Babywearing Thread!

Moonbeam

jlm29 wrote: »

Have decided to buy a carrier, so I can avoid trying to push my older boy on his bike, while also pushing baby in the pram! He's 3 mths (but big, and long). I've tried a Connecta and liked it. Also interested in the Kibi or the Tula- any opinions anyone? I know the Kibi is for 4 mths up, but I figure he will be just about that by the time I eventually get it!
I've applied to borrow from the sling library (Tula and Kibi), but I'd be interested to hear if anyone can compare any of them for me!

I love the Kibi but when I went to buy one there were so colours in stock that I liked so I got a Buzzidil and I have to say I love it.

moving_home

Speedwell wrote: »

Hi babywearers I'm looking for some advice.

I'm close to 50 and have no babies myself, but almost 20 years ago when I was thinking of having one, I bought one of the early-model Maya Wrap pouches (they look like this http://www.mummysmilk.com/store/images/POUCH%202%20-%20200.jpg). It is washed and soft and strong and beautiful, and has never been used. My husband's youngest sister is having her third in a few months, and I was wondering if that pouch style is still considered useful and safe these days. If so, I'd like to give it to her.

If not, I'd like to sew her a ring sling. Where can I get the fabric and rings (nearish to me, or in Galway, where I'll be going in a month for my specialist, or online) for less than buying a new one?

Pouch style really isn't recommended especially for newborns as if they aren't used correctly they can compromise their airways. There is a brand that have actually been recalled for this reason.
Personally I think you should buy a sling if you want to get her one. Little Frog ring slings are only around €45 in Snugglebugs. I'd be afraid of using the incorrect material and or toxic material (think of baby chewing on the material) and the sling not being safe. Alternatively a great gift would be to pay for a consultation for her and she can try out a few and see what she likes and if babywearing is for her.

Speedwell

Thanks, moving_home. Money is tight at my place at the moment, so I might make something else for her than a baby sling, but I really see a need for one in her life (and her husband's!). If it helps, I did work in a fabric shop for a few years in the US, so I share your carefulness about sourcing the right sort of fabric, and I happen to have some on hand that could do (strong, safe, washable, soft but not slippery). If I could find a pattern for a tie sling, that would be even better (I remember when there was a question about ring safety), but so far I can only find patterns for ring slings and pouches. Any leads?

I'll check out the Facebook group too, but I don't want to tip off my SIL.

dori_dormer

jlm29 wrote: »

Have decided to buy a carrier, so I can avoid trying to push my older boy on his bike, while also pushing baby in the pram! He's 3 mths (but big, and long). I've tried a Connecta and liked it. Also interested in the Kibi or the Tula- any opinions anyone? I know the Kibi is for 4 mths up, but I figure he will be just about that by the time I eventually get it!
I've applied to borrow from the sling library (Tula and Kibi), but I'd be interested to hear if anyone can compare any of them for me!

If you have any kind of back issues you should look into the lillebaby. I also liked the ergo 360 but it didn't last very long. If you can get to a sling meet or ask on the babywearingireland fb page as to what would be most suitable for a bigger/ longer child.

Tony kealys also had them both in stock as well as a few other brands

moving_home

Speedwell wrote: »

Thanks, moving_home. Money is tight at my place at the moment, so I might make something else for her than a baby sling, but I really see a need for one in her life (and her husband's!). If it helps, I did work in a fabric shop for a few years in the US, so I share your carefulness about sourcing the right sort of fabric, and I happen to have some on hand that could do (strong, safe, washable, soft but not slippery). If I could find a pattern for a tie sling, that would be even better (I remember when there was a question about ring safety), but so far I can only find patterns for ring slings and pouches. Any leads?

I'll check out the Facebook group too, but I don't want to tip off my SIL.

I don't know much about fabrics but I know it needs to have a certain amount of movement but not be too stretchy and only certain types of weaves are suitable. People on the Facebook group have made their own so hopefully you will get some tips. You can buy the rings from Snugglebugs too (no affiliation I swear!).

mjavi

jlm I agree with dori_dormer that lillebaby is the way to go if you have back issues as it has a really good lumbar support. We tried moby wrap but it took us minutes just to get the wrap correctly.

We bought ours online at a fair price and delivery was on time.

Speedwell

moving_home wrote: »

I don't know much about fabrics but I know it needs to have a certain amount of movement but not be too stretchy and only certain types of weaves are suitable. People on the Facebook group have made their own so hopefully you will get some tips. You can buy the rings from Snugglebugs too (no affiliation I swear!).

Here's the fabric and rings discussion I found, if it helps anyone. http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/fabric.html

jlm29

I've no back trouble at all (luckily!). I've applied to hire the Tula and the Kibi from the sling library, so hopefully I'll be able to try them.

Suucee

jlm29 wrote:

I've no back trouble at all (luckily!). I've applied to hire the Tula and the Kibi from the sling library, so hopefully I'll be able to try them.

I find them both very differnet. Kibi is alot thinner straps and can cross on your back. I find crossing way more comfortable. Its also very expandable. Normally 4mnths to 4yrs. . Saying all that im not a fan. Just something i dont really like about it. Dont find it as comfortable. The tula cant cross on your back and straps are more padded. I like tula but wouldnt say i love it. Its very quick and easy to put on but because ot doesnt cross on the back i find it a bit uncomfortable after a while. My OH loves tula though .

Slings are like jeans so many types. Im sure you will find something though.
My fav is beco. Love it.

Can you get to a meet. The national library is great for hiring but a sling meet is great because you can try alot at one meet and get a feel . Then hire which ever one you think you like. National library is great though if you cant get to a meet.

jlm29

Suucee wrote: »

I find them both very differnet. Kibi is alot thinner straps and can cross on your back. I find crossing way more comfortable. Its also very expandable. Normally 4mnths to 4yrs. . Saying all that im not a fan. Just something i dont really like about it. Dont find it as comfortable. The tula cant cross on your back and straps are more padded. I like tula but wouldnt say i love it. Its very quick and easy to put on but because ot doesnt cross on the back i find it a bit uncomfortable after a while. My OH loves tula though .

Slings are like jeans so many types. Im sure you will find something though.
My fav is beco. Love it.

Can you get to a meet. The national library is great for hiring but a sling meet is great because you can try alot at one meet and get a feel . Then hire which ever one you think you like. National library is great though if you cant get to a meet.

Thanks for that! I can't get to a meet, because there's none near me. I did go for a consult, but was a bit disappointed that the lady didn't have a huge selection of buckles- I was able to out rule a few though, which was quite helpful! It also confirmed that I definitely want buckles! I don't think I'll use it a huge amount, that's why I don't want to get something that will be outgrown too quickly! I'll wait and see how I get on with the ones I've applied to the library for, and I'll go from there! At least the resale value is excellent, so if I do get one and don't like it, I can sell it on without too much of a loss