Best sling for prem baby

[rumtumtugger]

I would like to carry my prem baby in a sling to have her close to me - which sling would be best for this? I currently have a Maya wrap, a Baby Bjorn and a Didymos linen size 6.

[overmydeadbody]

I don't know the names of slings but you want one with the least fabric between you and the baby, so it's almost skin to skin on your chest and the baby is very close.

IT was ten years ago now and I didn't have the money for slings when I had DS but I used a pashmina and just tied it round my back with DS in it on my front. He was ten weeks early and I kept him on my like that for most of every day once they let him home.

I copied how African women tie their children to them using strips of fabric.

[minipie]

I would guess the maya one but don't know it. Iirc the Bjorn is only suitable for babies from 7lb up or something like that. I had a Close Caboo which was in theory suitable weight wise but dd didn't like it much! (I think that was because she didn't like feeling restricted rather than the sling make though)

[5madthings]

I would use something like the didymos wrap or a Moby wrap, so you can have them close and securely supported.

[Poppet45]

Hugabub stretchy wraps are paediatrician approved for prems and you can use them from 4-5lbs. Dd was in ours for months. Am abit too cackhanded to have picked a wrap sling ordinarily but it was great.

[5madthings]

A hugabug is the same as a moby wrap and Moby says suitable for prem babies in my instruction booklet, mine were all massive but my sister used it fro her 6lb newborn.

[rumtumtugger]

Thanks, looks like I need to splash out on a stretchy wrap! Will contact my local sling library for loans.

[clabsyqueen]

I used a karime with my 4lb baby when she came home. Was perfect. Stretchy wraps are the way to go I reckon.

[bonzo77]

Used a Kari-Me from 5lb4.

[Gurke]

I used a kangawrap when DS came home (still way under 4 lbs at that point), and it was great. www.kangawrap.co.uk/ It's specifically recommended for kangaroo care & preemies. There are some good YouTube clips about how to tie it for tiny babies; I found the 'standard' way didn't quite work at the beginning because he was so tiny & fragile. (Or maybe I just didn't do it right...)

When DS became more active and frustrated about being 'stuck' on me, I got a baba sling - which looks nice and he loved it, but really did my back in. Wouldn't recommend.

Now we've moved onto an ergo, which is great, although DS at nearly 12 months is still very small in it.

So go for a soft wrap, I'd say, doesn't really matter whether it's stretchy or not.

[MiniPopsMum2012]

I used a caboo close carrier for my preemie ds. It takes a little while to get used to putting it on & getting him in correctly, but it was great. He was about 5lbs when wet got him home.

He didn't like being put done so would wear it around the flat too so I could get stuff done.

[PenguindreamsofDraco]

I used a Kari Me from about 4lbs, and still using it now (well, a different one but same make) at 27lbs!

[chickabilla]

I also used a Kari me for 5 lb DD and still using it every day 6 months on.

[Bunting79]

Hi,
Having read this thread I'm wondering if there any updates on what sling is best for preemies? My daughter is an ultra preemie, born 26+3. She's now home with us (yay). I was given a caboo, but I can't get it right enough to support her back. I've also heard that caboo's aren't recommended for babies under 5lbs. Dd isn't yet 4lbs (she's 3.8lbs). Can anyone with a preemie of a similar weight tell me what worked for them? Thank you xx