New to this

[jellybean88]

Just wondering I'm thinking of getting some sort of sling thing for next baby I only had a bjorn carrier and did t like it was too uncomfortable and ds just dangled I want something cheap ,comfortable that doesn't make your back sore, uncomplicated , good for bf, good for baby any tips?

[onthefly]

Hi
An open-tailed ring sling is a good option for newbies. Quick and relatively easy to use, somewhat versatile and comfy.
You want something that can be fully adjusted through the rings, not a pouch sling or a somewhat-adjustable pouch sling with rings.
There are quite a few brands you can try - I'm not very knowledgeable on ring slings, so will leave that to others. The Maya Wrap one is often recommended for those just starting out. you can pick them up second-hand at quite reasonable prices.

If you're more interested in a structured, 2-shoulder carrier, then you could look at a soft structured carrier like the manduca.

With regards to price - the carriers and slings with good reputations keep their value quite well. So although you may pay $150+ for things, you can get most of that back when you are finished with it (depending on its condition, obviously). The bjorns don't keep their value very well and like you most people find they're not terribly comfortable to use as baby gets a bit bigger.

[Miss_Dee]

I bought a sakura bloom ring sling for my bub. Sure she's still only tiny, but so far it's been very kind on my back. I have a lower back injury and since the birth my upper back has been giving me grief but when she's in the sling, my back isn't being aggravated at all. It's also very easy to feed her in the sling and very discreet. DF didn't even realise I was feeding her until he stood behind me and looked down. I honestly think its the best purchase I made.

[LuluHB]

Another with a Sakura Bloom ring sling - I got one of the crazy priced designer silk ones off ebay for a brilliant price and its in beautiful condition, but would like to get a linen one for summer. Its been a learning curve because I am seriously uncoordinated but MadB put some great links in one of my threads. Am so glad I perservered because I find it so easy and convenient now. I also use an ergo, which is seriously simple and very comfortable, as well as keeping bub beautiful and snuggly warm through winter.

[~Kim~]

I'm another Sakura bloom fan (it's one of the open ended ring slings MadB was mentioning). I have linen cos I live in the hottest place in Australia and have road tested with a summer bub. Love it.
I does take a bit of getting used to. I know lots of people find it a bit tricky and give up, but I have to say, once we found our groove, it was the easiest thing. The only prob I find is that it restricts one should somewhat and with a littlie as well you may find that an issue.

[LuluHB]

do you have the double or single linen Kim? I'm guessing that even though Miss A is a lightweight I should just bite the bullet and pay more for the double, or can I get away with the single and have hopefully a cooler sling? I know come summer here its going to be way too hot for her to be in the ergo at all, and even the silk SB for long.

[PumpkinZulu]

Kin actually sold me on the Sakura Bloom too and I'll be getting one soon So also interested in Lulu's question.

[onthefly]

When it's hot, it's hot. A sling is a better option generally as it's just one layer. I'm not sure that a thinner sling will make *that* much difference with a baby pressed up against, you.... Go for comfort.

[~Phoenix~]

Subbing because I'm interested too

[LuluHB]

When it's hot, it's hot. A sling is a better option generally as it's just one layer. I'm not sure that a thinner sling will make *that* much difference with a baby pressed up against, you.... Go for comfort.

So should I just save my money and stick with the silk through summer too?

[jellybean88]

What about goldbug or penut? Any good? A friend has offered for me to borrow it

[onthefly]

The peanut is a pouch sling. The goldbug is a sling (possibly bag sling) or the dodgy bjorn-like carrier?
pouches like the peanut can work well for some people, but many find them very hard to use and they are trickier to get TICKS for safety with a newborn. They're more popular with older babies and toddlers for quick and ups and downs.