Slings

My daughter uses the Close Parent Caboo carrier, which is very secure, lightweight and comfortable. However, I think it would be a bit of a faff getting the baby into it just for trips up the stairs. Maybe a more structured sling would be better. And, of course, it depends on the age of the baby.

You can try slings at Sling Libraries - have a look here for one near you.

Absentdaughter uses a wrap – a long piece fabric that she ties around her shoulders and waist and in which she tucks the baby. He is very secure, with a supported head and cuddled close to her front. I had a custom-made sling with padded shoulder straps that could be used on the front for young babies and on the back for older ones. My three-year-old grandson is fast approaching a weight that I shall not be able to lift, but I think he is far too old (and big) for a sling – and I certainly am – so, yes, holding hands and walking carefully together.

I remember when my lovely GD was small, I would go so carefully up the stairs when carrying her - one hand on the bannister rail and slowly up the stairs! We used a sling only sometimes on short walks - it was the sort made of an extremely long piece of material - but took quite a while to fix on properly. I preferred using the pushchair - no danger of falling over while carrying her - and I could walk faster too so got more exercise! My London GD was in a sling often, as DD uses the buses a lot and found it much easier when shopping, especially around Christmas when the shops are so crowded.
There are some groups where you can borrow slings and try them out for a short while. Maybe contact local NCT for information?

www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transport/reviews/baby-carriers-and-slings/?source_code=911CTJ&gclid=Cj0KEQjw3auuBRDj1LnQyLjy-4sBEiQAKPU_vfJxMaVce893EapZG8mnA79JzMHuw1BPztUsTmIqdU4aAjmK8P8HAQ

Here are some comparison reviews - I hope this might be useful.