Baby slings, your views..

We have thought long and hard about getting one of these, our pro list consists of: not having to get a double pushchair straight away (if at all) as I can walk to playcenter and local shops with Kayla in pushchair and bubs in sling. Being able to hang washing and so things with Kayla and bubs is still attached if he is unsettled.

Cons: By back isnt great and has flared up in pregnancy, a sling may not be great for this reason?
I did have one with Kayla, it was the natures sway one? I hated it, dont know if I had it on wrong or what but she felt like she was to folded up and could fall out if I bent over and she swung away from me.....
I wont be able to go for good power walks/kids driving me nuts and need to get out, if I have Kayla in pushchair and bubs in sling.

I would love to hear your thoughts, what you have tried sling wise, what worked/didnt etc.?

We are also thinking of getting a skate board to attach to the pushchair so K can stand on that and bubs can go in chair, any comments on those?

Thanks girls, look forward to reading your replies

So with the sling I must have put her in wrong? she just didnt look natural in it, all bent and squashed up lol. Any tips on how to put them in and how high/low they lay?

The skate board is sounding good....

I went to the BF with the girls and had the ladies help me try it on. But there are several different styles of sling, so if the NS one isn't for you another one might suit you better.

It did take a bit of getting used to, esp when they were tiny, but now I can pretty much get them into it one handed.

I'm still getting used to how to use my sling but one thing I've learnt is that not all babies like the curled up position. Briona would have loved to be in a sling all day but Krystiana only likes being in there if her knees go over the side so she's not squished up lol. It's a lot easier to have her in the sling than just carrying, I like how it distributes the weight easier. A lot of backs get tender during pg but come right after childbirth when their ligaments all settle again.

I think Briona would probably do alright on a "skateboard", I'd just be concerned about her tiring or running off - although there are harnesses or wrist holders I guess.

Also, I got my sling SH from TM for $25, a good place to look around for a sling without spending too much.

If you have money to burn, apparently the Ergo carrier is fantastic. Goes up to a really high weight range and is apparently good for bad backs.

The Ergo looks pretty good. You can get it from Bumbles.co.nz.

We used the Elite Front Pack. I used this when I wanted to dash into a shop and couldn't be bothered with the pram...I found it really comfortable. Ethan could either face me or when he was older face outwards. It took a bit of practice to get used to putting him in and out by myself, but well worth the money.

If you opt for a sling, there are some people on Trademe selling new ones.

As someone else suggested, wait till bubs is born, then see if you can try some out before you buy...

We're coveting the Ergo at the moment!! I'm so in love with it after trying my friends one. Very similar to the ABC but a lot more comfy.

Which ever option you go for though I highly recommend....I'm sure baby wearing was really positive on my bonding with Maddie which has been great!

Thanks for all the help :)
I tried the elite cruiser with #1, was good, but would like a sling this time as its not so bulky.
Will look into the ergo ones
I dont imagine walking for exercise with a sling and toddler in pushchair, (thats where the idea of getting a skate board came in) But for walking to playcenter or the shops I think it would be perfect, have to find a comfy one though

Wow this has been a really helpful post, I've been saying for weeks that I want to get a front pack. Today a friend came over and had her son (13wks) in a sling and he looked so content in there; she's offered it too me when the bump arrives... Your comments have reinforced my decision to try the sling and leave the front pack.

PS: Just had a look at the Ergo slings; how do I know what size I will need; or is it best to wait till bump arrives?

Edited by .Mel

Hi all,
I second Mel's comment. I was just thinking about a sling today. It's something I'd really like to try and I'm glad to hear there are some positive experiences.