Best baby sling

yellow hen

I'm thinking of investing in a baby sling that both me and my husband can use. I haven't a clue what in looking for amongst all the available brands. Has anyone who uses one any thoughts or could they recommend theirs?

pwurple

It's a toughy. The supposedly better inward slings are all completely girly, so blokes won't wear them. My husband used the baby bjorn, with baby facing in. It is navy and has lots of manly looking straps and buckles. kinda like combat gear. We never used it facing out though. We switched to a backpack type one at that stage.

How Strange

I have the ergo sling. You can buy the newborn insert so its suitable for even a teeny tiny baba. It's masculine enough to appeal to the dads too. It's also very good for anyone with shoulder and back problems which I have as it disperses the weight evenly.

They are pricey but worth it if you think you'd use it a lot.

There's also a baby wearing association and they have a library of slings which they loan out for two weeks for a small fee.

You kind of need to try a few to see which suits you best.

The website won't open on my phone but it's www.babywearingireland.ie

cyning

I'd steer away from the baby bjorn too: the manduca or the ergo are both available in plain blacks. Nice for mum and dad but baby wearing Ireland is a fantastic source of info

emer_b

It's worth considering one that can be adapted for inward and outward facing.
My little lady used the inward facing a handful of times as a newborn but as soon as she could support her neck she was only happy facing out, she's so nosy! She was never great to sleep in it but once she was happy looking out it freed up my hands to get a few things done, was a life saver!

Moonbeam

I have an Ergo, a samsonite and 2 baba slings.

The samsonite is too big for me but my husband likes it,I love the baba slings so had 2 for when 1 was in the wash , I bought an Ergo for this baby and am undecided between which I love the most but probably the baba sling.

Neyite

We had a demonstration at our mother and baby group ran by the PHN of different slings, and the babybjorn is not recommened by them because the correct position for the baby's legs in a sling should be bent to like frogs, not dangling because its not good for the hips to have them dangle like that.

How Strange

The ergo has their legs tucked up frog style from newborn once you buy the insert.

Hobbitfeet

We have Manduca and ring sling. Manduca is great so easy to use and dp likes wearing it..he looks so good in it
I used it from birth but I think next time I'd prefer a woven wrap for newborn and keep Manduca for when they are couple of months old

Ginny

We got a custom made madame googoo, she's on Facebook, gorgeous carriers! I have 2 wovens and a ring sling now, but we use the googoo a lot more as its quick up and down when were out.
You should hire some from babywearing Ireland, €15 to hire 2 sling/carriers for 2 weeks and try out what you think you might like.

liliq

I'd definitely recommend hiring something from Babywearing Ireland before buying.
A lot of them are expensive but have a great resale value.
I have an ergo that I used until my son was around 14 months, then he was too big for it. I then got a Huckepack as
A buckle carrier.
I have a ring sling that can be used from newborn to any age really, I use it comfortably now and my son is a large 18 months. It's not very appealing to daddies though!
A mei tai might be an option either, they range from baby size to pre school size, and can be reversable so a plain side for daddy and a pretty side for mama

How Strange

I'm actually looking for a sling type carrier for no.2 as I think it would help trying to manage a newborn and a toddler. Plus I intend to ignore all the well intentioned advice of putting the baby down so as not to spoil him. This one will be carried as much as she/he and I want to.

I must get in contact with babywearingireland and see what they'd recommend.

I've got shoulder and back problems so it has to be easy for me to wear. I'll use my ergo too but perhaps a sling would be more comforting for the new born stage.

iguana

I found a stretchy wrap best for the newborn stage as I could just wear it all day like a type of t-shirt and then just slip him in and out of it. I could also feed him in it with both hands free so could feed him in it while making dinner or vacuuming.

foodaholic

How Strange wrote: »

I've got shoulder and back problems so it has to be easy for me to wear. I'll use my ergo too but perhaps a sling would be more comforting for the new born stage.

I have a bad back too and have never had any problems with using my slings . I have a ring sling, woven and a olives and applesauce ssc.

There is a Facebook group Babywearing ireland Sling addicts and support - there are regular sling meetings you can go to and talk to other wearers

How Strange

I borrowed one ring type sling on my son and it really wasn't for me. I could feel it dragging off my shoulder straight away. Yep I'm going to get in contact with baby wearing ireland.

wmpdd3

i found the moby great when he was newborn as it wass so balanced, when you spear out the shoulder pieces, you forget you are carrying him! I never got the hannging of b/feeding in it though.

dublinlady

I would love love love to be able breast feed hands free while feeding my 13 month old! That's the dream! I bought the ergo as thought it would be ok for this? Like the ergo for number 1 anyway - so got the baby insert the other day!

How Strange

dublinlady I never managed the hands free feeding but then again I'm all fingers and thumbs awkward. I never even mastered the scarf draped over as I always seemed to put it the wrong way around and just expose myself.

dublinlady

How Strange wrote: »

dublinlady I never managed the hands free feeding but then again I'm all fingers and thumbs awkward. I never even mastered the scarf draped over as I always seemed to put it the wrong way around and just expose myself.

