Need to buy a sling for 5 mo, help!

[M78]

I have a nearly 5 mo DD2 and need to buy a sling to take on holiday next week, I am looking for something easy to put on, that does not hurt my back ( have been using a baby Bjorn, but it really kills my neck) and that I can put the baby in facing forward as well. I have also bought a baba sling, but did not like it at all. I am planning of doing quite a bit of walking, so I really need something that does not put too much strain on my back/shoulders. I had a look on internet, but there are so many different types that I felt a bit lost! So far I thought the Wilkinet and the MeiTai were probably the most suitable, but I am open to suggestions! Thanks!

I have not used one, but I have heard much praise for the Mei Tai.

It's quite difficult finding a "non-complex" one that can do forward facing. I have ended up returning to my trusty 4th hand wilkinet as my daughter also loves to face forward at the moment (she's 5 months too). It does the job- supportive and pretty easy to put on once you have the knack. I have a connecta, which is beautiful and comfortable to wear but it doesn't do forward facing. I'm hoping it will come into its own again for back carries when she's a bit bigger.

I would go for a Mei Tai- we have a BabyHawk and it is brilliant.
Wrap slings are probably the best for reducing strain on back and shoulders but they have a steep learning curve and if you are going away next week now is not the time to master one!

It is possible (I think) to do forward facing carries in a Mei Tai but not really recommended for a variety of reasons. It puts a lot more strain on your back because the centre of gravity is all wrong, and the baby can't make eye contact with you or burrow in if the world becomes too much. From 5-6 months their neck control is much better so they can look around from a parent facing position anyway. Or you can go for a back carry.

I'd suggest going for the Wilkinet - facing forward in the Wilkinet gives plenty of support under the thighs for baby (not suspended on their pelvic area as they are in some 'clip-carriers'). It's also v. comfortable for parent because the straps still draw the baby snugly onto your torso whether facing forwards or backwards.

Re. comments from FaintlyMacabre... I've heard a couple of people saying about facing forward being 'emotionally' negative... but I think it's a nonsense. Our three loved facing forward more than any other position... they're all fine. Most brands that promote the idea that it's not safe are usually carriers where you don't have the option at all.

Don't think Mei Tais are suitable for front carrying facing out, the fabric 'back support' area is very wide for babys legs and might cut in.

Without wanting to gang up on faintlymacabre, I must say I totally agree re forward facing = emotionally negative stuff being bunkum, Alex. I think it's quite hard to make much eye contact even when they're facing you, without contorting somewhat. It is lovely when they snuggle in and fall asleep on your chest though.

I wouldn't mind carrying my DD2 facing in, but she only seems happy in this position(at the moment) when she is tired and she needs to go to sleep, if she is awake she is only happy facing forward and this is why I would like a sling that gives me the option.

The facing-out thing is tricky. In faintly's defence, there are practical and physiological reasons why facing-in is better for your child's legs, back and hips - see e.g. this - a view shared by lots of wrap sling makers whose products can easily be used that way if you're so inclined, so it's not just sour-grapes! But on the other hand, you know your baby and how she likes to be carried, you'll come up with something that suits you both. My DS also like to see the world a bit more from about your DD's age, but he's happy in a high back carry peeking over my shoulder - try a hip carry too, if the carrier you end up with allows it, though this isn't so great for long walks. I'd definitely say choose something that can go on your back, you'll get more use from it, well into toddlerhood.
We use a babyhawk mei tai too, it's very easy to get the hang of and you can probably get one second hand for about £30.
Have a lovely holiday

I can't praise my Kari-me highly enough. It's fantastic. We got it when DD was 3 months old and she'd 14 months now and I was still using it during the snow this month.
No buckles or straps, and it fits anyone without adjusting. You need to learn how to tie it but that only takes 5 minutes. You can put it on before you go out, and then drive wearing it (obv not with the baby in it!). You can breastfeed when you have it on, and it is very useful for lots of other things, like making a sun shade, or an extra blanket. You can get them new for about £30 or try ebay.

Oh yes, and the way you spread the fabric out, you hardly feel any strain on your back. I found DD was held much closer in to me than in a baby bjorn or wilkinet, which meant less strain on my back. Link here: www.kari-me.com/

Thanks for all your messages,I have just ordered a kari-me, I really liked the look of it and also the fact that they allow you to return it and get a full refund if you are not 100% happy , even after a few weeks. Hopefully I have made the right choice!

That should be grand! Have fun with it, come back and let us know how it works out. www.slingguide.co.uk has lots of links to youtube videos demonstrating ties, if the instructions that come with the Kari-Me are confusing - but like pookamoo says, learning to tie won't take you long at all.
We used a similar stretchy wrap (a Moby) until my DS was about 9 months (after that a woven one seemed more supportive) - every home should have one