Slings/baby carriers

[Esme78]

Dear NCT community

I'd appreciate your advice on the suitable slings/baby carriers for our daughter (currently just over 7 weeks old) - we feel it will give us more freedom to have one but have not been able to source one we like. We don't have NCT Sling Library locally and the local 'Sling Meet' consultation was not particularly helpful. Thank you.

[Novice_knitter]

I tried a few about a month ago for advanced prep for our baby (currently 29+4), I liked the baby bjorn ones. There’s a super soft one 0-1yr, then there’s the ‘air one’ which is a bit more outdoorsy. Both really comfy - I’m actually going to have both - little one for indoors, other one for dog walking. They’re good at showing you in the shops - we went to John Lewis and they were great xx

[Blue107]

I tried numerous ones in John Lewis an decided on a Baby Bjorn one too. I found it incredibly easy to put on and comfortable.

[Cheekymonkey85]

I've got a connecta. Super easy to use, lots of YouTube tutorials if you get stuck. I still use it on my almost 1 year old & used it since birth. They are quite pricey & designs are limited brand new, but there's a Facebook page with pre loved ones on & some of the designs are beautiful x

[Lovefood1984]

I’d personally get a cheap stretchy wrap one for round the house (they are easy to sit down in vs a normal carrier) and I also have an ergobaby 360 which I’ve found handy and comfy too, I’d certainly try a few on if you can, i took a risk with the ergobaby as it was on Amazon prime day for £85 last year vs around £130 elsewhere and I lucked out as it suits me. I’ve also just trailed a new one for the mother and baby awards, supposed to retail for £150 (although I think they are due to launch rather than in the shops now) and I found it really uncomfortable to use and would have been gutted to get spent that money on it x

[AJBee]

I agree a stretchy wrap is unbeatable for the little ones. They love the feeling and it's so natural for them. My boy is nearly 5 months and it still comes out round the house when he's sleepy and I want him to nod off. It's so comforting for them. We only don't use it out and about at the mo as it's be too warm (it essentially adds 3 layers) the bamboo Jersey ones are apparently cooler. The stretchy wraps come in so many brands styles colours and prices but are essentially identical, so as a previous poster says there's no need to spend a fortune!

Sorry your sling library wasnt any good, mine was brill. She's got some good videos on YouTube (MotherRucker Carrying Consultancy)

The main points to consider is the babies leg/hip positioning (forming an M shape) and that they're not just resting entirely on their bottoms, with legs dangling at that age. Also when they are big/strong enough don't overdo front facing as they can easily get over stimulated and have nowhere to turn/hide.

Finally, when/if you do graduate from a stretchy wrap I would definitely look on Facebook marketplace or similar and get one second hand. They're invariably in great condition and a fraction of the cost! Good luck and enjoy xxx

[kt_11]

I borrowed a connecta from the sling library (we kept renewing it so used it for ages) and would recommend it.

I also tried my friend’s ergo baby and that seemed good too.

Quite often it is a case of what works best for you and baby so if you don’t have access to a sling library, I’d recommend looking at pre-owned ones or maybe join some local mums groups on Facebook etc as there might be people who could lend you one to try with your little one before buying. Or like others have said, go to a shop who will help you put it on (it’s very different trying it on with a bump and no baby...!) xx