Can we talk baby carriers?

stacyslo

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I'm looking for some advice on baby carriers. I barely used my baby bjorn with ds and it was okay but this time I'm hoping to do more baby wearing and wanted to try a wrap style. I was looking at the Baby K'Tan and the Boba Wrap...but also was intrigued by the Mei Tai Sash (even though I know it's not really a wrap...) Anyone have experience with any of these? I really want something with very little learning curve (unlike the Moby) and will be comfortable to wear for extended periods. Thanks for the help!

eplusg

I got the JJ cole one, I hope it works well! I was looking for a along as well,

lovelongdog06

I have zero actual babywearing experience as this is my first baby, but lurking around in several babywearing groups has given me the impression that the mei tai is very much liked and suggested, and the price tag is low too. I was gifted one and like how it feels compared to some other carriers I've tried. It's actually less intimidating to me than the Ergo buckle carrier, which is another popular choice.

Jatpa003

Bat signal to @Maelara‌ as she had some great advice on this (if my brain doesn't fail me).

meeshybee

Are there any babywearing groups in your area? I'm going to a meet-up tomorrow to try out a few different kinds. I got a Sash Mei Tai as a gift so I'll be looking for pointers on that one specifically.

The only kind I've really used was a Moby. I loved it when DD2 was tiny. I tried an Ergo type carrier when DS was very little and hated it. I felt like he was leaning too far out. I never tried it when he was older.

stacyslo

@meeshybee‌ I don't know know about about the the groups but I will have to look into that! I definitely would prefer not to spend the money on the ergo, especially especially when there are great reviews for the mei tai and it's so much cheaper!

stacyslo

Sorry for typos bumping from phone and it's being stupid!

stacyslo

@Econosaurus‌ I'm leaning toward a ktan... But I may grab a mei tai later on just because they are cheap. Did you buy based on your prepregnancy size? I'm worried about sizing bc my boobs are massive and my milk isn't even in yet. But I normally wear a small to med when not pregnant.

AlliJeee

So happy you started this thread! As a first time mom, I'm a smidge confused...after lots of research I decided on the Ergo 360 and bought the infant insert for early on...now though, I'm second guessing my purchase for a newborn. I really would like to baby wear- it's just the first couple months that have me stumped on what's best. Thanks for the suggestions ladies!

meeshybee

I found the babywearing group on FB. I just searched "babywearing" and my location.

The Moby really isn't as difficult as it seems. I had to practice, but literally only once or twice. Once you get the hang of it, it's very easy.

angelajo19

I used the Moby when DD was tiny and I don't want to do that again. There was so much fabric and very rarely would I feel completely secure with her in it. I'm looking into the Ktan this time.

I LOVED the Ergo when she had good neck support. We traveled a lot and I wore her in it everywhere! It was awesome! I wore her in it up until May when I didn't feel comfortable with her in it around my bump.

ccam

Love, love the ergo but I have no experience with the newborn insert. The Moby was great in the beginning - it really isn't that hard to put on. I watched a few YouTube videos and had it down pat. If I was going to be out and wanted to use it, I would put it on before I left the house and then slide DS right into it when we got out of the car.

stacyslo

@lissydee‌ I agree, I was not impressed with with the bjorn at all. I will be looking up these others you listed, so thanks for the suggestions!

PandaCon

I had a ktan for DS and hated it. I think I had too small f one though. I literally felt like I was suffocating him. He was only a few weeks old though so I was still bigger than I Thought I would be.

I'm trying the Moby and ergo this time around. Both are flexible for me and DH.

pennyandandy

I have a Moby, K'tan, Ergo and sling. I like them all for different times. I use the sling around the house to just hold the baby for a few minutes while I sweep or whatever. The Moby and K'tan were great for when the baby was little. K'tan is way easier to use, but like others said, not as size adjustable. I usually took the k'tan out in public and used the Moby around the house, just because of all the fabric. I watched some youtube videos on the Moby, and it was pretty easy to get down after a few practices. And the Ergo was great for when my son was bigger and we were going somewhere. I have the infant insert this time, so I plan to try it when this baby is smaller.

