Still confused over slings....

[Pretty Butterfly]

I still need a sling for Little Girl when she gets here. I need it to be cool and very easy, as I have all the other kids to organise too!!!

I'd like one that holds bub against my chest if I can, and that isn't smothering to me or her.... B/f not an issue, ill take her out to feed....

I've seen ones that look like they wrap around and around, and I dont think I like them... I looked at Bear Hug Bug (I think?) but didnt like the long tail bit hanging down....

I cant find one that suits......

HELP!!!!!

[Nelle]

Do you know the different types of carrier?

Ring Sling - can be used in pretty much any position, but you need to be pretty skilled. High learning curve, but those who've figured them out love them.

Wrap - can be used in any position (stretchy wraps great for young ones, firmer wraps better for older ones), same as RS's with the learning curve, but those who have the knack swear by them. Really really versatile.

Pouch - like a ring sling but sized. Mostly used for front and side holds.

SSC (soft structured carrier) - carrier with structure, can be used for front and back holds, depending on carrier. Some (like Catbirdbaby's 'Pikkolo' let bub face outwards in the front). Super easy to use, man friendly, usually have buckles.

Mei Tai - front and back (sometimes hip) carries (Catbirdbaby MT allows front facing out), very adjustable, often the prettiest, supportive and comfy. Medium learning curve.

Those are the basics I think.

In the newborn days, I used an SSC (my Pikkolo) a lot, as well as my Mei Tai. I mostly use the Mei Tai now, and will use the SSC as bub gets bigger (and can use it with Riv). I use the pouch (oh, and my Obi, not sure what category that falls into, maybe a different one) for shorter periods.

I love Mei Tais, I think they're brilliant for newborns.

[Pretty Butterfly]

Ok, I spent a lot of tme looking at them on th net last night....

I think a Hotsling or Peanut shell is what I need. Quick, simple and easy, and keeps bub up with me. Many of the others are WAY to hot to wear in the heat up here, or would be too fiddly with 6 kids. I think the Hotsling is more stretchy, and looks better. The Peanut sling looks a little more rigid??

Ill be using it for trips into town, shopping or when at sports etc, not for long time use or actual "walking".

Ill keep researching!!! Thank you!!!!!

[Michelle71]

Yep - the peanut sling is really quick and easy to put on and because it is made of cotton (one of the versions at least) it should be cool enough. It also goes really easily into the washing machine too for a clean

[Pretty Butterfly]

Ohh, thanks!!
Is it very "rigid"? How long can you use it for??

[Shanti]

I'm interested in the peanut shell sling too! They look easy to use..... I don't want something i'm going to get tangled in!! LOL

Do you have to get them fitted to your size?

heres a link i found purplemamma - YouTube - Baby Sling- Peanut Shell "Cradle Carry"

[Pretty Butterfly]

Ooh, thanks Renstar!!!

I *think* the Hotsling sits down a little lower, not up so high, and not so high under your armpit?? The feet end of your Hotsling seems to sit more across your ribs,under your breast, not across your breast?

Yep, Peanut and Hotsling are sized to your body, but the charts are on the net....

[Michelle71]

I'm still using the peanut sling for my 15 month old in a hip carry hold. It makes it so much easier and I am hands free.

[Pretty Butterfly]

Ok, just as I decide a Hotsling is just perfect for me, I go and find a Bubazilla!!!!

It looks just as good!! And seems to have a "deeper" pouch, and looks safer...A little more $$$, but at $89, still a good price...

Its all so confusing!!! We dont have any big baby outlets up here, just the usual chain stores that dont tend to sell "good" carriers, so Ill be buying blind over the net...

But I've narrowed it down to Hotsling or Bubazilla.... (bubazilla have it in dark purple... uummm?!)

[Nelle]

fak, but they look good, make sure you get the right size, and even check the return policy in case you need to exchange.

Can't recommend youtube highly enough for sling tutorials.

Slings are great for short time use, and yep, are quick to throw on.

[Cricket]

I just got a sling for my DD - it's a slingling. They are a little tricky to size, I found. I ordered mine according to the chart the website gave, but it was still too big. Thankfully I could shrink it in the wash. Comfy Joey also makes beautiful slings. (google.) The hotslings website has a sizing chart that is apparently not so great - go down a size or two is the advice I've heard.
Anyways, all that aside, I LOVE my sling. I also have a moby wrap, which I love. Different uses - wrap is great for keeping a newborn cozy, (she'd sleep INSTANTLY and I could wear her for ages without getting sore or tired) and for longer term wearing. The sling is wonderful for a quick carry, especially now that she can go on my hip. Very quick and easy and comfy, although not great for long carrying.
theslingdirectory has a list of hundreds of different carriers with reviews and price ranges. (all one word, the usual beginning and end. )

[Pretty Butterfly]

Thanks Cricket, that site is awesome!!!

I now love the Bubazilla and the Slingling.

THEN i found Cuddle Pods slings.... a traditional sling but with adjustable strap, and a drop down strap for breastfeeding!!!

Its SOOOOO hard!!!!

Do you know if we have any stockists over here for Slinglings??? I couldn't get an international price, but thet have a buy 2, get a third FREE!!!

[Cricket]

I have no idea about whether they are available in Australia. I went for the buy two get one free thing with my sister. Maybe you could find a couple of other people who are interested in getting one, and then share the costs? You can mix and match sizes and styles. My sister and I got one each, and intend to give one as a baby gift, or something, some time. It ended up costing me about $100 Canadian for all three, by the time they got to my door.
I was also getting overwhelmed by sling choices - there's a whole forum for it, which a dear lady here on BB directed me to (I'll pm you if you're interested) and I posted a thread asking for info on pouch slings, and the more I heard, the more I couldn't decide! My conclusion was, they all have good points and bad points, and you'll probably be fine either way!
All the best!

[ll80]

I have no idea either, I keep changing my mind.
I need one that will stay cool too and is idiot proof, I have enough trouble tying shoe laces.
So hard to decide...gonna check out the ones you are looking at now Purplemamma. Maybe you can deicde for both of us lol...

[Pretty Butterfly]

I have pretty much decided on getting the 3 for the price of 2 Slinglings!!!!

They really look great, choice is HUGE, and the reviews are fantastic.... So I think thats what we'll get.

They also refund in 30 days, or if pregnent and cant return till bubs is here, you can exchange for a better size after bub is here!!!

I'm getting 3 different colours in 3 different fabrics.... the range is massive!!!

[ll80]

yeah, after looking I think you may be right.
I also like that you can order a custom one and they don't charge extra. My DH is a big guy and I don't think most of the other ones would fit him, so be nice for him to be able to carry bubs too.
I've emailed them and asked how much they will charge for postage to Aus, hopefully it is reasonable.

[Pretty Butterfly]

Oohh, can you let me know postage too please??

They do look good dont they??!! And the reviews just rave about them.... 3 for around $80 is just awesome too!!
Its a deep " pouch" as well which I like. Some slings seem too shallow...

[ll80]

Nice quick reply from them.

Shipping for one sling to Australia is $15, and shipping for 2 or 3 slings to Australia is $28. You may check out through our website and the correct shipping cost will be added to your order.

SO around a hundred bucks for three slings, pretty damn good!