My Journey Through 6 Slings and 3 Babies
(A guide for new mums and mums-to-be in Edinburgh and beyond)
I could talk about babywearing and the different types of baby carriers for hours—but I promise I won’t! Instead, I want to share my real-life experience with six different slings and carriers over the course of having three babies. Spoiler: I wouldn’t have managed without them. I wish I’d known what I know now with my firstborn, so here’s my journey in case it helps you feel a little more prepared and a lot more supported.
2014 – Baby #1 and My First Steps Into Babywearing
When my first baby, Harrison, was born in 2014, I knew very little about babywearing. My sister had passed along her BabyBjörn carrier, and I figured it would be handy for walking the dog. But the reality of the newborn stage hit hard—my baby just wanted to be held constantly, and I needed to get stuff done (like, say, eat or make dinner with one hand!).
The BabyBjörn didn’t feel right for him as a newborn—it was stiff, all buckles, and felt more like a front-wearing rucksack. I didn’t feel like it was something I’d wear indoors, and back then, the benefits of babywearing weren’t talked about nearly as much.
When Harrison turned one, I invested in a Stokke back carrier. It was a game changer for errands and dog walks—it took the weight off my front and made bending down a lot easier to pick up those dog poos!
2016 – Baby #2 and the Magic of the Close Caboo
After struggling with my first, I knew I wanted something soft and easy to use for my second baby. Enter the Close Caboo—a ring sling-style wrap that felt like an extra layer of clothing. I could wear it under a zip-up hoodie or coat and even breastfeed on the go.
By baby number two, life doesn’t slow down—you still have playgroups and nursery runs to do. I loved being able to scoop Rex out of the crib, pop him into the sling, and head out the door. I used the Caboo so much that I got a second one (second-hand) just for when the other was in the wash.
Eventually, as Rex got bigger, I rotated between the Caboo, the BabyBjörn, and the Stokke. But the Caboo made those early months infinitely easier.
Top tip: Invest in a babywearing coat or a coat extender. Mine was from Seraphine, and it worked during pregnancy and babywearing. Total win.
2019 – Baby #3 and the Woven Wrap Adventure
By baby number three, I was feeling brave—and inspired by the beautiful babywearing posts I kept seeing on Instagram. I wanted to try a woven wrap, especially knowing this was my last baby.
At a baby show, I discovered Oscha Slings, which are close to Edinburgh (yes, local!). I was drawn to their stunning designs and bought my first woven wrap after getting a link to a YouTube tutorial.
Woven wraps are incredibly comfy once you get the hang of them—but they do take practice. I loved using mine when I had time and space, but it wasn’t ideal for quick outings or anywhere I’d need to re-wrap on the go (bus stops and coffee shops aren’t ideal for dealing with metres of fabric!).
Later on, I moved to the Oscha Bairn, a soft-structured carrier that was much easier for daily use. It offered a beautiful balance of support and softness for older babies and felt more practical for everyday babywearing than a full wrap.
The Final Sling – Toddler & Pre-school Babywearing
Once Maggie was older—think 3 and even 4 years old—I found I needed a whole new solution. We were travelling more, including trips to London and Disneyland Paris, and while the boys could handle all the walking, Maggie definitely couldn’t.
A buggy in those places? My personal idea of hell.
The Stokke was no longer working for us—the buckles were too fiddly and cumbersome. So, I invested in a Lenny Lamb toddler/preschool carrier, and I can honestly say it saved those holidays. I could carry Maggie on my front or my back, and she could nap while we moved around freely. No buggy battles, no meltdowns—it was the perfect final chapter in my babywearing journey.
What About the Baby Box Sling?
With Maggie, I also received a free stretchy wrap from the Baby Box Scotland scheme. I ended up gifting it to a friend—it’s a great initiative, but I already had my beloved Caboo, which felt easier and more intuitive to use.
The Real Deal with Babywearing: It’s Worth It (Even When It’s Sweaty)
Babywearing has so many benefits—closeness, bonding, convenience, hands-free cuddles—but I won’t sugarcoat it. Sometimes you’ll ache. Sometimes you’ll sweat. And yes, sometimes you’ll wonder if it’s actually easier than using the pram.
But have you ever seen a mum pushing a pram and holding a baby? That was me, before I knew better. Now I always recommend keeping a sling tucked in your pram basket, just in case.
If you have back issues or simply want to make the most of your pram and your time, having a good baby carrier as a backup is a game-changer.
My Favourite Slings and Carriers (Quick Recap)
- Close Caboo – Perfect for newborn cuddles and busy days with older kids. Easy to use and comfy.
- Oscha Bairn (Structured but soft Carrier) – Ideal for everyday comfort once baby is heavier.
- Stokke Back Carrier – Initially useful for outdoor walks, but less ideal as baby got heavier. *
- Lenny Lamb Toddler/Preschool Carrier – The ultimate choice for travel with older toddlers.
- BabyBjörn – Worked well once baby was bigger, but not my top pick for newborns.
- Oscha Woven Wrap – Beautiful, creative, and cosy—but takes practice.
- * Nowadays you are likely to get a good carrier that offers front and back use up to age 3. Then perhaps check out second hand toddler carriers if you feel you need one or want to utilise one for a special trip.
Why I’m Sharing This
As a maternity, newborn and motherhood photographer based in Edinburgh, I get to meet so many amazing new mums. I love supporting you beyond the lens—whether it’s sharing real-life tips, honest stories, or helpful recommendations.
If you’re on this journey, you’re not alone. And if you’re expecting or have a new baby and want to capture those fleeting moments, I’d love to help with that too. Learn more about my photoshoots here.