I hate slings...

[lilli]

... why are they so popular yet I can't stand to use one for more than 5 minutes and generally find them useless?

I've even had friends lend me three different types so it's not through a lack of trying. After my latest 10 minute attempt DD is left screaming and my back and shoulder are aching...

[Ana Gram]

I was the same. I tried several kinds but was in agony every time.

[DonnaL]

I'm the same. I am very much sling-challenged. Have tried several different brands and gave up.

I do love more structured carriers though - I have an Ergo and it works much better for me than slings.

[MummaMilk]

shoulder? are you using a one shoulder design? have you tried a wrap or soft structured carrier like an ergo or maya tie wrap?

[ManekiNeko]

Some kids like them some don't I gues. I could never put D in a carier she hated it and would screma the house down. DS on the other hand loved the sling and now ergo and will sleep in them and I love having him close to me.

[lilli]

Good to know I'm not alone :)

I've heard good things about the Ergo... but too hesitant to spend that much money on something I might not like.

[MummaMilk]

I'm sure someone on BH in Sydney would let you try one out if you asked :)

[kezanazz]

i thought the a sling may hurt my shoulder but i bought a bubzilla and after extended periods of use, still no pain!!!
also, dd cries when first in it but take a few steps an shes fast asleep!!!!

[Lunar]

I used many slings too until I found the right one that suited both me and DD2. I made my own hug a bub style wrap carrier. Was the only one that didn't hurt my shoulders, neck OR back. She loved to be in it. She was in it most of the day everyday.:) DD3 on the other hand hated it! So I have never really had her in the sling.

No big deal really. You tried. There's no rule book that says you must have and use a sling lol :p:D

Also, different babies like different slings/carriers and there are those babies (like my DD3) that just don't like them at all.

[TripleTime]

I hate them & the kids get lost in them which i am not a fan of.

[FionaV]

I never got the hang of a sling either. For me, it was more uncomfortable than being pregnant.

I don't think not using one makes you a bad mother, really.

[lozie2]

i have a carrier which i hate! and a sling which sucks!
i used the carrier once we were at the beach and couldnt use the pram.

tt- how would u be able to use one?? one on ur front one on your back and the other on your head???

[Merla]

I have a hug a bub and an ergo and LOVE them! I can carry DD (9kg 7.5months old) for hours and hours without any pain. She sleeps in it when she is sick or teething for extra comfort. I didn't really like ring slings until about 2 months ago, when DD was big enough to put on my hip, and someone showed me how to do it.

OP, its all about finding the right one. Baby carriers are great (they save your arms big time), but you dont NEED to use them if you don't want to :)

[Lunar]

i have a carrier which i hate! and a sling which sucks!
i used the carrier once we were at the beach and couldnt use the pram.

tt- how would u be able to use one?? one on ur front one on your back and the other on your head???

:laughing:

[TripleTime]

tt- how would u be able to use one?? one on ur front one on your back and the other on your head???


Prob, can just see it now, J on the front, A on the back & T in a basket on my head :laughing: :p

I'll stick to my monster pram i think.

[MermaidSister]

meh it's individual like anything with babies, more so than we are led to believe! Like in the postnatal ward where all the midwives insisted the baby MUST be wrapped and it was the ONLY way to settle them when my son hated it and screamed his head off every time...

Then, he adored his carrier and i was so sad when he got too heavy for it as it was the only thing that WOULD settle him every time. So, i see newborns in these enormous fancy prams looking so tiny and needing to be lifted out all the time and i think, "Why on earth would anyone go through the hassle of using a pram for a newborn when carriers allow u to have your hands free for an extra 6 months?" But that was only my personal experience! And obviously if your baby hates carriers then using one of those would be the hassle for you.

Just go with what works. Your baby=your choices. Hell she can't really make them for herself.

[Boobycino]

I liked the sling I had for bub when he was little little man, that was just darling him curled up against me sleeping. Though it was a more romantic idea than practical - for longer day trips I'd take bub in the baby bjorn, because it was just more secure and structured, didn't need to adjust.

I did like the hug-a-bub style wrap I may for myself, that worked from 6-10 kilos, but then it wasn't comfy anymore.

Now I have a ergo, and that works for my 12.5+kilo boy!