Let’s face it, even if you’re a complete pram-a-holic, there are still some times when only a sling will do. Using public transport with a baby at any time even vaguely approaching rush hour, is definitely one of those times and this is where a the sling like the Moby comes in.
Concept: The Moby is a wrap sling. If you’re not used to slings, it’s worth bearing in mind the fact that, translated into normal language, this basically means it’s a long piece of fabric. Persons more used to Baby Bjorns, or other carriers which even when empty do at least look like something with a baby-sized space in them, may need some time to adjust!
Fear not. It’s an inescapable fact that the Moby is indeed just a length of hemmed fabric, but therein lies its appeal. It’s just the right length and size, and has been weight-tested, and comes with a nifty little instruction booklet that shows you myriad ways of using it.
In Use: I’d probably say that the ‘assembly’ is the biggest drawback. I’ve heard tying up a wrap sling likened to tying a shoelace, and there’s probably something in this: hard to explain, a bit fiddly to master, but simplicity itself after some practice.
There are various ways you can tie it, depending on how old your baby is, whether your baby likes to be upright, or outward facing, and your own preference. The basic premise, though, is that you wind the piece of material around you as the booklet describes, insert your baby into the various folds, then spread the material out to support her, and to make it more comfortable.
The instructions are really clear, and there are lots of good-sized photographs. The key, as far as I can see, is to keep the Moby ‘flat’ as you wrap it around yourself, and not let it get twisted. The first few times, this means you do need someone else with you to give you a hand.
The Little One looked a bit bemused as I wrestled with armfuls of fabric, and got a bit fidgety as I got her into position. Once on the move, though, she was very happy indeed. Obviously since she’s only 6 months old, she wasn’t telling, but I got the distinct impression that being in it was a little bit like being swaddled: initially strange, but also quite comforting.
Positives: It’s just so comfy to wear! The way you tie it means that your baby’s weight is distributed over your shoulders and back. I carried the Little One very easily into central London and back again with no aches or pains at all.
When it was time to take her out, she was adorably warm and slightly rumpled from being wrapped up against my front. I reckon the Moby is just perfect for cold weather, and as an added bonus, I found Little One kept me nice and warm, too.
Carrying your baby snuggled up against your front is so lovely that it’s hard to find the right words. All warm and wrapped up and peaceful. We mainly stuck to the ‘hug hold’ so her little face was just below mine and I could drop kisses on her without even losing my stride. The warmth and the rocking of my steps meant she quickly fell asleep on me, I tucked the fabric around her to keep her head steady, and we were both very content indeed.
I’m no fan of brown (being of the Waynetta Slob, “It’s braaahn, innit?†school of thought) but the Moby I tested was a beautiful bitter-chocolate colour that I fell in love with. The material is lovely and soft, and is machine-washable thank goodness.
Any negatives?: Perhaps a personal thing, but I would have liked a little more stretch. The lack of stretchiness meant I had to estimate pretty accurately how much space to allow for the Little One whilst tying it around me. Once you’ve got your baby in, there’s no way you could adjust it, for fear of her falling out!
Walking around with your baby in one of these is pretty much guaranteed to bring up any wind that’s lurking after a feed. This is both good and bad. Good if you have a squirmy, unhappy windy baby. Bad if you mind walking around permanently striped with regurgitated milk.
There is also a definite hippy vibe to this sling. Something about it just says ‘earth mother’ to me. Now I’m fine with this, in fact I’d say I positively enjoy it, but if you’re more of a hard-nosed no-nonsense style mum, then it’s probably worth bearing this in mind.
Where can I buy one?
The Moby wrap is available from Baby Bean for £32, with free delivery on all orders over £20. They have a beautiful range of colours including the chocolate colour I tried, a very practical navy blue, and a lovely burnt orange colour.
Overall You’ve probably guessed: I’m a big fan. Not too expensive, adaptable and portable – I just love it and it would make a lovely present for someone with a new baby, too.
Verdict: For me it’s 5/5 and overall 4/5
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