GHMomRN

I really love my Solly Baby wrap. It's not a thick fabric & didn't get hot in it. I was looking at getting an ergo baby, just not sure if I will.

carcrashheart

Ditch the bjorn and any other carrier that is a crotch dangler. And don't wear the baby forward facing like they all advertise. The better carriers allow for forward facing and in those cases it's ok to do briefly (15-20 min), but it's still not best for baby. If you want to use the excuse that baby wants to see what is going on then back carry them with the carrier.

I have a moby from DS and a beco Gemini. I'm considering a ring sling, but I'm hesitant in case I don't use it. The moby isn't as hard as it seems. DS never liked being worn too much. When he got better at being worn it wasn't something I could do for long periods of time before he would get upset. #2 may not have a choice though.

mb314

I liked my Moby - after watching a you tube video and practicing twice, I got the hang of it. It wasn't nearly as intimidating as it seemed.  DS1 slept on me in the Moby all day long during my maternity leave, and I loved it. 

My friend really liked the Baby K'tan. 

I also had the Ergo with the infant insert.  I didn't love the infant insert, but once DS was like 4 or 5 months old and no longer needed the insert, I loved the Ergo.  I used the Ergo with him up until like 18 months - and I primarily stopped because I was pregnant not because he outgrew it. 

aa98

I was trying to choose between the K'tan and the Moby as well. I am intimidated by the Moby, but more importantly is the issue that if you are on the petite side, there will be a TON of excess fabric to deal with. I don't want the excess to come flopping out, with the possibility of it ending up on snowy ground.  I was advised to size down if you are between sizes with K'tan.  I'm not concerned with the size difference between me and DH as I don't think he'll want to baby wear with a wrap.  He would probably be ok with the soft structured carriers though.

stacyslo

I'm definitely deciding between the K'Tan and something like the Moby (Boba Wrap or the Solly Baby Wrap)...I just hate the sizing thing with the K'Tan. I guess I could try one on and see. Depending on if this little one likes to be worn, I may end up getting the Mei Tai Sash for later, it just doesn't look that appealing to me for a newborn like the wraps do and I really don't want to spend the money on the Ergo. Thanks for all the suggestions ladies!

Maelara

I've never used a Moby but have heard Mobys are great wraps and easy to learn. There are tons of videos on YouTube to show you how to use them. I have woven wraps and will be using those but once you use those you usually dont go back I have an ergo and love it BUT as others have hinted at, they suck for new borns, even with the insert. N hated the insert and it even looks uncomfortable. Lots of people I know love their mei tai's but I've never used one. I have one ring sling and love it. They aren't for prolonged use though as they will start hurting your shoulder that is taking all the weight. I have a Porter ring sling and they are super cheap, $40 (trust me, that's cheap) and easy to use. You just have to get used to sliding the material through the rings and make sure it's tight enough! Don't be afraid to buy any baby carrier second hand. Just do a thorough inspection of them before you put the money in someone else's hands.

MariahV

I'm getting a K'Tan for when the baby is little, and also a Boba 4G for when they are bigger.  Hopefully this is a good combo!  Also might pick an Ergo up from Craigslist if the Boba isn't working for MH.  They pop up there a lot.

fyreandblood

I wanted to get an ergo 360, but the price o_o i'm terrified of slings though, i think because no one in this area knows how to use them and their babies look either overheated, suffocated or like they're drowning, plus i dont think any of them read up on proper positioning. You can't have bumpers on cribs anymore so idk wtf they are doing stuffing their newborn down into a wrap with material over his/her mouth and no openings to breathe and limbs askew. I seriously cannot look when i see stuff like that and it's everywhere here. It's HORRIBLE and i have a fear of any type of wrap now because i dont want to wrap incorrectly. Gahhh help

Carebella

FTM so I'm not sure what we will end up liking and using, but so far we have a Performance Ergo w/NB insert for me and DH and a K'Tan Breeze for me. I have a K'Tan for DH and a Mei Tai for both of us on our registry too as I could see us using all three types. My main goals have been easy to use, good/healthy for baby, healthy for us, and other than the K'Tans, something we could both use.

mussalynn

As PPs have noted, the Moby (or any other wrap, stretchy/woven etc.) isn't actually that hard once you've practiced a couple times.  Also, ring slings are a great option because they're super simple (no tying required), just not great to wear for long periods of time because all the weight is on one shoulder.