Advice please - Sling or Close Carrier

[Elocin]

I'm after some help on this one please...

I have an Ergo, but am looking for something not as structured that's easy for both DH and I to 'throw on' - especially in the early newborn days.

I have been looking at either a MiniMonkey Sling or a Close Carrier.

What did you chose - sling or a wrap-style carrier?

Which did you prefer for a newborn and why?

Thanks in advance!!

[PumpkinZulu]

Close Carrier a million times for us, we wanted something EASY to slip on, no thought or effort, and the CC was that. Snug, comfy and easy DD loved it.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Ive got both (though I have a bubba moe sling but its simular). I would pick the close carrier easily over the sling when DD was a newborn. Unless you can carry your newborn in the sling while bub is upright. In the cradle position isnt the safest option anymore as it puts their chins to their chest and can restrict breathing. I didnt feel comfortable using a sling with DD until she was about 4 months old.

The close carrier is easy and comfortable. Also quite affordable

[Ambersky]

Of those two, the close carrier by far. The minimonkey has padded rails which personally i am not a fan the rails can not be adjusted independently (like a true ring sling can) and I don't believe the positioning for a new born is optimal.

[Jellyfish]

I had a Close Carrier for DD1 that I used for about 9 months and then I used the Ergo. DD1 was rocked to sleep when she didn't fall asleep at the breast in one or the other for 18 months of her life.

For DD2 I have a Sling (Breeze Baby) and then a Beetlebums Buckle (very similar to the Ergo).

I have to say I much prefer the Sling but a proper ring sling. It is cooler (temperature wise) and easier for us. It is also smaller so fits in my bag easier etc. I wouldnt recommend the minimonkey though as I think it has padded rails? One without is much more versatile and easy to adjust/get comfortable. I also find it easier for breastfeeding in. I did love the Close Carrier too but it is just so bulky and hot.

[HotI]

definitely Close Carrier. DD hated mini monkey and i ended up taking it back.

[Eenee]

Yep close carrier for sure! I have a peanut shell sling but used it once.

[~Hestia~]

I only have a Close Carrier so can't compare, but Buster and I both lurve it! Once I got the hang of it, it has been so easy to throw on. He falls asleep instantly! I'm really dreading when he gets too big for it!

[Ambersky]

Then you can discover the world of woven wraps Hestia

[Epacris]

I just wanted to say that there is a huge difference between ring slings and pouch slings (Bubba Moe and Mini Monkey are pouch slings). With ring slings you can adjust the two rails independently and get a fantastic, safe and comfortable fit, for you and your baby, from birth through to toddlerhood. Pouch slings have a closed tail so you can’t adjust either of the rails. They usually have a buckle that you can open and close and pull tighter to bring the sling closer to your body. They really can’t be safely used with a newborn and are only of limited use with older babies and toddlers because it is impossible to adjust them so that you get a really snug and secure fit. Ring slings are awesome and so versatile, I can’t recommend them highly enough. HTH.

[FabFiona]

I've had both. Close carrier by a million votes. Both my boys liked being upright.

[Jellyfish]

I just wanted to say that there is a huge difference between ring slings and pouch slings (Bubba Moe and Mini Monkey are pouch slings). With ring slings you can adjust the two rails independently and get a fantastic, safe and comfortable fit, for you and your baby, from birth through to toddlerhood. Pouch slings have a closed tail so you can’t adjust either of the rails. They usually have a buckle that you can open and close and pull tighter to bring the sling closer to your body. They really can’t be safely used with a newborn and are only of limited use with older babies and toddlers because it is impossible to adjust them so that you get a really snug and secure fit. Ring slings are awesome and so versatile, I can’t recommend them highly enough. HTH.

Yeah, definitely has to be a proper ring sling not a pouch, I had a pouch with DD1 and it was horrible, even as a toddler I could never get it comfortable!

Will also add that a with a ring sling you can wear the baby upright.

[LuluHB]

If you were getting a ring sling or carrier purely for putting your newborn in to go from the car into school to pick up other LOs and then straight back to the car again, would you all still suggest the close carrier? I'm seriously unco-ordinated and it seems like a bit of wrapping and tying (although not as much as hugabub or similar).

I was thinking about getting the sakura bloom sling - thought it would be really quick to get on, get bub in and get out of again. I have an ergo that I will use when she's bigger, but want something quick and easy for the early months.

Sorry to hijack Elocin, but you've asked pretty much what I was going to ask ;-)

[Ambersky]

Sakura's are great Ring Slings, beautiful wide shoulder and great fabrics. Easy to on/off, and if bub is colicy/refluxy the upright tummy to tummy position is a godssend.
The advantage of a true RS is also it has a much longer useful time span than the Close Carrier, as you can do a hip or tummy carry with an older baby, and hip carries with toddler for as long as you can carry their weight. Having mt 2.5yo in the RS through the School car park is great compared to the little ones diving away from Mums.

[luna moth]

Close carrier. Really easy to put on, and comfy. I found it the only one with a newborn that I could put on without having to put the baby down.

[Elocin]

Thanks everyone!

Lulu, that's pretty much what I was getting at too - if I need to run into the shops, what would be easier?

Lots of awesome feedback. Much appreciated!!

[Cassius2]

def a Close Carrier for when they are newborn.

we also have the ergo and ring sling that latter we use all the time now...great for travelling!

...so what i am getting at here is: buy them all

[Elocin]

...so what i am getting at here is: buy them all

I think that's what DH is afraid of.

I had to explain the difference between the Ergo, the Close Carrier and a sling last night. Bless him... he just smiled and walked away shaking his head. I think he's given up considering I change my mind so often