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BabyBjorn Active Baby Carrier
by kayk
To be honest, I wasn't interested in getting a baby carrier, however once the little once arrived I found him to want to be close to me all the time, making it impossible to do anything, therefore after reading a number of reviews I decided to by this carrier when my son was a few months old. To be honest it was a bit expensive, however ... was a life saver as I was able to put him in it and my hands were free to carry on with other things. The carrier itself is great, and lightweight and comfortable. The material helps keeps the baby cool and it can be used facing you or facing outwards, which I personally think is really important. Once you have managed to adjust the straps for you and have put in on, it is quite esay to put the baby in and out - the only thing I found was if the baby was screaming, I would get my self stressed and it took alot long to sort it out putting the carrier on. I took it everywhere with me incase my little one decided he didn't want to be in his pushchair or just simply wanted to be close to me. The only problem I occurred with this is was it gave me a back ache if I used it for long periods of time, however I think this was because I hadn't managed to adjust the straps properly. Overall I used it until my baby was 9 months, I probably could have used it longer, but he was getting bigger and I was struggling with my back.
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TheBabaSling 5-Position Sling
by katyj10
I wish I had read the previous review before buying this sling but it was a bit of an impulse buy in Boots. I fancied a change from the Baby Bjorn carrier we bought with our first baby as I find it a bit awkward to wear as I have a large chest and the babasling seemed to account better for this issue.
Description
The ... picture is a bit misleading as you wear the sling diagonally over your body and there are five ways the baby can sit in it but each suits a different size of child so really there are limited positions according to the child's age.
In use
After reading the instructions I gave it a go. I only wanted this for wearing in the house really as the baby is a bit clingy and I also have a two year old that needs looking after so I hoped to do both with the help of this sling! The first step is to put the sling together and this means clicking two straps together, there is a main fastening and a safety fastening and you can adjust the straps to suit your size. You have to wear the sling before inserting the baby and I found it easiest to put the baby in bum first and adjust her feet and head afterwards. There is a surprising amount of room in the sling, with the folds accomodating plenty of space for baby.
My thoughts
It always feels quite awkward on and a bit tight, although I am sure the baby won't fall out I feel like supporting her weight with my hands to ease the weight on my neck and back. What worries me about this is that she only weighs one stone at the moment and this sling is supposed to last until two years. It really won't if she grows as fast as her sister has, most people mistake my two year old for a 4-5 year old! I have tried breastfeeding wearing the sling and it is really uncomfortable for me and the baby, I feel like I am squashing her head and making it hard for her to breathe in this position. The padded edge is good as it makes it feel a bit more secure and not damaging if the baby is pressing against the rail a bit. I would also add that I find this impossible to adjust once wearing the sling and you are supposed to be able to tighten or loosen it in situ.
Price
This cost me £40 in Boots, in the colour black, which I now think is a bit on the dear side having tried it. If I could, I would take it back!
Final word
I really can't recommend this for comfort. Whilst I believe it to be safe, neither myself or my baby enjoy wearing this and it should be a nice experience for both parties. I bought this to replace the baby bjorn one we have but would rather wear the BB one than the Babasling. I have persevered in using this sling but am getting to the point where I am close to giving up.
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Ergobaby Ergo Baby Carrier
by thecatsnose
I don't know where people get these babies who lie peacefully in their moses baskets, cooing delightfully, before falling into a deep sleep. "Forget the housework, nap when they do" they say. But what if they don't nap? What if you get an unputdownable baby who thinks that at best, naps should be taken firmly attached to the ... boob, or worse, that sleep is for wimps?
If this sounds like your baby, you need to invest in an Ergo. It's a soft, structured carrier that hugs your baby close in the correct ergonomic position (do you see what they did there with the name).
I wasted time and money on other slings because I thought at around £100 the ergo was too expensive, but it really was a lifesaver, and here's why:-
I found easy and fast to get on, adjust and get baby into if I wanted to front carry.
The wide belt distributes the weight across the hips, not the back, which makes carrying pain free.
The shoulder straps are wide and padded, so there is no digging in.
There is a useful little zipper pocket which is handy for keys and a cash card, if I wanted to nip to the shops.
I could make food and drinks for myself without feeling awful leaving my little clingon screaming.
The little hood was great for going outside when it was bright.
Walking with my baby in the ergo got her to sleep in minutes.
I could then sit down myself with her still attached and have a break.
The ergo can be changed around into a side carrier and a back carrier. The side carry is a little more tricky to get baby into but with a little practice it is great from about 6 months when baby wants to have a nosy when you're out and about. The back carry is more difficult. I need an extra set of hands for that and to be honest I've only tried it once so can't really comment.
The longest stint I did was 4 hours, I was comfortable, and so was baby. She slept on and off and there was no screaming like there would have been in the pram.
The ergo can be used from birth (if you buy the newborn insert, which is an optional extra) to around 4 years - making it great value for money overall. It is available in a range of colours and fabrics, from plain to patterned - organic to sporty, so there is something for everyone. The only reason I have given 4 stars instead of 5 is because the back carry is so difficult to get into.
I would highly recommend the ergo if you have a high maintenance baby, who doesn't like being put down. It will save your back, and your sanity, even if you do sometimes feel like you are 18 months pregnant when carrying your 9 month old!
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