No way Mel! i think you need to support him through this and the sling is a great idea. My DS is extremely attached, i have written many a thread about this myself. I have not been away from him for more than a couple of hours and he's 20 months. I have beat myself up wondering if i caused this by never allowing him to cry, and always being there when he needs me. But the proof is in the pudding - slowly but surely he is becoming more and more independant, so i am sure it is a personality thing and when age appropriate they will slowly begin to venture off on their own. The walking is a big thing too, before my DS could walk he would become quite distressed as he couldn't follow me. Once he could walk he was much happier!

I really suggest you read a book called "The Continuum Concept", it is about a tribe of native Indians living in the Amazon who carry their baby 24/7 until the crawling stage - this creates a sense of confidence in the babies as they are immersed in the every day workings of the mothers life, as opposed to being put down and feeling isolated.

I do believe that some babies just need to be close to their mothers until they are ready to break away and become more adventurous. I was told so many times to socialise my DS more, to leave him more etc, but it didn't feel right in my heart. And i'm glad i haven't because he is so much more confident now and i can see its something he needed to do on his own. Even friends i only see every few months comment whenever i see them how much more independant he has gotten. Last time i saw them he went off playing with the little girl in to another room etc, whereas months ago he would never leave my side. SO they do do it when they are ready.

I think what you're doing sounds great, continue following his need and supporting him as he needs it