Sling advice

[LauraHW]

Can anyone advise me on a good sling for a tiny baby. Our son was born prematurely and is currently around 4lbs 7. We have a baby bjorn but reckon he'll be too small for this for a while.

Many thanks

[goldilocks]

a wrap sling would be my best bet - keeps them warm and snuggled - not sure about guidance for preemies though so check that. I loved my wrap for both of mine - good for up to 4-6 months then I preferred an ergo. Don't be put off by the wrap looking complex - it really isn't and once you've done it up you can leave it on and pick your baby in and out.

[newtoedf]

I think making sure tiny babies are not being carried in a "cradled"/reclining position is important to make sure their airways are clear. Best bet is to speak to the sling library for advice - http://southlondonslings.co.uk

[monniemae]

A wrap sling is a great idea - eg Kari Me or Moby wraps or Hana Baby, which is made of bamboo so very breathable and good for regulating body temp. Also, NCT do the Close Caboo sling which is very good with small babies. As Newtoedf says, the important thing in any sling, and even more so with very small babies, is positioning - follow TICKS guidance. There are great videos and advice on youtube and online. And the Greenwich Sling library is also great x

http://www.schoolofbabywearing.com/Images/TICKS.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/greenwichlewishamslings/

[devsdev]

Our preemie was about 6lbs when we got home, so a bit bigger. I used the Close Caboo as it allowed me to hold her upright and also accommodated the oxygen which she was on for about 6 weeks. I also used the Manduca newborn insert once she was about 7lbs. The Close would be a good one, though if you're taking baby out and about then the sling library would be good to the find the most suitable one for you. If you call Emily and ask for an appointment without any other people (given it's RSV season) then she may be able to do that for you.

Happy to chat about having a prem baby back home too - did you have yours at Kings? Take care of yourselves :)

[SingingWilks]

A friend just told me today about a sling library in Beckenham that she went to and found really helpful. They run advice sessions and you can also hire and buy slings.

http://southlondonslings.co.uk/

Whoops, sorry, didn't see newtoedf's earlier post!

[espelli]

Yes agree with the above - I loved the stretchy wrap with my preemie. He was just under 4ibs when I started using it and it was brilliant. I had a kari-me. Congratulations!

[Melihoople]

The close caboo is the only one that will say it's safe from that weight. But as others have said email Emily at south London sling library. She's ace and will get back to you quite quickly.

[Medusa]

I used a wrap sling (a Wilkinet) on my smallest from when he was not much over 4lb. My instinct was for him to be positioned upright for easiest breathing when he was so titchy.

[LauraHW]

Thanks for your advice all. Very helpful. I'll contact emily. Devsdev will pm you!

[Redmeghan]

I've sent you a pm but to anyone interested in another option...

http://www.vija-design.co.uk

They hold baby like a wrap sling but they're right in your clothing.

[buggie]

Redmeghan Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I've sent you a pm but to anyone interested in

> another option...

> http://www.vija-design.co.uk

> They hold baby like a wrap sling but they're right

> in your clothing.

Looks lovely, but for a full term/heavier baby - preemies/smaller babies need more support as they don't have the weight/size to keep them in the right position. I used the close with my (full term but) tiny daughter once she was 5lbs and remember finding positioning her correctly really difficult initially.