Hehe! I could usually manage to cosy her up at the kitchen table with a breast feeding pillow but it was pretty awkward cos I had to use nipple shields which did make it very tricky! I'm not sure whether id manage with the ergo tho! Will see if my confidence grows once I've tried it normally! Between the carrier and the latch ill need a lot of luck!

Do babies sleep well in the ergo? My 1 yr old would never but I think it's cos her head is kinda unsupported in it and she'd have to be totally wiped out to let it fall on our chests - independent women and all that! I feel if she could rest it against the side we might manage.

How Strange

Yes, well my son used to doze off in it quite happily. It'd be more of a catnap than a sleep but I found it great going around the shops, in the airport etc. Maybe it depends on the baby too as my son always loved me holding him all the time. He still does which isnt so easy anymore. Other babies, like your little one, may be a bit more independent and would rather their own space.

RentDayBlues

I have the caboo/close sling carrier and its one of the best purchases we made. My daughter is now 8 months/18lbs and she still loves it and I have recently put her forward facing.

I could feed her in it and she slept in it for hours, we went to a rugby game when she was 4 months and she slept in it for over 3 hours despite noise! I also found during growth spurts or grumpy days having her on my chest helped her a lot.

I have a bad back since pregnancy but no problems using the sling. We also have the baby bjorn and I find it really uncomfortable.

I don't know anyone else with this carrier but maybe its under another name.

iguana

I can feed Sam in the Ergo now but when he was smaller and I was using the infant insert it didn't work as the instant I put him in it, he'd fall asleep. Literally instantaneously, it was very funny.

dublinlady

iguana wrote: »

I can feed Sam in the Ergo now but when he was smaller and I was using the infant insert it didn't work as the instant I put him in it, he'd fall asleep. Literally instantaneously, it was very funny.

Finding it tricky to decide if that's a pro or a con...

wmpdd3

Yeah, as soon as I put him in the insert he was in sleepy mode.
I had a love/hate relationship with the insert, I had to place it on the passanger seat of the car, then move baby from the carseat in the backseat, to the insert and then put him in the carrier. Where as with the moby, I'd wear it under my coat and just stick him in.


The longest my daughter slept in the ergo was 3 hrs at the Tall Ships race. I was so worried she was OK, but she loved it and I really did forget I was carrying her! She would have been 10 months. I know I did keep the side sliders quite tight and this kept her head still and on my chest, so she was quite supported. My son hates this and loves looking around and grabbing things. I mostly back carry him now at 14 months.



My friend could feed her little one in the ergo, but it was her third and the baby could use her fist to put the nipple in his mouth at 5 months, honestly! The mum knew instantly if the latch was right. Where as each latch was a menenouver for me! And a nipple shield user!

liliq

I managed to feed a couple of times in the ergo but it was with some serious manoeuvre ing!
I think if I had a newborn I'd definitely go with a stretchy wrap or jpmbb, and my ring sling.
How strange, (and anyone else who is interested) there's an informal sling meet in panda play cafe in terenure on Tuesday if you wanted to check out some strechy wraps etc. it's great if its your second bub cos you can bring the bigger kids to play there while checking out slings

How Strange

Lol wmpdd3, maybe it's a 3rd child thing!

liliq what time is that meet up on tomorrow at? The little prince will be in creche so it'll it's be me and the one that's cooking!

dublinlady

liliq wrote: »

I managed to feed a couple of times in the ergo but it was with some serious manoeuvre ing!
I think if I had a newborn I'd definitely go with a stretchy wrap or jpmbb, and my ring sling.
How strange, (and anyone else who is interested) there's an informal sling meet in panda play cafe in terenure on Tuesday if you wanted to check out some strechy wraps etc. it's great if its your second bub cos you can bring the bigger kids to play there while checking out slings

That's brill - it's between 11-3? Ill hopefully make it about 12 or 1!
Love that place anyway - so good to get the little ones interacting when they don't get to see kids otherwise!

iguana

Oh, I'm so sad I moved. I used to live a few minutes from there and it would have been great to meet some of you in person.

youdneverguess

Another recommendation for the Ergobaby carrier here. They're brilliant, they look nice and the only carrier/ sling of about 7 or 8 that I tried that my son would tolerate. In fact he loves it and sleeps happily in it while I'm food shopping. He's 7 months old and I got it when he was about 4 months old. I don't have the infant insert as he was able to hold his head up himself when I bought it. You need to be careful you buy from an official vendor though as there are a lot of counterfeits around apparently. The only official web site is the ergobaby.com US site. They have a list on it of official suppliers and also a list of places where counterfeit ones have been sold. The ergobaby.ie site is bogus so steer clear. I'm so glad I checked first as I was considering buying online from them. Bought from a shop (Bellababy, via their web site) instead so I know mine is bonafide .

