Firstly, apologies if this has been done before. I did try a quick search but couldn't find anything that answered all my questions!

I have a ring sling which I bought when pregnant with DS but never managed to get the hang of - DS was never happy in the 'cradle' type position and I never felt he was secure enough in the more upright positions (especially since he was a real a wriggler).

Now I'm pregnant again and as DS will be just 18 months old when baby #2 arrives I am counting on being able to master babywearing this time, even if only around the house!

Could anyone please recommend a good sling that...

• is easy to take on/off and get baby into and out of
• can be used from birth until at least 6 months
• will allow me to have some sort of hands-free time to sort washing, make sandwiches and pour beakers of water etc for DS1
• is comfortable (got a feeling my poor back will thank me for that one!)

In an ideal world said sling would also be adjustable enough for DH to also be able to use it (he's big, I'm small).

I am holding off buying a double pushchair as I'm hoping to master the art of babywearing this time around!

Thanks

I have a kari-me wrap, which I love and which ticks almost all your boxes. Takes a bit of practice, but once you're used to it, it's fab, and ds loves it.

Thanks Habbibu!

Ummmm, practice you say... Just looked at the instruction page on their website and I'll admit I'm getting scared!

Mind you, DS had an irrational hatred of being 'confined' (he's the only baby I've ever heard of who hated to be swaddled) so that could account for some of my problems getting him into his ring sling. Plus, it looks like once you do get them in the kari-me there is no danger of them wriggling out!

Definitely one to consider I think. I'm also liking the colours it comes in. Would you wear it over or under a coat?

Under a coat, definitely, and it really is easy once you get the hang of it. Got mine off ebay.

ds loves it. It's like a sleep drug for him.

I shall have a look on ebay!

Have you been using yours since DS was NB?

since about a week, i guess - he's only 7 weeks now, but with a 3yo as well, it's magic.

Hi - I had a stretchy wrap too (like the Kari-me) and it does fit all your criteria. The best thing about it IMO is that you tie it on first without the baby, and then slot the baby in afterwards. So you can practice as much as you like without the baby, so no chance of him falling out because you have done it wrong. It looks complicated, but if you've mastered shoelaces you will be able to do this.

DS always hated being swaddled but loved the wrap. They can face outwards as well once they can hold their heads up which is good.

My tip is tie it tighter than you think you need to. Don't leave any loose fabric as a space for the baby, as the stretch of the fabric provides this and then it's lovely and supportive enough. When you have them in right their bottom should be higher than your bellybutton and their head should be within kissing reach!

Habbibu Ahhh, 7 weeks. Broody now

BertieBotts - "their head should be within kissing reach". Now even broodier

I think the stretchy wraps look to be a winner! Thanks so much for your comments x

Stretchy wraps are excellent but if you don't fancy the tying (and it is much easier than it seems) a Close carrier, which mimics the effect of a stretchy wrap might be a good option.

And you should find this site helpful in deciding.

Lots of people don't get on with ring slings so don't let that put you off. Nearly everyone prefers one particular type over another.

Great link - thanks MoominMymbleanMy

I really like the look of the Close carrier (here's the link for anyone else who may be interested). Obviously not as versatile as the stretchy wraps but easier to master. I'm guessing you'd probably start with one of these then if all goes well consider moving to something like a stretch wrap when baby gets older and more positions/weight distribution options are needed.

Stretchy wraps are great with a new born and up to 6 mths ish but then most people find the weight of the baby makes them sag a bit and they need something more supportive like a woven wrap or mei-tai (rather than tying a stretchy wrap in different ways). I'd definitely go for one though as they are so easy to use if you pre-tie it and if you buy second hand you should be able to get your money back selling when you need something sturdier

Thanks newlark

You've all been so helpful - thank you

I'm thinking a spot of ebay shopping is in order. I shall let you all know what I end up buying!

Hi, I loved my Moby wrap when my little girl was younger (she's 12 months old now). It was so easy to tie and she slept as soon as I'd wrapped her . Have a look here www.invodo.com/Demo/p/Z1BS1001. I'm going to sell mine if you're interested, it's moss green and in excellent condition...would like £20 delivered .

browny - done! I'll have it! Can you contact me with how I can send you the £20. Thanks

Hiya Lucasmama08, I've just tried to contact you through mumsnet, but I had a message saying that you haven't signed up for CAT yet. If you can let me know your e-mail address, I will be able to let you know my paypal details. I've only got the one e-mail address but it has my r.l. name so I wouldn't feel comfortable posting that .

Hi browny my email address also has my rl name in it so I have set up the imaginatively titled address of anonymous-me at live dot co dot uk.

If you could post on here when you have emailed me and I'll check it. Many thanks!

Hiya, I've just sent an e-mail to that address...hope it gets to you o.k. .

Hi, I've just sent you an e-mail, but I'll leave a message here for you too, I posted your wrap today , sorry it's taken me all week to get around to it...don't know where the time has gone . Hopefully it will be with you tomorrow . x