What sling/carrier to use for 7 month old ?

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Hi, I originally used a close baby carrier with baby until recently, I have recently found it not supportive enough for me with baby. I am very petite, baby is very long and about 8.5kg now.

I want to go out walking on the footpaths in the area and need something sturdier but comfortable. What should I be looking for ?

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I used a wrap sling with DD at that age and weight, I really liked the way it distributed the weight all around and I didn't find it hard to tie. I had a Calin Bleu here cotton one, which is lightweight and narrow compared to other wraps, been walking on the South Downs Way and felt fine with that.

At seven months the world is your oyster when it comes to slings so it really depends on what type appeals to you.

You could use a woven wrap, a mei tai or a soft structured carrier. If you look here - www.slingguide.co.uk it explains the different types, their pros and cons and how to use them.

I moved onto a Soft Structured Carrier when DS outgrew his stretchy wrap. I tried a woven wrap but never got the hang of tying it with him in place so the SSC is perfect for me as I can adjust it first and then just put it on.

I had a bit of a gap though (trying to persevere with woven wrap) and ended up going straight to a Toddler Patapum at 12 months instead. I'd say you could use one with a big baby, you could always just use it on your front until you feel confident to put it on your back.

If not, the Ergo is good but it is twice as expensive!

If you go for a SSC, don't get the Ergo since you are v petite. I am. the waist belt didn't fit me and the shoulder straps kept slipping. I had the original ergo 5 yrs ago so I don't know if the newer one has similar dimensions though.

I have tried the Manduca recently and it fits much better on me than the Ergo did. It is more versatile too and more erm, ergonomic in its styling.

I can't comment on the sizing of the Patapum though.

I also have tried a connecta and it fits really well.

I use mostly wraps and Meitais though and you can use those from birth to 3yrs.

I am very small - under a size 6 at the moment - and find the Patapum fits fine, I haven't tried it without a coat on yet though. Am hoping to have put some more weight on by the summer. I have it on the smallest possible setting and it is comfortable. Haven't tried an Ergo though so can't compare!

This is exactly the same situation I am in, sproggle is 7.5 months.

Although I have used my Close Carrier a lot, I did find it was too big for me, the 'cross' at the back would rise up to high - even with someone holding it down when baby was put in the 2 metal rings where too far forward. Not too mention all the excess material. Were as it fitted my husband perfectly.

Due to finding the 'the one size fits all' of the Close, doesn't actually fit everyone, I did some research & narrowed my choice down to Ergo and Rose & Rebellion. I had very short, unhelpful customer service reply from Ergo and lovely, very helpful customer service response from R&R, so I ordered one. It arrived yesterday, it looks stunning.

You get a 14 day home trial, can't be worn outside. So I'm testing it. I had it on for over an hour yesterday doing Wii Fit Plus - I reckon that'll mimic long walks, with stepping up & down & stuff. Yesterday I did basic step, advanced, 2 lots of hula, skateboarding, obstacle course, ten thing, kung fu & cycling - baby fell asleep during this . During the exercise the carrier felt fine & I had no problems or pain, sproggle really enjoyed it, getting her to nap isn't easy.

My back did feel a little achy around where the waist band sits for a little afterwards, but it was the first time I'd worn it & for quite a while being fairly energetic. That wore off an hour or so later.

Will do more testing & report back.

I also fancy a woven wrap as back up.

next time you can try doing the ironing with it. or maybe not.

sounds like you make a great tester. why don't you feedback this post to R&R. they may give you a small thank you of sorts.

I know not of this ironing you speak of

it's for my own sake really, I can't afford to spend the money for something that isn't perfect, it'll be going back if it hurts or owt!

I forgot to say I'm 5' & a size 8.

Oh & I wangled a discount already

Mrs Dimples - if you're still there, how did you get along with the R&R? I'm roughly the same height/build and I'm thinking of ordering one.

What's the sleep hood like? I can't decide what I think about these - seem essential if baby is going to sleep on your back but I can't see my LO tolerating it unless he's fast asleep.

foxy - my friend is uber petite and she has the new Ergo, fits her perfectly and she finds it very comfy.

Mind you, she only uss it to get her DD off to sleep, don't think she wears it for long walks !

Sorry, late report back

I'm keeping the R&R, I was a little where the straps had been for a day or so to begin with, but I think you'd get that with any new exercise eg if you did an hours horseriding when you hadn't been for ages your thighs, bum & arms would all ache.

I have been using the front carry with the straps crossed over the back, this has been really, really comfy. I've not done any long - over 1 hour - walks yet, but have been out with her in it for over an hour at a time & it is fine.

Last week I travelled from the outskirts of west london to greenwich on public transport, pootled round greenwich & travelled back all with just the R&R. She spend a lot of time asleep .

The only qualms I have I think I would have with any SSC.
1 - when I undo the buckles to let her out / put her in it, when we are out, the straps trail on the floor. This is one of the reasons I went from a stretchy wrap to the Close - does anyone have any suggestions?

2 - When she was asleep the other day, her head was right up against my throat, she used to sleep with her head to side a but more. It was quite uncomfortable.

I've not used the sleep hood yet, maybe try that & a back carry this weekend.