Redrec, if you want to try out the wrap first then Michelle does lovely babywearing workshops every 6 weeks at the Organic Cafe in Dubai Mall. I've just been once, but most of the slings/wraps were there to be tested, except the Ergo I think.
Thanks for replying, I have ordered the Hug-a-Bub from luxlittle. Delivers on Sat, before I leave, just have to master the wrapping process. I sure do hope you ladies are right, I see visions of me and bub all tangled up completely wrong at the airport. but I'll tell myself if Mr pentel can do it, so can I! :D
Lol! If you check out their website online I think you can view the video online prior to your parcel arriving of how to wrap the sling around you. That way, you've had a chance to view it early - can always substitute a sheet or something similar to have a practice!
I can wear her in the wrap all day without it hurting my back or shoulders, it goes over both shoulders in front carry or back carry, on one in hip carry. It's the ring slings that only go on one shoulder.
The bjorn type sling is uncomfortable for me after a couple of hours.
There's lots of videos on youtube for wrap instructions, I practised in front of the mirror a few times and I can now pop it on far quicker than the bjorn type. Even DH can tie it on without help so....
Thanks meals and pentel.
Did you find that the wrap gets tiring to wear for long periods of time, as its placed on one shoulder? And how long does it take to master the wrapping/tying bit, it looks tricky...
The hug-a-bub isn't over only one shoulder, it's over two. They way you wrap it means that when your LO is tiny, you can lay them in the cradle position on one side but you've still got the support of the other side. I haven't had a problem with my back while wearing it :)
As for the wrapping - when you buy it, it comes with a video - 10 mins to watch and once you've done it the first time, it's pretty simply to do again. It looks like all you've bought it a mountain of fabric, but it's quite simple and if it loosens over the course of the day, it's easy to tighten up again with a simple jiggle. I also found that when I took bub out, I'd just leave the wrap on me ready for him to slip back into when he was ready. It's comfy and unobtrusive.
I have an Ellaroo wrap, worth it's weight in gold when DD was newborn, I could put her in facing me and she would be quite happy there for long periods, took practice but I could also adjust her position for feeding (once we both learnt how to feed normally!!)
Now she's 7 months, I can carry her on my hip around the house as she hangs onto me a little. I've been practising carrying her rucksack style on my back as well but not ready to go outside like this!! It's a little tricky to get her into it for this way of carrying but once she's a little bigger and follows my instruction it should be a breeze.
http://www.littlepossums.co.uk/slings/wrap-slings.htm#ellaroowrap
Also have a sling similar to the baby bjorn and this is great for shopping, she faces outwards and bounces like crazy much to the amusement of others! DH prefers this one.
I find the wrap easier to put on as it's just a case of wrapping and tying, the bjorn type is all clips and poppers and adjusting the straps inbetween me and DH sizing.
There is a babywearing group in Dubai, they have a facebook page.
small point but the wrap also doubles as a sleeping cover for the stroller/blanket/feeding shawl etc - I found it useful for other things!
edited by pentel on 13/07/2011
<em>edited by pentel on 13/07/2011</em>
Have a look at the hug-a-bub - I have one and used it for my preemie - you can use it in the cradle position and then upright and then forwards when they're older. I love it - it's easy to use, easy case and very portable. HTH