Husband has also used it and finds it comfortable and not too girly. You can get very plain if you have a particularly fussy OH. Don't get a Babybjorn. They're not good for baby hips, are very expensive considering the fact that the baby grows out of them very quickly. Also they are not very ergonomic. I've heard good things about Beco and Manduca carriers though.

Moonbeam

My issues with the ergo are is that it can be akward to get on on your own and I could not feed him in it, I still love it though.

zinzan

We used the Simply good Snugly sling with our little fella, website is here
Also a video on youtube here.

Found it secure, safe and versatile and comfortable for either of us to carry... definitely recommend it! Makes for very easy travelling, and our fella
slept well in it too. It is also very easy to use and get the hang of.

It is also not overly padded/fluffy like some others of this type are so the baby whilst being secure and cosy, isn't too enclosed when in it.

Oral Slang

I have a jpmbb, which I still use & my little one is 17 months. I can still feed her in it if I want to - handy if I'm trying to cook dinner & she's under my feet.

I have a connecta which is great too, haven't ever tried feeding her in it. Not overly keen on the back carry with it though, so still kind of on the hunt for one that the back carry is more comfy with.

I have a scootababy which a lot of people love, but my daughter is a leaner because she's so nosy, so unless I have her really tight, it's not as comfy as the other 2.

I bought a ringsling a few weeks ago, but not sure I'm using it correctly & also don't think it's as good quality as other ones on the Babywearing pages. I put my daughter into it the other week & she just straightened her legs & popped out of it.

The only sling I bought new was the JPMBB, the rest I bought from people on the babywearing Ireland Facebook page.

Would love a mei tai but think my other half would have a nervous breakdown if I appeared home with another sling. Was trying to win them on the babywearing dip page over Easter, but alas won nothing.

How Strange

That's a lot of slings/carriers Orla Slang! I'm really leaning towards the jpmbb. It's a bit expensive but I'll probably be able to sell it on when I'm finished with it. Good to hear you still use it at 17 months. I love my ergo but I want something softer for the newborn stage.

Oral Slang

How Strange wrote: »

That's a lot of slings/carriers Orla Slang! I'm really leaning towards the jpmbb. It's a bit expensive but I'll probably be able to sell it on when I'm finished with it. Good to hear you still use it at 17 months. I love my ergo but I want something softer for the newborn stage.

haha, I also have a babasling, which I used as a quick up & down sling when she was smaller. A lot of people don't like them but I found it grand. Yes, that's the good thing about the official, brand name slings, they keep their value. There's a JPMBB for sale on the babywearing area of Rollercoaster. Couldn't tell you if it's still available, as the ad is almost a month old, but it's up for €55, so good value!

How Strange

Thanks! I'll take a look now!

Nead21

Has anyone tried the Moby sling? I like the idea of a fabric sling for my 12day old

liliq

I haven't used it personally but know a few people that have and really like it. It's lighter than the JPMBB so maybe nicer for over the summer, especially if you're planning on travelling at all.
Just make sure you have it on really tight before putting baby into it so she's nice and snug

Moonbeam

After a few months of using the Ergo with the huge nearly 4 month old and the tiny 2 year old it is my new favourite sling.
I have even read the instructions and learned how to close it myself:)
I found it terrible for breast feeding but brilliant if the 2 year old gets cranky and wants to be up or when the baby gets cranky in the house and I am running around after the others.

yellow hen

Moonbeam wrote: »

After a few months of using the Ergo with the huge nearly 4 month old and the tiny 2 year old it is my new favourite sling.
I have even read the instructions and learned how to close it myself:)
I found it terrible for breast feeding but brilliant if the 2 year old gets cranky and wants to be up or when the baby gets cranky in the house and I am running around after the others.

I have the ergo too and I love it but my 8 week old us beginning to getter active and hates the newborn insert. I look forward to being able to use it without the insert.

Moonbeam

mine was too big for it by that stage so I fet a bit hard done by having bought it and never used it as the baba sling was better when he was smaller.

Oral Slang

Nead21 wrote: »

Has anyone tried the Moby sling? I like the idea of a fabric sling for my 12day old

The moby is supposed to be great, but the big advantage of the JPMBB is that it lasts until the baby is much older. I still use mine with my 18 month old, whereas you can only use the moby until they're about 6 months I think.

Nead21

I ended up ordering the jpmbb online based on that fact and it arrived today :-)

Tried it while baby had a (very) short nap. Will definitely need practice putting it on but so far im happy.

wmpdd3

You'll get the hang of it, I used to have it written down and then I had to stick it on one day and I just did it without thinking. Then a year later when I had the second it just came naturally, like tying your shoe laces.

uli84

I can't make up my mind between JPMBB, Snugbaby and Babyhawk. I know the last 2 are technically carriers but would anyone be able to advise or maybe point out any weaknesses...
My baby is 2 months old & I am rather small (160 cm) Thanks.

Nead21

I had my first outing in the jpmbb to my local la leche coffee morning. I found it really comfortable once i had it on (following youtube closely!) and my little man seemed to enjoy it. I even managed my first public feeding :-)