I'm a total newcomer to this whole sling business - DD1 spent a small amount of time in a Baby Bjorn and neither DH nor I found it comfy, and I always worried about the lack of head support for her.
So I've been doing some research and it sounds like these slingy-thingers are the way to go - I'm hearing so many good things, and all the research is saying, 'BUY ONE! BUY ONE!'
...Being a female, how can I resist *that*?
So, seeing as I can't find any slings locally, I'm looking a little further afield - to the kitted-out baby goods store an hour away. They stock heaps of brands, but the ones I'm interested in, and would like some help with, are as follows:
- Ergo
- Peanut Shell
- Bubba Moe
- BabaSling
Now, I know *nothing* about slings. Not one of my friends has ever used one. I intend to try a few of these on next time we're up that way in order to make the final decision, but any personal experiences with these slings would be much appreciated. I'm intending on using it for DD2, obviously (who is 3 weeks old), and would like one that can carry her for at least a year. I'm BFing, and quite like the idea of a sling I can feed her in (I hear this is possible?! Awesome!) because many's the time she decides she's hungry when I just cannot sit down and put my feet up for a quick top-up.
And, I would much prefer something that's a relatively simple affair - straps and buckles and wrapping and OMG I'm all tangled up and bubs still isn't in here yet?! I like things to be easy (I know, I'm lazy).
The ergo is a great design but bulkier than the others you mention which are pouch slings (the ergo is based on the asian mei tai carrier, less bulky versions are babyhawk, ellaroo).
We have pouch slings and mei tei and ergo. They all have different uses. We found up till recently the mei tai best, but we have started to use the ergo more now as ds is heavier ( the ergo can hold the weight better for you back long term). The pouch sling is handy for up to 30 mins, I`d never wear it to walk to the shops, but I would wear the mei tai or ergo to the shops. All of them are worn around home and as for feeding, hmmm , well I am still trying that out. I did successfully feed ds when he was 3 mths in the mei tai when we were having lunch in a cafe, but so far I have not found it very easy to do.
I do not like one shoulder slings at all. They make one shoulder quite stiff very quickly. I wouldn't use one for more than about 10 minutes... quickly ducking into the shop.
Structured carriers like the Baby Bjorn are ok, but a lot of people find that their bubs throw their heads back a lot and seem uncomfortable. I have one and cant get my baby in and out on my own, her legs get stuck .
I have tried a close carrier and loved it so much I am getting one. For me, wraps are just the best!
OK, based on everything you have said, you may well find that you want a quick and easy, in and out carrier like a pouch (great for newbies, and short wears for older babies, generally easy to feed in if your bub is happy to be in a cradle carry, not as easy to feed vertically in as they can't be adjusted but still do-able, sized to the wearer, so not good if dad or someone else wants to wear too), and something like an Ergo for when she is bigger.
An Ergo really comes into its own as a toddler carrier, especially for back carries. I personally found it difficult to feed in, because it is rigid enough to prevent a sufficient 'drop down' when loosened to move bubs down to the boob (this is pretty easy in a mei tai, but not so easy in a carrier with a very heavily structured waist band and seat darts like the Ergo).
Most in-carrier feeders that I know of prefer ring slings, wraps and mei-tais for feeding, as they can be loosened and tightened to bring baby to and from the boob. Sure, they have a slightly longer learning curve than a pouch, but a pouch may not give you this flexibility, I've heard that this can especially be problematic for women with large breasts.
Out of the ones you listed I would go with an ergo. We used one from birth and I love love loved it, still do and Ashton is 11kg. I use it as a back carry now and it's so comfy and supportive. Only one tip is that the infant insert isn't good for bigger boobies. I had E in the beginning and couldn't get it in comfy so after a play I worked out a way that Ash could go in and be comfy without it.
I've used a pouch/sling before and found them very akward and uncomfy, could be because when I did use it my baby was 8kg, and it really pulled on one shoulder and gave me a sore back.
If your open to suggestions, I say go a Mei Tai. Out of all the carriers I have that is my fav by far. It's so great and the front and back carry are very very comfy, it's straps but it's very easy to tie and in no time you will have it worked out and be able to do it with your eyes closed.
If your able to jump on the babywearing downunder group on google you can loan some carriers from there. They have a lending database
Maybe once your more confident you can try a wrap. Also a great BW item!
for us personally the babasling was handy when bub wanted to b close n I needed to get things done. As pp mentioned its tad straining on the shoulder on long uses but good for short trips.
we love the Ergo but its hard to sit when strapped due to the waist padding. its balances the weight pretty well and we take bub to the footy in an Ergo as it keeps him warm too. Nowadays I put bub in a meitai on my back if I need housework done as I get more mobility this way, bending to hang washing & dishes etc
Feeding wise I've done it in both the babasling n Ergo. One the bub lies sideways, the other they koala hug u n feed.
That's how we've done things anyways. Hth
BubbaMoe gets a hell no from me. it does not adjust small enough for petite people. DH is 6 foot and solid and has it pretty small.
out of the slings I would say the peanut shell for short wears, and the ergo for longer wears. I find the Ergo quite easy to feed in, and I love the privacy hood
I have used the Ergo with DS since birth and have found it fantastic. For newborn, we had the newborn insert and had no troubles feeding. I BF'd him lots while in the Ergo. Once they are out of the newborn insert, it does become a bit more tricky to feed because they are more upright. Other than that, I think the Ergo is perfect. I still carry DS in the front carry position too, although I'll have to start going on to the back carry once this bump gets bigger.
Cheers for all the advice, girls I'm looking into ordering an Ergo online, the only ones our local baby store stocks is Bubba Moe and although they have an ADORABLE leopard-print one (oh I'm such a sucker for leopard print lol), I think an Ergo sounds like the best way to go for what I need
I'm narrowing it down... I just need your help!
(I know, I'm lazy). 
Reply With Quote, well I am still trying that out. I did successfully feed ds when he was 3 mths in the mei tai when we were having lunch in a cafe, but so far I have not found it very easy to do.
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